Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Chicago

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Looking for a hostel near East Side? Find the best and cheapest hostels near East Side in Chicago, sorted by distance. Because this is useful for you!

Hostels near East Side, Chicago

8 hostels in Chicago. Prices start from $11 for a dorm bed.Sorted by quality, not payments.
$
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Cheapest
Approx. 51 min walking time to East Side (4.2 km / 3 miles)
Solo Traveller

9125 South Bennett Avenue

from $18.26
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#1 Top Rated

HI - Chicago Hostel

Downtown
Free Breakfast
Approx. 242 min walking time to East Side (20.2 km / 13 miles)
Female Solo TravellerSolo Traveller

"…The facilities were very good: a recreation room, a computer room ($2 per 20 minutes), a large dining room, clean rooms with lockers available. I got the option with the bathroom in the suite and

from $15.86
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Chicago Parthenon Hostel

Downtown
Free Breakfast
Approx. 252 min walking time to East Side (21 km / 13 miles)
CouplesSolo Traveller

"…The hostel is in the lively Greek quarter of town (food shops next door) and the Parthenon restaurant run by the same people as the hostel (its all one establishment basically) is full of lively

from $23.09
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Freehand

River North
Approx. 263 min walking time to East Side (21.9 km / 14 miles)
Boutique HostelCouples

"…There are also a few decent grocery stores within walking distance. Rooms and Bathrooms The rooms are large and aside from the sleeping pods where the beds are located, there is also a nice,

from $17.33
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Approx. 270 min walking time to East Side (22.5 km / 14 miles)
Capsule HotelsDigital NomadsFamily-Friendly HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…2 miles from Union Station, the property offers easy access to the city’s top landmarks, including the Shops at Northbridge, Water Tower Chicago, and the iconic Willis Tower. For extra ease,

from $28.18
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Approx. 297 min walking time to East Side (24.8 km / 15 miles)
Digital NomadsParty HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"Stay 424 Hostel – Where Work and Adventure Meet Stay 424 Hostel in Wicker Park offers a unique, vibrant lodging experience that blends hostel-style accommodations with access to coworking spaces

from $12.08
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Chicago Getaway Hostel

Park West
Free Breakfast
Approx. 312 min walking time to East Side (26 km / 16 miles)
Groups (10+ people)Solo Traveller

"…Everything was super clean and the staff was super helpful. Would definitely stay here again. The Best in Chicago - This place is sensational -- completely redesigned, redecorated in minimalist

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Wrigley Hostel

Boystown
Free Breakfast
Approx. 339 min walking time to East Side (28.2 km / 18 miles)
Party HostelSolo Traveller

"…All great - Very nice, clean, and fun! Wife and I liked it very much! Staff was very attentive and helpful. Friendly, Fun, Affordable. - I stayed at Wrigley Hostel for a couple nights last week and

from $17.78

Hotels in Chicago

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Approx. 95 min walking time to East Side (7.9 km / 5 miles)
Party HostelYouth Hostel

11616 South Lafayette Avenue

from $22.21
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Approx. 262 min walking time to East Side (21.9 km / 14 miles)
Digital NomadsParty HostelSolo Traveller

"…Breakfast not included. General: No curfew. Non smoking." …"Airport Directions: From O'Hare International Airport: Head south on Chicago Ohare International Airport, continue on I-190 E,

from $81.56
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Approx. 265 min walking time to East Side (22.1 km / 14 miles)
Digital NomadsFamily-Friendly HostelOlder travelers (+50)Party HostelQuiet Rest

"…Distinguished by its funky diamond motif, the Ohio House is a vintage slice of roadside Americana plopped down right in the middle of downtown Chicago. Apart from the diamond roofline, other points

from $79.02
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Approx. 265 min walking time to East Side (22.1 km / 14 miles)
Party Hostel

"…Daily housekeeping, superior quality bedding, and towels in all rooms CO Bigelow bathroom amenities Cable TV in all private rooms Lobby workspace with PC and printer Communal kitchen stocked

from $72.07

Guest Houses in Chicago

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Approx. 304 min walking time to East Side (25.3 km / 16 miles)

"…Other nearby points of interest include Union Station (7.3 km), Shops at Northbridge (7.4 km), 360 Chicago (7.4 km), and the United Center (4.1 km). For those seeking entertainment and cultural

from $26.79
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House 5863, Inc.

Free Breakfast
Approx. 396 min walking time to East Side (33 km / 20 miles)

"…00% 5% Credit Card Fee if paid with Credit Card $150 Refundable Deposit Breakfast included. No curfew." …"Our bed and breakfast are located just west of the Thorndale stop on the Chicago 'Red

from $133.76

Explore Chicago

Discover the best hostels to suit every traveller type.

Get to know East Side

East Side Backpacker Guide

Find the East Side buzzing with a special energy, where city life feels alive but still leaves room for travelers to unwind. It’s a place where culture, history, and everyday local life come together, giving backpackers an easy way to connect with the true spirit of the city and discover hostels near East Side that match this vibe.

This isn’t a district shaped by passing trends. The East Side keeps a timeless identity. With strong transport links and landmarks that never lose their importance, it remains a reliable base for budget travelers seeking both convenience and character — and hostels near East Side make it even easier to stay close to the action.

Landmarks

The East Side is rich with places that continue to matter, no matter the season or year. These spots hold stories that remain constant and are always worth seeing.

  • Historic Bridges – Classic crossings that link the East Side with other districts, giving beautiful city views and a sense of history.
  • Local Parks – Evergreen green spaces where locals and travelers rest, walk, and people-watch.
  • Riverside Walks – Long stretches along the water, perfect for morning strolls or evening reflections.
  • Community Squares – Traditional gathering places filled with life, from street performers to casual meet-ups.

Transportation

Moving around the East Side is easy thanks to strong transport connections. These options have been around for years and remain reliable for everyday travel.

  • Subway Lines – Old yet efficient systems that keep you connected to the rest of the city without stress.
  • Bus Routes – Long-running services that cover both main streets and smaller corners of the East Side.
  • Bike-Friendly Roads – Dedicated paths that give cyclists safe and scenic ways to move around.
  • Pedestrian Routes – Wide sidewalks and bridges that make walking both safe and enjoyable.

Amenities

The East Side has everything a traveler needs, and these essentials have stood the test of time. They are part of the daily rhythm of life here.

  • Classic Cafés – Local cafés that have served generations, ideal for budget-friendly meals and coffee breaks.
  • Public Libraries – Timeless spaces offering calm corners, free Wi-Fi, and a quiet place to recharge.
  • Neighborhood Markets – Open-air markets that bring fresh food, affordable snacks, and authentic local interaction.
  • 24-Hour Shops – Reliable stores where travelers can grab essentials any time of day or night.

Culture and Tips

The East Side has always been about community and shared experiences. Locals often gather in public parks, community halls, or open squares, making it easy for visitors to feel welcome. Street art and murals tell stories of the neighborhood’s past and present, adding color and depth to simple walks.

Travelers should take time to observe local traditions. Whether it’s a group playing music outdoors, a cultural festival, or evening walks by the river, these customs reflect the district’s timeless rhythm of life.

Why Stay on the East Side

The East Side is more than a practical base. It offers culture, history, and a strong sense of place, all wrapped up in a district that feels authentic and welcoming. For backpackers and budget travelers, it delivers a mix of everyday life and easy connections to the rest of the city.

  • Reliable Transport – Strong subway and bus links that remain dependable year after year.
  • Authentic Culture – A true local atmosphere that never feels overly polished or tourist-heavy.
  • Timeless Landmarks – Parks, riversides, and bridges that never lose their value or appeal.
  • Budget-Friendly Amenities – Cafés, markets, and shops that fit every backpacker’s needs.

The East Side offers a lasting appeal, combining authentic culture, historic landmarks, and reliable transport that keep the district lively and accessible for backpackers. It’s not about passing trends but about a genuine spirit that makes travel easier and more meaningful, providing a practical yet character-rich base where experiences stay with you long after you leave.

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