7 best hostels in Dubai

Dubai is undoubtedly the ultimate luxury travel destination, home to some of the world’s most elegant and grandest hostels, including the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. But backpackers and budget-conscious travelers don’t have to be intimidated, as there are numerous hostels in Dubai with the best amenities and services, offering great comfort and even five-stay experiences during your trip.

First-time visitors may opt for a chic five-star hotel the city is known for or stay in an Airbnb or a hotel apartment for long-term accommodation. But if you want to explore the city’s sights and offerings on a budget, Dubai hostels are your best bet. They may not be as exquisite and exciting as the luxurious hotel resorts in town, but the hospitality, sense of community, and prices are unbeatable.

If you’re looking for the best hostels in Dubai for different travelers, this guide is for you. We’ve also covered pricing info and what sets them apart to help you find the accommodation for your needs.

Concerned about your extra bags or large suitcases? Bounce often partners with hostels, offering convenient and safe luggage storage services in Dubai. If your chosen hostel isn’t a partner, don’t fret, as our storage lockers are found throughout the city.

Dubai Youth Hostel

Travelers who love shopping or family-friendly trips will enjoy a stay at Dubai Youth Hostel. It is located in Al Qusais, one of Dubai’s oldest districts and most sought-after residential areas, near Al Bustan Mall and Lulu hypermarket. It is also a short walk from bus stops and the metro station.

This youth hostel offers shared and private rooms. Guests can choose from single, double, and triple rooms, and there are dormitories exclusively for males and females. All private rooms are air-conditioned, with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, dressing table, and cabinets.

What makes Dubai Youth Hostel unique

This is one of the best hostels in Dubai for summer, with garden areas and an outdoor swimming pool to escape the heat. It offers free WiFi in all areas of the hostel and boasts a restaurant offering free breakfast and an on-site coffee shop.

Dubai Youth Hostel pricing

Dubai Youth Hostel is one of the best backpacker hostels with a single bed in a male and female dorm costing only about 70.00 AED per night. If you want to rent an entire room for your group or family, a single room for three people costs about 120.00 AED a night.

California Hostel Dubai Beach

One of the best hostels in Dubai overlooking the sea is the California Hostel Dubai Beach. Dubai Marina Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, is only around four minutes away on foot from the hostel. You can see it during your stay in one of the hostel rooms, or you can visit the coast for a relaxing stroll.

California Hostel Dubai Beach has 45 rooms, and you can choose from private twin, triple, or quadruple rooms. If you don’t mind sharing the living space with others, you can also book a dormitory, which can be male-only or female-only.

What makes California Hostel Dubai Beach unique

Undoubtedly, California Hostel Dubai Beach’s strength is its stunning beach views. There’s also a heated pool and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool that you can enjoy while overlooking the beachfront. If you don’t want to go swimming, other attractions are nearby, such as the Skydive Dubai Skydiving Center, Pure Sky Lounge & Dining Bar, and Dubai Water Canal. Everything is within your reach, including restaurants, coffee shops, the beach, nightlife, and more.

California Hostel Dubai Beach pricing

Due to its ideal location, this hostel fills up fast, so book early to reserve a spot. Sleeping in a basic eight-bed dorm can cost about 55.00 AED a night.

Dubai Beach Host

Another Dubai hostel that offers a beautiful view of the sea is the Dubai Beach Host. It’s near the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Beach, so you can overlook the sea and stroll by the many shops and restaurants in JBR.

In Dubai Beach Host, you can book a shared room, which can be mixed, male-only, or female-only. Guests can access the communal kitchen, gym, basketball court, heated swimming pool, and common room to play ping pong, chess, and cards. There’s also an outdoor terrace, offering the best view of the nearby beach, perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset.

What makes Dubai Beach Host unique

Dubai has a lot of beautiful beaches, and JBR Beach is one of the best tourist destinations. This is because of the many attractions nearby that offer a lot of dining, luxury shopping, and entertainment options. Of course, the beach itself is also a popular spot because of its views and unique contemporary Arabian touch.

Dubai Beach Host pricing

Dubai Beach Hostel is more expensive than California Hostel Dubai Beach. So even if you’re sharing a room with others in a 12-bed mixed dorm or a standard mixed room with seven other people, you’ll have to pay around 100.00 AED per night.

Heartland Hostel Dubai

One of the city’s most famous tourist spots is the Burj Khalifa, and the Heartland Hostel Dubai is only a kilometer away from the world’s tallest building. This modern hostel in Dubai is a short distance from some of the most renowned attractions and offers a panoramic view of the entire city.

Heartland Hostel Dubai has private rooms and dormitories for solo travelers, couples, students, and groups. Other facilities include an outdoor terrace and bicycle parking, among many others. You also get free Wi-Fi, towels, linen, and access to appliances, such as a washing machine, cooker, fridge, microwave, and more. The hostel ensures a good night’s sleep and a comfortable stay in the heart of Dubai.

What makes Heartland Hostel Dubai unique

Many tourists visit Dubai for its worldwide-renowned attractions. If you’re traveling to the city for the same reason, you’ll want to stay in a hostel near many of the destinations you have in mind to save time and money. Heartland Hostel Dubai offers this to you, as it’s located in an ideal area for Dubai exploration. Specifically, another nearby famous attraction aside from the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall. The hostel is also beside the metro station, meaning it’s well connected.

Heartland Hostel Dubai pricing

If you're looking for cheap hostels in the heart of the city, book a spot at Heartland Hostel in Dubai. It provides ultimate privacy even when sharing space in a dorm. The rate for a standard eight-bed dorm starts from 70.00 AED, perfect for solo travelers and vacationers on a budget.

Brand New Boys Hostel

Conveniently located in the center of the historic Bur Dubai district, Brand New Boys Hostel gives you access to some of the city’s major tourist spots, museums, metro lines, and vibrant nightlife. It is close to Burjuman Metro Station, about 2.7 miles from Dubai World Trade Centre, and 5 miles from City Walk Mall. The Grand Mosque is also a 14-minute walk from the hostel, while Dubai International Airport is only approximately 4 miles from the dormitory, making it a favored accommodation for backpackers and travelers.

Guests love how neat and clean this hostel is, providing them with a welcoming environment. All rooms at Brand New Boys have a closet and a private bathroom with a shower, while certain units have a kitchenette, electronic kettle, microwave, and washing machine.

What makes Brand New Boys Hostel unique

While it may not be the most luxurious hostel you’ll find in Dubai, you’ll be impressed by its impeccable service. You’ll be greeted by a multi-lingual staff who can speak English, Punjabi, and Hindu.

Brand New Boys Hostel pricing

This Dubai hostel prides itself on offering low bed space rates in the capital. You can stay in a dormitory with fellow travelers for as low as 50.00 AED.

The Solo Traveler

Even if you’re traveling with a partner or a group, you’ll find a perfect space at The Solo Traveler hostel in Dubai. It is located in Downtown Dubai, next to the Souk Al Bahar, a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Dubai Ice Rink is only 0.6 miles away from the hostel and a short walk from other prominent attractions in the city, including the Dubai Fountain. You can always stroll around the area and explore the nearby sites and landmarks.

All rooms at the hostel have free WiFi, ironing facilities, and a flat-screen TV. It’s ideal for students, those traveling alone, and couples.

What makes The Solo Traveler unique

The hostel’s major draw is the panoramic view of the city, especially the majestic Burj Khalifa, from the terrace of a private room. It also features a jacuzzi where you can refresh and relieve stress after a busy day exploring Dubai.

The Solo Traveler pricing

Since it doesn’t have multiple rooms to accommodate a large number of guests, The Solo Traveler can book up fast. You should book early to avoid disappointment. The rate per night at the hostel starts at about 100.00 AED.

Bohemian Backpackers

Ideal for solo female travelers, Bohemian Backpackers is a real haven for backpackers who want to be close to Dubai’s top attractions. It is set on the 23rd floor at Jumeirah Beach Residence, offering a spectacular view of the marina from the balcony. Every room has a balcony, so no matter which space you choose, you’ll be rewarded with a lovely view.

As soon as you enter, you’ll marvel at the beautiful and stylish interior, equipped with everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Bohemian Backpackers boasts spacious air-conditioned rooms with ensuite bathrooms and a seating area. It features a shared kitchen where guests can cook and prepare their own meals. Free WiFi is available, and you can arrange private parking for a small fee.

What makes Bohemian Backpackers unique

Beat the heat at the outdoor swimming pool and stay fit at the fitness center available for guests. Bohemian Backpackers also features a nightclub where you can relax, party, and make friends with other travelers. If you’d rather stay outside, the hostel is close to several points of interest, including The Walk at JBR, Hidden Beach, and the buzzing Barasti Beach. It is also less than five minutes from the tram, which connects with the metro station.

Bohemian Backpackers pricing

The bed spaces at Bohemian Backpackers sell out fast, so book early if you want a spot. The prices for a mixed dorm start at around 85.00 AED, while a standard four-bed dorm exclusively for females costs approximately 150.00 AED.

The best hostels in Dubai for an affordable vacation

Dubai is often associated with luxury, elegance, and class. And though it isn’t a cheap place to visit, it has a decent hostel scene, which makes a trip to the city a bit more affordable for backpackers, young travelers, and visitors on a budget. They also come with excellent amenities and facilities, including rooftop terraces, fitness centers, swimming pools, and bars. Whether you’re looking to meet new people and socialize, want some privacy, or enjoy partying with other travelers, there are numerous hostels in Dubai that fit your style and requirements.

So, are you getting ready for a trip to Dubai? If you want to fill your calendar with activities and places to discover, check out our guide on museums to see in Dubai. And for souvenirs and bargains, don't miss our Dubai shopping guide.