Best Hostels in Manchester: top picks

Manchester 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 Manchester feature clean, modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and friendly social spaces. Our guide covers the best cheap hostels in Manchester center with prime locations, great reviews and links to book and enjoy the top picks from the best hostels in Manchester. These hostels can be booked via https://www.hostelworld.com/fr/

YHA Manchester – Social, Family-Friendly Hostel by the Canal

Location & Price: YHA Manchester is a 4-star hostel tucked in the Castlefield neighborhood by the picturesque canal, about a 15-minute walk from Manchester city center and major attractions. A dorm bed here costs around £25-£30 per night, and private rooms are available if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Its proximity to Deansgate station and the Science and Industry Museum makes it ideal for sightseeing on foot.

Perks & Features: YHA Manchester is known for its bright, friendly atmosphere and plentiful facilities. There’s an on-site café-bar and even a cinema room for movie nights. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, 24-hour reception, and free parking – a rare bonus in the city. The hostel has over 150 beds in various room configurations, making it perfect for groups, families, and solo travelers alike. You’ll find a mix of travelers chilling in the modern common area or planning city explorations together.

Malacuna Manchester (Former Hilton Chambers) – Northern Quarter Buzz

Location & Price: Right in Manchester’s hip Northern Quarter (around Stephenson Square), Malacuna Manchester offers prime location for nightlife and culture lovers. This hostel – formerly known as Hilton Chambers and briefly branded as Selina NQ1 – sits just a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens. You’re surrounded by street art, indie shops, and music venues the moment you step outside.

Perks & Features: Malacuna is set in a refurbished Victorian building with trendy upcycled décor, mirroring the Northern Quarter’s artsy vibe. Travelers love the on-site facilities: there’s free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and even an attached restaurant/bar next door that’s a local gem. The hostel has a lively communal area – perfect for meeting fellow travelers over a game or planning a night out. Rooms are clean and modern; many dorms come with en-suite bathrooms (a nice bonus for comfort).

Rahman Piccadilly Hostel – Ultra-Central and Budget-Friendly

Location & Price: If being right in the city center is your priority, Rahman Piccadilly Hostel delivers. This hostel sits just a stone’s throw from Manchester Piccadilly Station, roughly a 3-minute walk, placing you in the thick of things. Canal Street’s nightlife, the Manchester Art Gallery, and even the bustle of Piccadilly Gardens are all within a few hundred meters. Dorm beds here are among the cheapest in town – around £18-£25 per night – making Rahman a magnet for backpackers on a tight budget. (Imagine snagging a place this central for so cheap – it’s like finding the holy grail, akin to scoring one of the Best Hostels in Sevilla: Top picks at a bargain price.)

Perks & Features: Rahman Hostel is basic but covers all the essentials. You get free Wi-Fi, a communal lounge, a shared kitchen, and a 24-hour front desk for late check-ins. Impressively, there’s even a mini-market (corner shop) on the ground floor for snacks and travel basics. Security is decent (they have full-day security measures) and there’s an elevator – handy if you have heavy luggage. The hostel is housed in a converted Victorian building, giving it a bit of character. If you need a super central crash-pad and want to save money, Rahman Piccadilly fits the bill.

Umbrella Tree – Stylish Apartment-Style Hostel Experience

Location & Price: Umbrella Tree offers something a little different: instead of a traditional hostel building, you get an apartment-style stay. Despite its slightly off-center location, it’s often touted as “super central” in value terms because you get a lot for what you pay. The entire apartment can sometimes be booked for as low as £70-£80 per night, and it can sleep several people – translating to an excellent per-person rate (roughly £20 each for a group of four).

Perks & Features: Think of Umbrella Tree as a home-away-from-home. It’s a self-contained flat with its own living room, bedrooms, and a fully stocked kitchen – meaning you can cook your own meals and even enjoy free breakfast provisions like cereal and tea/coffee provided by the host. The décor is modern and minimalist, with cool touches like wooden floors, a stylish green sofa, and quirky decor (there’s even a vintage rotary phone as a design piece). Umbrella Tree is truly a hidden gem for budget travelers who prefer a quieter, more independent lodging experience.

Victoria Warehouse Hotel – Industrial Chic with a Twist

Location & Price: The Victoria Warehouse is a converted warehouse hotel located in Trafford, about a 10-minute drive or easy tram ride from Manchester City Centre. It’s not in the middle of downtown – instead, it’s famously close to Old Trafford (Manchester United’s stadium) and Salford Quays. This makes it a great option if you’re in town for a football match or an event at the nearby arenas. Prices here are very reasonable for a private room – roughly £50-£80 per night for a double/twin room (so if you split with a friend, it can be hostel-level pricing per person).

Perks & Features: This hotel-hostel hybrid is all about industrial chic ambience. Imagine exposed brick walls, steel pillars, and artsy decor made from upcycled materials – you really feel the historic warehouse vibe. The lobby and common areas are a highlight: there’s a trendy bar/lounge downstairs filled with retro furniture and even a “library” nook with bookshelves (perfect for relaxing with a book or doing some work). The property even has its own yoga studio for guests, adding a unique touch to your stay. Rooms here vary: some are stylish with designer touches and others are quite basic – note that many rooms famously do not have windows (part of that warehouse design quirk). All rooms are en-suite and come with the essentials. There’s 24-hour reception and a continental breakfast on offer (not free, but available each morning). While you might sacrifice a bit in location convenience compared to city-center hostels, Victoria Warehouse makes up for it with a memorable atmosphere. It’s clean, secure, and a hit with travelers who appreciate a mix of character and affordability in their accommodation.

Best Hostels in Manchester: top picks