Singapore is a great city (actually, country) to visit. It’s a buzzing place that’s amazingly well-connected to the region, serving as a perfect springboard into Southeast Asia, or worth a trip in its own right.
But one thing Singapore is not: cheap!
Hotel rooms can easily cost 4X more than in Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia. That’s why the hostels in Singapore are not just used by backpackers but also by budget travelers looking to save some money.
I’ve been to Singapore many times, staying in different hostels every time. To save money and have a comfortable stay, here are my picks for the best hostels in Singapore.
Why book now? Singapore is a popular travel hub, so it’s a good idea to book ahead. With Hostelworld you can usually reserve a spot without cancellation fees, so you can easily book even if you’re still planning your trip.
By the way, keep in mind that being an island Singapore is very space-restricted, so hostels may be just a bit more cramped than elsewhere. Singapore hostels do excel in service and cleanliness, especially relative to many other Asian capitals, thanks to its high level of development.
Best hostels in Singapore
5footway.inn Project Ann Siang
Based in the lively Chinatown area
Cool rooftop area with panoramic views of the city
Ideal if you’re looking for comfort on a Singapore layover
This hostel is located just on the edge of the vibrant Chinatown area, which is filled with interesting shops and amazing food. The 5footwayy.inn also just a stone’s throw from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and the (upscale) bars and restaurants at Club Street and Ann Siang Hill.
This is a no-nonsense and quiet hostel with some great facilities, AC, and both dorms and private rooms. The dorm beds are custom-made and more like “pods” with curtains, ensuring a higher level of privacy.
I chose to stay there on a quick layover in Singapore, when I just needed a good night’s rest before catching a flight to Thailand the next morning.
Being right in the tourist district, it was also perfectly located for some quick sightseeing and a dive into the Singapore food scene.
One great feature of 5footwayy.inn hostel the rooftop area from where you get fantastic views (see above) of both the traditional-style temples and the modern skyline of Singapore.
Betel Box Backpacker Hostel
Focused on a friendly atmosphere; great to meet other travelers
Cheaper than most Singapore hostels
Ideal for solo travelers and Asia backpackers
The Betel Box is a true backpacker-style hostel: more budget-friendly than the modern capsule hostels and with a big focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere.
In my experience, hostels in Singapore are usually higher quality but have a somewhat less social atmosphere than you might be accustomed to elsewhere in Asia. However, the Betel Box Backpacker Hostel is the major exception (it even scores highest on the atmosphere rating on Hostelworld).
Located in an authentic shop house in the Katong residential area, it’s close to many shops, cafes, and walking distance to several MRT (metro) stations. Your stay will include free breakfast plus discounts on their Singapore food tours.
The dorm beds are not fancy or custom-built, just metal bunk beds, but this is a classic backpacker haunt after all. I recommend this hostel if you’re backpacking through Asia and are looking for a hostel with a similar feel to hostels in Thailand and other countries.
Tribe Theory Startup Hostel
The best Singapore hostel for digital nomads or business travelers
Offers dorm beds, private rooms, and co-working spaces
This is easily the best hostel in Singapore for digital nomads, or anyone who wants to connect with the local entrepreneurial and startup scene. Tribe Theory is the city’s first hostel aimed at fostering a community of like-minded young entrepreneurs.
Situated close to the central business district and some of the most famous hawker centers (Singapore food courts), it offers quiet accommodation as well as co-working facilities.
The Bohemian Chic
Located just a stone’s throw from the Clark Quay nightlife area
One of the highest ratings for atmosphere in Singapore
This hostel is an excellent choice if you’re a backpacker looking for a fun atmosphere and lively nightlife nearby. The Bohemian Chic is just walking distance from Clark Quay, which is Singapore’s main bar and club area.
(Budget travel tip: every Wednesday is Ladies’ Night at Clarke Quay making this perfect for some cheap partying for female travelers.)
The Bohemian Chic Hostel has some comfortable sleeping pods with reading lights and charging points. While the atmosphere in the hostel common areas is not necessarily always so social (as seems typical in Singapore), staying in the Bohemian Chic will put you closest to where all the fun nightlife is in Singapore.
Dream Lodge
Pod-style hostel giving more privacy and comfort
Just outside the central business district
Dream Lodge is housed in a 1950’s era shop house, providing capsule-style hostel beds with plenty of comforts (including two pillows, reading lights, and Orthopaedic mattresses). It’s in a very central location, near to three different MRT metro stations, and not far from the lively Little India district.
This is a great hostel for anyone who doesn’t mind a bit more privacy and an easy stay in Singapore.
P.S. Don’t miss my budget travel tips for Singapore!
