Backpacker Hostels in City Centre, Washington, DC 2024 (from $20)

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Hostels near City Centre

Sorted in order of distance from City Centre

Hostels in Washington, DC

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HI - Washington DC Hostel

Free Breakfast

7.1

49 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 1.2 km / 0.7 miles

Party Hostel Solo Traveller

"…Good location, good service, clean enough for me. Great Option for DC - Have stayed here several times while visiting DC. Beats fleabag DC hotels. It's big but the staff is nice. Good location. … More

Total

7.1

49 Reviews

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Duo Housing

Free Breakfast

8.2

9207 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 1.5 km / 0.9 miles

Party Hostel Solo Traveller Youth Hostel

"…Great, close to everything, clean - Definitely recommended if visiting downtown DC. A very good place to stay in DC, very safe going outside. - A very good place to go outside and enjoy … More

from $21.16

Hostelworld Booking.com

Great

8.2

9207 Reviews

$ Cheapest

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DC International Hostel

Logan Circle

4.8

690 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 1.9 km / 1 miles

Solo Traveller Youth Hostel

"…DC International Hostel Policies & Conditions: Cancellation policy: 72 hours before arrival. Payment upon arrival by cash, credit cards, debit cards. This property may pre-authorise your card … More

from $15.24

Hostelworld Booking.com

Total

4.8

690 Reviews

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Capital View Hostel

8.0

1 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 2 km / 1 miles

Digital Nomads Party Hostel Solo Traveller

"Clean and Comfortable - I just stay there for one day. But the hostel was awesome. You need to take off your shoes when get into hostel. Hostel is clean, just walking three Big Block to Union … More

Total

8.0

1 Reviews

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DC International Hostel 1

5.4

900 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 2.2 km / 1 miles

Digital Nomads Family-Friendly Hostel Older travelers (+50) Party Hostel Quiet Rest Solo Traveller

"…There is no desk, table and chair. Just a bed which is crazy. The common area, dont think about it. no common area so people talk in the room which some other might sleep. The manager is good with … More

from $13.50

Hostelworld Booking.com

Total

5.4

900 Reviews

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U Street Capsule Hostel

8.4

1154 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 2.5 km / 2 miles

Party Hostel Solo Traveller Youth Hostel

"…You are able to check in as late as you wish, via the self-check-in option. You will need to simply scan the QR located on the exterior door (free Wifi listed there too), and input your … More

from $25.23

Hostelworld Booking.com

Great

8.4

1154 Reviews

#1 Top Rated

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HighRoad Hostel DC

9.0

2717 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 2.9 km / 2 miles

Party Hostel Solo Traveller Youth Hostel

"…Guest payment must be issued under their name, invalid cards will be flagged and cancelled within 24 hours. Check in requirements: All guests must be 18 years or older Each guest must … More

from $21.87

Hostelworld Booking.com

Fantastic

9.0

2717 Reviews

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Washington International Student Center

Adams Morgan
Free Breakfast

6.3

1906 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 3 km / 2 miles

Family-Friendly Hostel Youth Hostel

"…They provide pickup service from greyhound station. so finding the way is not a problem. Very clean and good atmosphere - The hostel is managed with care. The location is very good and make sense … More

from $18.10

Hostelworld Booking.com

Total

6.3

1906 Reviews

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Duo Nomad

Free Breakfast

8.4

786 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 4.1 km / 3 miles

Party Hostel Solo Traveller Youth Hostel

"…Interning or moving to Washington DC? Just exploring the United States Capitol? This is the perfect housing alternative for international students and interns in any of the cities we service! … More

from $25.41

Hostelworld Booking.com

Great

8.4

786 Reviews

Duo Hostel

8.0

3 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 5.2 km / 3 miles

1217 Franklin Street ... More

Total

8.0

3 Reviews

Hotels in Washington, DC

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District Hotel

Free Breakfast

6.7

550 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 1.5 km / 0.9 miles

"…Convenience and safety - The Braxton Hotel is in a great location, we walked to the White House in about ten minutes and is also near Scotts and Dupont Circle. The room was basic but clean and the … More

from $54.50

Hostelworld Booking.com

Total

6.7

550 Reviews

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Windsor Inn

Free Breakfast

7.6

167 Reviews

Distance to City Centre: 2.2 km / 1 miles

"…A major credit card is required to cover a 1-night room and a tax deposit at the time of booking is to be guaranteed. Pre-paid reservations will be paid in full at the time of reservation. The … More

from $57.00

Hostelworld Booking.com

Total

7.6

167 Reviews

Guest Houses in Washington, DC

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American Guest House

Free Breakfast

Distance to City Centre: 2.6 km / 2 miles

"…- Located across from the Washington Hilton - 10 minutes walk to Dupont Circle Metro Station - 1 mile to White House - Reservations Required - No Walk ins - No Smoking, No Children, No Pets - Must … More

from $126.51

Booking.com

Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Looking for a specific district? Here you go:

DC Downtown: Budget Bliss Amidst Icons

Welcome to the pulsating heart of the nation's capital, where history meets budget travel in a dance of accessibility and charm. This guide unveils the gems of Washington DC Downtown, offering backpackers an insider's perspective on timeless landmarks, reliable transportation, and essential amenities.

Timeless Landmarks

Immerse yourself in the hallowed grounds of the National Mall, where the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial stand as witnesses to the nation's journey. Walk the halls of the Smithsonian museums, offering a free dive into art, history, and culture that has captivated visitors for generations.

Enduring Transportation

Embrace the efficiency of the Metrorail, a reliable underground companion connecting you to iconic destinations. For a touch of nostalgia, hop on a Circulator bus, weaving through streets that have hosted historic marches and momentous events for decades.

Reliable Amenities

Rest your weary feet at budget-friendly hostels like Capital Sleepers, strategically placed for easy access to iconic sites. When hunger strikes, food trucks around the Mall offer a taste of DC's local flavors without breaking the bank.

Cultural Notes and Tips

Blend in with the locals during the cherry blossom season, a time when the Tidal Basin transforms into a sea of delicate pink blooms. Engage in vibrant discussions at Busboys and Poets, a cultural hub where art, literature, and social justice converge.

Why Stay Here?

Iconic Landmarks: The National Mall and Smithsonian museums offer an immersive journey through American history and culture.
Efficient Transportation: Navigate the city seamlessly with the Metrorail and Circulator bus, connecting you to historic sites and neighborhoods.
Budget-Friendly Stays: Capital Sleepers provides a comfortable refuge in the heart of DC, ensuring an affordable yet central stay.
Cultural Fusion: Experience the poetic pulse of the city at Busboys and Poets, where diverse voices converge for meaningful conversations.

DC Downtown beckons backpackers with a blend of historic grandeur and budget-friendly hospitality. Explore the core of American democracy without breaking the bank, creating memories as enduring as the monuments that surround you.