Chicago is the largest city on the incredible Lake Michigan and is increasingly become one of the most popular cities to visit in the United States and we can see why. The windy city is famous for its dashing architecture, beautiful green spaces, world-class food scene, and bustling atmosphere meaning it has a little slice of something for all types of travelers.
Chicago is widely known not to be the cheapest city in the US meaning you will want to save some money where you can. Staying in a hostel is a great way to do this and allows you to socialize and meet other guests from all over the world.
Does staying in an awesome Chicago hostel sound appealing to you? Carry on scrolling because in this article we break down 7 of our favorites all of which tailor to different traveler’s styles and needs.
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Chicago
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Chicago – Freehand Chicago
#2 Best Party Hostel in Chicago – Wrigley Hostel
#3 Best Luxury Hostel in Chicago – Found Chicago River North
#4 Best Budget Hostel in Chicago – Chicago Parthenon Hostel
#5 Best Hostel in Chicago for Couples – Chicago Getaway Hostel
#6 Best Hostel in Chicago for Solo Travellers – Hi Chicago, The J.ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel
#7 Best Hostel in Chicago for Digital Nomads – Selina Chicago
#1 – Freehand Chicago
Best Overall Hostel in Chicago
- Cost – $$
- Location – 19 E Ohio Street, Chicago
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Freehand Chicago…
We love Freehand’s prime location near the center of the city on E Ohio Street just two blocks from the famous Michigan Avenue which is home to some of the city’s best art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
The hostel also has incredible on-site facilities including a range of innovatively designed rooms from deluxe privates to sociable dorms, a comfortable guest lounge along with a vibrant cocktail bar called the Broken Shaker. Broken Shaker Cocktail Bar is one of the most popular bars in Chicago with people from all over the city heading there to experience their tasty street-food-inspired menu and indulge in their ingenious selection of cocktails.
Freehand Chicago is perfect for…
Those who want an awesomely unique hostel experience in Chicago along with an incredibly sociable atmosphere. The hostel is situated in a classic 1927 building that has been renovated in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood and provides a variety of cool communal spaces and rooms making you feel as if you’re in an updated 1920s movie. It also has some of the friendliest staff at its 24-hour reception who can help you book tours along with pointing you towards the best places to visit in the city.
Traveling as a Couple? Check out our best hostels for couples in Chicago.
#2 – Wrigley Hostel
Best Party Hostel in Chicago
- Cost – $$
- Location – 3514 N Sheffield Avenue, Chicago
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Wrigley Hostel…
Wrigley Hostel provides several deluxe facilities to ensure guests a comfortable stay in Chicago including a great range of accommodation options including private rooms, sociable mixed dorms, and a female-only dorm. Along with this, it is home to an awesome outdoor deck that is perfect to soak up the gorgeous Chicago sun.
Wrigley Hostel also offers an incredible FREE breakfast on Sunday’s which serves up a selection of tasty treats to help guests shrug off that hangover from a heavy Saturday night exploring the famous Wrigleyville nightlife.
Wrigley Hostel is perfect for…
Those travelers who want the party experience of a lifetime with Wrigley Hostel being located in Wrigleyville which is dubbed the party center of Chicago. Here you are stone’s throw away from some of the finest bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in Chicago. Along with this, the hostel is home to a vibrant common room that is equipped with a dartboard, ping pong table, and a bar which is a great place to get the drinks flowing before hitting the clubs.
Looking for a Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best party hostels in Chicago!
#3 – Found Chicago River North
Best Luxury Hostel in Chicago
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 613 North Wells Street, Chicago
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Found Chicago River North Hostel…
If you want a great night out in Chicago but don’t fancy venturing too far across the city then staying at Found Chicago is a great option with the hostel being awesomely located in the iconic River North area where there is an abundance of things to do. Along with this, it is home to a great selection of things to do on-site including having the best martini at Mason Restaurant, sipping on some of the finest coffee at its coffee shop along with singing your heart out at the secretive Blind Dragon karaoke lounge.
Found Chicago River North Hostel is perfect for…
Those travelers looking for a hint of luxury when staying in Chicago but don’t want to break the bank on a lavish hotel room with Found Chicago offering modernly designed hostel rooms at budget-friendly prices. The hostel also offers thoughtfully designed common spaces with a vibrant flare which are the perfect places to relax in after a busy day of exploring the city.
#4 – Chicago Parthenon Hostel
Best Budget Hostel in Chicago
- Cost – $
- Location – 310 S. Halsted Street, GreyHound Amtrak Stations, Chicago
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Chicago Parthenon Hostel…
The hostel has a great 24-hour front desk with an incredibly friendly team who are more than happy to help you navigate your time through the windy city. Whether you want to find out about the sports and music venues, the best transport links, or just fancy a chat about the city the team will have you covered.
Not only does Chicago Parthenon Hostel have some of the cheapest bed prices in the city but it also offers a tasty free breakfast EVERY DAY where guests can enjoy a continental selection of boiled eggs, toast, bananas, cereal, fresh juice, and coffee.
Chicago Parthenon Hostel is perfect for…
Those travelers who want budget-friendly dorms in the heart of the city with the hostel being located in the unique historic Greektown West Loop neighborhood which is nestled in the shadow of the Willis Tower. Here you will find some of Chicago’s finest attractions along with being steps away from a plethora of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops.
Editor’s Tip: make friends by staying at a cool hostel in USA!
#5 – Chicago Getaway Hostel
Best Hostel in Chicago for Couples
- Cost – $$
- Location – 616 West Arlington Place, Chicago
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Chicago Getaway Hostel…
The hostel’s amazing central location in a sought-after neighborhood means it is just walking distance of the best restaurants, pubs, and music venues in Lincoln Park. It is also near a variety of public transportation services that can easily connect you to the best Chicago attractions which is great for those who are short on time but still want to explore everything the city has to offer. Chicago Getaway Hostel also offers fantastic services including a complimentary free breakfast, a 24-hour reception, and high-speed wifi!
Chicago Getaway Hostel is perfect for…
Those on a romantic weekend away but want budget-friendly prices along with a sociable and vibrant atmosphere. Chicago Getaway Hostel offers a variety of private rooms for couples looking for a sense of peacefulness but also offers great common areas if you fancy meeting other guests.
#6 – Hi Chicago, The J.ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel
Best Hostel in Chicago for Solo Travellers
- Cost – $$
- Location – 24 E Ida B Wells Drive, Chicago
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Hi Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel…
HI Chicago has arguably one the best locations for a hostel in Chicago if you want to be near all the top attractions the city has to offer with the hostel within walking distance of Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile shopping, and Millennium Park. It is also surrounded by restaurants, bars, and clubs if you fancy hitting the city for a late-night adventure.
Hi Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel is perfect for…
Those travelers heading to Chicago who want to mingle and meet other like-minded backpackers with the hostel having an incredibly friendly and social atmosphere beaming throughout the hostel. This is partly due to the friendly staff at reception who go above and beyond to make you feel at home along with the awesome common area facilities which are perfectly designed for social events including its insta-worthy guest lounge complete with multiple pool tables and comfortable seating areas.
#7 – Selina Chicago
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Chicago
- Cost – $$
- Location – 100 E Chestnut St, Chicago
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Selina Chicago…
Selina Hostel has top-class facilities on-site at the property which can sometimes leave guests surprised that they are staying in a budget-friendly hostel. This includes its modern and stylish restro-bar which boasts iconic views overlooking the nearby neighborhood along with a hippy yoga room that provides a relaxed and tranquil setting to unwind in after a day of exploring Chicago.
Selina Chicago is perfect for…
Those who will be spending a lot of time in the common areas of the hostel including Digital Nomads with the hostels have an incredible selection of spaces to choose from. This includes its relaxed co-working area which is equipped with phone booths and meeting rooms along with a beautiful café library both of which provide a social yet relaxing workspace.
Conclusion to the Best Hostels in Chicago
So that’s the incredible city of Chicago home to stunning green spaces, a bustling atmosphere along with some of the tastiest found in the country. As you can tell the hostel scene is pretty cool with a variety of unique accommodation options across the city offering a little something for all types of travelers. If you’re still struggling with which hostel might be the one for you then we’d have to recommend Freehand Chicago it offers the complete package with a great location, budget-friendly prices along with amazing facilities.
We hope this guide has helped you navigate your way around Chicago’s hostel scene and we hope you’ve found the perfect hostel for you. If you have any questions or book any of the hostels we’ve listed above please do let us know in the comments below we love hearing from you guys.
So hop on that booking form, these awesome hostels await!
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