The 5 Best Hostels in Downtown San Francisco

Recently renovated, the HI San Francisco – Downtown includes four-bed dorm rooms as well as private rooms with an option for a private bathroom. A great choice for travelers on a tight budget, the hostel is centrally located in the Union Square area and features free continental breakfast every morning. Don’t be fooled by the low price tag, however, as the rooms here are nicer than most other hostels in the city, and there’s a large modern kitchen. The staff also hosts daily walking and biking tours.

Located in Little Italy, the Green Tortoise Hostel is a lively space with plenty of character. There are practical communal areas like a large kitchen and dining room, but there’s also a dry sauna and a huge ballroom filled with games and musical instruments. Shared dorms or private rooms are available, and the hostel offers a daily free breakfast. Also, dinner is free up to three times a week.

Adelaide Hostel knows what travelers on a budget are looking for, so while it may not be the most stylish of options, it does have bunk beds with individual power points, reading lamps and privacy curtains. There is also a 24-hour laundry room. The staff is always happy to offer advice about what to do in the city, plus the hostel has discounted rates for popular activities such as bike rentals for self-guided routes over the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also take advantage of social events like wine and cheese nights, and a generous free breakfast spread that includes oatmeal, toast, bagels, fresh fruit, jam and Nutella.

The recently renovated Orange Village Hostel is located only a few blocks from bustling Union Square, making it one of the most centrally located hostels in the city. Great for those who want to explore the city at all hours, there’s a 24-hour reception with no curfew, and the excellent free breakfast of waffles, fruit and coffee will set you up for a day exploring the hilly city. Most rooms are dorms with shared bathrooms – get to know your roommates at the weekly events, including pizza nights and wine parties – but there are private rooms with flat-screen TVs, fridges and microwaves, too.

The European-style Amsterdam Hostel in San Francisco is budget-friendly without being bare-bones. With a 24-hour front desk, complimentary Wi-Fi and a private bathroom in every room, the Amsterdam Hostel is comfortable, plus it runs pub crawls and movie nights to make meeting others easy for solo travelers. It’s less than a 15-minute walk to Chinatown, too, which is bursting with cheap eats.