The best hostels Copenhagen has to offer combine the city’s strong design culture with budget-friendly pricing — dorm beds from 200 DKK/night, private rooms from 700 DKK, and amenities (rooftop pools, free walking tours, sociable lounges, hostel bars) that often beat budget hotels at the same price tier. This guide ranks the 8 best hostels Copenhagen for backpackers, students, solo travellers and budget-conscious families in 2026, with current prices, locations, signature features, and honest assessment of which hostel suits which type of traveller.
Best Hostels Copenhagen at a Glance
| Hostel | From price (DKK) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Generator Copenhagen | 250 dorm / 700 private | Sociable backpackers, central location |
| Steel House Copenhagen | 350 dorm / 850 private | Rooftop pool, hostel-hotel hybrid |
| Urban House by MEININGER | 220 dorm / 600 private | Best value, near Central Station |
| Danhostel Copenhagen City | 280 dorm / 800 private | Family-friendly, HI Hostel |
| CPH Downtown Hostel | 200 dorm / 700 private | Cheapest, Vesterbro |
| Sleep In Heaven | 200 dorm only | Vesterbro classic, very social |
| Copenhagen Backpackers | 250 dorm / 750 private | Old-school backpacker |
| Globalhagen Hostel | 240 dorm only | Quiet alternative, Indre By |
Top 8 Best Hostels Copenhagen — Reviewed for 2026
1. Generator Copenhagen — Best Overall Hostel
Generator Copenhagen on Adelgade is the design-hostel chain’s Copenhagen outlet — and the best all-round hostel in the city. 116 private rooms, dorms from 4 to 12 beds, sociable lounge bar with daily DJ events, ground-floor café, plus a direct view of Rosenborg Castle from many rooms. The Friday and Saturday-night DJ events make this the only nightlife-active hostel in Copenhagen.
Price: 250 DKK/dorm bed; 700-900 DKK/private double. Best for: Solo travellers, sociable backpackers, hostel-curious budget couples. Location: Adelgade 5-7, Indre By — 4 min walk to Strøget. See our budget hotels guide for hotel comparisons.
2. Steel House Copenhagen — The Rooftop Pool Hostel
Steel House Copenhagen opened in 2017 as a hybrid hostel-hotel — 254 rooms total including private rooms, family rooms and traditional hostel dorms. The signature feature is the heated rooftop swimming pool with panoramic city views — Copenhagen’s only hostel rooftop pool. Free communal lounge, gym, kitchen, and the ground-floor bar/café Steel House serves Mediterranean dinners.
Price: 350 DKK/dorm bed; 850-1,200 DKK/private. Best for: Travellers wanting hostel social vibe with hotel-grade amenities. Location: Herholdtsgade 6, 5 minutes walk from Central Station and Tivoli.
3. Urban House Copenhagen by MEININGER — Best Value
Urban House by MEININGER is the German-Austrian chain’s Copenhagen flagship. 568 beds across 250 rooms — the largest hostel in central Copenhagen. Free guest kitchen, in-house bar, free walking tours and bicycle rental at 60 DKK/day. Right next to Central Station and Tivoli.
Price: 220 DKK/dorm bed; 600-800 DKK/private. Best for: Best value central-station-area hostel. Location: Colbjørnsensgade 5-11, 4 min walk to Central Station.
4. Danhostel Copenhagen City — Family-Friendly HI Hostel
Danhostel Copenhagen City is the Hostelling International (HI) chain’s downtown Copenhagen flagship. 192 rooms in a renovated 1955 building. Family rooms (4-6 beds, ensuite) at 1,200 DKK/night make this the best family-budget option. Free guest kitchen, lockers, laundry. HI member discount (50 DKK/night).
Price: 280 DKK/dorm; 800-1,200 DKK/private; 1,200 DKK/family room. Best for: Families with children, HI members. Location: H.C. Andersens Boulevard 50, 5 min walk to Tivoli.
5. CPH Downtown Hostel — Cheapest Vesterbro
CPH Downtown Hostel in Vesterbro is genuinely the cheapest central Copenhagen hostel. 224 beds across 40 rooms. Modern design (renovated 2019), free guest kitchen, ground-floor café, sociable rooftop terrace. Less party-focused than Generator but equally social.
Price: 200 DKK/dorm bed; 700 DKK/private double. Best for: Tightest budget central, Vesterbro fans. Location: Vandkunsten 5, between Vesterbro and Latin Quarter.
6. Sleep In Heaven — Vesterbro Classic
Sleep In Heaven is the longest-running Copenhagen backpacker hostel — open since 1996 in Vesterbro. Old-school backpacker atmosphere; mostly 6-12 bed dorms with shared bathrooms. 80 beds total. Free guest kitchen, sociable lounge with fireplace, weekly free dinners.
Price: 200 DKK/dorm bed only — no private rooms. Best for: Old-school backpackers, solo travellers wanting genuine hostel social atmosphere. Location: Struenseegade 7, Vesterbro.
7. Copenhagen Backpackers — Indre By Old-School
36-bed Copenhagen Backpackers on Sortedam Dossering is one of the smallest and oldest Copenhagen hostels. Run by the same family for 20+ years. Mostly 4-bed dorms; a few private rooms. Free guest kitchen and lounge. Atmospheric old building with very personal service.
Price: 250 DKK/dorm; 750 DKK/private. Best for: Travellers preferring small, family-run hostels over chains. Location: Sortedam Dossering 7, 8 min walk to Strøget.
8. Globalhagen Hostel — Quiet Indre By Alternative
Globalhagen is a smaller (60-bed) hostel in Indre By, run by Copenhagen-Vienna founders since 2016. Less party-focused than Generator; more home-like atmosphere. Free guest kitchen, free Wi-Fi, modest rooftop with city views. Most rooms are 4-6 bed dorms.
Price: 240 DKK/dorm bed only. Best for: Quieter solo travellers, people who want to sleep at hostels. Location: Niels Hemmingsens Gade 19, Indre By.
Best Hostels Copenhagen by Type of Traveller
Best Hostels Copenhagen for Solo Travellers
- Generator Copenhagen: Largest social scene, daily events, best for meeting people.
- Sleep In Heaven: Old-school backpacker atmosphere; small enough that everyone meets.
- Urban House: Free walking tours and welcome drinks events.
- Steel House Copenhagen: Communal pool deck = guaranteed social interaction.
Best Hostels Copenhagen for Couples
- CPH Downtown Hostel private double: 700 DKK — same price as Cabinn but more atmospheric.
- Generator Copenhagen private double: 700-900 DKK with castle view from some rooms.
- Steel House Copenhagen private: 850 DKK + rooftop pool access.
- Danhostel Copenhagen City: 800 DKK quiet privates for less-social couples.
Best Hostels Copenhagen for Families
- Danhostel Copenhagen City: 4-6 bed family rooms 1,200 DKK; HI member discount.
- Steel House Copenhagen Family Suite: 4-bed family room + rooftop pool 1,400 DKK.
- Urban House family room: 4-bed private 1,000 DKK.
- See our Copenhagen with kids guide.
Best Hostels Copenhagen for Long Stays
- Urban House by MEININGER: Free laundry weekly for 7+ night stays.
- CPH Downtown: Cheapest dorm beds for week+ stays.
- Sleep In Heaven: Discount weekly rate 1,200 DKK for 7-night dorms.
Hostel Amenities Reality Check
What to expect (and not expect) at Copenhagen hostels:
| Amenity | Standard at Copenhagen hostels? |
|---|---|
| Free Wi-Fi | Yes, universal |
| Free guest kitchen | Yes, almost universal |
| Free linens | Yes (sometimes 50 DKK at smaller hostels) |
| Free towels | Sometimes; expect 30-50 DKK rental |
| Bedside light + power outlet | Yes at modern hostels (Generator, Steel House, Urban House) |
| Personal lockers | Yes, but bring own padlock or buy one for 60 DKK |
| Free toiletries | No – bring your own |
| Female-only dorms | Yes at most chain hostels |
| Hot showers (ensuite) | Steel House, CPH Downtown, Generator (some rooms) |
| Bicycle hire | Most hostels: 50-80 DKK/day; some free for guests |
| Tour booking desk | Generator, Steel House, Urban House, Danhostel |
| Self check-in | 24-hour at Generator, Steel House, Urban House |
| Laundry | Common — 35-50 DKK/load |
Best Hostels Copenhagen Booking Tips
- Book direct via the hostel website — chain hostels (Generator, Steel House, Urban House) match Hostelworld prices and offer 5-10% direct-booking discounts.
- HI member discount — 50 DKK off per night at Danhostel chain. HI membership is 90 DKK/year; pays back fast.
- Private rooms book up first — book 4-6 weeks ahead for May-September private rooms.
- Sunday-Tuesday is cheaper — 20-25% lower rates Sunday-Tuesday than Friday-Saturday.
- Avoid Roskilde Festival weeks (late June) — most hostels sell out, prices double.
- Female-only dorms — book directly via the hostel; not always shown on aggregator sites.
- Hostelworld and Booking.com both work — Hostelworld has slightly better hostel-specific reviews; Booking.com has better cancel terms.
- Bring a padlock — buy one for 60 DKK at any 7-Eleven or hostel reception.
- Check linen policy — some hostels charge 50 DKK for linens (Sleep In Heaven, Globalhagen).
- Cancellation flexibility: hostels often have stricter cancel terms than hotels — book flexible if dates uncertain.
Hostels vs Cheap Hotels in Copenhagen
Should you book a hostel or a budget hotel in Copenhagen? Here’s the honest comparison:
| Factor | Hostels | Cheap hotels (Wakeup/Cabinn) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest dorm bed | 200 DKK | n/a |
| Private double | 700-1,200 DKK | 799-1,500 DKK |
| Privacy | Lower (dorms) / equal (private rooms) | Higher |
| Bathroom | Often shared | Always en-suite |
| Social atmosphere | Strong communal areas | Minimal |
| Free kitchen | Yes | No |
| Free events | Often (DJ, walking tours, dinners) | Rare |
| Family rooms | Some hostels (Danhostel, Steel House) | Tivoli Hotel, Wakeup family |
| Best for | Solo, sociable budget travellers | Couples, business, privacy-prioritizing |
For full hotel comparison see our cheap hotels guide.
Bicycle Hire from Copenhagen Hostels
Most Copenhagen hostels offer bicycle hire — the practical and Danish way to explore the city. Pricing:
- Generator Copenhagen: 80 DKK/day; 350 DKK/week.
- Steel House: 60 DKK/day; free for 7+ night stays.
- Urban House: 60 DKK/day.
- Danhostel: 80 DKK/day; 400 DKK/week.
- CPH Downtown / Sleep In Heaven: 50 DKK/day; bring own lock or rent for 20 DKK.
- Donkey Republic app: 50 DKK/2 hours; pickup/drop-off at any city dock; cheaper than most hostels for short trips.
See our Copenhagen transportation guide for cycling tips.
Eating Cheaply Near Copenhagen Hostels
Hostel kitchens save 200+ DKK/day vs eating out. Best supermarkets near central Copenhagen hostels:
- Netto: Cheapest. Multiple central locations. Hot deli at lunch (40-65 DKK).
- Føtex: Mid-range. Bigger selection. Better for week-long shops.
- Irma: Premium. Best Danish products. More expensive but better quality.
- 7-Eleven: Last-resort 24-hour but expensive.
- Reffen street food (April-Oct): 95-180 DKK per meal; harbour-side atmosphere.
- For more food options see Copenhagen food guide.
Best Hostels Copenhagen FAQs
What is the cheapest hostel in Copenhagen?
CPH Downtown Hostel and Sleep In Heaven both at 200 DKK/dorm bed. Generator Copenhagen and Globalhagen at 240-250 DKK. Urban House Copenhagen at 220 DKK is the cheapest near Central Station.
Are Copenhagen hostels safe?
Yes — Copenhagen is one of Europe’s safest cities, and hostels operate to standard safety practices: 24-hour reception, key-card entry, personal lockers, CCTV in common areas. Standard precautions: lock valuables in lockers, don’t leave laptops unattended in common rooms.
Do Copenhagen hostels have private rooms?
Yes — Generator, Steel House, Urban House, Danhostel and CPH Downtown all offer private double rooms (700-1,200 DKK/night). Sleep In Heaven and Globalhagen are dorms-only. Private hostel rooms are sometimes cheaper than equivalent budget hotel rooms.
Are Copenhagen hostels good for solo travellers?
Outstanding. Generator, Sleep In Heaven, and Urban House all have strong social scenes — daily events, free welcome drinks, communal kitchens, and dorms designed for meeting people. Copenhagen is a great city for solo travellers because of the safety, English-speaking population, and walkability.
Can families stay at Copenhagen hostels?
Yes — Danhostel Copenhagen City has 4-6 bed family rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Steel House offers family suites with rooftop pool access. Urban House has 4-bed family rooms. Most hostels accept children with adult supervision; some restrict ages 0-3 in dormitories.
Can I cook at Copenhagen hostels?
Yes — almost all Copenhagen hostels include free guest kitchens with stoves, ovens, microwaves, fridges, and basic equipment. Bring your own ingredients from Netto or Føtex; most kitchens stock salt, pepper and oil for guests.
How early should I book Copenhagen hostels?
Private rooms: 4-6 weeks ahead for May-September. Dorm beds: 1-2 weeks for off-season; 3-4 weeks for peak season. Roskilde Festival weeks (late June) sell out 2+ months ahead.
Are Copenhagen hostels open year-round?
All major Copenhagen hostels (Generator, Steel House, Urban House, Danhostel, CPH Downtown) are open 365 days. Sleep In Heaven and Copenhagen Backpackers may close briefly in winter (December-February); always verify before booking.
Do hostels in Copenhagen offer breakfast?
Most do — usually 65-95 DKK/person extra. Generator, Steel House and Urban House have substantial Danish-style buffets. Smaller hostels (Sleep In Heaven, Globalhagen) have basic continental breakfast options.
Related Reading
- Where to stay in Copenhagen — broader strategy.
- Best Hotels in Copenhagen — top 30 across all tiers.
- Best Budget Hotels Copenhagen — cheap hotel alternatives.
- Best Luxury Hotels Copenhagen.
- Best Boutique Hotels Copenhagen.
- Copenhagen Card review — pairs well with hostels.
- Free things to do Copenhagen — for budget travellers.
- Copenhagen with kids — including family-hostel options.
- Copenhagen transportation — bicycle hire and walking.
The Verdict on Best Hostels Copenhagen
Copenhagen has 8+ quality hostels that genuinely earn the “best hostels Copenhagen” title — Generator leads for sociability and central location; Steel House wins on amenities (rooftop pool!); Urban House is the best-value chain near Central Station; Danhostel is the family pick; CPH Downtown is the cheapest central; Sleep In Heaven is the old-school backpacker classic. Book direct, expect free guest kitchens, budget 200-380 DKK/dorm bed or 700-1,200 DKK/private double, and use the hostel as your social hub for a genuinely budget-friendly Copenhagen visit. Hostels in Copenhagen are among Northern Europe’s best — don’t skip them.
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