6 Best Hostels for Solo Female Travelers (Tried & Tested)
As a solo female traveller, finding the right hostel can make or break a trip. Over the years, I’ve stayed in dozens of hostels across the globe, and these six stand out not just for their comfort and location, but for making me feel genuinely safe and welcome.
Star Hostel Main, Taipei
If I could live in one hostel for the rest of my life, this would be it. Located right by Taipei Main Station, Star Hostel is architectural perfection. The common area looks like a sprawling indoor wooden garden, bathed in natural light.
As a solo woman, I felt safer here than in most hotels. It’s quiet, impeccably clean, and the “shoes-off” policy makes the whole place feel like a cozy sanctuary. Plus, the free breakfast isn’t just toast—it’s a curated, delicious meal featuring local fruits, that changes daily. It’s the ultimate place to decompress after a day of eating your way through night markets.
ClinkNOORD, Amsterdam
Housed in a converted laboratory building north of Amsterdam’s centre, ClinkNOORD transformed industrial architecture into a stylish haven. The free ferry ride across the IJ river to reach it became part of my daily ritual.
I appreciated the female-only dorms with proper curtains and reading lights, plus the spacious lockers that actually fit a full backpack. The 24-hour reception gave me peace of mind knowing someone was always available if needed.
Tamni, Bangkok
In the chaotic heart of Bangkok, Tamni offered an unexpected oasis of calm. It’s tucked away from the chaos of Khao San Road, offering a soulful, authentic look at Bangkok life that felt incredibly secure for a woman exploring alone. They provide free eggs in the kitchen, perfect for a quick breakfast when I worked from the spacious dining table. It has an in-house spa and cafe which serves the best oat lattes and Pad Kra Pao. What more can a girl need?
Women’s Only Hostel, Prague
Sometimes you just want to be around other women who understand the unique challenges of solo female travel. This Prague hostel delivered exactly that. Located in a quiet neighbourhood yet walking distance from Old Town Square, it offered security without sacrificing convenience. No bunk beds, just one comfortable single bed per person, complete with an eye mask and earplugs. They have a WhatsApp chat for all guests promoting the daily events and updates on the availability of the washer and dryer, which is very useful.
The lipstick wall, the reading nook, the activities every evening, the toiletries and cosy decor are part of the reason why I loved this place. They even have a curated selection of activities, including a feminist walking tour around Old Town.
Anda Venice Hostel, Venice
Venice is expensive, but Anda Venice Hostel (located in Mestre, just one stop from the island) makes it accessible. Staying on the mainland was the best decision of my trip to Venice. The short bus ride into Venice every morning made the place feel even more magical – without struggling with a suitcase or paying extortionery prices for a hotel, or worse, buying into the airbnbs flooding the city.
This place is huge, colorful, and has a fantastic female-only dorm option. I lived in the six-bed female dorm and we share one bath, one toilet and two sinks, which does get crowded sometimes but we work around it. I loved the full length mirror and huge lockers under the bed. It is a party hostel, so take note of that. But that also means cheap Aeperol Spritz from the hostel bar. And the supermarket right next door makes for an extremely convenient girl dinner.
The Local NY, New York City
I’m ending with a strong contender. NYC hostels can be hit or miss, but The Local is a hit. One of the first hostels I’ve ever lived in and it ranks near the top. The rooftop is magical. I will forever remember sharing Cheetos and ramen for supper with my friends with the glorious view of the Queensborough Bridge from the rooftop.
It’s just one subway stop from Manhattan. The rooms have huge windows and high ceilings, making them feel airy rather than cramped, and honestly, it’s a steal compared to the lodgings in Manhattan.
