How to Choose a Hostel in Dubai in 2025 (What to Expect)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Dubai

Choosing a hostel in Dubai can feel tricky when every listing shows the same skyline photo and promises “luxury on a budget.”

I’ve stayed in noisy dorms by the creek, beach-side capsules in high-rises, and a silent flat in Al Barsha. After those stays I learned exactly what matters—location, house rules, and hidden fees.

Use this guide to decide how to choose a hostel in Dubai, match it to your travel style, and avoid surprises at check-in.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Dubai

Best for Hostel Newbies

Hello Hostel9.9

from $7.25 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Dubai Town Jumeirah Bea...9.7

from $8.10 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Lunar Hostel 969.8

from $9.52 | 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%

Types of Hostels in Dubai

Dubai squeezes hostels into residential towers, so most share the same basic layout: apartment floor, bunk rooms, tiny kitchen, and a common balcony or lounge. But the vibe changes a lot by management style.

• Party hostels
  • Location: Mostly Dubai Marina or JBR where bars and beach clubs hover nearby.
  • Features: Organized pub crawls, rooftop shisha, loud music until quiet-hours kick in at 11 p.m.
  • Pros: Easy friend-making, group rates for desert tours.
  • Cons: Elevator waits, sand in showers, tough if you have a dawn flight.
• Social but chill hostels
  • Location: Bur Dubai, Deira, Al Barsha.
  • Features: Board-game nights, free walking tours, no alcohol in lounge.
  • Pros: Balanced crowd, early sleepers welcome, staff share local food tips.
  • Cons: Less nightlife; you’ll metro to party areas.
• Quiet/budget flats
  • Location: Creek-side buildings and older towers away from hotspots.
  • Features: Basic bunks, microwave only, minimal staff hours.
  • Pros: Cheapest beds in town, good for early risers and long stays.
  • Cons: No events, thin mattresses, limited security cameras.
• Female-only dorms
  • Availability: About half of Marina and Downtown listings offer one.
  • Price: Same as mixed or €2–3 more per night.
  • Extras: Separate keycard access, makeup mirrors, sometimes a hair-dryer zone.

Decision tip: Scan recent reviews for words like “family,” “solo,” or “group” to see who really books there.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Dubai

1. Dubai Youth Hostel - best for Solo Traveller
2. Top of Marina
3. Heartland Hostel
4. Bollywood Beach Hostel - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
5. Bombay Backpackers DXB - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel

Dubai Youth Hostel

8.7

Al Qusais Area

"…All rooms are air-conditioned with fridge, TV, bathroom, and toilet. We have a four-bed room with more

Top of Marina

8.0

"…Taxes included. Breakfast not included. General: 24 hours Reception. No curfew. No smoking more

Heartland Hostel

8.2

"Very convinient and lively - I met good people there, it was fantastic stay. Staff was very helpful more

from

$7.62

Bollywood Beach Hostel

9.7

"…Payment upon arrival by cash, credit cards, debit cards. This property may Pre-authorise your more

from

$9.82

Bombay Backpackers DXB

8.8

"…The Walk is one of Dubai’s outdoor and tourist attractions, with activities such as street more

from

$7.80

What To Expect From Hostels in Dubai

Dubai’s city fines push owners to keep spaces tidy and orderly, so even budget hostels are cleaner than many European equivalents. Still, there are quirks.

• Atmosphere
  • Marina/JBR: Tourist mix, beach towels drying everywhere, rooftop chats till late.
  • Bur Dubai: Backpackers plus long-term workers, food smells from shared cooking, quiet after 11.
  • Deira: Budget travelers, spice-market shoppers, daytime bustle, early nights.
• Facilities
  • Kitchen: Mini fridge, kettle, microwave. Full stoves rare.
  • Bathrooms: Shared, but towers clean daily; bring flip-flops.
  • Wi-Fi: Fast; most towers run fiber.
  • Common space: Often a living room turned lounge; small but usable.

What NOT to Expect:

• Huge, custom-built hostel halls (tower rents are high).
• Ovens or full kitchens—Dubai assumes cheap cafeterias feed you.
• Dirt-cheap dorms; €20–25 is about as low as it gets, even off-season.

Best Location for Hostels in Dubai

• Best areas for backpackers
  • Bur Dubai — Close to museums, creek boats, and two metro lines. Great food value.
  • Dubai Marina — Beach, bars, safe solo walks, many social hostels.
  • Al Barsha — Central, cheaper supermarkets, quiet streets for sleep.
• Areas to avoid in dubai
  • Industrial Jebel Ali — Long commutes, nothing to see on foot.
  • Desert outskirts “eco” stays — Good for yoga retreats, bad for daily sightseeing runs.

Living near a metro stop saves at least €10 daily on taxis—always zoom in on the map before booking.

How Much Do Hostels Cost in Dubai

Expect higher prices from November to March when weather is mild. Ramadan evenings see a slight dip; New Year’s week doubles rates.

Price factors:

• Events: Expo, big concerts, and New Year fireworks spike rates.
• Dorm size: More beds = cheaper price but busier bathroom.
• View: Sea-view or Burj-view bunks cost €3–5 extra per night.

Book at least two weeks ahead in cool months. Last-minute Marina dorms hit €45 fast.

How To Book a Hostelt in Dubai Without Overpaying

• Start with Hostelz.com; it compares Booking.com and Hostelworld prices on one grid.
• Sort by “guest rating” first, then scan low rates—bad hostels stay cheap for a reason.
• Check if VAT (5 %) and tourism fee (10 %) are already added; some sites sneak them in at check-in.
• Read last month of reviews for lift breakdowns—tall towers and one broken elevator equals daily delays.
• Reserve flexible rates in shoulder season; you can drop prices if deals appear later.

Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Dubai

#1 Top Hostel in Dubai: Brand New Boys Hostel

This is the overall best rated hostel in Brand New Boys Hostel. The overall rating is 9.9. You cannot go wrong here.

It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.

The price for a dorm at Brand New Boys Hostel starts from $6.75.

Check out Brand New Boys Hostel here

Hostel Safety and What To Watch Out For

• Lockers — Bring a padlock; some towers charge €3 deposit for theirs.
• Keycards — Ask about floor-specific access; better for women-only dorms.
• Common theft spots — Phone cables left in lounge, shoes on balcony racks.
• Scams — “Cheap desert tour” sellers in lobby; book through hostel desk or official apps.
• Reception hours — Some flats run remote check-in; know code before you land at 3 a.m.
• Elevator safety — Stand near panel and press a different level if you feel uneasy; exit, wait for next lift.
• Emergency contact — Save 999 (police) and 998 (ambulance); both lines run English.

Final Thoughts

Hostels in Dubai sit high in residential towers, swapping massive lobbies for skyline balconies.

You won’t get a gourmet kitchen, but you will score roof views, fast Wi-Fi, and travelers ready to split dune-buggy rides.

Pick Bur Dubai for cheap curries, Marina for beach safety, or Al Barsha for a quiet middle ground.

Use Hostelz.com filters, padlock your locker, read elevator reviews, and you will stretch your dirhams while sleeping above the city’s glow. Dubai might be famous for luxury, but with smart hostel choices, it’s backpacker-friendly too.

Backpacking Dubai? 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!

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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.