6 Best Hostels in Pittsburgh PA

Oh, Pittsburgh, the city where steel meets soul. We still remember the first time we visited the Steel City. We thought it was just for business tycoons and history buffs, but we were wrong. This city is also a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits. But one thing that we also noticed was that the prices of the hotels were almost always expensive. That’s why we’re here to show you options that can give you a comfortable stay at a fraction of the hotel price. If you’re looking for hostels in Pittsburgh, PA, you should know that technically, only one place names and categorizes itself as a hostel.

Luckily, there are still many other affordable accommodations ready to welcome you with a warm hug. Though you’ll most likely spend your night in a private room, many of them still offer shared spaces for you to meet new people. So, lace up your shoes and get ready to discover Pittsburgh on a budget!

Bloomfield/Shadyside @F Quiet and Stylish Private Bedroom

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Best Style. Popular among university students and young travelers alike, let us introduce you to the Bloomfield/Shadyside @F Quiet and Stylish Private Bedroom. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Pittsburgh, this stylish haven is where you can have the best of both worlds: urban energy that seamlessly blends with cozy charm. Unlike regular hostels, this place offers guests private bedrooms. Though not as big as the ones Pittsburgh hotels have to offer, it was big enough for us. Psst! The bed was so soft and comfy, and it was the perfect crash pad for us after a day of exploration.

Since this is a budget accommodation, you have to settle for the shared bathroom. Don’t worry, though, as it’s exceptionally clean. We weren’t fans of sharing our bathroom either, but it was surprisingly fine. In addition to the shared bathroom, you can also put your cooking skills to the test in the fully-equipped shared kitchen. We were surprised when we found there were gleaming appliances and ample cooking space. Moreover, during our spare time, we would stroll through the leafy lanes of Shadyside, our favorite place in the area, brimming with boutiques and cafes.

Point Breeze Guest House

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Best for Homey Feel. At Point Breeze Guest House, you can have a private room with everything you need for the price of a hostel dormitory. What a win! When we were in Pittsburgh, this quickly became our home away from home. When the sun rose, we would enjoy the fresh air on the balcony and unwind for as long as we wanted to. Treating us like family, we were also provided with a delicious breakfast in the morning. Whenever we needed a midnight snack, we would make something in the handy kitchenette or brew a perfect cup of tea.

Another thing that deserves a brownie point is that the guest house allows four-legged companions to stay with you. Yep, it welcomes dogs with open paws. Our neighbor had his dog during our stay, and he would take him to one of the parks nearby. Speaking of location, this place nestles perfectly in the charming Point Breeze neighborhood. We were able to reach the Frick Art Museum in mere minutes, and there were bus stations in the vicinity, too, so we could go anywhere our city-exploring heart desired.

Big House Private Room

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Best Social Atmosphere. With the Big House Private Room, you’re finally able to escape the ordinary even when you’re on a budget. This recently renovated accommodation is a haven for budget travelers looking for hostels in Pittsburgh, PA. One of the things that we loved throughout our stay was its sprawling terraced. We would spend our mornings there, bathing in sunlight and admiring the enchanting garden views. It truly provided us with a serene escape from the city buzz. The location is also a highlight, with numerous parks, restaurants, and universities nearby. Better yet, it also offers a convenient paid shuttle to the airport.

Though cheap, we still enjoyed our twin room. There, we had our own wardrobe, TV for movie nights, and air-conditioning for those sultry summer days. Like many other hostels, this accommodation features a shared bathroom. When we were there, it wasn’t that crowded, so we didn’t have to queue for long to use the bathroom, and it came with a hairdryer and bidet, too. And when we were craving culinary adventures, we would whip up a feast in the shared kitchen, which was also where we met other travelers.

Highland Park Pittsburgh

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Best Park Access. What we have here is Highland Park Pittsburgh, a guest house with a hostel vibe. When we first found out about this place, we were thrilled. Here, you can expect private rooms for solo travelers, couples, and even large groups. Thanks to the shared bathrooms, the rates are friendly. Don’t worry; based on our experience, the bathrooms were sparkling clean and cleaned daily. In addition to that, you can also consider the apartment options, which offer more privacy with their own kitchens and bathrooms. Of course, they’re more pricey.

While we were there, we loved to bond with fellow travelers in the communal lounge and kitchen. We would share recipes and cook meals together while sharing the good and bad of being digital nomads. It was truly a fantastic way to connect. And when we were craving nature, we didn’t have to worry as we were only steps away from the beauty of Highland Park. After spending two nights here, we can confidently tell you that this place is more than just a guest house. It’s a welcoming base for exploring Pittsburgh, whether you’re a solo backpacker looking for a hostel or a group of friends in need of cheap accommodation.

Traveler’s Rest Hotel

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Best Budget Value. The Traveler’s Rest Hotel isn’t your typical place to rest your tired body. In fact, it checks many boxes for those looking for hostels in Pittsburgh, PA. When we first arrived, we were awed by the unique architecture. It’s a blend of the city’s industrial past and a modern, rustic aesthetic. After talking to other travelers, we learned that the building is a former iron manufacturer’s headquarters dating back to 1883. Like hostels, this place features a shared lounge. It was our go-to place to unwind and meet new friends. The owner’s dog, Peabody, would often take a nap there, and we would play with him whenever we could. He was adorable!

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Additionally, budget-conscious travelers will definitely love the idea of free breakfast! Here, we would start our day by making our own breakfast at the breakfast bar. Not enough? You can also park your vehicle for free in the designated street parking area. We didn’t bring our vehicle, but getting around was easy as bike hire was available. While we were there, we stayed in the Double Room. It was nothing fancy, and the bathroom was outside down the hallway. However, we still had a blast as the room was clean, and we were able to have an uninterrupted sleep every night.

Stay Pittsburgh

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Best Overall. Our number one pick is none other than Stay Pittsburgh, which is technically the only hostel in the city. Here, you can forget about hostel bunk beds. Though marketed as a hostel, it sure doesn’t feel like a traditional one. It rocks private rooms; some are big enough with multiple bunk beds. Of course, there are also cute and cozy options for solo travelers. Our room had two single beds, and it was spotless. The best part? Each room comes with its own kitchen. We would whip up a meal in the morning to save a ton on dining out. Plus, no shared bathrooms and awkward hallway encounters!

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“No other place can top our experience at Stay Pittsburgh. The location was perfect, the amenities were complete, the room was clean, and the people made everything a lot more fun.”

WOW Travel

This is the solution for those looking for an affordable place to stay in the heart of the city. The location of this hostel is superb. Set in downtown, everything we wanted to visit was right at the front door. We were able to visit the Fort Pitt Museum and Taco Town easily. Best of all, this hotel boasts stunning views of Mt. Washington! Also, have we mentioned that this hostel welcomes your furry friend, too? Speaking of which, here’s our list of the best pet-friendly hotels in Pittsburgh!

Our Verdict!

Among all of the budget accommodations above, we think it’s only fair to name Stay Pittsburgh as the best overall. It’s technically the only hostel in the city and offers everything a budget-conscious traveler needs. However, the rest are also worth considering. We’ve categorized them based on their biggest selling point so you can easily choose which one suits you best.

• Best Budget Value: Traveler’s Rest Hotel
• Best Park Access: Highland Park Pittsburgh
• Best Social Atmosphere: Big House Private Room
• Best for Homey Feel: Point Breeze Guest House
• Best Style: Bloomfield/Shadyside @F Quiet and Stylish Private Bedroom

Where to Stay in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods. That said, one of the most popular places among travelers is none other than downtown. It’s home to iconic landmarks like Heinz Field and PNC Park. There are numerous museums there, too. A walkable area bustling with energy, we highly recommend staying here.

In addition to that, you may also want to stay at Highland Park. We think this is the perfect place for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. This sprawling park boasts gardens, walking trails, and even a zoo. It’s a great escape from the urban landscape and offers stunning city views.

If you consider yourself a big foodie, stay at Bloomfield! It’s the place to be for discovering the diverse restaurants, bakeries, and shops. You’ll have endless chances to experience the warmth of the community and savor authentic favors.

Our last recommendation is Shadyside. This is a neighborhood with a sophisticated nightlife scene. You’ll easily find cocktail bars and clubs here. It also features an attractive streetscape with trendy bouquets and hip cafes. Best of all, it’s easy to get around on foot or bike.

For more affordable accommodation in the city, check out our specially curated list of the best cheap hotels in Pittsburgh!

Is Pittsburgh, PA, worth visiting?

Yes, we do think Pittsburgh is worth visiting. With a thriving cultural scene, outdoor adventures, an incredible culinary scene, and a rich industrial past, it offers a variety of things to do and see.

How many days do you need in Pittsburgh?

It depends on your itinerary. We think spending at least a week would be great to fully explore every corner of the city. But again, the city is also small enough that you can experience its best attractions in two to three days.

Is Pittsburgh a walkable city?

Yes! Pittsburgh is a very walkable city. There are tons of shops, restaurants, and bars within easy walking distance of each other, and Pittsburgh has a good public transportation system, too.