Last Updated: 7/14/23 | July 14th, 2023
A city filled with life, beauty, and charm, Rome has something for everyone. It is a hotspot on the backpacking trail (I mean, who wants to miss out on Rome?) and has a lot of hostels to choose from. Searching Hostelworld yields pages of results that can be overwhelming. I mean how do you really know which ones are the best?
Having stayed in numerous hostels over the years, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Roman budget-friendly accommodations with everything you need to have fun, save money, and enjoy your time in the Eternal City!
If you don’t want to read the whole list, the following are the best in each category:
Want more specifics? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Rome:
Price (per night)
- $ = Under 40 EUR
- $$ = 40-50 EUR
- $$$ = Over 50 EUR
1. YellowSquare (Castro Pretorio)
YellowSquare is a fun hostel. While there’s no common area, everyone hangs out in the bar downstairs, which means people come here to socialize and party. It’s loud in that respect, but since the bar is separate from the main accommodations, you don’t really hear a lot of noise in the rooms.
Moreover, high water pressure in the showers, comfy beds, and strong Wi-Fi. The dorms are spacious, and some of the rooms have privacy curtains so you can get a decent night’s sleep. They also run walking tours throughout Rome. Dorms have an age limit of 18-45 years old.
YellowSquare at a glance:
- $$$
- Bar on-site makes it easy to meet people
- Party vibe
- Organizes lots of activities
Beds from 56 EUR, privates from 169 EUR. (HostelPass members get 20% off stays, drinks, and tours.)
2. The Beehive (Castro Pretorio)
Run for over 24 years by Linda and Steve, this is one of the less corporate hostels in the city. It’s a really good place to meet other people. They do events each night – from quiz nights to happy hours and even have free pizza. There’s even a WhatsApp group so people can message people about plans. The volunteers here are really friendly too.
There’s both an indoor lounge and an outdoor courtyard, two fully equipped guest kitchens, and the showers have really nice water pressure. The beds and pillows are comfy too (though there are no privacy curtains in the dorms).
The Beehive at a glance:
- $$
- 2 guest kitchens
- Very friendly staff
- Organizes weekly events
Beds from 45 EUR, privates from 86 EUR. (HostelPass members get 10% off!)
3. Roma Scout Center (Nomentano)
This eco-friendly hostel is focused on sustainability. It has a bar and restaurant on-site and is close to the metro so you can easily explore the city. The dorms are basic, but they have lockers, and the beds are comfy enough (some of them are cozy pod beds). The hostel (including the dorms) is quite clean and well maintained. The staff is very helpful too and always willing to help you plan your trip.
Roma Scout Center at a glance:
- $$
- Eco-friendly focus on sustainability
- Restaurant and bar on-site with breakfast included
- Knowledgeable staff can help you plan your visit
Beds from 42 EUR, privates from 114 EUR.
4. Alessandro Palace Hostel & Bar (Castro Pretorio)
This party hostel is one of the cheapest places in town, and it’s just 5 minutes from the Termini station too, so you’re in a central location for exploring. Plus, there’s a bar with cheap drinks. Alessandro Palace has a rooftop bar as well as a fully equipped kitchen and a fitness room. The beds here are pretty basic and not especially comfy, but the dorms are spacious and there are lockers in every room. If you want to party, come stay here.
Alessandro Palace Hostel & Bar at a glance:
- $
- Bar on-site
- Very affordable
- Social vibe makes it easy to meet other travelers
Beds from 35 EUR, privates from 120 EUR.
5. The RomeHello Hostel (Monti)
This is a fun hostel where it’s easy to meet people. It’s just a 10-15-minute walk from many of the city’s best sites, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum. Each bed has an individual lamp, USB charger, plug, and shelf. The bunks are comfortable and sturdy (so they don’t creak), with thick mattresses and individual lockers built-in. There’s also a kitchen for cooking your own meals, as well as a pub and a beer garden, so it’s easy to hang out and meet people (there’s a ton of common area space).
The RomeHello Hostel at a glance:
- $$
- Pub and beer garden make it easy to meet people
- Great location
- Family-sized private rooms
Beds from 42.75 EUR, privates from 151 EUR.
6. Hostel Trastevere
Located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome, this hostel has a awesome outdoor terrace as well as three common areas. They offer a cheap buffet breakfast, as well as fast Wi-Fi and AC for when it gets hot. The bunks are basic, and some of the top bunks don’t have railings; however, they’re comfy enough, and the dorms don’t feel crowded. There’s a bar on-site too and the hostel is close to grocery stores and public transit.
Hostel Trastevere at a glance:
- $
- Bar on-site
- Lots of common space
- Great location
Beds from 38.50 EUR.
7. Palladini Hostel (Castro Pretorio)
This hostel didn’t skimp on the décor, with stylish black-, red-, and white-themed communal areas and artwork and chandeliers in the private rooms. The dorms are basic and the beds aren’t amazing, but it’s just 200m from the Termini station, so it’s really easy to access public transport. There’s a café on-site too, as well as a large kitchen for cooking your own meals. It’s one of the cheapest places in the city as well. Plus, they also give you a free glass of champagne on arrival!
Palladini Hostel Rome at a glance:
- $$
- Convenient location near Termini station
- Affordable dorms
- Wine Party & Movie Night
Beds from 44 EUR, privates from 145 EUR.
Rome is an incredible destination full of world-class historical attractions and amazing culinary delights. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a history buff, foodie, partier, or on a romantic getaway. Any of these hostels will be the perfect affordable place to stay during your visit.
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Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
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 they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. 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:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
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