Best Hostels in Chicago for Backpackers, Solo Travellers, and Small Groups

Best Hostels in Chicago for Backpackers, Solo Travellers, and Small Groups
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It is a large metropolitan area that attracts travelers from around the world who come for the impressive cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and popular live music venues. There are a wide variety of quintessential sights that you must see in Chicago, but it is also fun to wander around the neighborhoods and soak up some of the atmosphere.

Like many major cities in the US, Chicago can be an expensive place to visit. It has a decent number of hostels to choose from and each hostel has it's own character and atmosphere. There are larger hostels and smaller hostels. Some have more of a social atmosphere while others feel a bit like a hotel. In general, hostels offer an affordable and fun place to stay.
How much do hostels in Chicago cost?

You can find our comprehensive analysis of all hostel prices in Chicago here. We've found the average prices of dorms and private rooms, as well as the typical prices of hostels with various amenities, too.



A good hostel for students, backpackers, and solo travellers.

Dorm Bed from $26.10
Private Room from $31.05
Overall Rating: 93%
24 E Ida B Wells Drive Chicago, Chicago
This hostel is part of the Hostelling International group. It's also the second largest hostel in the United States with more than five hundred beds available. The dorms are separated by gender and they sleep either eight or ten people. Each dorm has an ensuite bathroom.

The hostel is located in the heart of the downtown university district. It's walking distance to the Sears Tower, Michigan Avenue/Magnificent Mile shopping, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, and much more. Public transportation is also easily accessible with major train and bus lines just two blocks away.

This hostel offers a good value for travelers or students who want to experience everything that Chicago has to offer without breaking the bank. It appeals to a diverse group of travelers and you're sure to meet people from around the world during your stay here.


A good hostel for solo travellers and backpackers.

Dorm Bed from $21.60
Private Room from $23.76
Overall Rating: 85%
19 E Ohio Street, Chicago
Freehand Chicago is another favorite hostel for backpackers and budget travelers in Chicago. It's located in a 1927 building in the River North neighborhood. This area has a lot of Chicago's best art galleries, boutiques, and dining options. The hostel was originally a hotel and it has been redesigned to encourage a more community based atmosphere. There is an on-site bar and a guest lounge where visitors can hang out. The staff are also multi-lingual and they can help you arrange any number of tours and activities.

If you're looking for a basic and fun place to stay that is well located and a reasonable price, then Freehand Chicago is a good option. It's a good value hostel that has both private rooms and dorms available. Private rooms are either twin or four bed rooms and dorms sleep up to four people. Female only and co-ed rooms are available.


Private Room from $20.90
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 100%
1415 N. Ashland Ave Suite #424, Chicago
Studio 424 is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service and bicycle hire. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a microwave. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, 24 hour reception, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and a mini-supermarket are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $34.05
Private Room from $32.18
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 91%
616 West Arlington Place Chicago, Chicago
You'll love this hostel because of it's good location and quality amenities. It features friendly service, a common room, board games, cable tv, and foosball. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast and self-catering facilities. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, security lockers, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, key card access, parking, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $31.00
Private Room from $40.25
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 82%
3514 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago
You'll love this hostel because of it's good location and quality amenities. It features friendly service, a bar, bicycle hire, a common room, a games room, board games, and cable tv. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's self-catering facilities and a microwave. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, security lockers, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, key card access, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $25.00
Private Room from $58.50
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 82%
100 E Chestnut St, Chicago
This terrific hostel offers friendly service. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. Wi-fi, security lockers, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, parking, towels included, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Dorm Bed from $31.50
Private Room from $45.00
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 78%
310 S. Halsted Street GreyHound Amtrak Stations, Chicago
Chicago Parthenon Hostel is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service, a common room, board games, and cable tv. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's a microwave. Wi-fi, security lockers, luggage storage, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.


Private Room from $0.25
(Prices vary by season)
5863 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago
This terrific guesthouse offers friendly service and cable tv. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast, self-catering facilities, and a microwave. Wi-fi, parking, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.
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More Accommodation Options

Check these out other nearby places to stay.

For more accommodation prices and options, check out our guide covering Chicago hotel prices for your next trip.



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Best Hostels in Chicago for Backpackers, Solo Travellers, and Small Groups | Budget Your Trip

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