Madrid is a backpackers’ hot-spot with an impressive array of affordable hostels. Travelers on a budget can still enjoy comfort when knowing the right spots: today’s top hostels in central Madrid feature clean, modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and friendly social spaces. Our guide covers the best cheap hostels in Madrid center with prime locations, great reviews and links to book and enjoy the top picks from the best hostels in Madrid. These hostels can be booked via https://www.hostelworld.com/fr/
Top pick 1: Generator Madrid – Design Hostel on Gran Vía
Located just off Gran Vía, Generator Madrid combines a central location with stylish facilities. This “design hotel-hostel” offers dorms and private rooms (each with AC and ensuite), plus 24-hour reception, a restaurant/café and free Wi-Fi. Its standout feature is an expansive rooftop terrace and bar (the Broken Shaker), complete with two hot tubs and sweeping city views. Generator is known for its industrial-chic lounge with daily DJ events and a fun social atmosphere.
- Price: Dorm beds from ~€20–€30; private doubles ~€70–€80.
- Location: On Calle de San Bernardo, a 1-minute walk from Gran Vía (steps from shops and theaters)
- Highlights: Rooftop bar with 2 hot tubs; free Wi-Fi, AC; on-site café and restaurant.
- Why It Stands Out: Fun social vibe with lounge DJs and events; very central for sightseeing (near Templo de Debod, Retiro)
Top picks and best hostels in Madrid n°2
Top pick 2: The Hat Madrid – Boutique Hostel by Plaza Mayor
The Hat is Madrid’s first boutique hostel, housed in a charming historic mansion at Plaza Mayor. It’s a 3-minute walk from Puerta del Sol and La Latina, so top attractions are within minutes. The Hat offers a mix of dorms and private rooms (all with natural light, AC and modern design). Guests love the hostel’s lively rooftop terrace bar (perfect for sunset), where you can relax with a drink after a day in the city. The hostel also serves a hotel-quality buffet breakfast at hostel prices and provides free city tours and nightlife tips.
- Price: Dorms ~€25–€35; privates ~€60–€80 (all under €100).
- Location: Calle Imperial 9, beside Plaza Mayor; within 5 min of Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía and Madrid’s main attractions.
- Highlights: Rooftop bar/terrace with sunset views; breakfast buffet (optional, extra cost); 24h reception and social events.
- Why It Stands Out: Chic, bright décor with no curfew; superb central location; excellent amenities for a hostel (free Wi-Fi throughout; private or mixed dorms)
Top picks and best hostels in Madrid n°3
Top pick 3: Onefam Sungate Hostel Madrid – Modern Hostel by Puerta del Sol
Sungate (by Onefam Hostels) is a modern, 9.5/10 rated hostel right in the very center of Madrid. It’s just 689 ft from Puerta del Sol and a 5-minute walk to Callao and Gran Vía. The hostel offers both dorm beds and private rooms (each air-conditioned with heating and wardrobe). Guests have 24-hour reception and can enjoy a communal kitchen and cozy TV lounge. The staff organizes daily activities and city tours (free tapas tours, pub crawls, etc.), making Sungate very social.
- Price: Dorm beds ~€15–€25; private doubles ~€60–€80.
- Location: In a pedestrian street off Gran Vía/Sol, surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars. Plaza Mayor is only 1640 ft away.
- Highlights: Free Wi-Fi; shared kitchen and lounge; laundry/lockers available on site.
- Why It Stands Out: Exceptional value – top guest score (9.5/10) for location and service. Friendly 24/7 staff who run fun activities; very convenient for sightseeing around central Madrid.
Top picks and best hostels in Madrid n°4
Top pick 4: 2060 The Newton Hostel Madrid – Trendy Hostel in Tirso de Molina
2060 The Newton is a stylish, newly built hostel right on Plaza de Tirso de Molina – literally the heart of Madrid. It’s a short walk to Embajadores station and Museo del Prado, and near neighborhoods like Lavapiés and Embajadores. The rooms (mixed or female-only) have a modern, minimalist vibe; dorms have comfortable bunk beds with individual lights and lockers. 2060 offers plenty of social space: a rooftop bar/terrace, communal kitchen, lounge (with TV), and even computers and laundry facilities. 24-hour reception and high-speed Wi-Fi are included.
- Price: Dorms from ~€15; privates €40–€60.
- Location: Plaza Tirso de Molina, in Zona Centro; about 10 min walk to Puerta del Sol
- Highlights: Air conditioning in all rooms; kitchen and dining area; rooftop terrace.
- Why It Stands Out: Modern, clean design and rooftop social spaces. Guests praise the “very modern facilities” and friendly staff
Top picks and best hostels in Madrid n°5
Top pick 5: TOC Hostel Madrid – Stylish Hostel near Puerta del Sol
TOC Hostel is a contemporary hostel just 120 m from Puerta del Sol (on Calle del Carmen). It offers smart, air-conditioned rooms and dorms with wooden floors and attractive décor. The hostel has a lively bar that hosts themed parties, plus a games room with a free pool table – perfect for meeting other travelers. A highlight is TOC’s breakfast buffet (available daily for a small fee): their “delicious assorted buffet” is locally renowned for quality and value. Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception are included.
- Price: Dorm beds ~€25–€30; private doubles ~€80–€95 (varies by season, but often under €100).
- Location: Calle del Carmen, central Madrid – steps from Sol Metro. Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía are a short walk
- Highlights: Free Wi-Fi; self-catering kitchen; daily breakfast buffet (€11); bar serving cocktails in evenings.
- Why It Stands Out: Great social vibe and value: guests note “amazing location” and “great value for money”. The in-house bar and lounge make it easy to relax after a day out
Top pick 6: OK Hostel Madrid – Friendly Dorms in La Latina
OK Hostel is a budget favorite in La Latina, the city’s historic “tapas district.” It’s just 1 minute from La Latina Metro and right at the start of the famous El Rastro market. Housed in a renovated historic building, OK has spacious dorm rooms (with no cramped bunk beds – all beds are large and sturdy). There’s a lively bar and plenty of common space, giving it a friendly, party-hostel atmosphere. A big perk is the free breakfast – guests rave about the “excellent, unlimited breakfast” served each morning. The staff is known for being exceptionally helpful and sociable.
- Price: Dorm beds from ~€20 (6-bed dorm was €29 in April); privates €50–€70.
- Location: Calle Juanelo 24, La Latina – close to El Rastro and just 2 stops on Metro to Puerta del Sol.
- Highlights: Free Wi-Fi; female-only and mixed dorms; spacious rooms with individual lockers.
- Why It Stands Out: Exceptional staff and social vibe; solid mattresses (no flimsy bunks); great value breakfast included. Ideal for travelers who want an energetic atmosphere and low price.
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