The capital of the United States is a small city home to lots of stunning architecture like the Capitol Building and the White House. It’s also home to some of the country’s most intriguing and inspiring museums, so you definitely won’t be bored here!
With everything going on in DC, it can be hard deciding where to stay. Plus, the US capital can be dreadfully expensive, so hostels are a good idea. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be in somewhere dark, dirty, and noisy though!
To help you out as much as possible, we’ve put this list of the best hostels of Washington DC together, keeping in mind your travel tastes and of course – your budget.
And thankfully, there’s plenty to choose from. Well-known chains and big Victorian houses that have thrown their doors open to backpackers and flashpackers from around the world can be found here. So, let’s jump straight into the best hostels on offer in Washington DC!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Washington DC
#1 Best overall hostel in Washington DC: HI Washington DC
#2 Best party hostel in Washington DC: Highroad Hostel DC
#3 Best hostel for solo travellers in Washington DC: Duo Nomad
#4 Best hostel for solo travellers 2 in Washington DC: Hilltop Hostel
#5 Best hostel for digital nomads in Washington DC: Capitol View
#6 Best budget hostel in Washington DC: Duo Housing DC
#7 Best hostel with private rooms in Washington DC: U Street Hostel
#1 – HI Washington DC
Best overall hostel in Washington DC
HI Washington DC is the best overall hostel in Washington DC
HI Washington DC is the best overall hostel in Washington DC
HI Washington DC is the best overall hostel in Washington DC- Cost – $$
- Location – 1009 11th Street, NW Washington
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like HI Washington DC…
This large, cool, and sociable hostel is constantly given brilliant ratings on Hostelworld and it gets a thumbs up from us as well as it’s the best hostel in Washington DC. It’s only a few blocks from the White House, the National Mall, and Chinatown – so it’s perfectly situated for sightseeing! If that’s not enough, there are some great tours and group activities too, so solo travellers will find it easy to make friends here!
HI Washington DC is perfect for…
Most travellers will find that HI Washington DC is suitable for them. Not only is it right in the city centre, but it also has a pool table, books, and games so that you’ll be entertained when you’re not out exploring too! Add in the free breakfast, tours, and activities and you’re onto a winner!
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#2 – Highroad Hostel DC
Best party hostel in Washington DC
Highroad Hostel DC is the best party hostel in Washington DC
Highroad Hostel DC is the best party hostel in Washington DC
Highroad Hostel DC is the best party hostel in Washington DC- Cost – $$$
- Location – 1804 Belmont Road NW
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Highroad Hostel DC…
This sociable and friendly hostel may not host its own wild parties, but it’s within a stone’s throw of some of the city’s best nightlife, so it’s the best place to stay if you want to party while you’re in Washington DC. We love the friendly staff who can help you find great bars and clubs that you won’t find in any guidebook!
Highroad Hostel DC is perfect for…
If your aim is to party and you want to be right in the heart of the US capital’s vibrant nightlife scene, then look no further than Highroad Hostel DC. However, don’t be put off if you want a relaxed and chilled time too – there’s a lovely fire in the common room that you can curl up in front of if you fancy a night in!
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#3 – Duo Nomad
Best hostel for solo travellers in Washington DC
Duo Nomad is the best hostel for solo travellers in Washington DC
Duo Nomad is the best hostel for solo travellers in Washington DC
Duo Nomad is the best hostel for solo travellers in Washington DC- Cost – $$
- Location – 1010 Pennsylvania Ave S.E.
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Duo Nomad…
This plush hostel is not only frequented by backpackers but interns and students too, so it’s a great place for meeting new people – and the best hostel for solo travellers in Washington DC! As there are lots of people who come here for a long-term stay, it is a bit of a home away from home, where you’ll find a lovely common room with a big TV and DVD player!
Duo Nomad is perfect for…
If you’re travelling solo or considering staying in Washington DC longer than the average tourist, then take a look at Duo Nomad! There are regular house events which are great for breaking the ice between guests, and to top it all off, a delicious breakfast is included in your room rate!
If you ARE a Solo Traveller: it helps if you already know some stuff to do when you rock up to a place! Check out this Guide to Things to Do in Arlington, Virginia which is just a 15 minute uber ride away from Duo Nomad!
#4 – Hilltop Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers 2 in Washington DC
- Cost – $$
- Location – 300 Carroll St, 20012, NW
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hilltop Hostel…
Sometimes it’s hard to pick the best hostel in any category, so this time we’ve gone for two! The popular backyard parties at this sociable and friendly hostel are just one of the reasons that it’s another best hostel for solo travellers in Washington DC! Some of the others include a pool, foosball, and poker tables and a big comfy common room to relax in!
Hilltop Hostel is perfect for…
Those who want to easily meet other travellers will love the easy-going and chilled out vibe here at Hilltop Hostel. Not only is it great for meeting people, but it’s also a nice place to have some me time in a hammock too. When it’s warm at night, you can even camp out under the stars in the hostel’s tent in the backyard. There aren’t many places that will let you do that!
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#5 – Capitol View
Best hostel for digital nomads in Washington DC
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 301 i street NW
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Capitol View…
This hostel comes equipped with desks and comfy, leather office chairs in the rooms and with the addition of superfast Wi-Fi, it’s the best place in Washington DC for digital nomads. Their free breakfast lasts all day too, so if you’re working through the night, you can sleep as late as you like and still fuel up whatever the time is!
Capitol View is perfect for…
Digital nomads will find that there’s nowhere better for them in Washington DC than Capitol View. In addition to everything mentioned above, there are lockers for keeping your expensive electronics safe while you’re exploring the attractions – which are all just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the hostel doorstep!
Will you be in Seattle a while? Here’s your guide to the top day trips from Seattle for exploring the area!
#6 – Duo Housing DC
Best budget hostel in Washington DC
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1223 11th St NW
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Duo Housing DC…
This hostel has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and that’s rolled into some of the lowest dorm prices in the whole of the city, so this is clearly the best budget hostel in Washington DC! We love how clean the hostel is, thanks to the no-shoes policy, no eating in the dorms, and the maid service!
Duo Housing DC is perfect for…
Washington DC can be very expensive, so much so that travellers on a budget might consider skipping it altogether! Well, there’s no need for that if you stay here at Duo Housing. The reasonable prices is deceptive too – you still get lots of features you’d expect from a hostel like Wi-Fi, house events, and a common kitchen!
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#7 – U Street Hostel
Best hostel with private rooms in Washington DC
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 1931 13th street NW
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like U Street Hostel…
This hostel offers double rooms right in the middle of the vibrant and historic U Street district, and it’s the best hostel that offers a private room in Washington DC. There are several areas where you can hang out and relax, and the hostel is planning to open a coffee bar in the very near future!
U Street Hostel is perfect for…
Couples who want a bit of privacy and need a break from dorm life can get exactly that when staying in a private room at U Street hostel. The pod style beds in the dorms are great for solo travellers too, and although they’re not officially private rooms, you certainly will feel like they are when you’re cosy and comfy in your own space at night!
Will you also visit Washington? Check out where we like to stay in Washington DC!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Washington DC?
$20 to $40 is typical for a dormitory room at a hostel in Washington DC. If you want more personal space, you can get a private room for $70 to $150 at most places.
What are Hostels in Washington DC Like?
In the capital of the United States you can expect top facilities and a great location! Most hostels are centrally located close to the top tourist attractions and will help arrange tours and activities during your stay. You can find both party hostels and quieter spots depending on your preference.
How Safe are Hostels in Washington DC?
Usually hostels are safe, though some areas of the city are prone to crime. You can ask about which spots are best avoided, and always be cautious when going out.
How to Find Hostels in Washington DC?
Check out HostelWorld and other online search platforms to look at all the options. If you're traveling around other places in the United States, you can ask for a recommendation at your current hotel or hostel.
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Best overall hostel in Washington DC
HI Washington DC
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Check for Best Price |
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Best party hostel in Washington DC
Highroad Hostel DC
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel for solo travellers in Washington
DC Duo Nomad
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel for solo travellers 2 in
Washington DC Hilltop Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel for digital nomads in Washington
DC Capitol View
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Check for Best Price |
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Best budget hostel in Washington DC
Duo Housing DC
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel with private rooms in Washington
DC U Street Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
Conclusion
So, that’s everything from us. We’ve taken a detailed look at the best hostels in Washington DC and we’re pretty sure you’ll find something on our list that will suit your travel style and your bank account.
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on one of the most iconic cities in the United States now, would we?!
Hostels are an important way to travel, especially in a pricey destination like Washington DC. Hopefully, with what’s left over in your budget you’ll be able to explore more of the United States and see more of this fascinating country.
And don’t forget our top hostel in Washington DC, HI Washington DC. We hope that whichever cool hostel you decide to stay in, you have a fantastic holiday!
***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 :)
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