The charismatic capital of the United States has a lot to offer, and it is no wonder that it receives a huge inflow of visitors almost all the time. Unlike other major tourist destinations in the country, Washington DC does not enjoy having a large number of hotels. Consequently, travelers on a budget usually find it a challenge to find appropriate stays within the city. However, DC is blessed with several hostels that offer a wide range of amenities, and which will make a great alternative to the scarce and more expensive hotel accommodation. Read on to find out our top picks for the best hostels in Washington DC.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 24, 2025.
1. Duo Nomad (from USD 41)
Delicious homemade chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, with nearby food options and a farmers market.
Great value for money with affordable rates and free breakfast.
Outstanding location in the diverse and pleasant Eastern Market neighborhood, close to major attractions and public transportation.
Clean and cozy communal spaces, including a lovely terrace and shared living room.
Duo Nomad is an adult-only hostel with a shared lounge and terrace, free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. All the rooms in the hostels are air-conditioned and feature a kitchen, a seating area, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a shared bathroom where guests will find a shower and a hairdryer. Select rooms come with an electric teapot and patio. Though the rooms have a kitchen, a continental breakfast is served every morning. The nearby attractions include the National Museum of the American Indian – 2.3 km (1.4 miles) away, while the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is 2.6 km (1.6 miles) away. The nearest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 9.7 km (6 miles) away from the hostel.
Duo Nomad
Address: 1010 Pennsylvania Ave S. E.
4.67 km (2.9 mi) from National Geographic Museum
2. U Street Capsule Hostel (from USD 52)
Great coffee shop, nearby restaurants, and lively neighborhood for dining and socializing.
Reasonable pricing for a convenient location near metro and attractions.
Superb location near metro, restaurants, and attractions like the White House.
Clean and comfortable capsules with helpful self-check-in app, cafe, and spacious showers.
U Street Capsule Hostel is 1.9 km (1.2 miles) from the Washington Convention Center, 3.4 km (2.1 miles) from Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial and 3.1 km (1.9 miles) from the White House. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and a shared lounge for all guests. There is no shared kitchen or a restaurant in the facility, but American or buffet breakfast is offered to guests each morning. For those who would love to explore around, Newseum in 3.5 km (2.2 miles) away while the Washington Monument is only 3.4 km (2.1 miles) from the hostel. The nearest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport located at about 9.7 km (6 miles) from the hostel.
U Street Capsule Hostel
Address: 1931 13th street NW
1.5 km (1.0 mi) from National Geographic Museum
3. Duo Housing (from USD 33)
Duo Housing is only 1.6 km (1 mile) from the White House, about six minutes’ drive from the Washington Monument, and nine minutes’ drive from the Lincoln Memorial. The hostel offers dorm-style rooms with free linen, towels, and a shared bathroom. There are a shared lounge and terrace where guests can interact, and there is also a shared kitchen for fixing quick meals. For guests’ convenience, the hostel provides a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, luggage storage, as well as a vending machine for refreshments and snacks.
Duo Housing
Address: 1223 11th Street Northwest
980 meters (0.7 ft) from National Geographic Museum
4. HighRoad Hostel DC (from USD 130)
The hostel is located in a restored Victorian mansion, about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Dupont Center, and less than one minute’s walk away from the nearest bus station. The hostel offers a variety of mixed, exclusively male, and exclusively female dorm rooms. The beds in all the rooms are fitted with memory foam mattresses and the rooms are also air-conditioned. The shared amenities include a common lounge, a kitchen, and a business center with complimentary computers. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
HighRoad Washington DC
Address: 1804 Belmont Rd NW
1.74 km (1.1 mi) from National Geographic Museum
Washington Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
Washington Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
Comfortable stays at the heart of Washington DC
With the above best hostels in Washington DC, the lack of affordable hotels should not stop you from having a comfortable stay. Use them to get the comfortable accommodation you need and also to stay close to some of Washington’s most popular attractions and amenities.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data