Granada is a city of backpackers, students and solo travellers, so it’s well stocked with hostels. If you’re on a tight budget or fancy meeting other people, a hostel is a great option. Here’s which area to stay in, what to expect and how to choose well so you don’t end up in a noisy one miles from everything.
Hostel or albergue? Same thing
Just to clear it up, since it confuses people: here a “hostel” and an “albergue” are basically the same, budget accommodation with shared rooms (the famous dorm bunk beds) and, almost always, private rooms too for anyone who wants a bit more privacy. “Youth hostel” doesn’t mean it’s only for young people: anyone can stay.
Which area to stay in
Location is almost everything in Granada, because the historic centre is walkable and you don’t want to waste time on the bus. The best areas for a hostel:
- The centre (around Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral): you’ve got everything a short walk away, and from here you can walk up to the Albaicín and the Alhambra. My recommended area.
- The Realejo: the neighbourhood with the most young, tapas-bar buzz, very close to the centre and with good hostels.
- Near the Gran Vía: a bit more impersonal but well connected and a stone’s throw from everything.
To give you a few names of the longest-running and best-rated ones: Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel and White Nest Hostel, both by Plaza Nueva, and Makuto Hostel, right in the Albaicín. Always check the recent reviews before booking, as the line-up changes over time.
If you want to get a proper feel for the areas to stay in general, I cover it in the where to stay in central Granada guide.
What to expect from a hostel in Granada
So there are no surprises, the usual setup:
- Shared dorms of 4, 6 or 8 beds, with lockers for your things. Bring a padlock, though many lend them.
- Private rooms in plenty of hostels, if you want to sleep in peace but still enjoy the atmosphere and the kitchen.
- Shared kitchen to save yourself the odd meal, and common areas where people hang out and you meet others.
- Atmosphere: some are more party, some more laid-back. You decide this by reading the reviews, that’s what they’re for.
How much it costs
To give you an idea (and confirm when you book, it varies by date): a bed in a shared dorm tends to sit in a very affordable range, and goes up quite a bit on long weekends, spring and summer. Private hostel rooms cost more, but still work out cheaper than a hotel. If you want to stretch your budget, also check the where to stay on a budget in Granada guide.
Who a hostel is for (and who it isn’t)
I’ll be straight so you get it right:
- It suits you if you travel solo or with friends, you’re on a tight budget, you like meeting people and you don’t mind sharing a room or bathroom.
- Maybe not if you want total rest, you’re travelling as a couple after some privacy or with kids, or noise keeps you awake. In that case, a budget hotel is better: I cover it in where to stay on a budget and by area in where to stay in the centre.
How to book (and get it right)
Three things to look at before you book:
- The real location. That it’s in the centre or the Realejo, not on the outskirts. Look at the map, not just the name.
- Recent reviews. Cleanliness, noise and staff always come up in the comments. Trust the last few months.
- What’s included. Breakfast, lockers, towels, kitchen… the details that make the difference.
Book ahead if you’re coming in high season, because at the good hostels the beds fill up fast.
Frequently asked questions
Are there hostels in Granada?
Yes, lots, especially in the centre and the Realejo. Granada is very much a backpacker and student city, so there’s a wide choice of hostels.
Which area is best for a hostel in Granada?
The centre (near Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral) or the Realejo. From there you get around on foot and walk up to the Albaicín and the Alhambra.
How much does a hostel bed cost in Granada?
It’s one of the cheapest ways to sleep, in a very affordable range that goes up in high season. Confirm when you book and compare with the budget stay guide.
Are hostels in Granada only for young people?
No. “Youth hostel” is just a name; anyone can stay. Many also have private rooms for those who don’t want a shared dorm.
Do you need to bring a padlock to the hostel?
Better to, for the lockers. Many hostels lend or sell them, but bringing your own saves you the hassle.
Wrapping up your accommodation? You’ve got the main where to stay in Granada guide, the budget options and by area in the centre. And to save on food too, cheap eats in Granada.