4 Best Hostels in Birmingham: Affordable Stays in the UK’s “Second City”

Many know Birmingham as a historic city of industrial making. I know it as the place where my friend Steve went to university. Of course, that’s an undersell. But it was the impetus I needed to make a flurry of visits.

Industrial Revolution aside, Birmingham is nowadays known for its culinary offerings, museum landscape, canal-infused greenery, and lively arts scene.

While the “Heart of England” offers numerous travel opportunities and is considered more affordable than some of the country’s other major cities, it’s still worth locking down some economical accommodation. As such, Budget Travel Plans have taken a closer look at the four best hostels in Birmingham.

Coming up in this guide: 

• 4 affordable accommodations 
• Cafes, concert venues, and restaurants
• Easy transport links

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hostels in Birmingham?

Budget-Friendly Hostels in Birmingham

Birmingham Central Backpackers

Best for: most affordable hostel option with strong community and socializing opportunities

Easily the most well-known hostel in Birmingham, Central Backpackers meets all the needs of those looking for budget accommodation. The rooms – from multi-occupancy dorms to private rooms with en-suites – are comfortable and clean. The venue also has a spacious lounge and bar areas, home to many social events. 

Still, Central’s biggest draw is its staff – the space fosters a real sense of community among its travelers. The team goes a long way to help where they can, putting guests on the inside track with local recommendations. 

Local’s Insider Tip

Birmingham has a well-established and lively music scene; if you’re staying at Birmingham Central Backpackers, check out the events calendar for the O2 Academy. The venue is just around the corner and hosts well-known and established names. Alternatively, if you’re in Birmingham for a gig at the Academy, book into the hostel to avoid the hassle of post-show travel.

Selina Birmingham

Best for: more high-end hostel accommodation nestled between the Jewellery Quarter and City Centre

The second of Birmingham’s designated hostel accommodations, Selina offers a more high-end experience than Central Backpackers. 

Again, guests can choose dormitories or private rooms – both of which exhibit modern fittings and minimalist furnishings. Either way, the spaces provide some well-earned comfort at the end of a day out exploring.

Inhabiting a refurbished factory space in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Selina has ample room for extra comforts – a wellness area, yoga studio, bar, restaurant, and a shared kitchen.

Local’s Insider Tip

Take a 5-minute walk south from Selina’s to Itihaas – the restaurant has long played a central role in building Birmingham’s reputation for Indian cuisine. Lansan and Rajdoot are other Jewellery Quarter residents worth visiting, the former arguably being the city’s most celebrated. 

easyHotel Birmingham

Best for: convenient location near Birmingham New Street Station, budget accommodation offering private rooms

Yes, easyHotel isn’t a hostel – the name is a dead giveaway. Still, space satiates an ever-present travel appetite for budget accommodations. (This would also be a very short list if we didn’t let a couple of imposters in.) 

easyHotel fits the bill for anyone wanting a private room at a low cost. Though very much a budget accommodation, each room includes the added comfort of a TV and en-suite bathroom.

The property also sits within sight of New Street Station, Birmingham’s central transport hub. 

Local’s Insider Tip

If you fancy yourself a caffeine connoisseur, head to either Faculty Coffee or 200 Degrees – the two artisan spots are mere meters from each other and serve up some of the best barista coffee in the city.

Comfort Inn Birmingham

Best for: a rest hub during a hectic city break, nothing more than a budget place to sleep with proximity to shops and restaurants, business travelers stopping overnight

Again, a hotel rather than a hostel, Birmingham’s Comfort Inn is still worthy of mention for its affordability. The place is very much within the budget sector. The building has become a little tired, so expectations must be kept realistic. The rooms, each with a TV and coffee maker, are compact but nonetheless comfortable. 

The property boasts a lounge bar for those wanting a drink close to home. There’s also a meeting room for business travelers needing a workspace.

Bottom line: Comfort Inn does the basics well.

Local’s Insider Tip

Take the short walk to Digbeth and aim for the Custard Factory, a creative hub that hosts independent retailers, artistic exhibitions, and the occasional cultural festival – it’s a welcome change of pace from the highstreet commercialism of Birmingham’s Bullring and Grand Central Shopping Centre.

Things to Do in Birmingham

Birmingham arguably deserves more praise than it gets. From serene canals and the creative atmosphere of the Jewellery Quarter to the energetic Bullring and ubiquity of world cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

Moreover, the city boasts a lively calendar of events, from music festivals to cultural celebrations, offering a taste of its multicultural essence.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of Birmingham’s rich heritage, guided tours led by local experts provide invaluable insights and carefully curated experiences. To make the most of your visit to Birmingham, consider platforms like GetYourGuide.

Explore their selection of Birmingham experiences below:

FAQs about Hostels in Birmingham

What is the average price for a hostel in Birmingham?

The average price for a hostel in Birmingham depends on the time of year you visit and which type of room you book. Peak tourist season is from June through August, with mid-July typically being the busiest.

Generally, you can expect to find hostel prices in Birmingham as follows:

• £20-£30 per night for a bed in a shared dorm room.
• £60-£80 per night for a private dorm room

As always, the general rule of thumb is: the earlier you book, the better the prices!

Birmingham tends to be a little more affordable than some other major cities in the UK – a little bonus for anyone with the Midlands on their travel map!

Our favorite places to book Birmingham hostels are Hostelworld and Booking.com to compare prices and read additional reviews.

Further Reading

Looking for more accommodations in the UK? Read our articles below:

• Best Hostels in London
• Best Hostels in Newcastle
• Best Campsites on the Isle of Skye
• Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

???? Ready to Jet-Set on a Budget? ✈️

Maximize your savings with these travel essentials:

✈️ Sky-high Savings: Book budget-friendly flights with Skyscanner.
???? Rest Easy: Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
???? Travel Light: Store your luggage securely with Bounce.
???? Stay Connected: Grab affordable eSIMs from Airalo or SimOptions.
???? Unforgettable Adventures: Find tours and experiences with GetYourGuide.
????️ Travel Worry-Free: Stay protected with travel insurance from SafetyWing!