Looking for the best hostels in Shkoder Albania? Here is a full guide on where to stay in Albania’s ‘ancient city’ for budget travelers.
There are a lot of options to choose from so I’m sure one of these Shkoder hostels will fit your budget. People often choose to do day trips from Shkoder since it is the main gateway for travelers to explore the Albanian Alps.
In the last few years, more hostels have been founded to accommodate the growing number of visitors. This means there is quite a good range of hostels in Shkoder to choose from.
Top Hostels In Shkoder Albania
Here are some of the most popular, highly-rated hostels in Shkoder.
These are some of the older (more established, well-known hostels), so they are bound to be the busiest in the high season. That also means there will be more of a social aspect though.
If you’re wanting to interact and make some friends, these Shkoder hostels are for you. These popular hostels in Shkoder cost €10-18 for a bed in a dorm.
Is Shkoder Safe? Here's what you need to know!
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Shkodra Hostel
Shkodra Hostel is one of the larger hostels in Shkoder with 50 beds available. It’s very convenient since it’s the closest hostel to the bus station – about a 1 min walk.
This Shkoder hostel has only dorm options, so no private rooms are available. It’s still only a 7-minute walk from the Pedonale (pedestrian area), but it’s in a quiet area so you can be assured of getting a good night’s rest.
You’d also be very close to the Shkoder History Museum which is housed in one of the traditional, historic houses of Shkoder.
And the large ‘flea market’ or open-air market in Shkoder is close by for some thrift shopping. If you need some simple and clean accommodation, then this is it. They offer food delivery, bike rentals, and day trips as well.
The Wanderers Hostel
The Wanderers Hostel is located on an alleyway off of the Shkoder ‘pedonale’ (pedestrian area).
It’s a hostel that is always recommended on travel blogs so it’s one of the most booked hostels in Shkoder.
It’s known for having a small free breakfast, a cozy outdoor area with a good social atmosphere, and a small bar for those staying at the hostel.
During my stay a few years ago, I enjoyed the vibe but the beds and bedding were quite worn.
I think they have been replaced recently (according to their Hostelworld description). If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s important to note that there isn’t any air conditioning.
Though that might have been updated recently, the current photos and description do mention or show having AC.
Shkodra Backpackers Hostel – Mi Casa es Tu Casa
Shkodra Backpackers Hostel is another well-known hostel in Shkoder, located directly in the city center and a few minutes walk from the bus station.
It has been around for a while so it’s one of the other hostels that always get recommended in blogs.
This popular Shkoder hostel is in a 100-year-old historic house with a large garden to relax in and a small bar for those staying at the hostel.
It’s very colorful so it feels quirky and full of energy. They specialize as a hostel for outdoor enthusiasts and also implement eco-friendly practices.
And no worries about sweating all night – they have air conditioning in all the rooms.
Kultura Hostel & Bar
Kultura Hostel is a newer hostel in Shkoder, located directly on the pedonale. It is also part of a popular bar that has live music every night outside in the street to enjoy.
Though it might not seem that large from the outside, it has two different buildings. This means there are many different rooms, with lots of bathrooms and a kitchen in each building.
One of the buildings is above the bar, so if you’re wanting to sleep early, try to request a bed in the building further from the street.
What I really enjoyed while staying at Kultura was the air conditioning, super comfortable beds, and that there are so many common areas to enjoy. Some of the hostel rooms even have a private balcony.
There’s a cutely decorated courtyard with places to lounge, work, or pet the hostel kitties (there are 4 or 5). There’s also a pool table and a foosball table.
PSsst do you need travel insurance for Albania? Is it even necessary?
Since it is newer and large, there is usually more space available than at the Wanders hostel and Shkodra Backpackers during the height of summer.
You can also store your luggage for free if you’re planning to visit Theth or Valbona.
Most Affordable Shkoder Hostels
If you’re a no-frill type of traveler, then these hostels are for you. They range from slightly less than €10 per night if you book a bed in a dormitory.
But just to warn you, if you’re visiting in the summer, especially in July and August, these beds will probably be sold out.
If you’re able to plan ahead, book in advance and lock in those affordable prices.
Also, when I say that these hostels in Shkoder are newer, I don’t mean the physical building. I mean they have been established more recently, in the last few years.
Hostel Central Shkoder
Hostel Central Shkoder is another one of the newer hostels in Shkoder.
It’s located on the main road you take when coming into Shkoder, about 3 mins from the bus station and just a few more to the pedonale.
Since the hostel is on a busy road, it might not be the quietest but compared to other areas, it shouldn’t be too loud once it hits 10 or 11PM.
Even on the Pedonale, the music is supposed to stop at 11 – but that doesn’t always happen.
Similarly to Shkodra Hostel, this place will be great if you need something simple and affordable. From the photos, it seems like all the rooms have air conditioning too.
Wondering where to go swimming near Shkoder? Check out this awesome sand dune beach - Rana e Hedhun or the crystal clear water at Shala River!
Our Way Guest House
Our Way Guest House is a newer hostel established a few years ago.
It’s located in a completely different area than most of the other Shkoder hostels, about a 15-minute walk from the bus station.
Though it’s a bit further away from the center, the area is very safe and quiet.
In other parts of the city, you’ll find tall apartment buildings, but here there are houses with gardens. This makes it feel peaceful, a little bit less like the city.
The hostel itself has some nice vibes with colorful artwork and a backyard to spend time in.
The beds are pretty comfortable and there are also a few balconies to enjoy, with some beautiful views of the Albanian Alps.
I don’t think there is air conditioning in some rooms, though that could’ve been updated.
I have personally stayed here, and I do have to say the cleanliness/customer service isn’t the best, but if you are just wanting a cheap place it’s ok.
FAQs – Hostels In Shkoder
Here are some helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions about staying in Shkoder.
What is considered the Shkoder bus station?
Since many people take buses to and from Shkoder, it’s important to know where the ‘bus station’ is.
Technically Shoder doesn’t have an official station – it’s more of a designated area near the main roundabout of Shkoder.
The buses continue to park here along the road going to the Pedonale.
PSsst don't forget to cover yourself with travel insurance, my favorite is SafetyWing ✔️
Do I need to stay in Shkoder to be able to go to the Albanian Alps?
If you are wanting to visit the Albanian Alps, Shkoder is a great place to start from. Shkoder is the public transport gateway into the mountains.
If you plan to go by bus, you will first need to come from Ulcinj, Podgorica or Tirana, so you can then take a bus from Shkoder.
PSsst exploring the Albanian Alps means you need to have some sturdy hiking boots, a light waterproof jacket, and a filter water bottle
If you have rented a car, it’s not necessary to stay, just head straight to your accommodation or camp spot (although there’s still cool things to do in Shkoder you should check out).
Please be aware, the Accursed Mountains can have extreme weather depending on the time of year. Albania has 6 different climates, one of them being subarctic – yes you read that right… Subarctic in the Albanian Alps.
Please check the weather (it can change rapidly in the mountains) and make sure you have an appropriate vehicle.
Can my hostel in Shkoder arrange transport?
Yes, your hostel in Shkoder can arrange the transport to the mountains (usually). A majority of the hostels can either make some calls for you or they have the tickets directly to purchase.
This is important because, if you show up to the bus in the morning they probably won’t have space – this is the reality if you are visiting in the high season.
Each summer it gets busier and busier since more people find out about how amazing northern Albania is.
If you have limited time and don’t want to run the risk of showing up and not getting tickets the day before, check out these that you can book in advance:
- Day trip to Boge and Theth from Shkoder
- 2 Days in Theth leaving from Shkoder or from Tirana
- Day trip to Shala River and Komani Lake from Shkoder or Tirana
- 2 Day trip to Komani Lake and Valbona from Shkoder or Tirana
Final Thoughts On Shkoder Hostels
I hope this has helped show you the best hostels in Shkoder and which one would be best for your trip.
Shkoder is a cool little city, with cute streets, great restaurants, nice nightlife and a lot of history. Have fun enjoying Albania’s ancient city!
Looking to upgrade your stay? Check out this review of the 10 best hotels in Shkoder ✔️