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Hostels in Colombo

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The best hostels in Colombo

Some of the best backpacker spots in Colombo

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Alma Boutique Hostel - Colombo

Colombo

Set in Colombo, within less than 1 km of Bambalapitiya Railway Station and 5.9 km of Khan Clock Tower, Alma Boutique Hostel - Colombo offers accommodation with a garden and free WiFi throughout the...

I
Imre
From
Hungary
I loved the huge green garden. The staff and the owners were very kind and helpful.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 285 reviews
Price from
US$55
1 night, 2 adults

Drop Inn Hostels

Colombo

Drop Inn Hostels is situated in Colombo, 1.1 km from Asiri Surgical Hospital and 3.9 km from U.S. Embassy. Free WiFi access is available. The air-conditioned rooms come with a private bathroom.

H
Hishy
From
Saudi Arabia
such a beautiful and place and people
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,298 reviews
Price from
US$42.30
1 night, 2 adults

SeSaya Poshtel & Bistro - Colombo's Newest and Finest Poshtel Dorms and Rooms

Colombo

Situated in Colombo, within 5.8 km of Bambalapitiya Railway Station and 6.1 km of R Premadasa Stadium, SeSaya Poshtel & Bistro - Colombo's Newest and Finest Poshtel Dorms and Rooms features...

C
Chitra
From
Sri Lanka
We made a last minute decision to spend a night in Colombo and were drawn to Sesaya Poshtel & Bistro—a stylish new addition to the city’s hospitality scene. The experience impressed us from the outset. After making the reservation, we were pleasantly surprised by the proactive communication from the team. Chalani and Ayesha reached out promptly to confirm our preferences, and upon arrival, they greeted us with genuine warmth. To our delight, we were also personally welcomed by General Manager Rajith, a gesture that perfectly reflected the hotel’s dedication to personalized service. The highlight of our visit was dinner at the rooftop bistro—a comfortable space with a lively atmosphere. Shenal, the Food & Beverage Manager, and his courteous assistant ensured our meal was seamless and memorable. We started with the Paprika Hummus, which offered a smoky, well-seasoned richness that paired beautifully with our chosen wine. Next came the Pulled Beef Tacos, a dish that exceeded expectations. While Sri Lankan beef is known for its flavor, it can often be tough—however, this version was melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with deep, satisfying flavors. The Crispy Skin Barramundi was another standout: perfectly seared skin atop delicately cooked fish, complemented by a creamy sauce that elevated the dish without overwhelming it. Throughout our stay, every team member went out of their way to make us feel truly valued. The thoughtful farewell from each staff member who assisted us left a heartwarming and memorable impression.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 107 reviews
Price from
US$47.70
1 night, 2 adults

Lost & Found - Colombo

Kollupitiya, Colombo

Situated in Colombo and with Kollupitiya Beach reachable within 1.1 km, Lost & Found - Colombo features express check-in and check-out, rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace.

M
Marcus
From
Netherlands
Excellent hotel with great staff. When I would come back to Colombo, I would definitely stay here again
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 635 reviews
Price from
US$25
1 night, 2 adults

Havelock City Hostel, Colombo

Havelock Town, Colombo

Located in Colombo, within 1.7 km of Milagiriya Beach and 2.9 km of Bambalapitiya Railway Station, Havelock City Hostel, Colombo provides accommodation with a shared lounge and free WiFi as well as...

T
Tom
From
Australia
Beds were very comfortable. Aircon was a big relief for the humidity in April. Great little kitchen and common area space to do activities. Fridge was great to put drinks and food in as well. Great place to stay to find your feet after a travel day. Wasn’t much “culture” but was great nonetheless
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 643 reviews
Price from
US$13.50
1 night, 2 adults

Seconds Hostel - Colombo

Colombo

Located in Colombo, 2.6 km from Wellawatte Beach, Seconds Hostel - Colombo provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

F
Florian
From
Germany
The owner and team have made me feel very welcoming. Better start than I could have imagined. Had lovely conversations and really felt home - quite unfortunate that I already needed to take off to explore the island. I’ll definitely come back before I fly out of Sri Lanka. Thanks a lot - it’s been a pleasure meeting all of you 😊
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 838 reviews
Price from
US$42.15
1 night, 2 adults

Hostel Republic at Galle Face

Kollupitiya, Colombo

Set in Colombo, within 200 metres of Galle Face Beach and 2.9 km of Khan Clock Tower, Hostel Republic at Galle Face offers accommodation with a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property as...

M
Mathilde
From
France
The hostel is new, really comfortable and clean, good equipment and localisation in a quiet place close to the sea. The manager was amazing, he shared food with us and recommendations. I really enjoyed my stay there and recommend it !
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 529 reviews
Price from
US$18
1 night, 2 adults

Colombo Downtown Monkey Backpackers Hostel

Fort, Colombo

Colombo downtown monkey is centrally located in the heart of Colombo just a short 5-minute walk from you Colombo’s main Railway and Bus Station. Guests can also check-out the peaceful Beira Lake.

G
Giulio
From
Italy
Well located, clean hostel to spend a night or two in Colombo. I give it 10 for the kindness and generosity of the woman who runs it. If everyone were like her the world would be better!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,550 reviews
Price from
US$17
1 night, 2 adults

CityRest Fort

Fort, Colombo

Offering free Wi-Fi in all areas, CityRest Fort is a hostel located in the centre of Colombo. It offers different room types, including dormitories and private rooms.

G
Globetrotter118
From
Norway
I don't understand some of the low scores because there's nothing wrong with this hotel. No, it's not like the cozy Guesthouses you find elsewhere in the country, but it's a spotless clean typical big city basic budget hotel like the ones you find elsewhere in the world. Basic, big enough room with a bed and a desk. Lots of power outlets to charge all your gadgets. The common bathrooms were kept clean at all times, and there were so many of them on each floor. A nice common room with tables and chairs, free tea and coffee, a nice rooftop sitting area, and excellent WiFi (to be Sri Lanka anyway). Friendly staff too. Superb location right in the thick of things in the Fort. Restaurants and bars literally on their doorstep.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.3
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 1,113 reviews
Price from
US$45
1 night, 2 adults

Backpack Lanka

Kollupitiya, Colombo

Ideally located in the Kollupitiya district of Colombo, Backpack Lanka is set 3 km from Bambalapitiya Railway Station, 3.9 km from Khan Clock Tower and 5.6 km from R Premadasa Stadium.

R
Ruoyu
From
China
The young boss is very enthusiastic! The air conditioning is very good! Located in the most prosperous area of the city center.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 176 reviews
Price from
US$23.40
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Colombo

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.

Most booked hostels in Colombo and surroundings in the past month

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Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.1
Good - What previous guests thought, 782 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 838 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 571 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 643 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 107 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 529 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 733 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 285 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,550 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Colombo

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,298 reviews

Great access to the city centre. Check these hostels in Colombo and nearby

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 207 reviews

Located within 300 metres of Wellawatte Beach and 3.1 km of Bambalapitiya Railway Station, The Anam Hotel - Wellawatte provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Colombo.

From US$33.93 per night

FAQ about hostels in Colombo

Hostels that guests love in Colombo

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 571 reviews
Nice hostel centrally located in Colombo, the museum and a big park is just around the corner. The hangout area is small, making it really easy to meet new people! The AC female dorm was spacious and clean, the AC was working great. Thanks again to the owner of the hostel, he's really funny and made sure that we single travelling girls got picked up by the right drivers to get to our destinations :)
Guest review by
Annette
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$65
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,298 reviews
I can honestly say that Drop Inn has been one of the best hostel stays of my life. The place has a very welcoming and chill atmosphere. Lots of little nooks and crannies to hide in if you want a little bit of solitude, and a great communal space if you want to socialise with the other backpackers. The room and bed were comfortable, with well working AC, which was MUCH needed. The staff were all very friendly, kind and helpful. Drop Inn is a great peaceful haven to escape the noise and chaos of the city. Will definitely be staying here again.
Guest review by
Joanna
Solo traveller
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,550 reviews
The staff are so lovely and nice! Breakfast is delicious eggs toast and fruit! Sheets were really clean and I felt really safe whilst staying there. I think people forget that they have booked a hostel and forget how cheap the hostel is considering it includes breakfast so I would consider this place good value for money! Easy to get to other places from here and it was a nice relaxing vibe hanging in kitchen eating brekkie with other travellers. Also 24 hr check in is a plus!
Guest review by
Mele
Young couple
Avg. price/night: US$58
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.3
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 1,113 reviews
Decent Budget hostel option for Colombo Fort area, they arranged a taxi from the airport (for a reasonable fee) for us, and were able to take both USD and LRs. We did a private room for 2 with bunk beds with working AC. The shared bathroom was clean. Provided eggs for breakfast. Quick walk or cheap tuk tuk to the Train station or the red Mosque or the popular market.
Guest review by
Jamie
Young couple
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,550 reviews
best hostel you can find in Colombo! Dormitories are clean, and you have also a bathroom inside each dormitory in addition of the common ones in the corridor, the breakfast is simple but good! The location is perfect if you have planed to move throughout Sri Lanka by train or bus. The best point is definitely the kindness of the owners and employees who are also really helpful, you will feel like home and have a second mom. Thank you for everything :)
Guest review by
Léa
People with friends