Santiago is one of those cities where choosing the right hostel can completely change your trip.
Do you want rooftop sunsets with Andes views, legendary backpacker bars, cozy home-style hostels, or social spots packed with events and shared dinners? Santiago has all of it, but not every hostel delivers the same experience.
To save you hours of scrolling and second guessing, I compared the best Santiago hostels for 2026. This list is focused on what actually matters: atmosphere, social life, location, comfort, and value. Especially if you are traveling solo and want to meet people without sacrificing sleep.
From award winning classics in Bellavista to stylish boutique hostels and relaxed eco friendly stays, these are the 9 hostels in Santiago that truly stand out.
Also planning to go south to the Lake District? Check out our list of the best hotels in Pucón.
If you want a social hostel in Santiago where it is actually easy to meet people, this one should be high on your list. The Hostel Santiago is modern, lively, and clearly built for travelers who want more than just a bed.
This is a very social hostel. They organize a lot of activities every week like BBQs, walking tours, movie nights, and themed parties. If you are traveling solo and do not want to feel alone, this place makes it almost impossible not to meet people.
The common areas are a big plus. There are cozy chill spaces, a proper cowork area, and even a free tea station which sounds small but is very appreciated after a long day in the city. You can work, relax, or hang out without feeling cramped.
The vibe is energetic but not chaotic. It feels like a new generation hostel that understands that travelers want social energy, but also comfort and good design.
Location wise, it sits just outside the absolute center, about a 15 minute walk. For Santiago, that is totally fine and keeps the area a bit quieter at night while still being close to everything.
This is a great choice if you want a fun, social base in Santiago without it turning into a full party hostel every night.
Quick reasons to book The Hostel Santiago
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The Hostel Santiago on Hostelworld
La Chimba Hostel is a true Santiago classic. It has been around since 2005 and there is a reason backpackers keep coming back. This place is lively, social, and very much focused on meeting people and having a good time.
The hostel is set in a beautiful 100 year old house right in Barrio Bellavista. This area is one of the most fun and energetic parts of Santiago, especially if you like nightlife, street art, and good food. Everything you need is within walking distance and the Baquedano metro station nearby makes getting around the city extremely easy.
La Chimba is known for its bar and yes, it deserves that reputation. Cheap beer, daily drink deals, beer pong, events, and a constant flow of travelers make it very easy to socialize here. The bar also doubles as an art space with rotating artwork from local and international artists, which gives the place extra character.
This is very much a backpacker hostel. Expect a buzzing atmosphere, lots of conversations, and nights that sometimes turn into stories you will laugh about later. If you are a solo traveler who wants instant social life, this is one of the easiest places in Santiago to make friends.
Rooms range from mixed dorms and female only dorms to private rooms. Beds are comfortable, linen is included, and each bed has a locker for your valuables. It is not luxury, but it is solid, functional, and exactly what you want in a social hostel.
The list of extras here is long. Free walking tours, free bike hire, free luggage storage, strong WiFi everywhere, a self catering kitchen, movie room, pool table, hammock garden, and yes, even free shots throughout the day. There is also no curfew and a 24 hour reception, which is perfect if your plans change or you arrive late.
La Chimba has won multiple Hostelworld awards over the years, including Best Hostel in Latin America. It is loud, fun, social, and unapologetically a backpacker hotspot. If that sounds like your thing, you will love it here.
Quick reasons to book La Chimba Hostel:
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La Chimba Hostel on Hostelworld
A rooftop. An actual rooftop. And honestly… a rooftop, A ROOFTOP! Need I say more?
Guanako Rooftop Hostel sits right in the heart of Santiago, just steps from Patio Bellavista. This is one of the best areas in the city for food, bars, live music, and nightlife. You are also one block away from Baquedano metro station, which makes getting anywhere in Santiago extremely easy.
This hostel feels like a smart mix between a boutique hotel and a hostel. You get comfort, design, and privacy, without losing the social side. It is more polished than the average backpacker hostel, but still friendly and relaxed.
Dorms are very well set up. Think memory foam mattresses, personal reading lights, USB and power outlets, big lockers, keycard access, air conditioning, and central heating. Yes, central heating. That alone is a big deal in Santiago, especially during colder months.
Most rooms have private en suite bathrooms, which is rare for a hostel in this location. Everything feels clean, modern, and well thought out.
The rooftop is the star of the show. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset, see the Andes in the distance, and meet other travelers without loud party vibes. There is also a lounge area for movie nights or just hanging out, plus a shared kitchen if you want to cook.
The staff here really stands out. They are multilingual, friendly, and genuinely helpful with local tips. You can tell they care about making your stay smooth and enjoyable.
Guanako Rooftop Hostel is ideal if you want a stylish, comfortable stay with a social edge. It is perfect for solo travelers who want to meet people, but also sleep well and feel comfortable.
Quick reasons to book Guanako Rooftop Hostel
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Guanako Rooftop Hostel on Hostelworld
Hostal Providencia is one of those places that just works for a lot of travelers. Great location, comfortable beds, big common areas, and a relaxed social vibe without going full party hostel.
The location is excellent. You are right in the heart of Santiago, only a short walk from Plaza Italia, Parque Bustamante metro station, and Barrio Bellavista. That means easy transport during the day and some of the best nightlife in the city just minutes away at night.
This hostel is known for its variety of room options. There are shared dorms for budget travelers and a wide range of private rooms, from single and double to family rooms for up to six people. Newer dorms even come with personal lights and USB ports, which is always a win.
The common areas are spacious and nicely decorated. There is a cozy bar for casual drinks, two patios where you can hang out or smoke, and plenty of space to relax or chat with other travelers. It feels social, but never overwhelming.
Two fully equipped kitchens make cooking easy, and free coffee and tea are available all day. Breakfast is optional and can be bought at reception in the morning if you do not feel like cooking.
The staff is efficient, multilingual, and available 24 hours a day. Security is taken seriously, daily cleaning is included for longer stays, and WiFi works throughout the hostel.
Hostal Providencia is a very solid choice if you want comfort, flexibility, and a central location at a good price. It suits solo travelers, groups, and even families who want to stay close to everything without giving up sleep.
Quick reasons to book Hostal Providencia
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Guanako Rooftop Hostel on Hostelworld
Ventana Sur Hostal really does feel like a home away from home. This is the kind of place where travelers slow down a bit, actually talk to each other, and end up sharing dinner or a drink without planning to.
The atmosphere is laid back and social in a very natural way. Some evenings are quiet with people reading or chatting on the terrace, other nights turn into group dinners, barbecues, or long conversations over wine or pisco. It depends on the mood, and that is exactly the charm of this place.
There is a small pool and a terrace where people naturally gather during the day. It is easy to meet others here, but it never feels forced or loud like a party hostel. This is a place for travelers who respect each other and understand the balance between having fun and letting people sleep.
The location is excellent. You are just a few blocks from Santa Isabel metro station, right next to Bustamante Park. Bellavista, Cerro San Cristobal, and Cerro Santa Lucia are all within walking distance. The neighborhood is safe and full of restaurants, bars, and supermarkets.
One of the big advantages of Ventana Sur is the experience behind it. The hostel has been running for over a decade, and the manager Ivan knows Santiago inside out. If you want honest local advice, this is one of the best places to get it.
Breakfast is simple but solid and starts at 9:00. You get bread, scrambled eggs, peanut butter, jam, butter, plus tea, coffee, and milk. It is more than enough to start your day before exploring the city.
Ventana Sur Hostal is perfect for travelers who want a social but relaxed environment. If you like meeting people, sharing experiences, and feeling at home while still being in a great location, this is an excellent choice.
Quick reasons to book Ventana Sur Hostal
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Ventana Sur Hostal on Hostelworld
Merced 88 is a newer style hostel that focuses on comfort, design, and location rather than loud parties. If you want to stay somewhere central, stylish, and relaxed, this is a very strong option.
The location is excellent. You are right in the center of Santiago, close to Lastarria, Bellas Artes, and Bellavista. Cerro San Cristobal and Cerro Santa Lucia are also nearby, which makes this a great base for sightseeing, museums, cafés, and walking around the city.
The hostel is set in an antique building with a preserved historic exterior, but the inside feels modern and thoughtfully designed. Everything is inspired by Chile, from the colors to the details that reflect local flora and fauna. It feels warm, welcoming, and very well put together.
One of the highlights here is the terrace. It is a great place to relax after a day in the city, have a drink at the bar, play games, and enjoy views over Santiago. The atmosphere is social but calm, making it easy to meet people without dealing with party chaos.
Merced 88 feels more like a boutique hostel than a traditional backpacker spot. It attracts travelers who care about aesthetics, comfort, and location, while still wanting a bit of social life in the evenings.
If you want to feel at home while staying right in the middle of Santiago, Merced 88 is a great pick. It is especially nice for solo travelers who want a relaxed, friendly place to unwind.
Quick reasons to book Merced 88
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Merced 88 on Hostelworld
Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde is a small, charming hostel with a strong focus on comfort, community, and sustainability. It feels personal, calm, and genuinely welcoming, especially if you are looking for something more meaningful than a typical backpacker hostel.
The hostel is located in the Bellavista neighborhood, right at the foot of Cerro San Cristobal. This area has a bohemian vibe, lots of culture, and some of the best nightlife in Santiago, all within a short walk. Metro stations are nearby, so getting around the city is easy and quick.
What really sets Tambo Verde apart is its eco friendly approach. The hostel actively promotes responsible tourism and tries to minimize its environmental footprint. If sustainability matters to you, this is one of the better choices in Santiago.
There are only 10 rooms, and each one has its own style and design. This keeps the atmosphere intimate and quiet, making it easy to connect with other travelers without feeling crowded. It is a place where conversations happen naturally.
Breakfast is included, which is always a plus in Santiago. Reception is open 24 hours, there is no curfew, and the staff is happy to help with tips and recommendations around the city.
Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde is ideal for travelers who want a calm, cozy stay in a great location. It suits solo travelers who value sustainability, cultural exchange, and a relaxed social atmosphere.
Quick reasons to book Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde
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Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde on Hostelworld
Hostal Forestal is all about location, connection, and creating a social atmosphere that feels natural rather than forced. It is a good option if you want to stay central, meet people easily, and experience Santiago from a local perspective.
The location is one of its strongest points. You are close to parks, plazas, public transport, and many of the city’s main sights. Everything you need for exploring Santiago is nearby, whether you are into museums, walking neighborhoods, or nightlife.
This hostel puts a lot of focus on bringing people together. The vibe is friendly and open, and it attracts travelers from all over the world. It is the kind of place where conversations start easily and plans are made on the go.
Rather than being a party hostel, Hostal Forestal feels active and social. There is always something happening, whether that is a small project, a group activity, or simply people hanging out and sharing travel stories.
The hostel also aims to give guests a real sense of Chilean culture. It feels personal and engaged, not just like a place to sleep between activities.
Hostal Forestal is a solid choice for solo travelers who want to connect with others and stay in a central location. If meeting people and being close to the action matters to you, this hostel is worth considering.
Quick reasons to book Hostal Forestal
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Hostal Forestal on Hostelworld
Aji Hostel is one of the best picks in Santiago if you care about sustainability, community, and actually connecting with people. It is especially popular with solo travelers, and that really shows once you stay here.
This is a youth focused, welcoming hostel with a strong social calendar. They make it very easy to meet others without forcing a party vibe. Think shared dinners, group activities, and casual nights out rather than chaotic late nights inside the hostel.
Social events are a big part of the experience. On Mondays there is a free Chilean pisco sour at dinner time. Wednesdays come with a free pasta and pesto dinner plus a glass of wine. On Fridays they organize a traditional Chilean barbecue with meat, salads, and local wine and beer for a small extra cost. It is very easy to make friends here, especially if you are traveling alone.
Sustainability is taken seriously. Aji Hostel has an official sustainability certification from the Chilean government and actively focuses on reducing energy use, recycling, and respecting both staff and the local community. Inclusivity and zero discrimination are core values here.
The hostel was founded by two travelers and is now run by a young, international team from countries like Chile, Brazil, Haiti, and the USA. The atmosphere feels open, friendly, and genuinely welcoming.
Location is another strong point. You are just one block from Metro Salvador in Providencia, one of the safest and most central areas of Santiago. Restaurants, bars, supermarkets, shopping centers, and nightlife areas are all within walking distance.
Most services are included. WiFi is fast, rooms are cleaned daily, beds are made, there is a fully equipped kitchen, and all private rooms come with an ensuite bathroom. Reception is open 24 hours a day, and there is limited parking available.
Aji Hostel is perfect for solo travelers who want social interaction, shared experiences, and a hostel that stands for something beyond just a bed. If sustainability and community matter to you, this is an excellent choice.
Quick reasons to book Aji Hostel
Book here:
Aji Hostel on Hostelworld
