7 [AMAZING!] and BEST Hostels in Belfast (2023)

With all of its history, spectacular green spaces, and picturesque nearby beaches, Belfast is an awesome city break. A weekend in Belfast typically involves wandering around the beautiful historic streets, drinking some of the tastiest local beer, and dining at some of the country’s best pubs meaning there is a little something for everyone. 

While many choose to stay in hotels and bed & breakfast’s in Belfast, the city still has a fantastic selection of hostels perfect for those looking at visiting the city on a budget. 

That’s we’ve put together this list of the best hostels in Belfast taking into account your travel style, itinerary, and of course your budget. 

So, let’s take a closer look at the best hostels near Belfast. Carry on scrolling and we’re sure that you’ll find something on our list that perfectly suits your travel style and budget!

Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Belfast

#1 Best Overall Hostel in Belfast – Botanical Backpackers
#2 Best Party Hostel in Belfast – Global Village Belfast
#3 Best Chilled Hostel in Belfast – Lagan Backpackers
#4 Best Budget Hostel in Belfast – Paddy’s Palace Belfast
#5 Best Unique Hostel in Belfast – Queen’s University Belfast
#6 Best Hostel in Belfast for Solo Travellers – Vagabonds
#7 Best Centrally Located Hostel in Belfast – Belfast International Youth Hostel

#1 – Botanical Backpackers

Best Overall Hostel in Belfast

Botanical Backpackers
Botanical Backpackers is the best overall hostel in Belfast
  • Cost – $$
  • Location – 63 Fitzwilliam Street (opposite Queens University)
  • Reviews → Check on Hostelworld

Why we like Botanical Backpackers Hostel…

Botanical Backpackers Hostel’s awesome and safe location is one of its key draws with it being located centrally in the beautiful Queen’s Quarter of Belfast, right beside the Botanical Gardens along with plenty of other activities shops, and restaurants. Botanical Backpackers also offers a free tasty breakfast with a great selection of cooked and continental options making it the perfect way to energize yourself before heading out to explore the wonderful city!

Botanical Backpackers Hostel is perfect for…

A variety of travelers whether you want to socialize with other guests or have a more chilled experience with a variety of different room options available including large dorms and private rooms along with plenty of social spaces including a cozy living room, and a cute garden and terrace area.

Check for Best Price

Couples will love these hostels in Belfast

#2 – Global Village Belfast

Best Party Hostel in Belfast

Global Village Belfast
Global Village Belfast is the best party hostel in Belfast

Why we like Global Village Hostel…

Global Village Hostel has an incredible location in the heart of the bustling Queens Quarter with plenty of Belfast’s key attractions including The Botanical Gardens, Ulster Museum, and the magnificent Queens University on its doorstep. The hostel is also just a stone’s through away from the famous Botanic Avenue which is buzzing with a plethora of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Global Village Hostel is perfect for…

Those who want an epic party experience in Belfast with an incredibly friendly environment to meet other like-minded party travelers. The hostel is equipped with awesome amenities including a vibrant beer garden and BBQ area along with a games room with pool and foosball tables. Global Village Hostel also puts on an array of events including ‘family BBQs’ and lively pub crawls.

Check for Best Price

Need to save money? Check out the cheapest hostels in Belfast!

#3 – Lagan Backpackers

Best Luxury Hostel in Belfast

Lagan Backpackers
Lagan Backpackers is the best luxury hostel in Belfast

Why we like Lagan Backpackers Hostel…

Lagan Backpackers Hostel is perfectly located to explore everything Belfast has to offer with it being slotted conveniently next to the Botanic Station where you can easily hop on a quick train to some of Belfast’s top sites including the Titanic Quarter along with some of the most picturesque beaches. The hostel is also home to some of the most friendly staff who are more than happy to direct you to the best views, tastiest restaurants, and most vibrant nightlife spots.

Lagan Backpackers Hostel is perfect for…

Those who want a luxurious yet homely hostel with a cool welcoming vibe with the Lagan Backpackers offering a range of spacious and bright dorm rooms along with cozy and modern private rooms. Lagan Backpackers Hostel also offers awesome onsite common spaces including a cinema room along with a cool outdoor BBQ area which is the perfect place to crack open a beer in the long summer evenings.

Check for Best Price

#4 – Paddy’s Palace Belfast

Best Budget Hostel in Belfast

Paddy's Palace Belfast
Paddy’s Palace Belfast is the best budget hostel in Belfast

Why we like Paddy’s Palace Belfast…

Paddy’s Palace hostel has an awesomely unique and funky design with a vibrant and social atmosphere. Recently the hostel underwent a renovation which resulted in modernly designed bathrooms, common areas, and dorm rooms. One of the best facilities at Paddy’s Palace hostel is its Georgian drawing-room where the hostel puts on a range of events including Belfast sing songs, laughter-filled conversations, and movie nights.

Paddy’s Palace Belfast is perfect for…

Those who want to be in the heart of the bustling student area but are also on a shoestring budget. Paddy’s Palace Belfast is home to some of the cheapest dorm beds in the city and is awesomely slotted between the famous Queens University and Botanic Gardens making it a great place to stay for those traveling to Belfast on a budget.

Check for Best Price

#5 – Queen’s University Belfast

Best Unique Hostel in Belfast

Queen's University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast is the best unique hostel in Belfast

Why we like Queen’s University Belfast Hostel…

Queen’s University Belfast Hostel has one of the most sought-after locations in the city slotted in the heart of the university campus and nearby plenty of the key attractions including the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens, the Friars Bush Graveyard, and The Belfast Queens Quarter. Its location at Queen’s University means it is also home to a vibrant student atmosphere perfect for those wanting to be in the hustle and bustle of Belfast.

Queen’s University Belfast Hostel is perfect for…

Those looking for a unique experience in Belfast with the opportunity to stay in the real-life Queen’s university which is transformed into a hostel out of term times. The university accommodation has a huge complex with over 1125 single en suite rooms making it the ultimate place to socialize and meet other travelers.

Check for Best Price

#6 – Vagabonds

Best Hostel in Belfast for Solo Travellers

Vagabonds
Vagabonds is the best hostel in Belfast for solo travellers

Why we like Vagabonds Hostel…

Vagabonds’ location inside a beautifully renovated, listed and historic building makes it one of the coolest places to stay in the city with the hostel oozing with character and personality. The hostel is also primely situated in the heart of the buzzing Queens Quarter, just a stone’s throw away from the city center along with popular bars and restaurants. 

Vagabonds Hostel is perfect for…

Those travelers looking for an ultra social hostel with plenty of opportunities to meet other guests with Vagabonds hostel having a variety of events and amenities perfect for socializing. This includes its funky beer garden that hosts a variety of BBQ nights over the summer months along with city tours around the nearby neighborhood.

Check for Best Price

#7 – Belfast International Youth Hostel

Best Centrally Located Hostel in Belfast

Belfast International Youth Hostel
Belfast International Youth Hostel is the best centrally located hostel in Belfast

Why we like Belfast International Youth Hostel…

The hostel has great facilities including a tasty on-site Causeway Cafe which serves up a storm of delicious treats and is the perfect place to fuel yourself for a day of exploring Belfast’s top sites. It is also home to a great tour desk that is equipped with knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to navigate your way through Belfast’s top sites.

Belfast International Youth Hostel is perfect for…

Travelers who want to be in the heart of the action with Belfast International Youth Hostel being nestled right in the center of the city. The hostel prides itself on being the perfect base to explore the city with it just a short walk from through the university area, along with the Titanic Quarter and the city center.

Check for Best Price

Conclusion to the Best Hostels in Belfast

Belfast is often missed out as an epic travel destination but its unique history and stunning landscapes make it a city every traveler should see at least once. The city is packed full of architectural wonders, a vibrant nightlife, and some of the tastiest beer in the world. 

If you’re still having trouble making a decision, we’d recommend Botanical Backpackersit has an incredible social atmosphere, an epic location, and budget-friendly prices, three important factors to look for when booking a hotel. 

So what are you waiting for? Get booking, your Belfast adventure awaits! 

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)

Aaron Radcliffe