10 BEST Hostels in Bristol (2020 • Insider Guide!)

The ultimate list of the best hostels in Bristol. Period. Written by travelers, this is your insider guide to Bristol at it's best!
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Situated in the southwest of the UK on the banks of the River Avon, Bristol – otherwise known as Brizzle – is well known for being a creative hub, steeped in a load of maritime history and packing a massive punch of a nightlife. It’s a super fun and super interesting place to visit.

The university town is also known for its contemporary art – ever heard of Banksy? He’s from here.

But what are you in Bristol for? Are you raving or behaving? Do you wanna see the art galleries and museums, or do you wanna stay up till sunrise in one (or many) of the city’s basement clubs?

Well, no matter what you wanna get up to in this cool city, we got you. We’ve made a list of the best hostels in Bristol (arranged by category, of course) so you can find the one that suits you most.

With a few of the best budget hotels thrown in too, let’s see what’s on offer!

Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Bristol

  • Best Overall Hostel in Bristol – The Wing Bristol
  • Best Party Hostel in Bristol – Rock N Bowl Hostel
  • Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bristol – The Full Moon Backpackers
  • Best Cheap Hostel in Bristol – YHA Bristol
  • Best Hostel for Couples in Bristol – Kyle Blue Bristol Harbour

Best Hostels in Bristol

Best Hostels in Bristol

Best Overall Hostel in Bristol  – The Wing Bristol

The Wing Bristol best hostels in Bristol
The Wing Bristol is our pick for best overall hostel in Bristol

– $$
– Cafe & Restaurant
– Common Room
– Housekeeping

This is the best overall hostel in Bristol. Why? Because they offer literally everything you could expect from a decent hotel, but with all the fun of a hostel and at a much more affordable price. So there.

It is a bit of a quiet place with loads of chill places to, um, chill in. Which is perfect if you’re not the overly party-party peep. However, they will let you at 4AM if you’ve been out raving. They’re pretty focused on being environmentally friendly here, and the food they serve up is locally sourced (and delicious).

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Best Party Hostel in Bristol – Rock N Bowl Hostel

Rock N Bowl Hostel best hostels in Bristol
Rock N Bowl Hostel is our pick for best party hostel in Bristol

– $
– Free Breakfast
– Above A Nightclub
– Bar

When it comes to partying, Bristol is DEFINITELY well known as being a banging destination. And this Bristol backpackers hostel is located literally above an actual nightclub. So you should bring your earplugs if you’re looking to sleep at any time.

Without a doubt the best party hostel in Bristol, there’s also loads of beers on offer here, and cocktails, plus you can embarrass yourself at karaoke. Other fun pursuits at this Bristol backpackers hostel include pizza and pool tables. Sounds good to us.

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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bristol – The Full Moon Backpackers

The Full Moon Backpackers best hostels in Briston
The Full Moon Backpackers is our pick for best hostel for solo travellers in Bristol

– $$
– Foosball
– Restaurant
– Jobs Board

If you’ve been to a full moon party in Thailand then you can hark back to the good times at this top hostel in Bristol. They whip you up into a fun frenzy and then send you off into the night. Ok not literally, but that’s the kinda vibe here.

Located in the cultural district of Stokescroft, staying here means meeting a bunch of other fun, young travellers who wanna have a good night out. And chat, also. So that’s why it’s our best hostel for solo travellers in Bristol. Also features cool aesthetics, properly friendly staff and the all-important bar.

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Best Hostel Cheap Hostel in Bristol – YHA Bristol

YHA Bristol best hostels in Briston
YHA Bristol is our pick for best hostel cheap hostel in Bristol

– $
– Games Room
– Laundry Facilities
– Communal Kitchen

This branch of YHA in Bristol is a great shout for anybody looking to save a few coins on their travels around the UK. Not only is it budget, but it’s also pretty high quality and features a vibey atmosphere. There’s a cafe, bar and it’s located near to the harbourside and all its fun and culture.

The dorms at this budget hostel in Bristol are clean (but a bit on the small side) and you’re definitely gonna get a good night’s sleep if you stay here: it ain’t a party place. Easily the best cheap hostel in Bristol.

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Best Hostel for Couples in Bristol – Kyle Blue B

ristol Harbour

Kyle Blue Bristol Harbour best hostels in Bristol
Kyle Blue Bristol Harbour is our pick for best hostel for couples in Bristol

– $$$
– Coffee Machine
– Bar
– No Curfew

Looking for a pretty cool place to stay with your partner in Bristol? Then we would say that this is a recommended hostel in Bristol for YOU! Basically, it’s a luxury boat on the wharf with private and shared cabins available.

Literally the best location in the city, this is the best hostel for couples in Bristol and it’s really well designed and really well equipped. You can hang out in their cute lil’ bar, stargaze on the top deck and chat with the friendly staff and (hopefully) friendly guests.

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Psst! Heading to a hostel? Don’t forget to pack a padlock! It’s well worth having one so you can secure your locker and protect your stuff!

Best Budget Hotels In Bristol

Sometimes staying in a hostel just ain’t for you. And we totally get that. Sometimes it ain’t for us either. So if you still want to stay in the fun city of Bristol, but you need to keep costs down, then we would recommend casting your eyes over our list of the best budget hotels in Bristol.

Concorde House

Concorde House best hostels in Bristol
Concorde House

– $
– Shared Kitchen
– Communal Lounge
– Cable TV

At Concorde House, you can live like an actual local in the city. This is basically like a shared apartment. Clean and in a great location, close to the main bus station, it’s the perfect place for exploring Bristol. It’s RIGHT in the centre!

The beds at this budget hotel in Bristol are super comfy and the kitchen is well equipped (and also clean). There’s even soundproofing so you don’t hear the other guests when they come in drunk or whatever else. A solid choice, especially if you fancy a more independent stay.

Check on Booking.com

The Washington

The Washington best hostels in Bristol
The Washington

– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Coffee & Tea In The Room
– Cable TV

The Washington. It’s a classic, British B&B. Located inside a big ol’ row of historical terrace houses, and close to the Clifton Suspension and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, you’ll be able to get a whole dose of culture if you stay at this budget hotel in Bristol.

Here you will experience great service and cosy rooms, this means that you can wake up nice and fresh for the big, free, hearty, tasty breakfast that’s on offer here. The staff can’t do enough here, seriously. Like a modern take on an old-school B&B.

Check on Booking.com

Acorns Guesthouse

Acorns Guesthouse best hostels in Bristol
Acorns Guesthouse

– $$
– Near The Airport
– Garden
– TV In Room

Acorns Guesthouse is also a bit like staying in an old-school B&B but with a modern twist – however this time, it’s like… the countryside version. It’s a little bit out of town, but the owners of this budget hotel in Bristol will pick you up from the airport and make you really welcome.

A great place to stay for a night or two, the rooms at this place are newly decorated and come equipped with private bathrooms and views of the cute garden. Because it’s quaintness and secluded vibes, we’d also say this is one of the best budget hotels for couples in Bristol.

Check on Booking.com

The Clifton Hotel

The Clifton Hotel best hostels in Bristol
The Clifton Hotel

– $$
– Garden
– Luggage Storage
– Laundry Service

For some reason, the name of this place sounds pretty posh. And it is… a bit. So yeah, if you want somewhere nice to stay that’s also in walking distance to the vibey Bristol nightlife then this is one of the best budget hotels in Bristol.

The food, and the breakfast, at the cafe downstairs, is super tasty, which makes all the difference tbh. And if you’re vegetarian or vegan, do not worry: you are also catered for. Isn’t that nice?

Check on Booking.com

The Rodney Hotel Bristol

The Rodney Hotel Bristol best hostels in Bristol
The Rodney Hotel Bristol

– $$$
– Bar & Restaurant
– Garden
– Room Service

Another budget hostel in Bristol that’s nestled in the Clifton area, historic and cultural sights are in walking distance – and so are the hotspots of the city’s nightlife. The area surrounding the hotel is pretty quiet though, but that makes it feel like an oasis of calm.

This hotel is simple (by which we mean a little bit basic), we gotta say, but it’s clean and has a bunch of kind and helpful staff working there. There are also really nice touches that make this place even more attractive: free French press coffee in the rooms and fresh fruit. Plus downstairs there’s stylish lil’ bar and restaurant going on.

Check on Booking.com

The Best Travel Backpack?!

Pssssst! Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! Our favourite carry on backpack is the Nomatic Travel Bag.

Read our full review!

What to Pack for your Bristol Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear… Here are some other items you might not have thought to pack.

Playing Cards1. Playing Cards: These waterproof cards are essential kit for every backpacker. Play by the pool, beach or at your hostel after a long day with travel buds, without your cards breaking or getting soaked. And once you pull out those cards, the chance that you’ll be the hero of the night is pretty high (no promises though).

Noise Cancelling Earbuds2. Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: You’ll have some pretty sorry roommates – it happens from time to time. These noise-canceling earbuds help mitigate the damage. The comfortable and ergonomic design won’t hurt your ears while sleeping no matter how long you keep them in. Increase the quality of your sleep by listening to some relaxing music at night or just enjoy the silence.

Active Roots Water Bottle3. Active Roots Water Bottle: Sturdy and durable, the Active Roots water bottle survives the roughest adventures while keeping your drink cold or hot for at least 24 hours. Vacuum-sealed and made from stainless steel, the bottle can fit 25oz, which is plenty to keep you hydrated. Super cool bonus: the bottle isn’t just super useful, it helps to reduce the single-use plastic waste –  save the planet by filling up your bottle.

Travel Pocket Soaps4. Sea to Summit Travel Soap: Soap can be very useful on long travels, but it’s hard to carry around. It might get taken off you at the airport or leak in your backpack. This Sea to Summit Travel Soap is the perfect solution for every backpacker with a thought for hygiene. The dry soap is super handy, and it definitely won’t leak (there’s nothing to leak). One box contains 50 leaves of soap, making sure that you’ll be clean, even on longer adventures.

Luggage Travel Lock5. Padlock: Theft happens in hostels, so keep a padlock to clip on your locker. This padlock can also double to keep your pack shut while in-transit. No need for keys (which can easily be lost or stolen too), you just have to remember a three-digit number to unlock your travel essentials.

best toiletry bag for one bag travel6. Active Roots Toiletry Bag: The Active Roots Toiletry bag keeps all of your bathroom essential items organized instead of flowing around your backpack. Having everything handy and accessible in one water-resistant bag is a bathroom lifesaver. This toiletry bag also helps from being that embarrassed person walking back to the dorm room, in a towel, to grab forgotten shampoo.

Why you should travel to Bristol

So… those were the best hostels in Bristol!

If you were worried that every single place would be 100% all about partying, it’s ok! There’s plenty of quiet budget hotels and cute B&Bs to choose from.

And if you do want a good time, there are a load of top hostels to choose from, too. Bristol is great weekends.

Plus! Most of the hostels and hotels on our list are in walking distance of some of the best cultural sights Bristol has to offer.

But if you’re having trouble deciding? No worries. There’s always The Wing Bristol – our choice for the best overall hostel in Bristol – which is a good all-round choice for anyone!

The Wing Bristol best hostels in Bristol

Travel Safety Tips for Bristol

Don’t forget to sort your travel insurance! We’ve put together a roundup of the best travel insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads now, our favourite travel insurance provider.

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Bristol has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

Yay for transparency! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, The Broke Backpacker will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the site going.


Need More Inspiration?

  • 27 Unbelievable Party Hostels in Europe • Underground Guide
  • Backpacking the UK – Maps, Travel Tips, Itineraries, and Things to Do
  • Where to Stay in Bristol

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The ultimate list of the best hostels in Bristol. Period. Written by travelers, this is your insider guide to Bristol at it's best!

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