Top 4 Hostels in Madrid you can't miss + helpful tips! [2024]

Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the biggest cities in the whole of Europe. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s also one of the most popular tourist cities on the continent—in fact, it attracts around 8 million tourists every single year!

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, you’ll probably have a lot to consider.

From booking flights and organizing your things to do in Madrid, there’s always something to think about. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of the best hostels in Madrid to help make your planning a little bit easier.

So if you’re considering staying in a hostel, check out our guide to the best places to stay in the vibrant city of Madrid!

Are Hostels Safe in Spain?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth considering the safety aspects of staying in a hostel.

As is the case everywhere, traveling involves risk. Staying in hostels usually involves staying in dorm rooms, and this can lead to more safety risks than you’d face in an apartment or a hotel room.

Hostels in Madrid (and most of Spain, for that matter) are not really any more or less safe than other hostels in large European cities. It’s by no means risk-free—there are always going to be a few dangers involved in travel—but Madrid is no different than anywhere else.

We've written an entire article on staying safe in Madrid. Make sure to check it out if you want to learn more and be prepared!

If you’re particularly worried about your safety, read the reviews carefully and make sure there are good safety procedures in place: lockers to stash away your belongings; a durable front door and room keys for every guest; and female-only dorms for women travelers looking for an extra level of security.

Safety is so, so important, so do your research before you book and always trust your gut! If something doesn’t feel right when you’re booking or when you arrive, head elsewhere.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay at a Hostel?

Generally speaking, hostels are pretty friendly to budgets, and it’s usually easy enough to find a hostel for much cheaper than you’d find an apartment on Airbnb or a hotel room. But there are a few ways to cut costs even more.

Staying in a dorm room instead of a private room is an easy way to bring down your accommodation costs. At the Madrid Motion Hostel, for example, a bed in a dorm will set you back about $26 per night, while a private room could cost over $85!

Dorms are the cheaper option if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, but if you’re traveling with a group of friends, it might work out cheaper to get a private room. Look into the costs and make sure you’re getting the best deal!

Where to Stay in Madrid

Madrid is split into 21 separate districts, and each of these is further divided into various administrative wards. There are 131 of these wards in total, so it can be tough to know where the best places to stay in Madrid really are!

If you’re planning a short trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll probably want to stay in the city center. This will give you fast access to the main tourist hotspots and sights, meaning you can spend less time sitting on public transport or waiting for Ubers.

If you have a bit more time on your hands, it might make more sense to stay away from the center. The center can get very busy and loud, so if you’re not in Madrid to party, you might find it nicer to stay in one of the other districts. Salamanca, Moncloa, La Latina, and Huertas are all good options.

If you’re looking for LGBTQ-friendly hostels, start your search in Chueca. Chueca is the neighborhood that holds the annual Pride festival in Madrid, and it’s known for being an incredibly inclusive and tolerant destination. There are some fab hostels, too! Check out Woohoo Rooms Chueca and Room007 Chueca.

The Best Hostels in Madrid

Here’s a list of some of our favorite hostels in Madrid. Find the one that’s right for you and get booking!

Madrid’s Best Party Hostel: Cats Hostel Madrid Sol

Location: 0.4km from the city center, close to La Latina and Puerta del Sol

Events/activities: Paella parties, tapas tours, pub crawls, karaoke nights

Rooms: 6-bed, 8-bed, and 10-bed dorms, or private rooms

Prices: From $26 per night

In the room: Lockers, reading lights, USB outlets, free Wi-Fi

The Cats Hostel Madrid has two locations, both close to the city center. The Sol hostel is renowned for being a party hostel, with plenty of events and activities to help guests have fun day and night.

Madrid’s Best Hostel in the City Center: The Hat Madrid

Location: 0.2km from the city center, close to the Plaza Major

Events/activities: Roof bar and solarium, city tours, free entry to nightclubs

Rooms: 4-bed, 6-bed, 8-bed, and 10-bed dorms, or private rooms

Prices: From $28 per night

In the room: Lockers, reading lights, free Wi-Fi

The Hat Madrid is a boutique hostel in the very center of Madrid. It’s situated in a 17th-century mansion, and all the rooms were clearly designed with style in mind! It’s sociable enough to make friends if you’re traveling solo but relaxed enough that you won’t feel too crowded or rowdy. The best of both worlds.

The Best Hostel Near the Airport: Hostal Aeropuerto

Location: 1.5km from the airport (10 minutes on foot), and approx. 13km from the city center

Events/activities: None advertised, but close to the airport and to the IFEMA fairground

Rooms: All private rooms; singles, doubles, triples, and quadruples available; bathrooms are private or shared

Prices: From $40 per night

In the room: Bedding, towels, reading lights, air conditioning

The Hostal Aeropuerto is a hotel-style hostel close to Madrid’s Barajas airport. It’s just a ten-minute walk to the airport, but it’s also easy to get into the city center thanks to the excellent public transport options—metro lines and bus stops abound! It’s more private than your typical hostel, as it has private rooms rather than dorms, but some bathrooms are shared between guests. It’s comfortable, it’s clean, and it’s incredibly convenient; what more could you want?

The Best Cheap Hostel in Madrid: Safestay Madrid

Location: 1.6km from the city center

Events/activities: In-house cinema, free city tours, roof terrace, bar

Rooms: 4-bed, 6-bed, 8-bed, and 12-bed dorms, or premium dorms with en suites

Prices: From $18 per night

In the room: Air conditioning, lockers, make-up tables in female-only dorms, spacious rooms

Safestay Madrid is slightly out of the city center, but its bargain price more than makes up for it. The hostel prides itself on offering a luxury vibe at backpacker prices, meaning you get more for your money. The hostel is located in a 19th-century palace and offers a good compromise between being fun and friendly, and safe and secure.

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Other Great Hostels in Madrid

There are so many fantastic hostels in and around the city of Madrid we just can't list them all. Here are just some more of our top picks that didnt quite make the list but is still worth mentioning:

• Generator Madrid
• THC Tirso de Molina Hostel
• Barbieri Sol Hostel
• Petit Hostel
  

Plan your trip to Madrid

Finding a hostel is just one step in sorting out the details of your trip to Madrid. If you're looking for an app that'll help you stay organized with your travel plans, why not try out Pilot?

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