8 best hostels in Singapore

A nation and city-state, Singapore is a sunny, tropical destination in Southeast Asia, located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It's filled with architectural wonders, lush greenery, and culinary delights, home to numerous Michelin-star restaurants. History buffs and those who want to dive deep into its culture and art will have a fun day exploring the museums, temples, and many sites that celebrate the Singaporean identity and way of life.

Singapore is known for being pricey for tourists. But don’t let its costly reputation stop you from visiting. To save on your trip, opt for budget-friendly accommodation, like hostels in Singapore. Hotels are generally more expensive than hostels and Airbnb, while Airbnbs are like home or apartment rentals. If you don’t mind sharing a room with your fellow travelers and want to meet new people during your trip, a hostel in Singapore will give you a unique experience. Plus, many hostels now offer private rooms, with the benefit of a guest kitchen, common areas, and other amenities.

If you’re concerned about having too many items in a shared space, use a luggage storage service in Singapore. Bounce luggage storage partners with hostels, giving you more convenience and flexibility on your travel.

River City Inn

Ideal for groups and families, River City Inn is a family-owned and operated Singapore hostel just a stone’s throw from the bustling Singapore River. It’s located in the city center, a three-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT Train station and near the bus stop, a food center, and numerous attractions, including the Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Gardens by the Bay, and more, making it a highly recommended place for first-time visitors.

Guests can choose from a four-bed private room with a shared bathroom or a six- to 14-bed mixed dorm. If you’re traveling with a large group, you can always book a bed in a dorm to make it exclusive for your group.

What makes River City Inn unique

River City Inn boasts competitive rates and can even give guests an additional ten percent discount. There is no curfew, and guests can enjoy free WiFi or access an internet kiosk for working travelers.

River City Inn pricing

The hostel prices vary throughout the year and depending on your chosen room type. The cost of staying in a 14-bed mixed dorm starts from $82.00 per person for two nights, while a private room with four beds costs $324.00 for two nights. Note that some rooms are only available if you stay for at least three nights.

Royal Lodge

Head to Chinatown, and you’ll find a charming boutique hostel in Singapore. Royal Lodge strives to provide guests with a clean, safe, and relaxing environment to rest and make the most of their stay in the city. It can cater to up to thirty-five guests, offering mixed rooms and dorms exclusive to female travelers.

From its location at the heart of the bustling Chinatown, travelers can immerse themselves in Singapore’s rich culture and heritage. Since it’s just a short walking distance from Chinatown MRT station, getting around is easy, and you can go to some of the city’s top attractions without a problem. It’s perfect for budget travelers, backpackers, and even families.

What makes Royal Lodge unique

Though small, Royal Lodge ensures you have comfortable common areas to chill and make new friends. It has a lounge where you can relax, surf the internet, or hang around. The kitchenette is equipped with a microwave, fridge, plates, and mugs.

Royal Lodge pricing

If you’re looking for cheap hostels in Singapore, the Royal Lodge is worth considering, though the standard rate may increase near the end of the year. The pricing for a single bed in a shared mixed room starts from around $38.00 a night.

The Bohemian Chic Hostel

The Bohemian Chic is a backpacker’s favorite, offering guests a cool, fun, and chic atmosphere. This party hostel is also located in the busy Chinatown, about 100 meters from Chinatown Heritage Centre. It's near many eateries and malls, so you don’t have to go far to dine and shop. Public transportation is also not an issue, with the Clarke Quay MRT just a short walk from the building. Several religious sites are also nearby, including the historical Omar Mosque and the country’s oldest Hindu temple — Sri Mariammam Temple.

The property has eight rooms, including mixed rooms, female-only dorms, and shared and private capsules for women. It’s perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and couples.

What makes the Bohemian Chic Hostel unique

Besides its strategic location near public transport and some of the city’s must-visit spots, the Bohemian Chic hostel features a shared lounge and a game room, giving guests one more reason for a memorable stay. It also offers an airport shuttle, free WiFi, and a business center.

Bohemian Chic Hostel pricing

Since there are only a few rooms, the hostel can fill quickly, so book early to reserve a space. The standard rate for a bunk bed in a mixed and female-only room is $38.00, whereas a bed in a shared dormitory room costs about $45.00 a night.

The Hive Singapore Hostel

The Hive Singapore is a colorful and stylish hostel, just ten minutes’ walk from the vibrant Little India, giving patrons access to historic temples and other places of worship in the neighborhood. The rooms are safe and comfortable, equipped with air conditioning, a shared bathroom with a shower, and a shared toilet. The friendly and welcoming staff will be pleased to assist you with your belongings, ticket, and laundry services.

What makes The Hive Singapore Hostel unique

This charming hostel features a lounge area for guests to read the newspaper or relax. Books are provided for bookworms and avid readers, but if you want something else, you can watch a movie or play board games in the game room. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving local treats and snacks.

The Hive Singapore Hostel pricing

The rate for a single space pod in a mixed dorm starts at $23.00, though the pricing may change depending on the time of the year. It can be one of the cheapest hostels in Singapore based on your needs or budget.

CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel – Chinatown

Although called a hotel, Cube Boutique Capsule in Chinatown gives you a cost-effective experience in the buzzing Chinatown district. It's set in a restored shop house, combining modern amenities with historic charm. It’s suitable for families, female travelers, and backpackers, with plenty of spaces to rest and hang out with others.

You can choose to sleep in one of the private rooms, a female-only capsule, the standard capsule, or comfy family rooms. CUBE family rooms are a common favorite, with queen-sized beds and safety features for children, including bassinets, ample space for storage, a mini fridge, and a smart TV.

What makes CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel unique

If you want modern and minimalistic living in a capsule, CUBE won’t fail you. It has a communal pantry and a play zone for kids where kids can have fun while parents enjoy their snacks and the complimentary free-flow Coke. The Chinatown location also features a co-working space and a shared lounge.

CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel pricing

The standard rate for a capsule is about $110.00 per night, but you can also take advantage of the non-refundable discounted rate of $52.00. If you want more privacy, a private room with four single capsules costs around $221.00 at the discounted rate.

Hipstercity Hostel

For those visiting for work, Hipstercity is one of the best business-friendly hostels in Singapore. It also provides a worry-free and comfortable stay for young travelers who want to explore the city and maximize their trip without stressing over hefty accommodation prices.

Dormitory-style rooms await you at Hipstercity; some feature loft-style beds with shared bathrooms, free WiFi, and desks for private working areas.  It's located in the heart of Singapore, near entertainment venues, malls, food stalls, and sightseeing attractions, including National Gallery Singapore, Esplanade, and Clarke Quay.

What makes Hipstercity Hostel unique

A movie lounge is a favorite common area, which serves as a café during the day. It has a unique and comfortable interior and couple seats for movie nights. The café serves snacks and drinks on the go and various breakfast options.

Hipstercity Hostel pricing

Many lodging options at Hipstercity are affordable, starting from $49.00 a night. If you book for summer, a single private bed can cost around $60.00, and $69.00 for a double private bed. The average price for a loft bed also tends to increase by the end of the year.

Dream Lodge

Ideally located between three MRT stations, Dream Lodge is easily one of the best hostels in Singapore. It offers a super-chilled and welcoming vibe you’ll feel as soon as you step into the vicinity. It's housed in an old shophouse in one of the city’s oldest districts, adding to its beauty and character. With cafes, shopping centers, and cultural and historical sites within a ten-minute walk from the hostel, Dream Lodge is a favored lodging option among those who see the best of Singapore.

Nearly everything you need for a convenient stay is available at the Lodge. All rooms have an efficient air conditioning system for your overall comfort. Choose from a single pod in a female-only or mixed pod, or opt for a couple pod in a mixed dorm.

What makes Dream Lodge unique

There are many freebies at Dream Lodge that every guest will appreciate. Besides the free high-speed internet, you can have a complimentary daily breakfast and free use of a hair dryer, iron & board, shampoo, and body wash. There are also printing and postage services.

Dream Lodge pricing

Stay in a single pod in a mixed dorm for around $78.00. For couples, the pricing for a couple pod is $152.00 a night. If you book during the holidays — say on a Christmas week — the price increase is only minimal.

Betel Box Hostel

Experience home away from home at Betel Box Hostel. It's found on Joo Chiat Road, half a mile from Sri Senpaga Vinayagar, the country’s second-oldest Hindu Temple, founded more than 150 years ago. It's also near shops, restaurants, and markets, including the famous Geylang Serai Market and Food Center, one of the best markets you should visit in Singapore.

When it comes to accommodation options, Betel Box has plenty to offer. There are dorm rooms that can accommodate six, eight, or eighteen people, as well as five- and eight-rooms exclusively for women.

What makes Betel Box Hostel unique

The warm and inviting atmosphere at the hostel is hard to miss. It features large, cozy communal areas, including a dining area, kitchen, and lounge with comfy day beds and pillows. Bookworms will love the library of books, newspapers, and magazines.

Betel Box Hostel pricing

Betex Box is a cheap hostel in Singapore where you can spend a couple of nights under 100 bucks. The cheapest is the 18-bed mixed dorm, which costs $28.00 a night, while the pricing for a five-bed female dorm starts at $34.00 per night.

Experience ultimate convenience on a budget at the best Singapore hostels

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, making it an unbeatable tourist destination, especially among those who want to enjoy culinary experiences from various countries. If you’re worried that staying in Singapore will break your bank account, don’t be! The best cheap hostels in Singapore are equipped with everything you need to make your vacation as stress-free as possible. It’s an excellent start to your Southeast Asian adventure.

Do you want to get the best out of your trip? Get valuable travel tips and advice from our guides on the Best Time to Visit Singapore and 3 Days in Singapore: Everything You Should Know.