Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and it’s one of Eastern Europe’s most important cultural centres. In recent years, there has been a cultural revolution with street art, vintage cafes, and all-night parties becoming super popular!
Kiev is the 7th most populous city in Europe and in a city so big it can be very hard deciding where to stay! With that in mind, hostels are a good choice. That doesn’t mean you’ll have to stay in a dirty, sweaty, and noisy backpacker dorm though!
To give you a hand, we’ve put together this list of the best hostels in Kiev – taking into consideration your itinerary, but most importantly, your budget!
And there’s plenty of choice. From artistic retreats to sociable backpacker pads, to cool boutiques – Kiev has it all. So, without any further ado, let’s jump in and see the best hostels Kiev has to offer.
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Kiev
#1 Best overall hostel in Kiev: DREAM House Hostel
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Kiev: ZigZag Hostel
#3 Best hostel for digital nomads in Kiev: Veselka
#4 Best hostel near Independence Square: Cloud 9
#5 Best hostel near St Sophia’s Cathedral: Ballet Hostel
#6 Best hostel near Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra: Gar’is Hostel
#7 Best hostel near Kiev Boryspil International Airport: Hostel Olive
#8 Best hostel near Kiev Passazhirskiy Train Station: Kiev Central Station
#9 Best hostel near Kyyivs’kyy Tssentral’nyy Avtovokzal Bus Station: Light Life Hostel
#10 Best high-end hostel in Kiev: Kiev Art Hostel
#11 Best budget hostel in Kiev: VShokoladi Hostel
#12 Best hostel with private rooms in Kiev: Elements Hostel
#1 – DREAM House Hostel
Best overall hostel in Kiev
- Cost – $$
- Location – 2D Andriyivskyy Uzviz
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like DREAM House Hostel…
This modern and centrally located hostel has been voted in the top 10 large hostels in the world, so you don’t just have to believe us when we say it’s the best hostel in Kiev! We love the tours on offer here – if you’re feeling particularly brave you can even visit Chernobyl!
DREAM House Hostel is perfect for…
This fantastic hostel is perfect for many travellers passing through Kiev. Solo travellers will love it as there are events every night including pub crawls and walking tours, digital nomads will love the free Wi-Fi and comfy common areas, and who wouldn’t enjoy the onsite café?!
#2 – ZigZag Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers in Kiev
- Cost – $
- Location – 3A Antonovycha str., 6th floor, apt. 18, door code
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like ZigZag Hostel…
This artistically designed hostel has space for over 60 people and there are activities and excursions offered daily – so it’s the best place for solo travellers in Kiev to meet people and enjoy their holiday in the company of new friends! We love that it’s perfectly positioned for sightseeing and nightlife too.
ZigZag Hostel is perfect for…
Travelling solo and worried about having to wander the big, bad streets of Kiev on your own? Stay at ZigZag Hostel and you’re sure to find someone who’ll be happy to accompany you! That’s if you manage to leave the hostel – you may just want to relax in the rooms, each designed by a local artist!
#3 – Veselka
Best hostel for digital nomads in Kiev
- Cost – $$
- Location – Volodymyrska Street 42, 4th Floor
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Veselka…
This cosy and comfortable hostel has plenty of places where you can set up your laptop and connect to their fast Wi-Fi, making it the best hostel in Kiev for digital nomads! After a long day catching up on emails and documents, why not take part in one of the night time Kiev tours organised by the hostel?
Veselka is perfect for…
This hostel isn’t a noisy party hostel, but it’s still easy to meet other people here. It’s also easy to find your own space and get your head buried into some work, which is why it’s so good for digital nomads. It’s also just minutes away from many attractions, so when you finish work you can throw yourself into the city!
#4 – Cloud 9
Best hostel near Independence Square
- Cost – $$
- Location – 9 Kostelnaya fl.33
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Cloud 9…
This light, modern, and minimalist hostel is the closest to one of the largest public gathering spaces in not just the city, but the whole of Ukraine – so it’s safe to say this is the best hostel near Independence Square! We love the wooden bunks – great for a good night’s sleep!
Cloud 9 is perfect for…
Not only is Cloud 9 near independence square, but it’s also within a stone’s throw of some of the best bars, restaurants, and shopping in Kiev, so you’ll never be stuck for something to do! Although breakfast isn’t included in the price, there are cookies and tea available all day!
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#5 – Ballet Hostel
Best hostel near St Sophia’s Cathedral
- Cost – $$
- Location – Pereulok Shevchenko Tarasa 13/21 A
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Ballet Hostel…
The green and gold domed UNESCO World Heritage site St Sophia’s Cathedral is one of the must-visit attractions in Kiev, and this cool and cosy hostel is the best place to stay if it’s on your itinerary! We love the ballet theme – there are paintings and books dedicated to it and you can even take classes from a real-life ballerina!
Ballet Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re planning on a visit to St Sophia’s Cathedral during your trip to Kiev, then this is the closest you’ll get – so it’s a no brainer really! But it’s not just great for visiting the cathedral – dance lovers will love the opportunity to take part in a class and learn more about the art of ballet!
#6 – Gar’is Hostel
Best hostel near Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra
- Cost – $$
- Location – 11, Pervomaiskoho Leonida Str
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Gar’is Hostel…
The monastery of Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra is one of the best things to do in Kyiv, and this clean and functional hostel is one of the nearest to the large parks where it’s located – so it’s the best hostel if the monastery is on your to-do list! The large, fully-equipped kitchen is a great place to prepare dinner.
Gar’is Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be close to Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra, then take a close look at Gar’is Hostel (also known as Gagarin Hostel). It’s a great place if you’re travelling with kids, as they’ll happily set up an extra bed in a private room for your little one to have a comfortable night’s sleep too!
#7 – Hostel Olive
Best hostel near Kiev Boryspil International Airport
- Cost – $
- Location – Shota Rustaveli Street 29b
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel Olive…
There aren’t any hostels near Kiev Boryspil International Airport, so we’ve had to cheat a little here. Luckily, we’ve found a cosy home away from home style hostel that offers airport pick up and drop off, so that’s got to be the next best thing! We love how you’re treated here – free slippers, toiletries, and tea and coffee come as standard – with a smile!
Hostel Olive is perfect for…
If you don’t want the stress of arranging your own travel in or out of the city from Kiev Boryspil International Airport (it’s quite a trek after all), then look no further than Hostel Olive! The hostel has one of the highest ratings in the whole of Kiev on Hostelworld, so it’s an all-round good place to stay!
#8 – Kiev Central Station
Best hostel near Kiev Passazhirskiy Train Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – Hoholivs’ka, 25 – apt. 11
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Kiev Central Station…
You can probably tell from the name that this is near to Kiev Central Station (what gave it away?!) so, this lively and vibrant hostel is definitely worth a look if you’re arriving or leaving the city by train! It’s also the best party hostel in Kiev thanks to regular live music and pub crawls!
Kiev Central Station is perfect for…
Obviously, this hostel is the perfect place if you want to be by Kiev’s Central Train Station. It’s also the best place in Kiev to party. Solo travellers will be delighted with the regular events and find it easy to meet people – although that may be after a few, alright, several drinks!
#9 – Light Life Hostel
Best hostel near Kyyivs’kyy Tssentral’nyy Avtovokzal Bus Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1/2 Kikvidze street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Light Life Hostel…
This brand-new hostel is one of the closest spots near to Kyyivs’kyy Tssentral’nyy Avtovokzal (no, we don’t know how to pronounce that either), but it is the best hostel near Kiev Central Bus Station! That doesn’t mean you’re miles away from everything else though – the Gryshko National Botanical Garden is just a few minutes’ walk!
Light Life Hostel is perfect for…
Travellers who are worried about getting to or from Kiev’s central bus station can forget about their worries when staying at Light Life Hostel – as it’s just down the road in a taxi. It’s easy to meet people here too – there’s a terrace for chilling and plenty of board games to keep you occupied!
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#10 – Kiev Art Hostel
Best high-end hostel in Kiev
- Cost – $$
- Location – Konstantinovskaya 20, office 29
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Kiev Art Hostel…
This cool and artistic hostel is designed beautifully and will feel more like a home than a hostel, so that’s why it’s the best high-end hostel in Kiev. Its central location is a bonus too – less than 5 minutes from Independence Square and right by a metro station, meaning you can get anywhere you need to in the city!
Kiev Art Hostel is perfect for…
If you don’t mind splashing out a little more than on some of the other hostels on our list, Kiev Art Hostel will offer you a comfortable and splendid time in Kiev. If you want to get out of the city and try some dark tourism, the hostel offers a trip to Chernobyl, but make sure you contact them at least two weeks in advance!
#11 – VShokoladi Hostel
Best budget hostel in Kiev
- Cost – $
- Location – Vozduhoflotskij prospekt 5
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like VShokoladi Hostel…
This comfortable hostel has the lowest bed prices in town, as well as free tea and coffee, so it’s the best budget hostel in Kiev! The money you save won’t negatively affect location though, there’s a cinema, cafes, and restaurants nearby, and a transport hub for easily finding your way around the city!
VShokoladi Hostel is perfect for…
Budget travellers will be delighted to have found the cheap and cheerful VShokoladi Hostel! The beds come with orthopaedic mattresses meaning that you’ll be comfortable and sleep well, while the hot tea and coffee on offer are also very welcome after a long day of travelling!
#12 – Elements Hostel
Best hostel with private rooms in Kiev
- Cost – $$
- Location – ul. Saksaganskogo 30a/3
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Elements Hostel…
This colourful and cosy hostel offers beautiful twin rooms in the heart of Kiev, and it’s the best place to stay if you want a private room! We love that the hostel has come to life from an art project, with different rooms representing earth, wind, fire, and air!
Elements Hostel is perfect for…
Couples who have been travelling for a long time will love this opportunity to take a break from dorms and have some privacy and their own space! It’s only 5 minutes away from Kiev Olympic stadium too, so ideal if you’re going to watch sports. If you like the sound of Elements Hostel but don’t want a private, you’ll be pleased to know dorms are offered too!
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Other best hostels in Kiev
#13 – Magic Bus Kiev
- Cost – $$
- Location – 31 Saksaganskogo Str, apt.3
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Magic Bus Kiev…
This cosy and inclusive hostel was designed by two Ukrainian friends who are incredibly proud of their city, and want you to be comfortable, relaxed, and above all to love your stay in the capital! The hostel is named after the film ‘Into the Wild’ and will let you do whatever you want – as long as it’s legal in Ukraine!
Magic Bus Kiev is perfect for…
Travellers who are looking for a friendly and fun stay and are eager to meet other travellers with a similar mindset should head down to the Magic Bus Hostel. The large common room is the perfect space to meet like-minded guests, and chat over a movie or a board game!
#14 – Borscht Hostel Kiev
- Cost – $$
- Location – Velyka Vasylkivska str 43/16, apt 32
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Borscht Hostel Kiev…
This small and intimate hostel is close to all of Kiev’s most popular attractions, including the national stadium, the opera house, and lots of the city’s great restaurants and bars. Whether you want to chill inside by the fire, or out in a hammock on a summer day, you can do it here at Borscht Hostel!
Borscht Hostel Kiev is perfect for…
Warm and cosy Borscht hostel is great if you want to be in the city centre. It’s also a fantastic spot for budget travellers, as the rooms are some of the cheapest round (although not quite as low as the best budget hostel in Kiev – VShokoladi Hostel). Multilingual staff mean that if you speak English, Russian, or Ukrainian, you’ll have no problems here!
#15 – TIU Kreschatik
- Cost – $$
- Location – Apt 11 Kreschatik 8b
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like TIU Kreschatik…
This exciting, light, and bright hostel is on the main street in Kiev, Kreschatik, just minutes away from Independence Square where you can enjoy events, performances, and concerts, so it’s a pretty fantastic location! We love the fully-equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.
TIU Kreschatik is perfect for…
If you want to be within a hop, skip, and a jump of Independence Square and within easy reach of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shopping on Kreschatik Street, then there’s no better place to stay than TIU Kreschatik! The hostel also offers free tea and coffee which you can enjoy after a tiring day of sightseeing.
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Kiev?
Most dormitory rooms in Kiev are in the $10 to $15 range per night. If you want more personal space, you can get a private room for $20 on the low end and up to $70 for better facilities.
What are Hostels in Kiev Like?
Kiev is a cool blend of business, history, and culture, and most hostels are the same! It's a large city, and hostels are spread out around the various top attractions allowing you to pick a hostel close to the things that you're most interested in visiting.
How Safe are Hostels in Kiev?
Kiev gets a bit of a bad reputation, but in general the city is safe. Hostels have good security features and are in safer areas of the city, and as long as you use standard precaution, you should be fine.
How to Find Hostels in Kiev?
Check out HostelWorld to see all the options and compare prices. If you're traveling to other places in eastern Europe, you can ask at your current hotel or hostel for a recommendation.
Best overall hostel in Kiev
DREAM House Hostel
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Best hostel for solo travellers in Kiev
ZigZag Hostel
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Best hostel for digital nomads in Kiev
Veselka
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Best hostel near Independence Square
Cloud 9
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Best hostel near St Sophia’s Cathedral
Ballet Hostel
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Best hostel near Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra
Gar’is Hostel
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Best hostel near Kiev Boryspil International
Airport Hostel Olive
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Best hostel near Kiev Passazhirskiy Train
Station Kiev Central Station
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Best hostel near Kyyivs’kyy Tssentral’nyy
Avtovokzal Bus Station Light Life Hostel
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Best high-end hostel in Kiev
Kiev Art Hostel
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Best budget hostel in Kiev
VShokoladi Hostel
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Check for Best Price | |
Best hostel with private rooms in Kiev
Elements Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
Conclusion
So, there you have it. We’ve taken an extensive look at the best hostels in Kiev and we’re sure you’ll find something suitable for your taste and budget on our list!
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting cities after all!
Hostels are an important way to travel, and although the cost of travel in Kiev is much lower than a Western European capital, it’s always good to save yourself a few pennies! Hopefully, you can experience even more of Ukraine with what’s left in your budget.
And don’t forget our best hostel in Kiev – DREAM House Hostel. We hope whichever cool hostel you choose, you have an amazing time!
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