I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Berlin and here's what happened

This guide is part of our main page where you can compare all hostels in Berlin. Instantly find the best-rated hostels and real-time prices from Hostelworld and Booking.com. Compare prices side-by-side and save money every time. Learn how we compare prices.

Find your Perfect Hostel in Berlin

Ever slept inside a 19th-century brewery turned art hub, then grabbed a latte before catching an S-Bahn two minutes away?

That’s the daily rhythm at Pfefferbett Hostel, my Berlin base that blended hipster cool with hostel warmth.

I came for the location, stayed for the foosball tournaments, and left wishing every city offered digs this easy.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Berlin

Best for Hostel Newbies

EastSeven Berlin Hostel9.6

from $12.35 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

MEININGER Berlin East S...9.0

from $13.18 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Meininger Hotel Berlin ...8.8

from $10.14 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Location – Prenzlauer Berg Perks, Two-Stop Center

Pfefferbett sits in the Pfefferberg complex on Schönhauser Allee, Prenzlauer Berg’s creative spine.

Senefelderplatz U2 station is across the street—two stops to Alexanderplatz and a direct ride to Potsdamer Platz. Tram M1 whisks you to Museum Island in ten minutes.

The courtyard is shared with galleries, microbreweries, and a beer garden, so food and culture are literally next door.

As a solo female traveler, I loved stumbling home from late gigs surrounded by other night-owls and plenty of lighting. The reception faces the courtyard 24/7, cutting out creepy alley vibes.

Social Vibes – Industrial Chill, Easy Friend-Making

• Common room: exposed brick, giant skylight, couches, and a fireplace for Berlin’s chilly nights.
• Daily action: free walking tour sign-ups, €3 currywurst night on Wednesdays, and weekend club crawls that skip the tourist traps.
• Foosball & ping-pong: impromptu tournaments spark conversation faster than “where are you from?” Ever lost to a Canadian at 2 a.m.? Same.
• Not a party hostel—noise curfew starts at midnight—but the bar is lively until then with local craft brews at student prices.

Rooms – High Ceilings, Heavy Curtains, Happy Sleep

• Dorm sizes: 6, 8, and 10 beds; all-female 6-bed for extra privacy.
• Thick mattresses, personal reading lamps, outlets, and substantial privacy curtains (hallelujah).
• Massive under-bed lockers; bring a padlock or grab one at reception.
• Ceiling fans plus radiators keep temps pleasant year-round; old brick walls buffer street noise.
• Ensuite in smaller dorms; larger rooms share spotless hallway bathrooms with rainfall showers.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Berlin

1. Bellamontis Hostel
2. Jetpak Alternative
3. Raise A Smile Hostel
4. Globetrotter Hostel Odyssee - best for Solo Traveller
5. Hostel Die Etage

Bellamontis Hostel

8.6

Tempelhof-Schöneberg

"…Would stay here again for sure. Of the four hostels I stayed in while in Berlin, this was my more

Jetpak Alternative

9.2

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

"…They also claim that on their site so I was not disappointed. The good -- Staff were very helpful more

Raise A Smile Hostel

9.1

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

"…However, it is NOT a party hostel so please don\'t book with us if you are only here to get drunk more

Globetrotter Hostel Odyssee

8.5

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

"A fun hostel with a large common area with a pool table, foosball table, and TV. The reception more

Hostel Die Etage

8.6

Steglitz-Zehlendorf

"…About 30 minutes total to get to Berlin East downtown. Noise: Average -- Almost no street noise, more

Amenities – Brewery Bones, Modern Gear

• 24 h reception with multilingual staff and cheap espresso machine.
• Guest kitchen: six hobs, ovens, and plenty of fridge space labeled by room.
• Buffet breakfast (extra) piled with bread rolls, cheese, fruit, and unlimited coffee—worth it pre-sightseeing.
• Laundry, luggage room, bike rental, and free Wi-Fi strong enough for video calls in every corner.
• Sunny courtyard with deck chairs, perfect for laptop work or post-tour beers.

Safety – Key-Cards, Cameras, & Female-Only Comforts

Key-cards control front door after 22 h, dorm rooms, and lockers. CCTV covers hallways and common spaces.

The female only dorm sits behind an extra keyed corridor, which felt like an added buffer without isolating you from the social areas. 

Price – Berlin Mid-Range, Brewery Extras Included

• Beds run mid-price for Berlin: higher than bare-bones Kreuzberg spots, but the location and facilities earn it.
• Included: linens, Wi-Fi, luggage storage before check-in, and event sign-ups.
• Extras: towel rental (€2), breakfast (€7.50), laundry, and bar drinks.
• Cooking two dinners in the guest kitchen balanced my coffee addiction and techno cover charges.

Final Verdict

9 / 10. Pfefferbett Hostel nails industrial charm and community spirit without sacrificing sleep quality.

Thick curtains, friendly staff, and a U-Bahn at the doorstep make city exploring effortless.

Social energy is present, but not pushy—great for introverts who still want new friends. I docked one point for paid towels and weekend kitchen crowding, but I’d book again in a heartbeat.

Pro tip: Female dorms and small mixed rooms sell out fast on summer weekends. Reserve early, pack a padlock, and bring cash for the courtyard beer garden—you’ll thank me when the live band starts.

Backpacking Berlin? Here's What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

Must-Read

Backpacking Berlin

All those cool and unique experiences we are looking for!

How to Pick a Hostel in Berlin

What to Expect (and what not!)

Where to Stay in Berlin as a Solo Traveler

Best Areas and how to get around

Where to stay in Berlin for First Time

My experience and what you can expect

Solo Travel Berlin

My experience and what you can expect

About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.