The 5 Best Hostels in Venice

Aerial view of Venice, Italy with boats floating down the canals.
Last Updated: 5/29/24 | May 29th, 2024

With its picturesque canals, iconic gondolas, and winding alleyways, Venice is an incredibly beautiful, magical, and evocative city popular with honeymooners, backpackers, and cruisers alike.

Unfortunately, its romantic beauty also makes it one of the most visited destinations in the world — and that makes it expensive. Everyone wants to spend time exploring the Renaissance palaces and historic town squares while eating endless amounts of gelato, pizza, and pasta.

The Floating City’s popularity can make it a bit difficult to visit on a budget, but luckily there are a growing number of affordable hostels for the backpacker and budget traveler. While they won’t make Venice a dirt-cheap destination, they can help keep your budget intact as you explore this iconic Italian destination.

In this post, I’ll share the best hostels in Venice to help make your trip easier. But before we dive in there are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. After over a decade of backpacking around the world, I’ve learned what makes a good hostel great.

The top four factors are:

  1. Location – Venice is a bit spread out between the mainland and various islands, meaning that it can take some time to get around. Pick a place that is near the sites you want to see and/or the nightlife you want to experience. All the hostels listed here are centrally located.
  2. Price – In Venice, you get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap hostel, you’re probably going to get one that is cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
  3. Amenities – Most hostels offer free Wi-Fi, and some even include free breakfast, but if you want more than that, do your research to find one that best meets your needs.
  4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t stay at one of the places listed below, look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly. They can make or break a hostel!

To help you plan your trip, below is my list of the best hostels in Venice. They all offer a welcome respite and a cozy and friendly place to hang out with fellow travelers — all while keeping your budget intact.

If you don’t want to read the whole list, the following are the best in each category:

Best Hostel for Budget Travelers:
Best Hostel for Families:
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers:
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads:
Best Hostel for Partying:
Best Overall Hostel:

Want more specifics? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Venice:

Price (per night)

  • $ = Under 30 EUR
  • $$ = 30-50 EUR
  • $$$ = Over 50 EUR

 

1. Generator Venice

Common area with a bar, bar tables, and red comfy chairs by a fireplace at Generator hostel in Venice, Italy.
European chain Generator’s Venice hostel is located on Giudecca Island, just one stop on the vaporetto taxi from the famous Piazza San Marco. Originally a grain warehouse, the building has been renovated in a rustic-chic style, with tiled floors, exposed brick, and even a chandelier and stone fireplace in the common room. They have dorms with 3-16 beds (and female-only dorms) as well as private rooms too. In the dorms, each bed has its own reading light, socket, and locker (though you have to pay for the locker).

The hostel café’s outdoor terrace along the canal is one of the best features of this place, with views across the canal to Venice’s Centro Storico (historic center). It’s a great place to start the morning or wind down after a long day exploring, and it hosts a happy hour every day from 6:30-8:30pm.

The only downside is that there’s no kitchen or fridge if you want to make your own meals or store food.

And, while there are a variety of common spaces, Generator Venice has more of a hotel vibe than a hostel feel (it’s also not a super social hostel as there are no organized activities).

Generator Venice at a glance:

  • $
  • Located off the main island
  • Outdoor bar/terrace with nightly happy hours
  • Chic hotel feel

Beds from 28 EUR, private rooms from 182 EUR.

Book here!

 

2. Anda Venice

White pod-style bunk beds in a brightly lit room at Anda hostel in Venice, Italy.
This award-winning hostel is super social — and the best party hostel in Venice, with nightly events like karaoke and beer pong, and DJ sets on the weekends. Though it’s located on the mainland, it’s easy to get into the historic center, as it’s just a couple minutes’ walk from the central train station. There are both private rooms and dorms (including female-only dorms). Dorm beds have a privacy curtain, socket, locker, and reading light. The mattresses are pretty comfy, though the shower pressure leaves a little bit to be desired.

There’s a 24-hour reception, a bar/club, and lots of common areas too, including a private courtyard with an urban garden and a co-working area, which has workstations with Macs in case you don’t have a computer with you. This is a nice and uncommon perk if you’re working remotely and want to use a desktop, or if you’re not traveling with your laptop and want to use something other than your phone. There’s also a (small) guest kitchen and laundry on-site.

Visitors also get 10% off, a free welcome drink, and free city map if you’re a member of HostelPass.

Anda Hostel at a glance:

  • $$
  • Located on the mainland
  • Social atmosphere with nightly events and a hostel bar/club
  • Lots of common areas

Beds from 32 EUR, private rooms from 120 EUR.

Book here!

 

3. Ostello S. Fosca

Enclosed backyard with trees, metal patio tables, and a church in the distance at Ostello S. Fosca hostel in Venice, Italy.
Arguably the most centrally located hostel in Venice, Ostello S. Fosca is within walking distance to all the city’s main sights, yet it’s also tucked away on a quiet canal so you can still get a good night’s rest. While there isn’t a big social vibe here, the staff are super kind and eager to help with anything that you need.

The location and affordable price point are the main reasons to stay here as the dorms are pretty basic with squeaky (but clean) metal beds. Also, there’s AC only in some of the rooms, so if you stay here in the hotter months, it can get pretty stuffy.

However, this hostel is pretty great if you’re looking for a quiet, centrally located stay. It’s in a lovely historic building with a huge, enclosed outdoor patio and yard to relax in on nice days. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen and female-only dorms, and you can leave your luggage here for free for the rest of the day after you check out.

One thing to note is that there’s a 15 EUR check-in fee if you arrive after 7pm (late check in must be arranged beforehand, and you’re out of luck if you arrive after 10pm). If you know you’ll be arriving late, it might be better to choose another hostel.

Ostello S. Fosca at a glance:

  • $$
  • Great central location
  • Fully equipped guest kitchen
  • Quiet atmosphere

Beds from 43 EUR, private rooms from 103 EUR.

Book here!

 

4. Combo Venezia

Historic cloister filled with orange trees and people standing around chatting at Combo Venezia, a hostel in Venice, Italy.
While it bills itself as a hostel, Combo Venezia is more like a boutique hotel than your traditional backpacker hostel. There are no dorm rooms here, but instead affordable private rooms and fully furnished apartments in a beautifully restored historic convent. It’s a good option if you’re looking for more privacy than a traditional hostel and are willing to pay a bit more.

There’s a bar-restaurant on-site with an outdoor terrace right along the canal, 24-hour reception, a huge cloistered courtyard, a communal guest kitchen (as well as kitchens in the apartment-style rooms), laundry facilities, and clean, comfy, modern rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms (with good water pressure!). Considering the central location in Centro Storico, range of amenities, and modern rooms, you get a lot for what you pay here.

Combo Venezia at a glance:

  • $$$
  • Centrally located in Centro Storico
  • Boutique-hotel atmosphere in a huge, restored convent
  • Many common areas, including a canalside terrace, courtyard, library, and lounge

Beds from 67 EUR, private rooms from 169 EUR.

Book here!

 

5. MEININGER Venezia Mestre

A cool and comfortable dorm room at the Meininger hostel in Venice, italy
Meininger hostels are all around Europe and they never disappoint. Their Venice hostel is clean, comfortable, and modern, offering large and airy dorm rooms with retro decor and bright colors. While it’s not super social (it has more of a hotel feel), it’s in a great location near the train station and everything here is clean and well kept. There’s a large kitchen if you want to cook, but if you don’t there’s a delicious and filling breakfast buffet each morning (for a fee). The Wi-Fi is fast, there’s plenty of common room space, and the beds are super comfy. There are also lockers, outlets near the beds (a big plus) and reading lights. In short, it has everything you need for a great stay in Venice!

MEININGER Venezia Mestre at a glance:

  • $$$
  • Pet friendly
  • Breakfast buffet available
  • Fully equipped kitchen

Beds from 52 EUR, private rooms from 118 EUR.

Book here!

***

While there aren’t a ton of hostels in Venice — it’s a city known for luxury, after all — there’s a great variety in the ones that do exist. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs.

Whether you’re looking for a centrally located and quiet stay or a buzzing party place, there’s something for every type of budget traveler in the City of Canals. Use this list to help you find your perfect fit so that you can save money, have fun, and make the most of your time in Italy!

Book Your Trip to Italy: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Train
ItaliaRail is a great resource to use when planning your trip via train around Italy. You can compare prices, routes, and schedules and save up to 60% on your tickets.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money too.

Want More Information on Italy?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Italy for even more planning tips!

Photo Credits: 2 – Generator Venice, 3 – Anda Venice, 4 – Ostello S. Fosca, 5 – Combo Venezia, 6 – .