Jerusalem isn’t just about luxury hotels and pilgrimage stays — it also has a strong hostel and guesthouse scene that makes the city accessible, social, and surprisingly fun. Whether you want a lively downtown base, a hostel inside the Old City walls, or a historic guesthouse with serious character, these are the best hostels and hostel-style stays in Jerusalem right now.

Most hostels are clustered around downtown Jerusalem, close to nightlife, transport, and major sights, while others offer once-in-a-lifetime locations inside the Old City or overlooking historic valleys.

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🏆 Best Social & Backpacker Hostels in Jerusalem

These are proper hostels — social, affordable, and ideal for solo travellers, backpackers, and anyone who wants atmosphere as much as location.

1. The Post Hostel 🥇

Downtown Jerusalem | Koresh St 3, Jerusalem, Israel | Hostel

The Post Hostel is the strongest all-round hostel in Jerusalem today, combining a central location with a genuinely social vibe. Set inside the historic central post office building, it places you steps from Jaffa Road, Ben Yehuda, and late-night bars. The hostel has a lively bar, communal spaces that actually get used, and regular events that make it easy to meet other travellers. Rooms range from dorms to private options, making it flexible for different budgets. If you want energy, comfort, and location, this is the city’s best pick. Read more.

2. Cinema Hostel Jerusalem

Downtown Jerusalem | Shamai St 4, Jerusalem, 9463104, Israel | Hostel

Cinema Hostel brings personality and humour to Jerusalem’s hostel scene, housed in a restored historic cinema in the city centre. It’s social without being overwhelming, with a relaxed bar, shared lounges, and organised tours that help travellers connect. The location is excellent for exploring downtown on foot, from nightlife to food spots. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the atmosphere is friendly and open. A great choice if you want fun and character rather than a generic hostel stay. Read more.

3. Citadel Youth Hostel

Old City (inside the walls) | St Marks Road 20, Jerusalem | Hostel

For pure location, nothing beats the Citadel Youth Hostel. Set inside the Old City walls, it offers one of the most unique hostel stays in Israel, with panoramic rooftop views over Jerusalem’s historic skyline. The hostel itself is basic, but the setting is unforgettable, especially at sunset. It’s quieter than downtown hostels and attracts travellers focused on history and exploration rather than nightlife. Ideal if you want to wake up inside Jerusalem’s most iconic area. Read more.

4. HI Yitzhak Rabin Jerusalem Hostel

Givat Ram | Nakhman Avigad St 1, Jerusalem, Israel | Hostel

This modern HI hostel is clean, well-run, and excellent value, particularly for families, groups, or travellers who prefer a quieter stay. Located near the Israel Museum and the Botanical Gardens, it’s less central but well connected. Facilities are reliable and functional, with a calm atmosphere rather than a party scene. While it lacks the social buzz of downtown hostels, it makes up for it in comfort and consistency. A solid budget base for cultural travellers. Read more.

🕊️ Pilgrim & Historic Guesthouse Stays (Hostel-Adjacent)

These aren’t classic hostels, but they offer excellent value, unique history, and memorable locations, making them popular alternatives for budget-conscious travellers.

1. YMCA Three Arches Hotel ⭐

Mamilla | King David St 26, Jerusalem, Israel | Budget hotel | Swimming Pool 🌊

An icon of Jerusalem, the YMCA Three Arches Hotel offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else at this price level. Located opposite the King David Hotel and minutes from the Old City, it combines historic architecture with modern comfort. Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool, gym, and squash court — extremely rare in this category. Rooms are simple but atmospheric, and the building itself is a landmark. Not social, but unbeatable for location and character. Read more.

2. Austrian Hospice

Old City | Via Dolorosa St 37, Jerusalem | Hospice

One of Jerusalem’s oldest guesthouses, the Austrian Hospice dates back to the 19th century and offers a deeply atmospheric stay inside the Old City. Rooms are modest but well maintained, and the rooftop café provides some of the best views in Jerusalem. It’s quiet, structured, and culturally rich rather than social. A favourite among travellers interested in history, architecture, and the spiritual side of the city. A truly unique place to stay. Read more.

3. Scots House Hotel

Emek Refaim | David Remez St 1, Jerusalem, 91086, Israel | Guesthouse

Scots House Hotel is a historic budget guesthouse run by the Church of Scotland, set in a peaceful stone building overlooking the Hinnom Valley. Formerly known as St Andrew’s Guesthouse, it offers simple, comfortable private rooms rather than dorms, making it a good option for travellers who want value and location without the hostel scene. The atmosphere is quiet and traditional, with communal lounges, gardens, and breakfast included. Its location puts you within walking distance of the Old City, Emek Refaim, and Mamilla. Best suited to couples, older travellers, and those looking for calm, character, and affordability over nightlife and social events. Read more.

4. Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

Old City (near New Gate) | HaTsanhanim St 3, Jerusalem, Israel | Guesthouse

Notre Dame is one of the largest guesthouse-style accommodations in Jerusalem, located just outside the Old City walls near New Gate. Rooms are comfortable and modern following recent renovations, and the rooftop terrace offers excellent views. The atmosphere is formal and institutional rather than hostel-like, but the location is extremely practical for sightseeing. Best for travellers who want structure, comfort, and proximity to major religious sites. Read more.

5. St George’s Cathedral Pilgrim Guesthouse

East Jerusalem | Nablus Rd 20, Jerusalem | Guesthouse

With roots going back to the early 20th century, St George’s offers a quiet, historic stay in East Jerusalem. The stone building and garden terrace give it a calm, traditional feel, and rooms are simple but comfortable. It’s less central for nightlife and dining, making it better suited to pilgrims or travellers with a specific interest in the area. A niche option, but still a valid one for the right visitor. Read more.

Jerusalem’s hostel scene is smaller than Tel Aviv’s, but it offers far more variety in experience — from social downtown hubs to once-in-a-lifetime stays inside the Old City. Whether you’re travelling solo, on a budget, or simply want a place with real character, these hostels and guesthouses cover every style of stay.

Choose downtown for energy, the Old City for atmosphere, or historic guesthouses for a slower, more reflective experience — and you’ll find Jerusalem surprisingly accessible, even on a budget.

This guide is part of our series of Best Hotel Guides in Israel. Also check out our guides for Best Hotels in Israel, Best Hotels in Tel Aviv, Best Hotels in Jerusalem, Best Hotels in the Dead Sea, Best Hotels in Eilat; for those looking for boutique hotels we have guides for the Best Boutique Hotels in Israel; and for those traveling in a budget, we have guides for the Best Hostels in Israel and Best Hostels in Tel Aviv. 

Traveling to Jerusalem? Check out our recommendations for the Best Tours in Jerusalem!

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