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

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Madrid

Picking the right bunk in Madrid can make or break your trip, so here’s my straightforward take on how to choose a hostel in Spain’s capital.

I’ve bounced between dorms near Puerta del Sol and quieter spots in Lavapiés, learned what matters, and what’s just marketing fluff.

Use this guide to land a bed that fits your budget, sleep style, and social goals.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Madrid

Best for Hostel Newbies

Onefam Sungate9.7

from $19.63 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

The Hat9.3

from $20.25 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Onefam Madrid9.6

from $17.89 | 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 Madrid

• Party Hostels – On-site bars, nightly pub crawls, and dorm lights that stay on until sunrise. Great if you want instant friends and late nights. Bad if you’re a light sleeper.
• Social (but not wild) – Lounge areas, free walking tours, maybe sangría evenings, but quiet hours kick in around midnight. Perfect balance for most travelers.
• Quiet & Budget-Friendly – No events, minimal staff, often older buildings. Cheap beds and early nights, though common spaces can feel empty.
• Female-Only Dorms – Fairly common in Madrid. Expect €2-€4 more than mixed rooms but worth it for added comfort and privacy.

What to Expect from Hostels in Madrid

Madrid hostels lean social: shared dinners, rooftop terraces, and free churros mornings are normal.

Most dorms cap at 6–8 beds, bunks come with curtains or at least personal lights, and lockers fit a carry-on pack.

Bathrooms are usually clean, but bring flip-flops. Kitchens range from hot plates to full ovens—ask if you plan to cook.

What NOT to Expect:

• Huge lounges like you see in Southeast Asia—space is tighter downtown.
• Fully equipped kitchens—many expect you to sample tapas, not boil pasta.
• €10 dorms—Madrid is affordable, but not that cheap.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Madrid

1. Los Amigos Hostel - best for Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
2. Barbieri International
3. Albergue Juvenil San Fermin
4. Equity Point Metropol
5. Hostal Miralva - best for Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest

Los Amigos Hostel

8.5

Centro

"…And in a good location, only 5 minutes from the Puedo del Sol central square. It was great: the more

Barbieri International

8.2

"…There is also a full kitchen, and the rooms and bathrooms are good. One negative point, after more

Albergue Juvenil San Fermin

8.6

"…It was good in terms you meet different people but you do not speak there language you wont be more

Equity Point Metropol

8.5

"…The internet only worked about sixty percent of the time we were there. Most people stay to more

Hostal Miralva

8.7

"…The windows are big so you will not be too hot inside. Atmosphere: There isn't a party more

from

$32.15

Best Location for Hostels in Madrid

• Best areas for backpackers:
  • Sol & Gran Vía – Central, walkable to everything, subway hub.
  • Lavapiés – Multicultural food scene, indie bars, cheaper beds.
  • Malasaña – Vintage shops, alternative nightlife, street art.
• Areas to avoid in Madrid:
  • Far south of Legazpi – Few sights, long rides back after dark.
  • Industrial edges near Chamartín tracks – Cheap but isolated.

How Much Do Hostels Cost in Madrid

Prices swing with festivals, football finals, and prime summer weekends. Book early for spring and fall.

Weekends and Real Madrid match days can spike rates 20%. Larger dorms almost always cost less, so downgrade bed count if budget is tight.

How to Book a Hostel in Madrid Without Overpaying

Compare on Hostelz.com first; it pulls rates from Hostelworld, Booking.com, and direct deals so you see the cheapest bed fast.

Book at least two weeks out for spring or fall; winter weekdays can be booked the morning of arrival.

Read the fine print—many Madrid hostels charge €1–€3 towel rentals, and some require small key deposits.

6 Hidden Gemz in Madrid (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Hostel Safety and What to Watch Out For

• Use provided lockers; bring a medium padlock (7 mm shackle fits most).
• Keep daypacks zipped in crowded tapas bars—pickpockets work close to nightlife zones.
• Check reviews for 24/7 reception; late flights mean you don’t want a locked door at 2 a.m.
• If a dorm has no airflow in summer, skip—it gets hot fast.

Final Thoughts

Madrid hostels deliver a sweet mix of social vibes and Spanish charm once you match the location and dorm style to your travel rhythm. Use this guide, trust your gut, and book early for busy weekends.

A good bunk here means late-night churros, rooftop sunsets, and new friends you’ll follow across Europe.

Backpacking Madrid? 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: Matt Kiefer

Hey, I’m Matt, the founder behind Hostelgeeks.com. My team and I are collecting the absolute best hostels in the world for you. We share the coolest hostels so you can focus on your travels, rather than spending your time trying to pick a good hostel.

Personally, I’ve bunked in over 600 hostels and stamped my passport in more than 70 countries. My heart beats for Vietnam, Spain, and France, and so many more destinations. I’m a Foosball champ but a beer pong amateur.

Last but not least: Hostelgeeks is a proud ambassador of Hostelz.com.