Where to Stay in Dubai as a Solo Traveler (Hostel, Safety, Areas)

This guide is part of our main page where you can compare all hostels in Dubai. 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 Dubai

Dubai can feel like a giant theme park wrapped in desert heat, but solo travel here gets way easier once you know which metro stop to call home.

I bounced between creek-side dorms and beach towers on two trips, and learned that location decides if you burn cash on taxis or spend it on shawarma.

This guide helps solo travelers pick the right base, stay safe, and keep the budget happy.

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%

Why Dubai is a Must-Visit Destination

• Glass towers sit next to old souks, so you get future and past in one ride.
• English works everywhere; metro signs and staff save you guesswork.
• Hostels hide inside high-rises, giving rooftop pools for dorm prices.
• Free beaches, cheap creek boats, and endless street food keep costs under control for solo travelers searching “best neighborhoods in Dubai.”

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Dubai

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

Deira & Al Ras

Old markets, spice smells, and one-dirham boat rides.

• Pros: Lowest dorm prices, 24-hour food, two metro lines.
• Cons: Far from beach, traffic noise, older buildings.
• Best for: Budget backpackers, culture hunters.

Bur Dubai

Historic lanes, creek views, and museum corners.

• Pros: Cheap Indian food, abra docks, easy metro hop.
• Cons: Limited nightlife, some hostels have curfew.
• Best for: First-timers who want heritage and low costs.

Downtown Dubai

Burj Khalifa, giant malls, dancing fountains.

• Pros: Icon sights on foot, spotless dorm towers.
• Cons: Beds start higher, food courts tempt budget.
• Best for: Photo fans, quick luxury hits.

Dubai Marina & JBR

High-rise canal, free beach, safe night walks.

• Pros: Swim at sunrise, cafés with Wi-Fi, hostel social life.
• Cons: 30-min metro to old town, pricey snacks.
• Best for: Solo women, beach lovers.

Al Barsha

Residential strip near Mall of the Emirates.

• Pros: Cheaper meals, calm streets, central metro.
• Cons: Few sights on foot, quiet after dark.
• Best for: Long-stay backpackers, remote workers.

The Best (and Worst) Areas to Stay in Dubai

• Best overall: Bur Dubai – mix of history, budget beds, and fast metro.
• Best for female solo travelers: Marina/JBR – bright lights, busy promenades, late buses.
• Best for tight budgets: Deira – hostel beds from €20 and meals under €5.
• Use caution: Stay aware around Naif at night; keep bags forward and grab Careem if streets look empty.

Tip from locals: always pick streets with shops still open; AC blast means human eyes on the road.

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

Safest Area to Stay in Dubai as a Solo Traveler

Dubai Marina and JBR rank highest for lighting, CCTV, and constant foot traffic.

• Choose hostels near the tram loop; platforms stay busy till midnight.
• Use women-only metro cars at rush hour for more space.
• Carry one contactless card; cash is rarely needed and safer left at hostel.

Tips for Booking Social Hostels in Dubai Without Overpaying

Hostels win in Dubai because you trade hotel fees for skyline views and built-in friends.

Check Hostelz.com to compare Booking and Hostelworld prices, filter for “solo traveler fave” or “women only,” and spot lounges big enough for group trip plans.

Book at least a week ahead in cool season to dodge last-minute price jumps.

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.