{"id":205209,"date":"2020-05-23T08:31:50","date_gmt":"2020-05-23T12:31:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=205209"},"modified":"2025-05-25T10:19:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T14:19:19","slug":"best-hostels-in-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/best-hostels-in-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"The 4 Best Hostels in Chicago"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/chicagohostels.jpeg\" width=\"675\" height=\"395\" alt=\"A busy downtown Chicago, USA divided by the river on a quiet, sunny day with a bridge in the distance\"><\/p>\n<p>Boasting a robust food scene (don&#8217;t miss Chicago-style pizza!), fun nightlife, and plenty of green space, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/united-states-travel-guide\/chicago\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago<\/a> is not only one of my favorite cities in the US, it&#8217;s one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/my-favorite-cities-in-the-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">my favorite cities in the world<\/a>! While the winters here are harsh, it&#8217;s a beautiful, green city in the summer that offers visitors a plethora of things to see and do.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;ve been visiting Chicago for a decade and have stayed in a lot of hostels here. There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/how-to-pick-a-good-hostel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in Chicago. If you don\u2019t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-box\">\n<div class=\"table-row\">\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<strong>Best Hostel for Budget Travelers<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FHI-Chicago-The-J-Ira-and-Nicki-Harris-Family-Hostel%2FChicago%2F1853\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">HI Chicago<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-row\">\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<strong>Best Hostel for Families<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FHI-Chicago-The-J-Ira-and-Nicki-Harris-Family-Hostel%2FChicago%2F1853\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">HI Chicago<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-row\">\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<strong>Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FFreehand-Chicago%2FChicago%2F91255\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">Freehand Chicago<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-row\">\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<strong>Best Hostel for Digital Nomads<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FChicago-Getaway-Hostel%2FChicago%2F1804\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">Chicago Getaway Hostel<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-row\">\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<strong>Best Hostel for Partying<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fpwa%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FWrigley-Hostel%2FChicago%2F74641\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">Wrigley Hostel<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-row\">\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<strong>Best Overall Hostel<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-column\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FHI-Chicago-The-J-Ira-and-Nicki-Harris-Family-Hostel%2FChicago%2F1853\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">HI Chicago<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\nWant the specifics of each hostel? Here&#8217;s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Chicago:<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FHI-Chicago-The-J-Ira-and-Nicki-Harris-Family-Hostel%2FChicago%2F1853\" rel=\"nofollow\">1. HI Chicago (The J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel)<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/chicagohostel6.jpg\" width=\"675\" heght=\"395\" alt=\"The clean and spacious interior of the HI Chicago hostel\"><br \/>\nHI Hostels are some of my favorites because they know exactly what we budget travelers want: affordable accommodations and all the amenities we need to enjoy our stay. HI Chicago is no exception. They organize a free walking tour (and other weekly activities, such as pub crawls and jazz bar tours), the common areas are spacious, and there&#8217;s a fully equipped kitchen. The beds are comfy, with thick mattresses, and they offer free breakfast. It&#8217;s an all-around great hostel and my favorite in Chicago.<\/p>\n<p><strong>HI Chicago at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lots of amenities<\/li>\n<li>Social atmosphere makes it easy to meet people<\/li>\n<li>Organizes lots of activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><center><a class=\"bookhostel\" href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FHI-Chicago-The-J-Ira-and-Nicki-Harris-Family-Hostel%2FChicago%2F1853\" rel=\"nofollow\">Book here!<\/a><\/center><br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fpwa%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FWrigley-Hostel%2FChicago%2F74641\" rel=\"nofollow\">2. Wrigley Hostel<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/chicagohostel7.jpg\" width=\"675\" heght=\"395\" alt=\"The clean and colorful dorm rooms of the Wrigley Hostel in Chicago, USA\"><br \/>\nThis is a lively hostel with a bar on-site, making it a good place to stay for night owls looking to enjoy the city&#8217;s nightlife. There&#8217;s an outdoor patio with a BBQ, so you can grill burgers when the weather is nice, and they organize walking tours and day trips. The dorm beds aren&#8217;t great (the mattresses are thin and the beds are squeaky), but the staff is awesome and the free breakfast is delicious. While the shower pressure was weak, the bathrooms were super clean.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wrigley Hostel at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bar on-site<\/li>\n<li>Organizes tours and activities<\/li>\n<li>Free breakfast on Sundays<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><center><a class=\"bookhostel\" href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fpwa%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FWrigley-Hostel%2FChicago%2F74641\" rel=\"nofollow\">Book here!<\/a><\/center><br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FFreehand-Chicago%2FChicago%2F91255\" rel=\"nofollow\">3. Freehand Chicago<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/chicagohostel8.jpg\" width=\"675\" heght=\"395\" alt=\"The clean and cozy common area of the Freehand Chicago hostel in Chicago, USA\"><br \/>\nHoused in a historic building from 1927, this hostel is immaculately designed and has tons of character. Freehand is definitely more of a boutique hostel, but it&#8217;s worth the price if you feel like treating yourself. The beds are cozy, the water pressure is strong, and the common areas are laid back. There&#8217;s also an award-winning cocktail bar on-site. It&#8217;s the coolest hostel in the city.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Freehand Chicago at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Female-only dorms for added privacy and security<\/li>\n<li>Cocktail lounge<\/li>\n<li>Beautiful interior design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><center><a class=\"bookhostel\" href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FFreehand-Chicago%2FChicago%2F91255\" rel=\"nofollow\">Book here!<\/a><\/center><br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FChicago-Getaway-Hostel%2FChicago%2F1804\" rel=\"nofollow\">4. Chicago Getaway Hostel<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/chicagohostels12.jpg\" width=\"675\" heght=\"395\" alt=\"The dorm room of the Getaway Hostel in Chicago, USA\"><br \/>\nWhile the rooms here are nothing special, the hostel has a big common area and is in a great location. Breakfast is included. There&#8217;s also a board to let you know what&#8217;s happening in the city during your visit. It&#8217;s not super social, so it&#8217;s good choice for travelers looking for something quieter. Public transportation is close by, so you can easily get around too. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Chicago Getaway Hostel at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Free breakfast<\/li>\n<li>Good location<\/li>\n<li>Lots of common space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><center><a class=\"bookhostel\" href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FChicago-Getaway-Hostel%2FChicago%2F1804\" rel=\"nofollow\">Book here!<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<p><center>***<\/center><\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s a variety of hostels in Chicago, meaning that no matter what kind of budget you have, you&#8217;ll be able to find a hostel that works for you and your travel style. <\/p>\n<div class=\"single-booking\">\n<h4>Book Your Trip to Chicago: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Book Your Flight<\/strong><br \/>\nUse <a href=\"https:\/\/skyscanner.pxf.io\/c\/214481\/1027991\/13416?subId1=%26currency%3DUSD&#038;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skyscanner.com%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Skyscanner<\/a> to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Book Your Accommodation<\/strong><br \/>\nYou can book your hostel with <a href=\"https:\/\/hostelworld.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=362916\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Booking.com<\/a> as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong><br \/>\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It&#8217;s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I&#8217;ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/safetywing.com\/nomad-insurance?referenceID=24768462\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Safety Wing<\/a> (best for everyone)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/insuremytripus.pxf.io\/q4vRWg\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Insure My Trip<\/a> (for those over 70)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medjetassist.com\/nomadicmatt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Medjet<\/a> (for additional evacuation coverage)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?<\/strong><br \/>\nCheck out my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I&#8217;m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Want More Information on Chicago?<\/strong><br \/>\nBe sure to visit my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/united-states-travel-guide\/chicago\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">robust destination guide on Chicago<\/a> for even more planning tips!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-credits\">Photo credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiusa.org\/find-hostels\/illinois\/chicago-24-e-idabwells-drive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2 &#8211; HI Chicago (The J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wrigleyhostel.com\/rooms-suites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">3 &#8211; Wrigley Hostel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/pwa\/hosteldetails.php\/Freehand-Chicago\/Chicago\/91255?from=2021-06-03&#038;to=2021-06-04\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">4 &#8211; Freehand Chicago<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/getawayhostel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">5 &#8211; Chicago Getaway Hostel<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Boasting a robust food scene (don&#8217;t miss Chicago-style pizza!), fun nightlife, and plenty of green space, Chicago is not only one of my favorite cities in the US, it&#8217;s one of my favorite cities in the world! While the winters here are harsh, it&#8217;s a beautiful, green city in the summer that offers visitors a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":264626,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[900,745,3174],"class_list":["post-205209","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-america","tag-chicago","tag-hostels","tag-nahostels"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The 4 Best Hostels in Chicago (Updated 2025)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you&#039;re looking for the best hostels in Chicago, here they are! These hostels will provide a great and affordable stay.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/best-hostels-in-chicago\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The 4 Best Hostels in Chicago (Updated 2025)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you&#039;re looking for the best hostels in Chicago, here they are! 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