The Best Hostels In Lisbon – A Local Guide

Portugal is known around the world for having incredibly good hostels — and the ones in Lisbon are among the best in Portugal.

I don’t know why or how, but the Portuguese just really get how to run a great hostel, offering some of the best value, atmosphere, and comfort. It’s no coincidence that Lisbon hostels keep winning awards in the annual Hoscars (yes, that’s a thing).

So, chances are you’ll have a great stay in Lisbon!

But different Lisbon hostels are geared towards different types of travelers.

I spent several years travelling in and out of Lisbon, staying in different hostels every time, so based on experience I can recommend the following best hostels in Lisbon.

By the way, if you’re looking for some ideas on what to do in Lisbon, don’t miss my 28 amazing things to do in Lisbon or my list of 21 unobvious things to do in Lisbon.

Quick answers

Best for solo travelers:
Home Hostel Lisbon
Lost Inn Lisbon

Best for flashpackers:
The Independente

Best for surfers:
Cacrcavelos Surf Hostel

Best for nomads or remote workers:
Selina Secret Garden Lisbon
LX Hostel

Best for partiers:
Sunset Destination

Top 10 Lisbon hostels

Home Hostel Lisbon

Nightly family-style dinners cooked by Mama
In Lisbon’s Baixa neighborhood (can’t be more central!)
Best for solo travelers

Be warned: this hostel is very popular and you definitely need to book ahead. But it’s worth claiming your spot early as the atmosphere at Home Hostel Lisbon is amazing!

Almost every night the mother of one of the owners cooks a traditional Portuguese meal which brings together everyone at the communal table. It makes it the hostel for solo travelers wanting to meet other travelers, as you’ll always have people to talk with over dinner. When I stayed here, I got to know other travelers in no time.

The rooms are all nice and modern, equipped with AC, and there’s a co-working room should you need to do some remote work as well.

This hostel is the one that first introduced me to beautiful Lisbon, so it’s always close to my heart.

Lost Inn Lisbon

Buffet breakfast every morning
Located in the middle of Lisbon’s elegant Chiado neighborhood
Great location – super central

This homely hostel is another great choice for its high level of atmosphere, but also its highly practical location.

Lost Inn Lisbon is located smack in the middle of Chiado, a historical hilltop neighborhood from where you can get to any part of Lisbon easily. Both the two main nightlife areas are even within walking distance.

Besides the daily breakfast offering opportunities to chat with other travellers, the hostel organizes pub crawls, city walking tours, and other activities.

The Independente

Stylish boutique hostel that any flashpacker is sure to love
Amazing central location
Best premium hostel in Lisbon

This hostel is for you if you’re after something just a bit more comfortable and sophisticated. The Independente is based in a beautiful historical building facing the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, which is easily one of Lisbon’s prettiest hill-top viewing points. This gives it quite a dreamy quality beyond what you’ll find in other hostels.

With a restaurant and cocktail bar on-site, you can stay here in Lisbon in style while also staying on a budget!

Sunset Destination Hostel

Party hostel with fantastic rooftop with pool
Right near Lisbon’s infamous “Pink Street” nightlife area
Best for parties & nightlife

There are not one but two Destination hostels in Lisbon, but I most recommend the one called Sunset Destination at Cais de Sodre. It’s a little bit hidden, located adjacent to the train station at the top floor where it overlooks the Tagus river. I went to some great parties here!

While it’s not solely a party hostel (i.e. you can get some rest here) it does often host parties on its amazing rooftop which features a bar and a small pool. One of Lisbon’s main nightlife areas is just around the corner, so even when the party stops at the hostel it takes just 2 minutes to get to the bars.

This is Lisbon Hostel

Gorgeous sun deck looks out onto Miradouro do Graca
In quiet local neighborhood
Hostel with the best views!

This was the first Lisbon hostel I stayed in — I had arrived at night, and when I saw the gorgeous hilltop view with Miradouro do Graca in the background, it was probably the moment I fell in love with this city.

This Is Lisbon Hostel has a couple of cozy dorms and rooms and a small kitchen that guests can use, but it’s the phenomenal terrace views that make it truly special.

It’s located in Mouraria, another traditional area of Lisbon that’s very central and just a stone’s throw from Castelo de Sao Jorge. This is a quiet sort of hostel with very kind owners that will instantly get you in the Lisbon mood.

Selina Secret Garden Lisbon

Located in Santos area, close to major attractions
Has co-working space, pool, events, and rooftop area
Best digital nomad hostel

Selina is known around the world for its premium hostels with amazing decoration and hotel-like amenities.

The Selina Secret Garden in Lisbon is no exception, offering an amazing place to stay right in the heart of the city. It’s in a hidden spot in the Santos area, featuring a pool, rooftop bar, and co-working space (you can often find me working from here!).

Selina is a worldwide chain so it has more of a polished vibe, though with that also comes a high level of quality. A bit less for backpackers, a bit more for digital nomads or for those who feel hotels don’t have enough atmosphere but still want comfortable accommodation.

LX Hostel

Located inside Lisbon’s main creative hub
Loads of working spaces nearby

LX Hostel is my main recommendation for any digital nomads and creatives visiting Lisbon, or if you’re simply a traveller wishing to stay in a different (more local) area of Lisbon. It is located right at the heart of LX Factory, which is one of the city’s key startup and creative hubs.

You’ll be in the up-and-coming Alcântara neighborhood which is about 20 minutes away from the city center, though it’s also much closer to the museum quarter of Belem and the nearest beaches.

The quiet hostel lounge provides a good place to do some work, though if you need a desk you’ll only need to go across the street to Cowork Lisboa. There are also many lovely cafes nearby and the adjacent Ler Devagar Bookstore (featuring many old printing presses) is a popular free spot to put your laptop down for a while.

WOT New Lisbon Hostel

It has a ball bath
IT HAS A BALL BATH!!

Okay, honestly the communal first floor area of this hostel is a little dark and cavernous — and the other hostels in this list are perhaps a bit more open and spacious.

But… while Hub New Lisbon Hostel may not have the best rooftop views or the brightest rooms, it does have one amazing thing going for it: its giant ball bath!

I couldn’t resist jumping in there and bringing out my inner child.

Sorry. This is probably a weird recommendation. But if you are a fan of ball baths, I cannot recommend this hostel enough.

Carcavelos Surf Hostel

Awesome beach hostel located just 20 minutes outside Lisbon

Carcavelos is arguably the best beach that is most easily reached from Lisbon. While there’s not as much space to surf here as in Costa da Caparica, it’s only a quick train ride away, and there is more of a town around this area.

This hostel is perfect for a surf trip where you still want to be within convenient distance of the city center. It has a fun shared house kind of feel, and there’s often BBQs and other activities on the weekends.

Traveling around Portugal? Then don’t miss my guide to backpacking in Portugal.