8 best hostels in Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt, the largest city in Africa, and the sixth-largest city in the world. The close proximity to the Giza pyramids makes it a popular travel destination despite its political tensions and religious conflicts. Over ten million tourists flock to the city each year to discover more about the ancient city, eat delicious food, and shop at the world's oldest open-air market.

When planning your trip to Cairo, you should look into different accommodation options if you want to save money. There are plenty of budget hotels in Cairo, but hostels are the cheapest choice. Contrary to popular opinion, Cairo hostels have everything you need for a comfortable stay, and most provide free breakfast, free private parking and concierge services and they are some of the cheapest in the world.

We've compiled a list of the best hostels in Cairo for anyone traveling on a budget. And if you need luggage storage, Bounce partners with many hostels in the city for their luggage storage services. And you can also find many Bounce luggage lockers in Cairo; they are easily booked on the Bounce app.

Cairo International Hostel Downtown

If you're looking for a centrally located hostel with free wifi, free breakfast, and modern amenities, this is just the place. Located just one mile from Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum and a short walking distance from Cairo Tower, the Cairo International Hostel Downtown offers air-conditioned private rooms, each one with a balcony overlooking Adly Street.

The simply furnished rooms are equipped with large and comfortable beds fitted with fresh bed linen every day. The property boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, and the helpful staff and owners go above and beyond to help you make the most out of your stay. If you don't mind the city noise, this is a great choice for couples, families, and solo travelers looking for a hostel in downtown Cairo.

What makes Cairo International Hostel Downtown unique

There are a few things to love about this central Cairo hostel, including its free breakfast, helpful staff, free wifi, clean and spacious rooms, and of course, its great location.

Cairo International Hostel Downtown pricing

Pricing at this hostel starts at $39.00 a night for a standard private twin room with an ensuite bathroom. This is one of the cheapest hostels in Cairo, and it sells out fast, so try and book your spot in advance.

Cairo Hub Hostel

Cairo Hub Hostel is situated in the city center, right next to Tahrir Square, and it's one of the best hostels in Cairo for solo travelers. The rooms feature unique dorm beds in a 6-bed dorm room that offer a lot of privacy, but private rooms are available too if you don't want to share a room with strangers. The helpful staff is there to make your stay enjoyable, offering tips and advice on the best excursions, shops, and restaurants in the city.

Moreover, free continental breakfast applies to some guests, but it's cheap anyway, even if you're not entitled to a complimentary one. There is free wifi across the entire property, so you can always stay in touch with friends and family.

What makes Cairo Hub Hostel unique

Besides its excellent location, unique concept, fast and free wifi, and friendly staff, Cairo Hub is one of the cheapest hostels in Cairo.

Cairo Hub Hostel pricing

With prices starting at $10.00 for a bed in a 6-bed dorm room, and $25.00 for a deluxe room with a balcony and a city view, Cairo Hub Hostel is the best cheap hostel in Cairo and a great value for your money.

Tahrir Square Hostel

Located in the heart of Tahrir Square, the Tahrir Square Hostel is one of the best hostels in Cairo for socializing and meeting people from all around the globe. The hostel boasts a unique design, with both private and dorm rooms that can accommodate up to six people. Privacy is not an issue here, as each bed is designed with comfort and privacy in mind and is fitted with a privacy curtain, a shelf and a plug.

Guests in this hostel can also get services such as daily tours, airport shuttle, and laundry. There is a lobby where you can chill and get to know other travelers too. Other conveniences include free breakfast, free wifi and bike rentals.

What makes Tahrir Square Hostel unique

This award-winning hostel is located in downtown Cairo and has rave reviews for many qualities, including value for money, free wifi, free breakfast, convenient dorm beds, and the spacious private room.

Tahrir Square Hostel pricing

Pricing at the Tahrir Square Hostel starts at $8.00 a night for a bed in a 6-bed dorm room and $28.00 for a standard double bed with a shared bathroom, making it one of the cheapest hostels in Cairo.

Holy Sheet Hostel

This is one of the most popular hostels in Cairo, set in the heart of Cairo and just a stone's throw from The Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and Cairo Station. Holy Sheet Hostel boasts free wifi, laundry facilities, and rooms with air conditioning. The guest rooms are private and dormitories, mixed and female-only, with a maximum capacity of 8 people.

The hostel is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, markets, and shops, and it's easy to watch Cairo's street life from here. Cozy and fun common areas with Netflix and Playstation 4 make it a fun place to hang out in your free time, and there is a fully equipped kitchen where you can make your own meals. Moreover, there is no curfew, meaning you can stay partying all night, and then you get to wake up to a free breakfast in the morning.

What makes Holy Sheet Hostel unique

Some of the reasons guests book the Holy Sheet Hostel over and over again are its prime location, fast and free wifi, clean and spacious beds, cozy hangout spots, and of course, the free breakfast.

Holy Sheet Hostel pricing

The average price per night at the Holy Sheet Hostel is $7.00 for a bed in a deluxe 6-bed mixed dorm or 8-bed female dorm. This is one of the best hostels in Cairo, and it sells out very quickly. If you want to secure your bed, make sure to book well in advance.

Heritage Hostel Cairo

Looking for a hostel in downtown Cairo with excellent views of the River Nile? Perhaps you want a hostel with modern facilities and amenities that is still within your budget. This hostel might fit the bill. Some of the nearby attractions are The Egyptian Museum, Cairo Tower, Al-Azhar Mosque, and other major sights. Cairo International Airport is just 12 miles away, and Sadat Metro Station is within a short walk.

Guests at this hostel get to relax on a spacious rooftop terrace with amazing views of the Cairo skyline. You get to pick from both private and dorm rooms that sleep between 2 to 8 people. Each room has air conditioning, free wifi, flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a balcony.

What makes Heritage Hostel Cairo unique

Besides its ideal central location, Heritage Hostel Cairo is one of the best hostels in Cairo for its rooftop terrace, free wifi, free breakfast, tour desk, and attentive and informative staff.

Heritage Hostel Cairo pricing

The average night price at the Heritage Hostel Cairo is $15.00 for a bed in a standard 6-bed mixed dorm with an ensuite bathroom and $47.00 for a 3-bed private room with a private bathroom and a city view.

Meramees Hostel

If a relaxed atmosphere is what you're after, then you've got to try this homey and friendly hostel in the center of Cairo. Carefully designed with special touches like fresh flowers, books, and CDs, Meramees Hostel makes you feel welcome from the moment your set foot in the lobby.

Free breakfast is served every morning, allowing you to save some money on food and spend more on sightseeing. There are private rooms and dormitories with 4, 6, and 8 beds. All rooms have high ceilings, large windows, and French balconies. Most rooms have a private bathroom, but there are some that share one. Other conveniences you get to enjoy are free wifi, free city maps, free kitchen facilities, and free safety deposit box. In addition, the hostel has 24-hour reception and security, and even better, a 24-hour room service. If you're flying, the hostel can organize airport transfers too.

What makes Meramees Hostel unique

This hostel has been recommended by many travel guidebooks, including Lonely Planet. Not only it has a superb central location, but Meramees Hostel offers excellent space that is clean, friendly, and great value for your money.

Meramees Hostel pricing

Pricing at the Meramees Hostel starts at $9.00 a night for a 6-bed mixed dorm and $37.50 for a 3-bed private room with an ensuite bathroom.

Miami Cairo Hostel

A stay at this hostel places you right in the city center, which means you'll be surrounded by many shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Bus and train stations are within a short walking distance as well as major sights like the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art.

Miami Cairo Hostel is the best hostel for traditional Egyptian design in the heart of Cairo. Featured amenities include free breakfasts, free wifi, a computer station, a shared area, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour reception. Guests also get free airport pickup for any reservations longer than two nights.

At the Miami Cairo Hostel, you can choose from private rooms and dorm rooms that sleep up to five people.

What makes Miami Cairo Hostel unique

There are many reasons Miami Cairo Hostel is one of the best hostels in Cairo, including free breakfast, free wifi, and free airport pickup.

Miami Cairo Hostel pricing

The average nightly price at this authentic hostel is $10.00 for a bed in a 5-bed mixed dorm and about $25.00 for a single private room with an ensuite bathroom. Like most hostels in Cairo, the Miami Cairo Hostel prices vary depending on a few factors, including the date of travel. It's harder to find a free bed during high season, so make sure to book yours in advance.

New Palace

Located in the noisy city center is the oldest hostel in Cairo, the New Palace. Over the years, this hostel has become very popular among backpackers, students, and budget travelers in general, and rightly so. Some of the amenities at the property include free breakfast, free wifi, air conditioning for the rooms with a private bathroom, a tour desk at the Cairo airport that can arrange airport transfers, and many more.

At New Palace, you can pick from single, double, triple, 4 beds, and dorm rooms. They have recently renovated the second floor, which means you'll be getting new beds, linen, furniture, new pillows, and more. Moreover, you can get a discount if you extend your stay. The hostel features a roof garden terrace, a cafe and a restaurant, a guest kitchen, and a BBQ area, perfect for chilling and getting to know other guests.

What makes New Palace unique

Besides its great location close to public transportation and top attractions, New Palace is special for its freebies and discounts, including airport pickups and discounts for groups and extended stays. The hostel also offers free tours if you book an ensuite room for more than 7 days.

New Palace pricing

Pricing at the New Palace starts at $9.00 for a single room and $7.50 for a 4-bed dorm, making it the winner of cheap hostels in Cairo.

The best hostels in Cairo for adventurers traveling on a budget

Whether you're traveling to Cairo solo, with friends or family, or you're a digital nomad looking to spend more time in the city, hostels are the best and cheapest option to spend the night. Cairo hostels have everything you need for a comfortable stay, and with prices starting at as little as $7.50, they are some of the cheapest in the world. Hostels in Cairo are designed for every traveler, regardless of their budget. They all have common rooms, bars, and kitchens where you can eat, relax and meet other travelers.

As you plan your trip to Cairo, you should get to know the city a bit better. You can find out all about this intriguing destination, what to do, and where to go with our Cairo visitor guide.