Being the capital as well as the obvious starting point for a backpacking trip in Colombia, Bogota has a wide range of hostels to choose from.
Although Bogota can take a little while to fall in love with (the traffic and grungy aesthetic can be jarring at first), staying in a top-quality hostel ensures your trip will start off on the right track.
Having stayed in the capital several times, these are my recommended best hostels in Bogota, Colombia.
Quick tips
Best for backpackers: Hostal R10 or Botanico Hostel
Best for digital nomads: Selina La Candelaria
Best for flashpackers (with a bit of luxury): Viajero Bogota Hotel and Spa
For a more local neighborhood: Bandido Hostel
Hostal R10
BEST OVERALL HOSTEL
I liked R10 Hostel so much I stayed there twice! If you’re looking for a hostel with good value, good facilities, and that’s smack in the middle of the most popular area in Bogota, then R10 Hostel is my top recommendation. You can check availability at R10 Hostel here.
It has everything you might want: dorm rooms (both mixed and female), basic private rooms, a shared kitchen, not to mention beautiful decor.
The layout is a bit spread out across several spacious areas but don’t worry: most people hang out at the rooftop bar in the evening, so there is a great social atmosphere. Every morning there is also breakfast available.
R10 is in the middle of La Candelaria, the old town of Bogota that has the most things to see. You’ll be just short walk from the main square and the Botero Museum.
Botanico Hostel
BEST QUIET HOSTEL
Bogota is a metropolis with over 7 million people, but at Botanico Hostel you just think you’re a small town in the coffee region. Stepping inside, you are immediately hit with the sense of tranquility that the gardens provide. It’s a great oasis to relax and recharge after days spent exploring traffic-plagued Bogota.
One of the best things about the location of this hostel is that you will be surrounded by a number of good restaurants, each with its own unique cuisine. My favorite is Prudencia, they offer a new menu each day with fresh ingredients inspired by cuisines all over the world.
Botanico is also in La Candelaria neighborhood, but a bit further up the hill where it’s quieter. If you enjoy outdoor spaces with loads of greenery, look no further than Botanico.
They also offer free Colombian coffee all day — who can resist that??
Selina La Candelaria
BEST FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
Selina is the perfect hostel for digital nomads or remote workers. It offers a coworking space with high-speed internet, plenty of outlets to charge your devices, and even rooms for you to take important Zoom calls. This hostel truly has everything you need to stay productive on the road.
Is it the most buzzing hostel in Bogota? Well, it depends, as some people are working during the day, and the atmosphere of Selina hostels tend to be somewhere in between a hotel and a traveler hostel.
However, the facilities are much better than a typical hostel, making it the best choice for a long stay or if you need to work while traveling. You can check their dorms and private rooms here.
That said, at night the guests will be out and about enjoying Bogota’s incredible nightlife. Located in the historic district, you will be surrounded by bars, rooftop patios, and clubs to enjoy some tasty cocktails and latin music.
Bandido Hostel
MOST UNIQUE LOCATION
Most travelers stay in La Candelaria neighborhood because it’s the historic district. However, it’s just one (quite touristy) part of Bogota and not always so safe at night. If you want to see the local side of Bogota, then be sure to stay in Bandido Hostel.
Bandido is located in Teusaquillo, an area surrounded by many green spaces making this a very relaxed place to stay. It’s just a 15-minute taxi ride from the old town, yet it’s amazing how different the vibe is, with the area being much more spacious and feeling almost European in style.
Hostel Bandido will feel like a home away from home, with its family atmosphere and comfortable rooms you will quickly make friends with the other guests. Prices start at just $7 per night for a dorm room, making this one of the more affordable hostels on this list.
Masaya
Masaya is a local Colombian chain that has some amazing hostels all over the country. While I didn’t stay in the Masaya Bogota, I did stay in one of their other hostels, and it’s obvious they really care about service, cleanliness, and quality.
I know that you will instantly get the Colombian vibe once you step foot into this old colonial house. With traditional decor on the walls and a variety of activities from cooking a traditional Colombian meal to salsa classes a few times per week, the Masaya Bogota is sure to give you a fun time.
The price ranges from $9 dorm rooms to $50 for a private room making this a great option for any type of traveler. Located in the Candelaria neighborhood giving you easy access to the whole city. They also offer a free walking tour every day to help get familiar with the city.
Viajero Bogota Hotel and Spa
BEST FOR LUXURY ON A BUDGET
Relax and Recharge at one of the most luxurious hostels in the world. Viajero offers an incredible Monserrat Spa that includes a sauna, steam bath, hydromassage circuit, and highly qualified masseuses who will help you get relaxed and rejuvenated during your travels.
This is the perfect hostel for those who have been traveling a bit longer and are in need of some pampering. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with private bathrooms, there is also a lounge and restaurant on-site.
While the Viajero Bogota Hostel and Spa is a bit more expensive than some of the others on this list, it is definitely worth it for those who are looking for a little bit of luxury during their travels.
The Cranky Croc
The Cranky Croc is a longstanding backpackers hostel in the historic center of Bogota and invites its guests to live the real Colombian experience. The hostel has an on-site bar where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day of exploring the city, and there is also a restaurant serving up local dishes.
This is a great choice for solo travelers looking for a social atmosphere to make friends, there are often events and activities organized by the staff. You will find loads of tours at this hostel making it easy to explore Bogota and its surroundings. The hostel is located near some of Bogota’s most interesting sites, museums, and nightlife.
Granada Hostel
Comfort at a low cost is a great way to describe Granada Hostel, it’s clean and tidy, and has pressurized HOT showers with a great location. This hostel is for budget travelers who are looking for a place to crash after a long day of exploring Bogota. There are private rooms available if you need some alone time, but the dorms are where the social atmosphere is at.
Granada Hostel is ideal for travelers looking to see the area’s scenery and historic areas. Within a few blocks, you’ll find Museo del Oro, Quevedo Jet, Museum of Botero, Bolivar Plaza, La Casa de la Moneda, 20 de Julio Museum, and many other historical sights.
After experiencing the history of the town, come back and socialize in the patio bar or take a break in one of the many hammocks… they even have a huge net hammock in the center of the house that is a fan favorite when staying here. You will find the house is full of social areas where you can make new friends during your trip.
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Posted OCT 12, 2022 (Updated Oct 12, 2022)
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