Top 5 backpacking hostels in Goa

5 backpacking hostels in Goa need to be chosen very carefully. Being a favourite backpacker destination, Goa is flooded with hostels. While most of these are decent, some of them are beyond exceptional.

Staying in a hostel in Goa is a unique experience. There are many advantages to staying in a hostel in Goa. Not only do you save huge bucks, but you also experience different cultures.

Goa is one of my favourite travel destinations and I visit it quite often. In this blog, I will be sharing with you a list of 5 backpacking hostels in Goa that according to me are the best value for money. My assessment of these hostels is based on my personal experience.

There are many advantages to staying in a hostel in Goa. These are the top reasons to stay in a hostel on your next Goa visit.

5 backpacking hostels in Goa

Goa is one of the most visited places in India. The breathtaking beautiful beaches, delectable food and buzzing nightlife make it attractive to thousands of visitors, especially the younger crowd. While finding accommodation in Goa is easy, finding one on a budget is the real task.

If cost is a deciding factor in where you choose to stay in Goa, I suggest you either choose a budget guest house or stay in a hostel. There are many advantages to choosing a hostel. These mainly include affordability, safety, a chance to socialize, etc.

Before I go into the details of the 5 backpacking hostels in Goa and the reasons for staying in a hostel in Goa, here is a quick overview:

5 Reasons to Stay in a Hostel in Goa 

If you are a backpacker wondering about where to stay in Goa, hostels are your best bet. There are many advantages to choosing a hostel in goa. Some of the top 5 that come to mind are:

1. Super Affordable– Nothing can compete with the prices offered by hostels in Goa. Most hostels will cost somewhere between 4 and 9 USD. Pretty affordable, right?
2. Safe – The backpacking hostels in Goa provide ample security. Hostels are also generally a safer option if you are travelling solo to Goa.
3. Community Building – The best part about staying in a hostel in Goa is that you get to be a part of the community. Goa is one destination in India that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. In hostels, you get a chance to connect with fellow travellers. 
4. Helpful Hostels – The hosts and staff in most of the hostels in Goa are really helpful. I have never had any bad experiences in any of the hostels I have stayed in. 
5. Value for Money – Backpacking Hostels in Goa provide the complete value for money. Most provide additional facilities such as free WiFi, access to the common area, bar, etc. 

Top 5 Backpacking Hostels is Goa

Goa is a favourite destination among backpackers. Consequently, you will find a great number of hostels in Goa. Most of these hostels are concentrated in the northern district. If you do not like the idea of staying in Hostels, you can also find many budget hotels and guest houses in Goa. 

These are my recommendations for the Top 5 Backpacking Hostels in Goa:

• Happy Panda Hostel – If you are a solo traveller, looking to meet like-minded people, this is the place. This hostel is located near Arambol Beach is a great place to meet backpackers. Prices start at 341 INR per person. 
• Dreams Hostel – Located very near to Vagator Beach, this hostel is a great place for solo travellers. The common area is absolutely wonderful and you can make and connect with other travellers from around the world. Prices start at 450 INR per person. 
• Craft Hostel – This is one of the best hostels in Goa. Located only minutes away from Anjuna Beach, the hospitality of the caretakers is just amazing. Prices start at 499 INR per person.
• Summer by Hostelcrowd– This is a hostel and hotel.  They have a great common area to hang out along with spacious rooms and bathrooms. I would strongly recommend this place for couples, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 288 INR per person.
• Rainbow Lining Hostels – This one is located near Palolem beach. Like all the other hostels in this section, this place too has female-only dorms. The place is really well maintained and the owner’s Nelson and Ayumi are really very helpful. Prices start at 399 INR per person.

5 Backpacking hostels in North Goa

Between North and South, North Goa has the maximum number of hostels. This makes the north a preferred choice of stay for most budget travellers. If you would like to know about budget stays in North Goa other than the hostels, you can read my other blog.

These are my recommendations for 5 backpacking hostels in North Goa:

• Happy Panda Hostel – If you are a solo traveller, looking to meet like-minded people, this is the place. This hostel is located near Arambol Beach is a great place to meet backpackers. Prices start at 341 INR per person. 
• Paapi Chulo Hostel – This is another great hostel for budget travellers. The hostel is located in close proximity to Orzan Beach and Vagator beach. I particularly loved the hosts and the staff. They were really helpful and fun. Strongly recommended for groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 389 INR per person. 
• Dreams Hostel – Located very near to Vagator Beach, this hostel is a great place for solo travellers. The common area is absolutely wonderful and you can make and connect with other travellers from around the world. Prices start at 450 INR per person. 
• Craft Hostel – This is one of the best hostels in Goa. Located only minutes away from Anjuna Beach, the hospitality of the caretakers is just amazing. Prices start at 499 INR per person.
• Woke Hostel – The hostel is located in Morjim. The property is new and therefore very clean and well maintained. The staff is extremely friendly and will help you in any way they can. Prices start at 595 INR per person.

5 backpacking hostels in South Goa

South Goa has a completely different vibe. The beaches are quieter and the crowds thinner. If you are the kind of person who likes to stay away from the crows, I would suggest you stay somewhere in South Goa.  If you would like to know about budget stays in South Goa other than the hostels, you can read my other blog.

South Goa is known more for its resorts and luxury hotels, and therefore, finding a hostel in this place is not that easy. This is exactly where I want to help you.

These are my recommendations for 5 backpacking hostels in South Goa:

• Agonda Sunset Hostel– Only a walking distance from Agonda, this is a pretty clean hostel with comfortable beds. Prices start at 299 INR per person
• Summer by Hostelcrowd– This is a hostel and hotel.  They have a great common area to hang out along with spacious rooms and bathrooms. I would strongly recommend this place for couples, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 288 INR per person.
• Rainbow Lining Hostels – This one is located near Palolem too. The place is really well maintained and the owners Nelson and Ayumi are really very helpful. Prices start at 399 INR per person.
• The Lost Hostel Goa – The hostel is only a walking distance from Palolem beach. The hostel is well maintained and very clean.  Prices start at 205 INR per person.
• All Seasons Guest House – The guest house also has a hostel and is located in Madgaon. Although I haven’t been here (since the dormitory is only for men) I have heard good things about this place. Prices start at 450 INR per person.  

Palolem is a great place to spend time with your loved ones. Here’s a tiny crab walking along the shores at Palolem Beach.

5 backpacking hostels in Goa for Women

If as a solo woman you are travelling to Goa for the first time, you might have some inhibitions about staying in a hostel. I understand the concern, but I would like to assure you that staying in the hostels is completely safe.

I would like to recommend the 5 backpacking hostels in Goa for Women:

• The Yuppie Hippie Female Hostel – Located in Anjuna, this hostel is for women only. Therefore, if you are comfortable with the idea of mixed dorms, or wish to stay in an all-women space, this is the perfect option. Prices start at 600 INR per person. 
• Dreams Hostel – This hostel is located very near to Vagator Beach. Apart from fro mixed dorms, this hostel also has female-only rooms. The common area is absolutely wonderful and you can make and connect with other travellers from around the world. Prices start at 450 INR per person. 
• Craft Hostel – This is one of the best hostels in Goa. Located only minutes away from Anjuna Beach, the hospitality of the caretakers is just amazing. With female-only dorms, this is a wonderful option for solo women travellers. Prices start at 499 INR per person.
• Summer by Hostelcrowd– This is another great option for solo women travellers.  They have a great common area to hang out along with spacious rooms and bathrooms. I would strongly recommend this place for couples, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 288 INR per person.
• Rainbow Lining Hostels – This one is located near Palolem beach. Like all the other hostels in this section, this place too has female-only dorms. The place is really well maintained and the owners Nelson and Ayumi are really very helpful. Prices start at 399 INR per person.

Best Hostels in Goa near Popular Beaches

Most backpackers prefer to stay near the beach in Goa. Most of the relatively popular beaches in Goa have a number of hostels in close proximity. Below are my recommendations for the best hostel(s) near popular beaches of North and South Goa. 

Best Backpacking Hostels near Arambol Beach

Arambol beach is one of the best beaches in Goa. The beach is known for its hippie and peaceful vibe. If you do decide to stay near this beach, I would suggest the following backpacking hostel. 

• Happy Panda Hostel – If you are a solo traveller, looking to meet like-minded people, this is the place. This hostel is located near Arambol Beach is a great place to meet backpackers. Prices start at 341 INR per person. 
• ImagiNation – Artists’ Hostel– This hostel is going to be one of your best experiences in Goa. The hostel is a lovely place to stay, especially for artists. Prices start at 400 INR per person.

Best Backpacking Hostels near Baga Beach

Baga beach is the nerve centre of all the fun and party scene in Goa. Although there are many hostels and guesthouses, my favourites are: 

• Woke Arpora – With great interiors, friendly staff and amazing location, this is one of the best hostels near Baga Beach. Prices start at 401 INR per person. 
• Bunk and Breakfast – Located only a walking distance from Baga beach, this hostel is good value for money. Prices start at 585 INR per person. 

Best Backpacking Hostel near Calangute Beach

Just like Baga Beach, Calangute is also known for its fun activities. The hostel I found to be the best value for money near Calangute beach is:

• Aerostel Goa– If you are looking for a hostel near Calangute Beach, this is a pretty good option. Prices start at 575 INR per person.

Best Backpacking Hostels near Anjuna Beach

Anjuna is one of the most happening beaches in Goa.  Anjuna is a good option for backpackers visiting Goa. Some of the best hostels near Anjuna beach are:

• Craft Hostel – This is one of the best hostels in Goa. Located only minutes away from Anjuna Beach, the hospitality of the caretakers is just amazing. Prices start at 499 INR per person.
• The Nest by Hostelogy– The hostel is located in a quiet place near Anjuna beach. The entire place has a chill and laid back vibe, Prices start at 266 INR per person.

Best Backpacking Hostels near Vagator Beach

If you are travelling to North Goa for the first time, I would recommend you to stay near Vagator beach. I would suggest you pick one of these hostels near Vagator beach:

• Paapi Chulo Hostel – This is another great hostel for budget travellers. The hostel is located in close proximity to Orzan Beach and Vagator beach. I particularly loved the hosts and the staff as they were really helpful and fun. Strongly recommended for groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 389 INR per person. 
• Dreams Hostel – Located very near to Vagator Beach, this hostel is a great place for solo travellers. The common area is absolutely wonderful and you can make and connect with other travellers from around the world. Prices start at 450 INR per person. 

Best Backpacking Hostels near Palolem Beach

For backpackers who prefer a more quieter holiday, South Goa beaches are the best. Palolem is one such beach that offers a serene experience. These are some of the best hostels near Palolem beach:

• Summer by Hostelcrowd– This is a hostel and hotel.  They have a great common area to hang out along with spacious rooms and bathrooms. I would strongly recommend this place for couples, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 288 INR per person.
• Rainbow Lining Hostels – This one is located near Palolem too. The place is really well maintained and the owners Nelson and Ayumi are really very helpful. Prices start at 399 INR per person.

Best Backpacking Hostels near Agonda Beach

Agonda is another beautiful and serene beach in South Goa that is perfect for travellers seeking solitude. I would recommend the following hostel if you plan to stay near Agonda beach:

• Agonda Sunset Hostel– Only a walking distance from Agonda, this is a pretty clean hostel with comfortable beds. Prices start at 299 INR per person.

Top Tips for booking a Backpacking Hostel in Goa

Here are a few tips that will help you book a decent budget stay in North Goa:

1. Book Early – You need to book well in advance if you are planning to visit during the peak tourist season. This is especially important if you are planning to stay in a hostel in busy places like Baga or Calangute.
2. Avoid the weekends – Avoid visiting Goa on the weekends. Not only will the prices be inflated but the beaches will be too crowded. 
3. Avoid the Christmas time – Avoid the time between Christmas and new year is the busiest time in North Goa. The beaches are full, the resorts, hotels and hostels are jam-packed. The accommodation prices and more than double.
4. Carry a valid ID – You must carry a valid ID card.  For foreign nationals, the ID must be a passport.  For Indian nationals, mostly Aadhar card, Passport, etc can work. You may be refused a booking if you aren’t carrying one.

I hope this blog helped you with finding a suitable hostel for your backpacking trip to Goa. If you have questions, feel free to ask below in the comments section, I would be happy to help. 

Happy Wayfaring 🙂