Cape Town

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Dorm beds in Cape Town, South Africa range from $15 to $59/night over the next 3 months. HostelHound tracks 40 properties. Cheapest upcoming dates: Aug 24, Aug 25, Aug 26.

Last updated 2 hours ago

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August 2026
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+5%/−5% = price change over the last 7 days for that check-in date

Hostel prices in Cape Town, South Africa

A typical dorm night in Cape Town runs about $17.

At $15/night and up, Cape Town is one of the pricier hostel destinations in South Africa.

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Hostels we track in Cape Town

Show all 40 hostels

Local knowledge for Cape Town

Where to stay

Long Street is the classic backpacker corridor, with hostels above bars and easy walking to the Company's Garden and the CBD. Observatory (Obs) runs cheaper and more local, and sits on the Metrorail southern line into town, though most travelers use a rideshare to reach the V&A Waterfront after dark.

Getting around

  • The MyCiTi bus from Cape Town International to the Civic Centre costs around R85. Buy a myconnect card at the airport terminal before you leave arrivals.
  • Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock runs every Saturday morning. Go before 11am. The best stalls sell out and the crowds get thick by noon.
  • Avoid hostels on or just off Bree Street if noise matters to you. The bar scene runs late on weekends and earplugs only do so much.

When to go

June through August is the cheapest window despite some rain, while December through mid-January, especially the New Year's stretch, pushes Long Street hostels to their highest prices of the year and beds book out weeks in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a hostel in Cape Town cost per night?

Dorm beds in Cape Town currently range from $15 to $59/night based on the next 3 months of availability.

When are the cheapest dates to book a hostel in Cape Town?

Based on current data, the cheapest upcoming dates for hostels in Cape Town are August 24, August 25, August 26.

How many hostels does HostelHound track in Cape Town?

HostelHound currently tracks 40 hostels in Cape Town, South Africa.

Is Cape Town affordable compared to other hostel cities in South Africa?

Cape Town is one of the pricier hostel destinations in South Africa, with dorm prices starting from $15/night.

Where do backpackers stay in Cape Town?

Long Street is the classic backpacker corridor, with hostels above bars and easy walking to the Company's Garden and the CBD. Observatory (Obs) runs cheaper and more local, and sits on the Metrorail southern line into town, though most travelers use a rideshare to reach the V&A Waterfront after dark.

What is the best time of year to visit Cape Town?

June through August is the cheapest window despite some rain, while December through mid-January, especially the New Year's stretch, pushes Long Street hostels to their highest prices of the year and beds book out weeks in advance.