The 6 Best Hostels in Frankfurt

Affordable, well-located, safe and clean – MEININGER Frankfurt ticks all the requirements of backpackers. As an added bonus, the rooms (private and shared) at MEININGER Frankfurt are stylish and calling the bar ‘swish’ wouldn’t be an exaggeration. As the hostel attracts an international crowd, you can expect to forge interesting friendships over some delicious apple wine or a friendly game of pool right in the hostel hangout area. As the hostel is located only one stop from the main railway station, getting around is a breeze.

If you have a flight to catch from Frankfurt airport, especially at odd hours, the other branch of MEININGER, located next to the airport, is a stellar choice. You won’t have any trouble passing the time as you wait for your flight. Chill with a refreshing drink in the bar, munch on some goodies or play some pool with international travelers and airport crew at the bar and lounge, or perhaps cook yourself a meal of your choice in the kitchen. Triple-glazing keeps aircraft noises to a minimum and promises a good night’s sleep. While the airport is an easy walk away, the hostel provides shuttle buses at regular intervals (pick up and drop off).

If you are in Frankfurt to explore the city, you simply can’t score a better-located hostel than Frankfurt Hostel. It’s bang opposite the main railway station, and a short stroll from almost all the major landmarks in town, helping you to save tons of money that you would otherwise have spent on public transport. Plus the airport is only 12 minutes by subway. The hostel is housed in a beautiful historic building, and offers basic but clean, comfortable rooms. We saved the best bit for last – the hostel offers complimentary breakfast and pasta dinner (with music) and a free city tour every day of your stay.

The first thing you should know about the Five Elements Hostel is that it is right in the middle of Frankfurt’s red light district. It does not compromise the safety of the guests in any way, but is probably not for everyone. However, it also means that it is just around the corner from the railway station, very close to the tourist spots, and about 11 minutes by subway from the airport. If the unusual location is not a deal breaker for you, you are rewarded with lovely rooms, free activities (food and games) every evening, free breakfast (for stays of three nights or more), free Wi-Fi throughout and a well-equipped games room.

Frankfurt Central Hostel im Gallus (Messe) is a new, modern hostel, with single, double and triple rooms plus four, six, eight, 10 and 12-bed dorms at some of the cheapest rates you will find in town. However, there is a surcharge for towels, safety box and bed linen (amenities that are complimentary for other hostels on our list), though Wi-Fi is free. The good thing is that it is right next to Schwalbacher Strasse tram station, with easy connections to the railway station, city center and the airport.

If you are looking for no-frills, basic accommodation at very affordable rates, A&O Frankfurt Galluswart is for you. It is single, double and family rooms, alongside dorms, making it a good choice for backpackers as well as couples or families. It is a few steps from the Galluswarte tram stop and close to the railway station and city center. The rooftop SkyBar offers refreshing drinks as well as a great view of the city.