The 10 Best Hostels in Lisbon, Portugal

Selina Secret Garden is a hostel that holds true to its name. Hidden at the end of a downtown alley, you would never expect to find a spacious outdoor garden, complete with swimming pool and flower-filled rooftop. Digital nomads will be particularly pleased with the fully serviced co-working space. The rooms are well laid out, favouring functionality, and in each dorm bed you’ll find a light and a small locker with a handy USB plug inside. While staying here, keep an eye out for workshops run by the staff, including digital marketing and tile painting.

This chic designer hostel is run by the Barcelona-based Sant Jordi Hostels. Housed in a building from the early 20th century, the hostel features vintage decor throughout. Although there’s a wonderful retro-themed bar to enjoy on the ground floor, with neon signs and dark lighting setting the mood, guests tend to spend most of their time mingling outside in the lush private garden. It’s probably because there’s a bar here, too.

Set inside a 19th-century palace in the heart of the city, The Independente is one of Lisbon’s most stylish hostels. The property features a perfect blend of modern and vintage decor, with renovated old ceilings, traditional tiles and chandeliers throughout. What really sets it apart are the two on-site restaurants: The Decadente, with its idyllic patio-terrace, and The Insólito, a rooftop restaurant with unrivalled river views. Both offer discounts for guests.

Discreetly located inside Rossio train station, Lisbon Destination Hostel is on the doorstep of all the capital’s main tourist attractions. Perched around a winter garden, with bright open spaces, this accommodation offers a welcome taste of decadence at hostel prices. The dorm rooms on the first floor have large windows overlooking the city, while the double rooms, one floor up, peer out over the winter garden. Do keep an eye out for the free sangria, and don’t forget to try the chocolate cake sold at the bar – the bartender makes it herself.

Sunset Destination Hostel has a swimming pool and bar on the rooftop, where you can watch the sunset over the bridge (the name is no coincidence). This has helped it become constantly appraised as one of the best hostels in Lisbon. Sleeping options include private rooms and mixed dorms, the latter featuring beautifully designed bunk beds made entirely of recycled compressed wood. Expect excellent activities on offer here, including pub crawls, a street-art tour and an intriguing food tour “for the brave”.