Twice the Fun, Half the Price—This is your firsthand guide to the absolute best hostels in Johannesburg. Expect super social vibes, perfect for solo travelers to meet new friends, join fun events, and create those unforgettable travel stories we all love. My favorite hostels in Johannesburg truly have it all, loved by backpackers like you and me!
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Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
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Johannesburg, known as the "City of Gold," is a vibrant and bustling metropolis in South Africa. As the largest city in the country, it serves as a hub of culture, commerce, and entertainment.
With its rich history and diverse population, Johannesburg offers visitors a unique experience filled with art, music, and culinary delights. From exploring the Apartheid Museum to shopping at the vibrant markets of Newtown, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city.
When it comes to accommodation, the best hostels in Johannesburg provide budget-conscious travelers with comfortable and convenient options. These hostels offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a pleasant stay for guests.
Book your stay at one of the best hostels in Johannesburg and immerse yourself in the energy and diversity of this remarkable city.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Johannesburg
Lebo's Soweto Backpackers - best for Female Solo Traveller, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
Let's talk about hostel prices in Johannesburg. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Johannesburg
Average Private Room Price per Month in Johannesburg
Full List of best Hostels in Johannesburg
1 Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
The #1 Hostel in Johannesburg! Rating: 9.4
Dorm: from $12.96/night
Private Room: from $35.09/night
Based on our data, Lebo's Soweto Backpackers has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Lebo's Soweto Backpackers offers a unique and personal experience of Soweto, a vibrant township in Johannesburg. This backpackers lodge is integrated with the local community and invites guests to be part of it.
Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options such as camping, dormitory, and private en-suite rooms. Lebo's Soweto Backpackers also offers interactive tours by walk, bicycle or tuk-tuk, and guests can enjoy home-cooked meals by the fire in the community park.
Overnight guests can explore Soweto on their own or on an organized tour conducted by local tour guides. In addition, community volunteering, self-guided tours, and free bicycle hire are available for those staying longer.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
Extra Services
Bike Rental
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Bar
Pool Table
Laundry
Videogames
Evening Entertainment
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently workin on showing you all the events and acitivites at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers.
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Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
2 Explorer Backpackers
Rating: 9.3
Dorm: from $18.28/night
Private Room: from $42.64/night
Based on our data, Explorer Backpackers has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, Explorer Backpackers embodies the true spirit of backpacking. With its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming vibes, this hostel is a haven for adventurers seeking both camaraderie and affordability. The communal spaces buzz with energy, making it effortless to connect with fellow travelers from around the globe.
Explorer Backpackers strikes the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. Clean and cozy dorms ensure a good night's rest after exploring the city's gems, like the Apartheid Museum and bustling markets. The knowledgeable staff, often seasoned travelers themselves, are a goldmine of local tips and offbeat discoveries.
A standout feature is the spacious outdoor area—a hub for barbecues, storytelling sessions, and impromptu guitar jams under the African sky. The hostel's social events, from pub crawls to city tours, make solo travelers feel like part of a global family. For those seeking authenticity without breaking the bank, Explorer Backpackers is an unbeatable choice. It's more than a hostel; it's a doorway to unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Explorer Backpackers
Extra Services
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Bar
Nightclub
Table Tennis
Laundry
Evening Entertainment
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently workin on showing you all the events and acitivites at Explorer Backpackers.
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Explorer Backpackers
3 Curiocity Backpackers
Rating: 8.4
Dorm: from $18.33/night
Private Room: from $44.03/night
Based on our data, Curiocity Backpackers has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Curiocity Backpackers is a design hostel located in the heart of Maboneng, the lively neighborhood of Johannesburg. It has been recognized as one of the top 10 industrial-chic hostels in the world by the Guardian.
The hostel is designed for curious adventurers who are looking for a clean and cozy accommodation, and want to explore the local culture and community.
Curiocity Backpackers offers a range of accommodation options, including Private Apartments, Classic Doubles, Female only, and Shared Dormitories. In-house activities include Inner-city Tours, Soweto Township Tours, City Cycle Rides, Pub-crawls, Picnics In The Sky, and CurioSafaris.
The hostel also features various facilities, such as a games room, a well-equipped communal kitchen, a dipping pool, laundry services, a bar, a rooftop, free fast WiFi, a shuttle service, bicycle rentals, a communal chill-out zone, and a luggage room.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Curiocity Backpackers
Freebies/Included
Breakfast
Extra Services
Bike Rental R50 P/Hour
City Tours R350
Pub Crawls R300
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Bar
Pool Table
Swimming Pool
Darts
Karaoke
Table Tennis
Laundry
Themed Dinner Nights
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently workin on showing you all the events and acitivites at Curiocity Backpackers.
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Curiocity Backpackers
4 Glenanda Hostel
Rating: 8.1
Dorm: from $18.65/night
Private Room: from $26.19/night
Based on our data, Glenanda Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
GLENANDA HOTEL together with "CAPCA,"a passionate nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and child abuse. Our doors are open to youth and travelers from all walks of life, offering affordable accommodations with a purpose. Want to know more? Reach out to our management team. Plus, don’t miss our exciting tours of iconic local spots like Mandela House, FNB Stadium, and so much more! Together, we can make a lasting impact. Glenanda Hotel Policy and Conditions:
Cancellation policy: Anytime before arrival. In case of a late cancellation or No Show, you will be charged the first night of your stay. Check in from 11:00 to 17:00 . Check out from 09:00 to 11:00 . Payment upon arrival by cash, credit, and debit cards. Currencies accepted: USD, Euro, and South African Rand
Taxes included
Breakfast not included
General:
24 hours reception. No curfew.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Glenanda Hostel
Other Amenities
Kitchen
Pool Table
Nightclub
Laundry
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently workin on showing you all the events and acitivites at Glenanda Hostel.
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Glenanda Hostel
Map for 4 Best Hostels in Johannesburg
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Johannesburg. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
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I'm Nomadic Nina, a curious and adventurous traveler who has spent most of my life exploring the world. From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, I've traveled to dozens of countries on multiple continents, immersing myself in local cultures and learning about the world firsthand. Through my travels, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world's cultures, and I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with others through my travel blog.
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