Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and it boasts interesting art, history, and culture. There are museums, galleries, all in the shadow of a massive castle perched atop a city centre hill. The charming old town is easy to fall in love with, with outdoor cafes and restaurants lining the curve of the Ljubljanica River.
With everything that’s going on in Ljubljana, it can be tricky deciding the best place to stay. Staying in Ljubljana can be more expensive than you might expect – especially for Eastern Europe – so hostels are an excellent choice! That doesn’t mean you’ll have to put up with a dirty backpackers’ hostel though!
We’ve decided to do you a favour by scouring through the best hostels in Ljubljana to find the hostels most relevant to both your itinerary and your budget!
Thankfully, there’s a lot of choice. From cool hangouts where you can easily meet other backpackers, to upmarket boutique hostels, and even some lovely B & Bs, there’ll be something to suit you. So, let’s jump in and see the best hostels that Ljubljana has to offer.
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Ljubljana
#1 Best overall hostel in Ljubljana: Hostel Celica
#2 Best party hostel in Ljubljana: Sax Hostel
#3 Best hostel for solo travellers in Ljubljana: Zeppelin Hostel
#4 Best hostel for digital nomads in Ljubljana: Hostel Vrba
#5 Best hostel near Ljubljana Castle: AdHoc Hostel
#6 Best hostel near Ljubljana Cathedral: Hostel 24
#7 Best hostel near Dragon Bridge: H2O Hostel
#8 Best hostel near Prešeren Square: Tresor Hostel
#9 Best hostel near Tromostovje: Fluxus Hostel
#10 Best hostel near Tivoli City Gardens: Hostel Tivoli
#11 Best hostel near Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport: Cukrarna Guest Accommodation
#12 Best hostel near Ljubljana Railway Station: Trdinova BASE
#13 Best hostel near Ljubljana Bus Station: Hostel Piero
#14 Best high-end hostel in Ljubljana: Rooms Sincere 1830
#15 Best budget hostel in Ljubljana: Aladin Hostel
#16 Best hostel with private rooms in Ljubljana: Kva Hostel
#1 – Hostel Celica
Best overall hostel in Ljubljana
- Cost – $$
- Location – Metelkova 8
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel Celica…
This social hostel has come a long way from when it was a military prison, and it’s now the best hostel in Ljubljana. It has lots of great events and has won multiple awards, including Lonely Planet’s Hippest hostel in the world and the World’s 1st sustainability – oriented hostel! We love the onsite café that regularly hosts concerts.
Hostel Celica is perfect for…
If you want to stay in an award-winning hostel close to Ljubljana’s train and bus stations that also happens to have a focus on sustainability, then this ticks all the boxes! It’s totally unique and has an artistic style that most travellers will find welcoming and enjoyable. The Old Town and attractions are within a 15-minute walk too!
Need more specifics? Here are the best neighborhoods in Ljubljana to stay!
#2 – Sax Hostel
Best party hostel in Ljubljana
- Cost – $$
- Location – Eipprova 7
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Sax Hostel…
This epic backpackers’ hostel is just up the stairs from one of the liveliest and best-known jazz pubs, the Sax Pub. So, it’s easily the best party hostel in the city. To get involved in some of the city’s sickest parties, all you need to do is head downstairs – and there’s live music on Thursdays!
Sax Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to party while in Ljubljana, Sax Hostel is the perfect place for you. Jazz may not be the music you’d usually associate with parties, but you’ll soon find yourself enjoying something a little different as the beers flow. It’s right in the historical centre too, so great for sightseeing during the day!
#3 – Zeppelin Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers in Ljubljana
- Cost – $$
- Location – Slovenska cesta 47
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Zeppelin Hostel…
This small travellers’ hostel is one of the closest to the main bus and train stations, with plenty of guests passing through so it’s the best place to stay if you’re travelling solo. The hostel has a comfy common room with a huge LCD TV, a book exchange, and a huge guest kitchen for preparing food in a group!
Zeppelin Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to meet fellow travellers and be just a short distance away from the city’s transport hubs and old town attractions, then look no further than the cool Zeppelin Hostel. The hostel owners are experts in outdoor activities and trekking in Slovenia and the Western Balkans, so it’s easy to get help planning the next step of your trip here too!
Enjoy your stay in Ljubljana! Check out our guide for what to do in Ljubljana while you’re there!
#4 – Hostel Vrba
Best hostel for digital nomads in Ljubljana
- Cost – $$
- Location – Gradaska ulica 10
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel Vrba…
This lovely, comfortable hostel offers free WiFi, a table in the common room/kitchen where you can work, and a computer so it’s the best place for digital nomads to stay in Ljubljana. We love that there’s free coffee and tea – perfect to keep your caffeine levels up while you work!
Hostel Vrba is perfect for…
Digital nomads will find the combination of everything above the perfect place to get their head down and do some work while still being able to enjoy the best sights that the city has to offer. The hostel has its own restaurant just a 400m walk, so it’s the perfect place to reward yourself with a delicious dinner after a long day at your laptop!
#5 – AdHoc Hostel
Best hostel near Ljubljana Castle
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cankarjevo Nabrezje 27
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like AdHoc Hostel…
This modern and affordable hostel isn’t far at all from Ljubljana Castle, so it’s the best place to stay if the city’s most famous landmark is high on your itinerary. We love the simple and clean design and that you can try your hand at the guitar in the cool common room! You can even bring your pet for an extra €5!
AdHoc Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be within easy reach of Ljubljana Castle, this is the perfect place to bed down for the night. Not only is it close to the castle, but other tourist attractions such as the Central Market and the cathedral. The dorm beds are some of the lowest prices in Ljubljana so it’s good for budget travellers too!
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#6 – Hostel 24
Best hostel near Ljubljana Cathedral
- Cost – $$
- Location – Poljanska cesta 15
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel 24…
This unique and relaxed hostel is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Ljubljana Cathedral so it’s the best place to stay if you want to be nearby. We love the board games and the book exchange which make the common room more interesting – whether you want to be sociable or curl up and have some me time!
Hostel 24 is perfect for…
If you want to stay somewhere with good vibes where you can relax just a short walk from one of the city’s most popular attractions – Ljubljana Cathedral, then Hostel 24 is the perfect place to stay. There are tea and coffee facilities as well, so you can save your cash over going to a café!
#7 – H2O Hostel
Best hostel near Dragon Bridge
- Cost – $$
- Location – Petkovškovo nabrežje 47, 1000 Ljubljana
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like H2O Hostel…
This stylish, colourful, and modern hostel is just a short walk from Ljubljana’s famous Dragon Bridge, so it’s the best place to stay if you want to see that. We love that the hostel is not only a great place to stay, but that it offers trips to the incredibly beautiful Lake Bled (a must-see destination!) , rafting, and city tours!
H2O Hostel is perfect for…
Not only is H2O Hostel perfect for visiting the Dragon Bridge, but also Tromostovje and the Central Market too. The unusual layout of the hostel is certainly unique, but that only makes it more appealing! The dorms are some of the cheapest in the city too, meaning if you’re travelling on a budget this place is certainly not to be sniffed at!
#8 – Tresor Hostel
Best hostel near Prešeren Square
- Cost – $$
- Location – Copova 38
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Tresor Hostel…
This boutique hostel is just steps away from Prešeren Square, one of the most picturesque in the city, so it’s the best place to stay if you’re planning on spending some time exploring there. We love that there are not one, but two common areas – with one of them having a sky ceiling – it’s so light during the day!
Tresor Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to stay in a cool and colourful hostel right by Prešeren Square, then remember the name of Tresor Hostel! There are lots of parts to the hostel too that you wouldn’t expect – as well as a café (pretty standard, right?!), there’s a grocery shop and a beauty salon. So, if you want to treat yourself then this is a great option!
#9 – Fluxus Hostel
Best hostel near Tromostovje
- Cost – $$
- Location – Tomšičeva 4, 1000 Ljubljana
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Fluxus Hostel…
This modern, quiet, yet comfortable hostel is right in the centre of the city – just minutes away from Tromostovje, so it’s the best place to stay if you want to see the ‘three bridges’ while you’re in Ljubljana. We love that the rooms have aircon, perfect for keeping cool especially in the summer!
Fluxus Hostel is perfect for…
If you want the sociability of a hostel but you don’t want it to be too noisy and within easy reach of Tromostovje, then Fluxus Hostel might just be the perfect place for you in Ljubljana! The décor is very cool, and the high ceilings and colour combinations mean like this place feels a lot bigger than it actually is!
#10 – Hostel Tivoli
Best hostel near Tivoli City Gardens
- Cost – $$
- Location – Lepodvorska ulica 2
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel Tivoli…
Considering the name, it’d be a bit weird if we picked somewhere else as the best hostel near Tivoli City Gardens. It is right by them though, so no unexpected surprises there! We love the breakfast included here – perfect fuel before a busy day of city centre sightseeing!
Hostel Tivoli is perfect for…
Travellers who want to be right by Tivoli City Gardens, one of Ljubljana’s best-loved green spaces, will find that Hostel Tivoli is the perfect place to stay! There are lots of activities here so it’s great if you’re a solo traveller – blueberry schnapps night is a great way to get chatting. Just be careful you don’t have too many and throw up on your new mates!
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#11 – Cukrarna Guest Accommodation
Best hostel near Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – Tavcarjeva 9
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Cukrarna Guest Accommodation…
This 17th-century hostel is not actually in Ljubljana, it’s in Kranj. But not to worry, the airport is much closer to this village than Ljubljana, so it’s the best place to stay if you need to be near there. We love the views from here – it’s a mountain river canyon with the Alps in the background!
Cukrarna Guest Accommodation is perfect for…
If you have an early flight or a late-night arrival, it’s a much better idea to take the short journey to or from Kranj than the 20km into the city centre to bed down for the night. Also, you’ll get to sample local Slovenian village a little more off the beaten track. Just be aware that it may not show up if you search Ljubljana on Hostelworld!
#12 – Trdinova BASE
Best hostel near Ljubljana Railway Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – 8 Trdinova ulica – basement, 1000 Ljubljana
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Trdinova BASE…
This clean and friendly hostel is just a short walk from Ljubljana Train Station, so it’s the best place to stay close to there. We love chilling in the garden or on the patio and soaking up some sun in the city centre! All rooms are private, and you’ll get a hairdryer and free toiletries which is great for saving luggage space!
Trdinova BASE is perfect for…
If you have an early morning or late-night arrival or departure by train, then this is the perfect spot to stay. You won’t have to drag your luggage halfway across the city after a tiring journey from another part of Slovenia, or perhaps even Venice or Vienna! Just get straight here and relax. You’ll love it!
#13 – Hostel Piero
Best hostel near Ljubljana Bus Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – 8 Kavčičeva ulica, 1000 Ljubljana
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Hostel Piero…
Ljubljana bus station is right by the train station, and this friendly and welcoming hostel is close to both, so it’s a great place to stay. You have the choice between saving yourself a bit of cash and cooking in the communal kitchen or treating yourself to some mouth-watering traditional food at the on-site restaurant!
Hostel Piero is perfect for…
Travellers who want to be close to Ljubljana bus or train station should definitely take a look at Hostel Piero, as it’s so close to both. It’s also a great option for digital nomads who are ready to splash a little more cash to stay – as each room comes fully equipped with a desk!
#14 – Rooms Sincere 1830
Best high-end hostel in Ljubljana
- Cost – $$
- Location – Petkovškovo nabrežje 41
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Rooms Sincere 1830…
Okay, it’s not quite a hostel but this beautiful bed and breakfast offer a slice of affordable luxury right in the historic centre of Ljubljana, so it’s the best high-end hostel (even though it isn’t really)! It shares its reception with H2O Hostel (the best hostel near the Dragon Bridge) and you can use their facilities like the shared kitchen!
Rooms Sincere 1830 is perfect for…
If you want to totally relax into a luxurious and elegant bed and breakfast, while still having the advantage of using the common room and kitchen of H2O Hostel next door, then Rooms Sincere 1830 is a great option. As well as being such a nice place to stay, it’s close to all of Ljubljana’s main tourist attractions!
#15 – Aladin Hostel
Best budget hostel in Ljubljana
- Cost – $$
- Location – Tugomerjeva 56
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Aladin Hostel…
This safe and sociable hostel offers some of the lowest prices on beds in the city, so it’s the best budget hostel in Ljubljana by far! You don’t have to miss out on facilities or comfort just because you’re saving yourself a few quid though – you still get a pool table, common area and book exchange. Oh, and the hostel is above a hairdresser if you need to get that wig chopped!
Aladin Hostel is perfect for…
Budget travellers will be delighted with Aladin Hostel as it offers great dorms and private rooms at affordable prices. There’s even a studio apartment. It’s a little out of the city centre, but the upside of that is that it’s close to peaceful and tranquil Koseski Bajer (a small lake) and the bus stop for Lake Bohinj and Bled is just minutes from the hostel!
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#16 – Kva Hostel
Best hostel with private rooms in Ljubljana
- Cost – $$
- Location – 14 Breg
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Kva Hostel…
This modern and elegant hostel offers cool and comfortable twin and double rooms, so it’s the best place to stay in Ljubljana with a private room. We like the environment, which seems to attract an artistic and eclectic crowd so if that sounds like you, think about booking Kva Hostel!
Kva Hostel is perfect for…
Couples who want to sack off the dorm for a night or two and spend some quality together with no-one to disturb them will be delighted with Kva Hostel. You’ll be able to treat yourself to a free continental breakfast in the morning too – and who doesn’t love a free breakfast?!
Other best hostels in Ljubljana
#17 – Golobcek Bed & Pizza Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Location – Vransko 31, Vransko
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Golobcek Bed & Pizza Hostel…
This hostel might be 40km from the centre of Ljubljana, but we just had to include it as it offers some of the best handmade pizza in the entire country! There’s plenty to do in Vransko too, so if you want a little jaunt out of the capital, then consider staying here a couple of nights!
Golobcek Bed & Pizza Hostel is perfect for…
If you want an insight into local Slovenian village life, then consider staying in Vransko instead of Ljubljana, at this amazing hostel. Not only can you enjoy great pizza, but the town also boasts a motorcycle museum, a natural climbing wall, and loads of cycling routes in the Savinja Valley. It’s a nature (and pizza) lover’s paradise!
#18 – Vila Veselova
- Cost – $$
- Location – Veselova 14
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Vila Veselova…
This award-winning hostel offers you the chance to stay in a villa rather than just any old regular building! It’s won awards from TripAdvisor, Hostelworld, HostelBookers, and even a Hoscar, so you don’t just need to take our word for it that it’s good. There’s a delicious continental breakfast too!
Vila Veselova is perfect for…
If you want to stay in a modern and charming villa, which is the former home of a famous Slovenian architect, then Vila Veselova should be right near the top of your list. There are plenty of areas for chilling in the hostel, including a garden, terrace, and courtyard. It’s also within a stone’s throw of the city park nearby museums and galleries!
#19 – Simbol Apartments and Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Location – Gerbiceva 46
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Simbol Apartments and Hostel…
This reasonably priced hostel is set in a quiet and green area around 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre. We love that there’s a grill on the terrace – perfect for some tasty food and chilling in the sunshine on summer afternoons and evenings! The rooms are pretty colourful too.
Simbol Apartments and Hostel is perfect for…
There are a range of private rooms at Simbol Apartments and Hostel as well as dorms, so it’s a great place to stay if you’re travelling as a group of friends or as a family, as their rooms can hold up to 6 people! If you arrive in Ljubljana with your own transport, it’s also a fantastic option – as they offer free parking here!
#20 – DIC Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Location – Poljanska cesta 26
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like DIC Hostel…
This large, good value hostel is just a stone’s throw from Ljubljana Old Town, and the sheer size of it means that you’re guaranteed to meet new people and have a great time. There are some great places to chill, such as the lawn outside the hostel, but if you want to get more active then there are basketball and football courts just outside too!
DIC Hostel is perfect for…
Travellers who want to be just a short distance from the centre of the Old Town and having many chances to meet fellow travellers will find that DIC Hostel suits them perfectly. Private rooms and dorms are all very reasonably priced, and there’s a free breakfast thrown in for good measure too – perfect if you’re seeing Slovenia on a budget!
#21 – Hostel AVA
- Cost – $$
- Location – Trubarjeva 5
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel AVA…
This unique hostel is given its character from the rooms being part of a historical building and the Ljubljana Academy of Visual Arts. If you’re interested in art, then it’s a great place to stay as the building is decorated with the work and drawings of art students, so the hostel has plenty of character!
Hostel AVA is perfect for…
If you want to stay in the city centre in a historic building that has a bit of a twist, then this should certainly be on your list. The fact that there’s so much artwork throughout the building lends it an interesting and creative character that you don’t get anywhere else! There’s more space available out of term time – between July and September.
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Ljubljana?
Typically you're going to be looking at the $15 to $20 per night for a dorm room. If you're hoping for a private room, set your budget for at least $50 and up to $90 per night depending on the place.
What are Hostels in Ljubljana Like?
Ljubljana is a city known for its green spaces, and most hostels maintain a cool, natural feel! The city is large, and you can find hostels in different neighborhoods depending on what your interested in seeing during your trip. You can expect modern facilities, and nice communal areas to meet travelers.
How Safe are Hostels in Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is a very safe city to visit! Even though it's a large city, crime is very low, and most hostels have great security features and are located in very safe areas.
How to Find Hostels in Ljubljana?
Begin your search on HostelWorld to see all your options! If you're traveling around to other places in Slovenia and eastern Europe, you can probably get recommendations from other travelers.
Best overall hostel in Ljubljana
Hostel Celica
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Best party hostel in Ljubljana
Sax Hostel
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Best hostel for solo travellers in Ljubljana
Zeppelin Hostel
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Best hostel for digital nomads in Ljubljana
Hostel Vrba
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Best hostel near Ljubljana Castle
AdHoc Hostel
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Best hostel near Ljubljana Cathedral
Hostel 24
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Best hostel near Dragon Bridge
H2O Hostel
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Best hostel near Prešeren Square
Tresor Hostel
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Best hostel near Tromostovje
Fluxus Hostel
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Best hostel near Tivoli City Gardens
Hostel Tivoli
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Best hostel near Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport
Cukrarna Guest Accommodation
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Best hostel near Ljubljana Railway Station
Trdinova BASE
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Best hostel near Ljubljana Bus Station
Hostel Piero
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Best high-end hostel in Ljubljana
Rooms Sincere 1830
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Best budget hostel in Ljubljana
Aladin Hostel
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Best hostel with private rooms in Ljubljana
Kva Hostel
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Conclusion
So, there we go. We think you’ll agree that our list is pretty extensive, and we hope there’s something on there that will suit your personality, and even more importantly, your bank account!
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on one of Eastern Europe’s coolest capital cities after all!
Hostels are an important way to travel, especially in capital cities where the prices can be just that little bit higher than other areas of the country. So, hopefully, you’ll still have some budget to explore other cool destinations in Slovenia such as Lake Bled and Piran!
And don’t forget our overall number one hostel, Hostel Celica! But whichever hostel you choose, we hope that you enjoy your stay!
***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 :)