Best Hostels In Belgrade: Top Affordable And Social Stays In The City

Looking for the best hostels in Belgrade? Serbia's capital is a popular destination for backpackers, solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors thanks to its lively atmosphere, compact city center and wide range of affordable accommodation.

The right hostel depends on how you want to experience the city. Some Belgrade hostels are ideal for meeting other travelers, while others are better for quiet nights, private rooms, sightseeing or staying close to nightlife. This guide compares some of the best options and helps you decide where to stay in Belgrade on a budget.

Best Hostels in Belgrade at a Glance

Hostel Bongo – Best for Central Sightseeing

Hostel Bongo is a convenient option for travelers who want to stay close to central Belgrade. Its location makes it easy to reach Republic Square, Knez Mihailova Street and many of the city's main sightseeing areas.

The hostel combines a relaxed atmosphere with common spaces where guests can meet other travelers. For first-time visitors who want to explore much of central Belgrade on foot, location is its biggest advantage.

Best for: First-time visitors and sightseeing

Balkan Soul Hostel – Best for Solo Travelers

Balkan Soul Hostel is located around Kosančićev Venac, one of the most atmospheric historic areas close to central Belgrade. Belgrade Fortress, Knez Mihailova Street and the Sava riverfront are all within easy reach.

The hostel is a strong choice for solo travelers who want to meet people during their trip. Its common spaces and social atmosphere make it easier to connect with other guests without necessarily choosing a full party-hostel experience.

Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers and social stays

El Diablo Hostel – Best for Social Travelers

El Diablo Hostel is a small hostel close to central Belgrade, restaurants, bars and nightlife areas. Its social atmosphere makes it suitable for travelers who want accommodation to be part of their overall travel experience.

Rather than focusing only on parties, it offers opportunities to meet other travelers and take part in social activities. This can be a good balance for visitors who want access to Belgrade nightlife but still prefer a more personal hostel atmosphere.

Best for: Social travelers and nightlife access

Hostelche – Best for a Small and Relaxed Stay

Hostelche is located in Stari Grad, close to Knez Mihailova Street and Belgrade Fortress. Its central position makes it especially convenient for sightseeing.

The hostel has a smaller, more intimate feel than larger backpacker properties. Travelers who enjoy shared spaces but prefer a calmer environment may find this style of accommodation more comfortable.

Best for: Quiet social stays, couples and first-time visitors

ArkaBarka Floating Hostel – Best for a Unique Stay

ArkaBarka Floating Hostel offers one of the most unusual hostel experiences in Belgrade. Located on the Danube near Ušće Park, it gives travelers a chance to stay directly beside the river rather than in a traditional city-center building.

The atmosphere is generally different from the busy Old Town. Guests can enjoy river views and open surroundings while remaining connected to central Belgrade and Zemun.

For travelers who care as much about the accommodation experience as the location, ArkaBarka stands out from most other hostels in Belgrade.

Best for: River views, couples and unusual accommodation

Hedonist 2 – Best for a Cozy Social Atmosphere

Hedonist 2 is positioned around Zeleni Venac, making it convenient for both central sightseeing and transport connections.

It suits travelers who want to meet other people without choosing accommodation where nightlife is the main focus. The central location also makes it easy to reach Knez Mihailova Street, Republic Square and Belgrade Fortress.

Best for: Social travelers looking for a more relaxed stay

Fair and Square – Best for Budget and Private Rooms

Fair and Square is located in Zvezdara, outside the most central tourist streets of Belgrade. This means travelers may rely more on public transport, but staying slightly farther from the center can work well if budget or room choice matters more than walking everywhere.

The property offers dorm-style accommodation as well as private-room options, making it suitable for backpackers, friends and couples looking for more privacy.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and private-room stays

Best Hostel in Belgrade for Solo Travelers

Solo travelers should usually look beyond price and pay attention to the hostel's common areas and social atmosphere. Balkan Soul Hostel and El Diablo Hostel are strong options for travelers who want to meet other guests.

Hedonist 2 can be a better choice if you still want a social stay but prefer something less focused on nightlife.

Best Hostels in Belgrade for Nightlife

If nightlife is important, staying close to central Belgrade is usually more useful than simply choosing a property described as a party hostel.

Hostels around Stari Grad, Zeleni Venac and the central districts provide easier access to bars, restaurants and late-night venues. El Diablo and Balkan Soul can work well for travelers who want both a social hostel environment and convenient access to evening entertainment.

Best Quiet Hostels in Belgrade

Not every backpacker wants a party atmosphere. Travelers who value quieter nights should consider smaller hostels or accommodation slightly away from the busiest nightlife streets.

Hostelche offers a more intimate central stay, while ArkaBarka provides a calmer riverside setting. These options can also be appealing to couples and travelers staying in Belgrade for several nights.

Best Hostels in Belgrade for Couples and Private Rooms

Hostels can also work well for couples who want to keep accommodation costs lower without sleeping in a shared dormitory.

Look for properties offering private rooms while still providing shared kitchens, lounges or other communal facilities. Fair and Square and ArkaBarka are worth considering if privacy is more important than having the classic backpacker-dorm experience.

Best Areas to Stay in Belgrade for Backpackers

Stari Grad

Choose Stari Grad if: this is your first visit and you want to reach many attractions on foot.

Republic Square, Knez Mihailova Street, Skadarlija and Belgrade Fortress are all close, making Stari Grad one of the easiest areas for sightseeing.

Kosančićev Venac

Choose Kosančićev Venac if: you want a historic atmosphere while remaining close to the city center.

The area feels quieter than the busiest pedestrian streets but still provides easy access to central attractions and the Sava riverfront.

Zeleni Venac

Choose Zeleni Venac if: public transport and central connections are important to your trip.

Its location makes it practical for travelers planning to explore both central Belgrade and areas farther from the Old Town.

Ušće and New Belgrade

Choose Ušće if: you prefer river views, open spaces and a less traditional city-center atmosphere.

You will be farther from some Old Town attractions, but Ušće Park, the riverfront and connections toward Zemun are convenient.

Zvezdara

Choose Zvezdara if: price or room type matters more than staying within walking distance of every major attraction.

Public transport becomes more important, so consider the location carefully before booking.

How Much Do Hostels in Belgrade Cost?

Hostel prices in Belgrade vary depending on the season, room type, dorm size and location. Dorm beds are generally more affordable than private rooms, while properties in the most central areas may cost more during busy weekends and major events.

Summer, festivals and holiday periods can also affect rates. Instead of relying on a fixed average price, compare prices for your actual travel dates before choosing accommodation.

Hostel vs Budget Hotel in Belgrade

A hostel is usually the better option if keeping accommodation costs low and meeting other travelers are important parts of your trip. Shared kitchens and common spaces can also help reduce daily travel expenses.

A budget hotel may be more suitable if privacy, quieter nights and hotel-style services matter more than the social experience.

Couples can also consider a private room inside a hostel, which can provide a middle ground between hostel atmosphere and hotel privacy.

What to Check Before Booking a Hostel in Belgrade

• Recent reviews about cleanliness and noise
• Dorm size and bed configuration
• Availability of lockers
• Private or shared bathrooms
• Air conditioning during summer
• Late check-in and reception hours
• Whether towels and bed linen are included
• Private-room availability
• Age restrictions, if applicable
• Distance from public transport and major attractions

Recent reviews are especially important because hostel management, atmosphere and facilities can change over time.

How to Choose the Best Hostel in Belgrade

For a first visit, location should usually be one of your main priorities. Staying in or close to Stari Grad makes it easier to see major attractions without spending much time on transport.

Solo travelers should focus on common areas and social activities, while couples may prioritize private rooms. Light sleepers should check recent reviews for comments about nightlife and noise before booking.

The cheapest hostel is not always the best value. A slightly more expensive central property can save time and transport costs during a short stay.

What Is the Best Hostel in Belgrade?

There is no single best hostel for every traveler. Balkan Soul Hostel is a strong option for solo and social travelers, while Hostelche is better suited to visitors looking for a smaller and more relaxed central stay.

El Diablo works well for travelers who want easy access to the social side of Belgrade, while ArkaBarka stands out for its riverside setting. Fair and Square may suit travelers prioritizing budget and private-room options over a central Old Town location.

The best choice ultimately depends on your budget, preferred atmosphere and how much time you want to spend walking or using public transport.