Hostels in Italy Ranked: My Honest Backpacker Ranking
If you’re backpacking around Italy, chances are you’ll end up staying in a hostel at least once.
I’ve stayed in a LOT of hostels around Italy, and I’ve definitely had some that I absolutely loved, some that were perfectly fine, and a few where I was already counting down until check-out.
So instead of making another generic list of the “best hostels in Italy”, I wanted to rank the hostels I’ve actually experienced myself.
This is a completely personal ranking based on what matters to me when backpacking: how clean it is, the rooms, common areas, kitchen, location, price, how social it feels and, honestly, whether I would actually want to stay there again.
One important thing: this isn’t a ranking of every hostel in Italy. There are way too many for that. It’s simply my personal ranking of the Italian hostels I’ve stayed in, plus one hostel I haven’t stayed at myself but that my brother has stayed in multiple times.
And yes, some of these rankings might be controversial.
My Favourite Hostel Chain in Italy: Ostello Bello
Before getting into the ranking, I have to talk about Ostello Bello.
I LOVE this hostel chain.
Ostello Bello has hostels in several Italian cities, including Milan, Palermo, Genoa, Como, Florence, Rome, Naples, Bologna and Assisi.
I’ve stayed in several of them, and honestly, I think they generally understand what I want from a hostel.
They’re usually social without necessarily being insane party hostels, they have proper common spaces, kitchens and bars, and they make it easy to meet other travellers.
But even within the same chain, my experiences have been quite different depending on the location.
And one of them is easily one of my all-time favourite hostels ever.
My Italy Hostel Ranking
Here’s my personal ranking from best to worst:
- Ostello Bello Palermo
- Ostello Bello Genoa
- Combo Torino
- QUA Milano
- Agriturismo La Derta, Lake Como
- Ostello Bello Milano Centrale
- New Generation Hostel Navigli, Milan
- Hostel Taormina – Homstel
- The Hostello Verona
This ranking is obviously based on my own experiences, so don’t take it as an objective “best to worst hostel in Italy” list. A hostel that I rank low might actually be perfect for you depending on what you’re looking for.
1. Ostello Bello Palermo
Location: Palermo, Sicily
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Would I stay again? Absolutely. In fact, I need to go back.
This is genuinely one of my all-time favourite hostels I’ve ever stayed in.
And I’ve stayed in a LOT of hostels.
Ostello Bello Palermo just got so many things right for me.
It was incredibly social, clean, comfortable and had great common areas where you could actually spend time rather than just passing through.
And then there was the food.
Free Food Everywhere
One of the things I loved most was the amount of free food available in the kitchen.
There was stuff like vegetables, pasta, eggs and other ingredients that you could use to make your own food.
As a backpacker, this is honestly AMAZING.
Free food + a kitchen + a social hostel = basically everything I need.
The official hostel also describes the guest kitchen as being stocked with free pasta, tomato sauce and ingredients for guests to cook with.
Great Common Areas
The common areas were another huge plus.
There were plenty of spaces where you could sit, chill, talk to people or just hang out with your laptop.
The bar was also really nice and added to the social atmosphere.
And I got a free welcome drink, which is always a good way to start a hostel stay.
The hostel is also located in a former early-20th-century power station, which gives the common spaces a really cool industrial character.
And Apparently There Is Now a Pool?!
I recently found out that there is now a pool.
A POOL.
At my favourite hostel?!
I genuinely need to go back.
A friend of mine stayed there recently and 100% agreed with me about how good it is, which made me feel even more validated in putting this one at number one.
The hostel’s current setup also includes different social spaces and regular events at the bar.
Would I Recommend It?
YES.
If you’re backpacking Sicily and want a hostel where you can actually meet people, cook together, have a drink and feel comfortable staying for a few days, this would be one of my first choices.
My verdict: 🏆 My favourite hostel in Italy and genuinely one of my all-time favourite hostels I’ve ever stayed in.
2. Ostello Bello Genoa
Location: Genoa
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Would I stay again? Yes
Another Ostello Bello makes it into my top three.
Ostello Bello Genoa was a really nice stay. The rooms were good, the common areas were pleasant and, just like in Palermo, there was free food available for guests.
There was less of it than in Palermo, though.
And unfortunately, it disappeared pretty quickly.
So if you see free food in the kitchen, don’t assume it’ll still be there three hours later.
The Atmosphere
I found Genoa a little less social than Palermo.
But there is a chance that this was simply because I stayed there in mid-September, so the hostel might have had a different crowd compared with the busier summer months.
I wouldn’t necessarily use my experience to say the hostel isn’t social.
The hostel itself is in the historic centre and close to Porto Antico, the Aquarium and the famous Caruggi, so the location is actually pretty convenient for exploring Genoa on foot.
For me, the location wasn’t quite as lively as I might have wanted in terms of immediately stepping outside into busy streets and nightlife.
But it was still convenient enough.
Would I Recommend It?
Definitely.
Especially if you like the Ostello Bello style but want to explore a city that gets a little less attention than Rome, Milan or Florence.
My verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Really good hostel with nice rooms, pleasant common areas and free food. A little less social than Palermo for me, but I’d happily stay again.
3. Combo Torino
Location: Turin
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Would I stay again? Yes
First of all, I have to say that I just loved Turin.
And I think that definitely influenced how much I enjoyed staying here.
Combo Torino had nice rooms and comfortable common areas, so it felt like a place where you could actually spend some time rather than just sleep and leave.
Great Coffee & Breakfast Spot
One of my favourite things was the coffee and breakfast area.
It had a really nice atmosphere and was a great place to start the day.
The hostel was also fairly social, so I didn’t feel completely isolated when travelling.
It wasn’t the most activity-filled hostel I’ve ever stayed in, though.
There weren’t loads of organised activities happening, which could be improved if you’re specifically looking for a hostel that creates lots of opportunities to meet people.
The Area
The one thing I wasn’t completely in love with was the area at night.
It felt a little sketchy after dark to me.
Again, this is my personal experience and feeling rather than me saying the whole neighbourhood is unsafe.
During the day, I had no issue exploring Turin, and I absolutely loved the city itself.
But when returning at night, I was a bit more aware of my surroundings.
My verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ A really nice hostel in a city I loved, with comfortable spaces and a great breakfast/coffee setup. The area felt a little sketchy at night and there weren’t many activities.
4. QUA Milano
Location: Milan
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Would I stay again? Probably
QUA Milano was a really nice hostel overall.
The rooms were clean, the kitchen area was good and there were nice common spaces.
There was also a good bar, which always helps when you’re looking for a hostel with some atmosphere.
The Location
The area felt a little quiet and less lively than I would have preferred.
It wasn’t somewhere where I stepped outside and immediately felt like I was surrounded by loads of things happening.
That isn’t necessarily bad, especially if you prefer a quieter place to stay.
But for me, when I’m backpacking and staying in a hostel, I usually like having a bit more energy around me.
The Guests
One funny thing I noticed during my stay was that most of the guests seemed to be male.
I want to emphasise that this may have been completely coincidental and obviously isn’t something you can use to predict what the hostel will be like now.
But it was something I noticed during my stay.
Overall, though, I had a perfectly good experience here.
My verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clean, comfortable and with a good bar and kitchen, but the area felt a little too quiet for me.
5. Agriturismo La Derta – Lake Como
Location: Near Bellagio, Lake Como
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Would I stay again? Yes, especially for a change of pace
This one is quite different from the others.
Agriturismo La Derta is located around 15 minutes from Bellagio, in a lovely small village, and the whole atmosphere was much more relaxed.
And honestly?
Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Beautiful and Relaxed
The rooms were really pretty and the whole property was beautiful.
It didn’t feel like a typical busy backpacker hostel.
Instead, it had much more of a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.
It wasn’t particularly social, but I didn’t necessarily see that as a negative.
After staying in lots of social hostels, having somewhere quiet where you can just chill for a bit can actually be really nice.
Free Breakfast
There was also a free breakfast, which I always appreciate when travelling on a budget.
The selection wasn’t huge, though.
It was enough to get you started in the morning, but don’t expect a massive breakfast buffet.
The Kitchen
The kitchen was quite small, and there was almost no space in the fridge.
That can become a little annoying if you’re trying to cook and store your own food.
But because the hostel was more about relaxing than socialising, I didn’t find this as annoying as I might have in a more typical backpacker hostel.
It was actually quite nice to switch things up.
My verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beautiful, peaceful and a great change from a busy backpacker hostel. Not particularly social, but perfect if you want to slow down around Lake Como.
6. Ostello Bello Milano Centrale
And honestly, when you’re dragging a backpack through Milan after a long train journey, being close to the station is worth a LOT.
The Neighbourhood
The downside is that I didn’t love the neighbourhood itself.
It isn’t the part of Milan where I would choose to wander around just because it’s beautiful or lively.
For me, it felt more like:
“I’m staying here because the location is incredibly convenient.”
rather than:
“I’m staying here because this is my favourite neighbourhood in Milan.”
The Atmosphere
When I stayed there in September, it also didn’t feel particularly social.
Again, this could easily have been because of the time of year and the specific group staying there.
The hostel itself was clean and had a nice bar area, so the facilities were good.
It just didn’t have the social energy I had experienced at some of the other Ostello Bello locations.
My verdict: ⭐⭐⭐½ Super convenient if you’re travelling by train, clean and with a nice bar, but I didn’t love the neighbourhood and found it less social during my September stay.
7. New Generation Hostel Navigli – Milan
Location: Milan
My experience: I haven’t stayed here myself
Why it’s on the list: My brother stayed multiple times and really liked it
This one comes with a disclaimer because I haven’t actually stayed here myself.
My brother has stayed at New Generation Hostel Navigli multiple times and really liked it, though, so I wanted to include it in my ranking.
The biggest advantage seems to be the price.
Milan can be an expensive city for accommodation, so having a cheap hostel option is always useful when you’re backpacking.
The location is also close to the Navigli area, which is one of Milan’s best areas for nightlife, bars and aperitivo.
So if you’re looking for somewhere cheap to stay in Milan and want to be close to nightlife, this definitely sounds like an option worth checking out.
I obviously can’t give you a personal rating for the rooms or atmosphere because I haven’t stayed there myself.
But considering my brother has stayed multiple times and liked it, it makes the list.
My verdict: ⭐⭐⭐½ I haven’t stayed here myself, but my brother has stayed multiple times and really liked it. Cheap and well located for Milan nightlife.
8. Hostel Taormina – Homstel
Location: Taormina, Sicily
My rating: ⭐⭐½
Would I stay again? Probably not
First of all: I absolutely loved Taormina.
The town itself is beautiful and the hostel had a really nice balcony with a great view.
The hostel was also very small, which could be nice if you don’t like massive hostels.
Unfortunately, there were quite a few things about the hostel itself that I didn’t love.
The Security Was Strange
There were no room keys, which I found really strange.
Basically, anyone could enter the room.
Even more bizarrely, the entry code was written on the hostel door, meaning that someone outside could potentially see the code needed to get inside.
I found the whole setup very strange and it didn’t make me feel particularly secure.
The Beds Were Not Great
The bunk beds were three beds high, and they were extremely noisy and wobbly.
Every time someone moved, the whole thing seemed to shake.
And if you’re trying to sleep while someone climbs up and down a three-level bunk bed, you definitely notice.
There was also loud music starting in the morning, so sleeping in wasn’t exactly easy.
Bathrooms & Kitchen
The bathrooms weren’t particularly clean during my stay.
The kitchen was also quite small.
There was a bar setup, but it was basically just a table. Outside drinks weren’t allowed, which I found a little annoying because there wasn’t really a proper bar atmosphere to replace it.
Not Social
There weren’t really activities planned, and I didn’t find it particularly social.
For me, that’s a shame because one of the reasons I love staying in hostels is meeting people.
And Yes, I Saw a Rat
I also saw a rat on the balcony.
I have absolutely no idea whether this was a one-off thing, and I’m not going to pretend I know anything about the hostel’s general pest situation.
But I definitely wasn’t thrilled to see one.
My verdict: ⭐⭐½ Amazing destination and a great balcony view, but too many issues with the rooms, security, bathrooms, noise and social atmosphere for me.
9. The Hostello Verona
Location: Verona
My rating: ⭐⭐½
Would I stay again? No, personally
The Hostello Verona is another complicated one.
Because the hostel itself was actually pretty nice.
The rooms were good, the kitchen was okay and the common areas were pleasant.
And especially the outdoor area was really pretty.
The hostel had a much more laid-back atmosphere rather than a super social backpacker vibe.
If you’re looking for somewhere quiet, that might actually be a positive.
But unfortunately, my experience in the surrounding area completely changed how I felt about staying there.
I Felt Very Unsafe in the Area
I personally felt very unsafe walking around the area, especially alone.
There was a lot of whistling and unwanted attention on the street.
At one point, a man even exposed himself to me.
He then followed me to the point where I became genuinely scared and started running because I felt like I needed to get away from him.
That was obviously a very frightening experience.
I want to make it clear that this is my personal experience, not a claim that everyone staying in this area will experience the same thing.
But when I’m travelling solo, the area around my accommodation matters just as much as the accommodation itself.
And because of what happened, I wouldn’t personally choose to stay here again when travelling alone.
It’s a shame because, purely based on the hostel itself, I actually liked it quite a lot.
My verdict: ⭐⭐½ Good rooms, okay kitchen and a beautiful outdoor area, but my personal experience in the surrounding area made me feel too unsafe to want to return.
What Makes a Good Hostel in Italy?
After staying in so many hostels around Italy, I’ve realised that I care about a few things much more than I used to.
1. Social Atmosphere
For me, this is a BIG one.
I’m not necessarily looking for a crazy party hostel, but I want somewhere where it’s easy to meet people.
A kitchen where people actually cook together, a bar, common spaces, free activities or even just staff who encourage people to hang out can make such a difference.
This is one of the biggest reasons Ostello Bello Palermo ranks so highly for me.
2. Cleanliness
I’m backpacking.
I’m not expecting a five-star hotel.
But clean bathrooms, reasonably clean rooms and shared areas are non-negotiable for me.
3. The Common Areas
I love a hostel where you can actually hang out.
A nice garden, terrace, bar, lounge or kitchen can turn a hostel from somewhere you sleep into part of the travel experience.
4. Free Food
Okay, maybe this one is specifically a me thing.
But free food in a hostel kitchen is AMAZING.
And Ostello Bello Palermo absolutely spoiled me with this.
If I’m travelling on a budget and can make pasta with free ingredients from the hostel kitchen instead of buying dinner, I’m happy.
5. Location
I want to be able to explore easily.
But I also care about what the area feels like at night, especially when I’m travelling alone.
6. Price
Obviously.
I’m a backpacker.
But I’ve learned that sometimes paying a little more for a hostel you actually enjoy is worth it.
My Favourite Hostel Chain in Italy?
After all of these stays, Ostello Bello is still my favourite hostel chain in Italy.
I’ve had some locations I liked more than others, but Palermo especially completely won me over.
And what I like about the chain is that it doesn’t feel like every hostel is exactly the same.
They have different buildings, different cities and different atmospheres, but the general idea of having social spaces, a bar and places where travellers can actually hang out works really well for me.
Ostello Bello currently has locations across cities including Milan, Palermo, Genoa, Como, Florence, Rome, Naples, Bologna and Assisi.
So if you’re backpacking around Italy, it’s definitely a chain I’d keep an eye out for.
Final Ranking
If I had to rank the hostels I’ve experienced again, this would be my order:
🥇 1. Ostello Bello Palermo
My all-time favourite. Social, clean, comfortable, great common areas, free food, nice bar and now apparently a pool?!
🥈 2. Ostello Bello Genoa
Really good hostel with nice rooms, free food and pleasant common areas.
🥉 3. Combo Torino
Comfortable, nice common areas, great breakfast and coffee spot, and a good atmosphere.
4. QUA Milano
Clean, comfortable and with a nice bar, although the area felt quiet.
5. Agriturismo La Derta
Beautiful and peaceful. Not social, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
6. Ostello Bello Milano Centrale
Very convenient for train travel, clean and with a nice bar, but I didn’t love the neighbourhood or the September atmosphere.
7. New Generation Hostel Navigli
I haven’t stayed here myself, but my brother has stayed multiple times and really liked it. Cheap and close to Milan nightlife.
8. Hostel Taormina – Homstel
Beautiful views and an amazing destination, but too many issues with the hostel itself.
9. The Hostello Verona
The hostel itself was actually pretty good, but my personal experience in the surrounding area made me feel too unsafe to return.
Final Thoughts
I think hostels are one of the best ways to travel around Italy, especially if you’re backpacking or travelling solo.
You save money, you meet people and sometimes the hostel itself becomes part of the trip.
But I’ve also learned that the highest-rated hostel isn’t necessarily the best hostel for you.
For me, social atmosphere matters a lot. I want somewhere clean, comfortable, with nice common spaces and ideally a kitchen where I can make food without spending €20 every night.
And apparently, I’m also very easily won over by free pasta.
So if you’re planning a backpacking trip around Italy, hopefully this ranking gives you a more honest idea of what some of these hostels are actually like, not just what they look like in their booking photos.
And yes, I will absolutely be going back to Ostello Bello Palermo. Especially now that there’s a pool.
Planning Your Trip to Italy?
Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.
That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.
→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides
FAQ – Hostels in Italy
What are the best hostels in Italy?
In my experience, Ostello Bello Palermo is one of the best hostels I’ve stayed at in Italy, especially if you want a social atmosphere, clean rooms, good common areas and free food. Ostello Bello Genoa and Combo Torino were also among my favourites. Of course, the best hostel depends on whether you prioritise social vibes, location, price or somewhere quiet to relax.
Are hostels in Italy good for solo travellers?
Yes! Italy is a great country for solo travellers, and hostels can make it much easier to meet people along the way. I especially loved the more social Ostello Bello locations, while some of the quieter hostels on my list are better if you prefer your own space and a more relaxed atmosphere.
How much do hostels in Italy cost?
Prices vary a lot depending on the city, season and type of room. Milan, Rome, Florence and other popular destinations can be more expensive, while smaller cities and less touristy areas can be surprisingly affordable. Booking dorms and travelling outside the busiest summer months can also help keep costs down.
Is Ostello Bello the best hostel chain in Italy?
Ostello Bello is definitely my favourite hostel chain in Italy. I’ve stayed at several of their locations and generally love the combination of social common areas, comfortable rooms, friendly atmosphere and little extras like free food and events. That said, I’ve found some locations more social than others, so I wouldn’t automatically assume every Ostello Bello will feel exactly the same.
Which Italian hostels are best for meeting people?
If meeting other travellers is important to you, I would look for hostels with large common areas, bars, organised activities and a strong social atmosphere. From my own experiences, Ostello Bello Palermo was the clear winner, while Combo Torino was also quite social.
Are hostels in Italy safe for solo female travellers?
Most of my hostel experiences in Italy have been perfectly fine as a solo female traveller, but the experience can vary significantly between hostels and neighbourhoods. I always recommend checking recent reviews, looking at the location on a map and choosing a hostel with good security and reception facilities. My experience at The Hostello in Verona was very different from my experiences at Ostello Bello, for example.
What should I look for when booking a hostel in Italy?
I would look beyond the price and check the location, recent reviews, cleanliness, room setup, common areas, kitchen facilities and how social the hostel is. If you are travelling solo, I would especially look for reviews mentioning whether it is easy to meet people. For me, a cheap hostel isn’t necessarily a good deal if I don’t feel comfortable there.
Which cities in Italy are best for backpackers?
Italy has loads of great backpacking destinations. Milan is a useful transport hub, Palermo is fantastic for a more social and lively experience, while cities like Turin, Genoa, Verona and Florence all offer something different. I’d also recommend combining bigger cities with smaller destinations rather than spending your whole trip only in the most famous tourist spots.
