Glasgow is one of Scotland’s biggest cultural hubs and a great place to get involved in local life. It has a wealth of attractions, including museums, galleries, and architecture – especially Art Nouveau and Victorian. Mixed in with some of the UK’s best nightlife, and you have an unmissable destination!
With everything going on in Glasgow, it can be difficult deciding where to stay – plus the city can be pretty expensive. Therefore, hostels are a great idea. If you’re thinking that you’re going to be in some grubby backpacker hostel though, think again!
To help you out, we’ve searched for the best hostels in Glasgow to find the place most relevant to your itinerary, style, and most importantly – budget!
Luckily, there are some great options, including some bustling hostels, and even a couple of B & Bs and very reasonably priced hotels. So, let’s jump straight in and see what Scotland’s second city has to offer!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Glasgow
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Glasgow – Glasgow Youth Hostel
#2 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Glasgow – Alba Hostel Glasgow
#3 Best Hostel near Glasgow Airport – Scotia Airport Hotel
#4 Best Hostel near Glasgow Central Station – Euro Hostel Glasgow
#5 Best Hostel near Buchanan Bus Station – St Enoch Hotel
#6 Best High-end Hostel in Glasgow – The Heritage Hotel
#7 Best Budget Hostel in Glasgow – Clyde Hostel
#8 Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Glasgow – The Hampton Court Guest House
#1 – Glasgow Youth Hostel
Best Overall Hostel in Glasgow
- Cost – $$
- Location – 7/8 Park Terrace, Glasgow
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Glasgow Youth Hostel…
This comfortable and friendly townhouse has a choice of dorms and private rooms, plus a load of great facilities, making it the best place to stay in Glasgow! It’s also within walking distance of the city’s main attractions – and has a great view of Kelvingrove Park in the city’s lively West End district.
Glasgow Youth Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be right in the thick of Glasgow’s top tourist attractions and nightlife, then there’s no better place to stay than Glasgow Youth Hostel. There are common areas, and even a pool table, so it’s not hard to meet other travellers! The wide range of private rooms means it’s suitable for families and groups of friends who don’t want to share with strangers, too.
Need to save money? Check out the cheapest hostels in Glasgow!
#2 – Alba Hostel Glasgow
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Glasgow
- Cost – $$
- Location – 6 Fifth Avuenue, Glasgow
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Alba Hostel Glasgow…
This homely hostel set in the vibrant West End District has a big chillout area, a lounge, and a shared kitchen, so it’s the perfect place to meet other travellers – you won’t feel like you’re on your own for long! We love the outdoor seating area too. Make the most of it when you can – Glasgow gets a lot of rain!
Alba Hostel Glasgow is perfect for…
Travellers who are solo but want to meet other people will love Alba Hostel, thanks to all the great areas where you can kick back and relax with fellow travellers. The friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff will be able to help you plan your stay in Glasgow and trips further afield to Loch Lomond and the Highlands.
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#3 – Scotia Airport Hotel
Best Hostel near Glasgow Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – 91 New Sneddon Street, Paisley
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Scotia Airport Hotel…
This elegant, refurbished, Georgian style house is a hotel rather than a hostel. However, it’s less than 5 minutes from Glasgow Airport, so is hands down the best place to stay if you need to be nearby! We love that you can walk around the village of Paisley and visit the 12th-century abbey before heading to the airport.
Scotia Airport Hotel is perfect for…
If you have an early morning flight or are arriving late at night, and don’t want the stress of arranging travel to or from Glasgow, then Scotia Airport Hotel is a great place to stay. There’s so little hassle getting here that you’ll leave or arrive feeling refreshed and relaxed!
Editor’s Note – Heading to Edinburgh next? Check out our post about the best hostels in Edinburgh.
#4 – Euro Hostel Glasgow
Best Hostel near Glasgow Central Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – 318 Clyde Street, G1 4NR
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Euro Hostel Glasgow…
This friendly and fun hostel is right in the centre of Glasgow. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from Glasgow Central Station making it an ideal base if you need to be close to the station. We love the on-site bar, Mint & Lime, where you can have a game of pool, watch your favourite sports team on the big screen, or simply relax with a pint or a wee dram!
Euro Hostel Glasgow is perfect for…
Travellers who are travelling to or from Glasgow by train and want to be near to the Central Station won’t find a better option than Euro Hostel. It’s also a great option if you’re in a group and you want the social side of a hostel, without sharing a room with strangers. There are private rooms available for up to 8 people!
Need more info? Here’s a rundown of things to do in Edinburgh to fill your time there!
#5 – St Enoch Hotel
Best Hostel near Buchanan Bus Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – 318 Clyde Street, G1 4NR
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like St Enoch Hotel…
At just a few minutes’ walk from Buchanan Bus Station, this clean and modest accommodation is the best place to stay if you’re arriving, or your onward journey is by coach. Although it’s a hotel, St Enoch still offers dormitory rooms and it is one of the most reasonably priced places to stay in the city!
St Enoch Hotel is perfect for…
If you need to be close to Buchanan Bus Station, look no further than St Enoch hostel. The hostel has a 24-hour reception meaning that whatever time you arrive, you’ll receive a warm welcome. It’s a good base for exploring too – close to several city centre attractions. And if you find you want a night in, why not enjoy your favourite program in front of the flat screen TV?!
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#6 – The Heritage Hotel
Best High-end Hostel in Glasgow
- Cost – $$
- Location – 4/5 Alfred Terrace ,
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Heritage Hotel…
This luxurious accommodation, set in a Victorian building, is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy some comfort without breaking the bank! The reasonably priced accommodation is set in two Victorian townhouses in Glasgow’s artistic and cultural centre. We love that there’s a free cooked breakfast too.
The Heritage Hotel is perfect for…
If you’ve been travelling for a while and fancy a break from the dorm life of hostels, then this is a great option to feel that you’re in a home away from home. There’s a choice of single, double, triple, and quadruple rooms if you’re in a couple or a group, and you can make the most of en-suites, TVs, and free tea and coffee in your room!
Love Edinburgh? Check out our secret guide to for where to stay in Edinburgh, Scotland!
#7 – Clyde Hostel
Best Budget Hostel in Glasgow
- Cost – $$
- Location – 65 Berkeley Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Clyde Hostel…
This budget hostel is the lowest price you’ll find for a bed in the city – so it’s definitely the best place to stay if you’re on a budget in Scotland and looking for a budget hostel! You can enjoy free tea and coffee while meeting people in the shared kitchen or in one of the friendly common areas!
Clyde Hostel is perfect for…
Travellers who are on a tight budget will find that this reasonably priced hostel suits them right down to the ground. If you want to save your money for seeing the sights and trying the local delicacies (deep-fried Mars Bar anyone?) then you won’t go far wrong here!
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Recommended Reading – Check out the top hostels in Edinburgh!
#8 – The Hampton Court Guest House
Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Glasgow
- Cost – $$
- Location – 230 Renfrew Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Hampton Court Guest House…
This friendly, family-owned guest house offers a range of private rooms catering for up to 4 guests, so it’s a great place to stay if you don’t want to share with someone you’ve never met before! We love that there’s the tricky choice between a continental or Scottish breakfast!
The Hampton Court Guest House is perfect for…
If you’re a couple, a small group of friends, or even a solo traveller who wants a bit of privacy without having to pay hotel prices, then definitely give this small, warm, and friendly guest house a bit of consideration. It’s not far from the sights and nightlife of the city centre if you do want to head out and meet people!
Need more info? Here’s a rundown of things to do in Glasgow to fill your time there!
Other Best Hostels in Glasgow
#9 – University of Glasgow – Cairncross House
- Cost – $$
- Location – 20 Kelvinhaugh Place, G3 8NH
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like University of Glasgow – Cairncross House…
This university style accommodation is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable stay in the city. You’ll have access to a shared kitchen and bathroom, with your own sink in your room. All of this is just a short walk from the city centre, making it a great base for exploring!
University of Glasgow – Cairncross House is perfect for…
Travellers looking for a modern, no-frills option close to the city centre will be delighted with Cairncross House at the University of Glasgow. It’s located in a nice area of the city, and there are several bars, pubs, restaurants, and shops within a stone’s throw of the accommodation!
Recommended article! Also – if you’ll be in Scotland, you HAVE to check out our article about some of the other best day trips from Edinburgh.
#10 – Tartan Lodge
- Cost – $$
- Location – 235 Alexandra Parade
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Tartan Lodge…
This four-star hotel is set inside an old church and a really cool place to stay during your trip to Glasgow! There are a range of private rooms and dorms available, meaning that you’ll find something to suit you whatever your travel style and budget. The kitchen is a great place to meet other travellers!
Tartan Lodge is perfect for…
If you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, then Tartan Lodge is a good option for your stay. Private rooms come with an en-suite bathroom and LCD TV, whilst the dorms are equipped with bespoke bunk beds and storage – perfect for a great night’s sleep!
Don’t stay in the city too long! Take one of these great day trips from Glasgow to see more of the area!
#11 – McLays Guest House
- Cost – $$
- Location – 264-276, Renfrew Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like McLays Guest House…
This comfortable and centrally located guest house is a great option if you want to see all of Glasgow’s sights during the day, then retire to a comfortable, homely room at night. McLays Guest House is just a few minutes’ walk from Sauciehill Street – one of the best shopping spots in the city!
McLays Guest House is perfect for…
Travellers who want a comfortable and cosy stay while being in the heart of Glasgow’s action will love McLays Guest House. Not only is it close to Sauciehill Street, but it’s within walking distance of the centre’s main transport hubs – meaning you won’t tire yourself out by dragging any backpacks or suitcases around!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Glasgow?
Typically dormitory rooms in Glasgow cost in the $15 to $25 range per night. If you prefer having a private room, you'll need to pay somewhere between $60 to $90 at most places.
What are Hostels in Glasgow Like?
A cool combination of history and modern style! Most hostels have a nice central location close to top attractions and transportation options and many hostels will help arrange tours. You can find both party hostels and quieter spots depending on your preference.
How Safe are Hostels in Glasgow?
Glasgow is relatively safe, and most hostels are in secure areas of the city. Of course, you should always exercise caution, particulalry when going out at night to make sure you don't encounter problems.
How to Find Hostels in Glasgow?
Begin your search on HostelWorld to see all your options and compare prices. If you're already traveling around the United Kingdom, you can ask at your current hotel or hostel for a recommendation of where to stay.
Best Overall Hostel in Glasgow
Glasgow Youth Hostel
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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Glasgow
Alba Hostel Glasgow
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Best Hostel near Glasgow Airport
Scotia Airport Hotel
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Best Hostel near Glasgow Central Station
Euro Hostel Glasgow
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Check Best Price | |
Best Hostel near Buchanan Bus Station
St Enoch Hotel
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Check Best Price | |
Best High-end Hostel in Glasgow
The Heritage Hotel
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Check Best Price | |
Best Budget Hostel in Glasgow
Clyde Hostel
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Check Best Price | |
Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Glasgow
The Hampton Court Guest House
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Check Best Price |
Conclusion
So, that’s all from us! We’ve had an extensive look into the best places to stay in Glasgow, and we’re pretty certain there’ll be something on our list that will suit your travel style, but even more importantly, your bank account.
We wouldn’t want you to miss one of the coolest, most exciting cities north of the border, would we?
Hostels are a great way to travel, especially in the UK where the cost of travel can be quite high. We hope that with the money you save, you’ll be able to explore more of Great Britain – whichever hostel you decide on.
And don’t forget our top choice – Glasgow Youth Hostel. We hope you have an amazing time wherever you choose to stay!
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