Famed for its world heritage sites, deserts, a country with four seasons at one time while in the north is covered with snow, in the south you have tropical weather, satisfying cuisine and heart-warming locals, Iran is a country that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. It’s a place where no day is the same.
But Iran isn’t an easy place to explore. The space between cities is bigger than you might expect, then you’ll need somewhere to rest your weary head. So finding yourself somewhere decent to stay definitely helps make a big trip to Iran so much easier. Especially if you’re an independent traveler or a backpacker who wants to organise your trip by yourself, here is the right choice to find the best guide on where to stay. Finding a good hostel in Iran is no easy task, but nowadays hostelling is ubiquitous and you’ll see new joints popping up everywhere. Therefore we’ve put together this full guide to the 10 best hostels in Iran. Hostels are chosen due to their quality, price, customer satisfaction, good location, and their facilities. It also assist travelers to choose and experience genuine and authentic hostels that are environmentally and socially sustainable.
In some cities you can find a decent hostel for €5 per night, making Iran a hotspot for backpackers on a low budget. With tips on top hostels in Iran hopefully you won’t end up anywhere shady, and your trip will be even more amazing. Here’s our pick of the 10 best hostels in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd, Kashan and Kerman as you follow, you will find the best hostels in each city.
See you in Iran Hostel (Tehran)
See You in Iran Hostel, is rated by Lonely Planet as the “Top Choice Hostel in Tehran,” transcends the limitations of personal connections between travelers and local Iranians by providing low-budget accommodation and featuring an event-based café, which aim to combat decades of political, economic, and cultural isolation of Iran. This hostel’s work in utilizing a physical space in shaping social life has made it the accommodation for cultural encounters. Located in the Iranshahr neighborhood at the heart of Tehran’s pulsing artistic center, the hostel’s area includes the Iranian Artists’ Forum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and numerous private art galleries. It neighbors political and intellectual attractions like the Former U.S. Embassy, the University of Tehran, and Enghelab Square’s famous book bazaars. It is also within walking distance to Haft-e Tir and Taleghani metro stations and few bus stations are available in less than five minutes walk.
Most travelers say, what makes See You in Iran Hostel unique is mainly their ambience, cultural activities and friendly staff. See You in Iran has begun another unique project under the name of See You in Iran Cultural House. The See You in Iran Cultural House is a physical and online Iran-centered and globally-oriented platform, producing socio-cultural content and organizing events through which foreigners and Iranians can connect.
- Address: No. 2, Vahdati Manesh Dead End, South Kheradmand st, Karimkhan Zand st., Tehran
- Nearest Metro Station: Haft-e Tir (5 minutes walk)
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Tehran Heritage Hostel
Tehran Heritage Hostel is a dreamy kind of hostel and one of the best hostels in Tehran, the rooms are all white and yellow-washed. Tehran Heritage Hostel is the largest Hostel in Tehran, offering private and dormitory rooms with a high quality. Tehran Heritage Hostel was renovated recently, this hostel not only has a good location but also offers good services. It is located in the heart of Tehran, Heritage Hostel is just beside Baharestan metro station. Cozy cafes, restaurants and juice bars are only within a five minute walking distance from the hostel. They have a 24 hour reception so you can be assured for any requests they are always there for you, also they take care so much about your safety so you don’t need to worry and can chill in your dorm room.
Tehran Heritage hostel has hosted more than 15000 travelers from over 150 countries. Moreover different nationalities have shared their experiences about Tehran Heritage hostel. This hostel is suitable for those who would like to go around the city by bike with an ideal garage to park your bicycle.
The Parliament, Negarestan Garden, National Arts Museum and Masoudieh Palace are just 8-minutes walking distance from Tehran Heritage hostel. Tehran Grand Bazaar, Golestan Palace and National Jewelry Museum are all less than 30-minute walking distance from Heritage Hostel. The dormitory rooms feature beautiful designed bunk beds with private curtains, individual lockers, sockets and light on each bed, while the decorated private rooms are equipped with great furniture and stunning bed linen. Common area features a mini-bar with excellent choice of beverages, tea and amazing coffee. Laundry, common kitchen, free WIFI across the property.
- Address: No. 22, Kamal-ol-Molk Street, Baharestan Sq, Tehran
- Nearest Metro Station: Baharestan (1 minutes walk)
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
ZEE Hostel (Tehran)
ZEE Hostel (ZEE means life), they chose this name to tell travelers “come and live with us”. The hostel has a 75-year old building located in the heart of Tehran. This hostel offers a good quality dormitory and stylish private rooms for travelers and backpackers. ZEE Hostel is strategically located at a walking distance from Valiasr Street, the main and most famous street in Tehran. Thus, you can easily have access to almost all major parts of Tehran and its historic sites. Within a maximum 30 minutes walk, you will reach every major site you want to visit Tehran: The Grand Bazaar, Contemporary Art Museum, Laleh Park, National Garden and Museum, Golestan Palace and many more tourist attractions.
This hostel offers a 24-hour front desk with a shared kitchen, lounge, and free WiFi throughout the property. Depending on your personal needs, you can either book a private room or simply check in for a shared room where you will have the chance to know a lot of travelers from different cultures and countries. Moreover you will have the opportunity to enjoy your daily coffee or meal, in an amazingly stylish cafe, where you will meet fellow travelers as well as Iranian youngsters and intellectuals, drinking coffee, reading books or discussing daily lives. The cafe also hosts various events and gatherings so you may have the chance to engage with the locals in Tehran. They are enthusiastic advocates of the environment and often work towards sustainable tourism, for instance they don’t use plastics such as water bottles, plastic cups, etc. and try to recycle as much as they can. In ZEE hostel you will find beds covered with curtains and for your safety and privacy they have added lockers and storage areas for every guest.
- Address:No. 2, Parsa Alley, Labbafi nezhad St., Felestin St., Enghelab St., Tehran
- Nearest Metro Station: Theater-e-shahr (8-9 minutes walk)
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Bibi hostel (Shiraz)
Staying here you’re sure to pretty much have the best time as a solo traveller in Shiraz. Up there among the best hostels in Shiraz for solo travellers, this place wants to give you a decent local experience. And thankfully it is in the historical centre of Shiraz, so you get less hassle here. Within a maximum 10 minutes walk, you will reach major sites you want to visit in Shiraz, for instance Shah Cheragh holy shrine,the old town & Bazar of Shiraz, Vakil complex and the Pink mosque.
BB Hostel is a traditional Iranian house converted into a colorful traditional house with eye-catching architectural ornaments including glazed tile works and colorful stained glasses, suitable for travelers who seek for a real experience of pure culture in Shiraz. It has a pleasant terrace and a courtyard. The amazing thing about this hostel is its rooftop café named “Sweet lemon”, which gives you the chance of having a well brewed special coffee after a long day of walking and sightseeing and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Shiraz. Delicious breakfast is served every morning on the roof courtyard.
The rooms are around a traditional courtyard, decorated with flowers and colorful stained glasses to give you a feeling of living in a traditional persian home where in old times the rich local families used to live in these houses. The dormitory room sleeps up to 6 people with shared shower and toilet facilities. The interior patio and the terrace are a wonderful meeting place for travelers. The staff are very helpful concerning all aspects of your stay and their priority is to create an ambience of fun, a sociable place to meet other travellers, learn more about Persian culture.
This hostel offers a 24-hour front desk with a shared kitchen, lounge, and free WiFi throughout the property. Depending on your personal needs, you can either book a private room or simply check in for a shared room where you will have the chance to know a lot of travelers from different cultures and countries. Moreover you will have the opportunity to enjoy your daily coffee or meal, in an amazingly stylish cafe, where you will meet fellow travelers as well as Iranian youngsters and intellectuals, drinking coffee, reading books or discussing daily lives. The cafe also hosts various events and gatherings so you may have the chance to engage with the locals in Tehran. They are enthusiastic advocates of the environment and often work towards sustainable tourism, for instance they don’t use plastics such as water bottles, plastic cups, etc. and try to recycle as much as they can. In ZEE hostel you will find beds covered with curtains and for your safety and privacy they have added lockers and storage areas for every guest.
- Address: Sang sia Alley, dastgheib Blvd, Namazi junction, Shiraz
- Nearest Metro Station: Zandie station (15 minutes walk)
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Taha hostel (Shiraz)
Another recommended hostel in Shiraz is Taha traditional hostel, one of the first best and cheap hostels in Shiraz. It’s a chill place to hang out in and meet other travellers, which is always a plus. This traditional hostel is located in downtown Shiraz, in the historical neighborhood. Half of the highlights of Shiraz are in a 10 min walking distance from the hostel such as Holy Shrine, Pink Mosque, Vakil Complex,etc. It has a variety of rooms in 3 different buildings with competitive prices to suit your needs.
The building is more than 170 years old. It’s been renovated by professional architects with minimal changes and traditional persian architecture. The rooms have been recently renovated and have modern services, in both private and shared bathrooms. The whole building is always monitored by CCTV cameras and the reception open 24 hours. It is a traditional house with modern facilities that you’re looking for. The staff are very hospitable, they want you to feel comfortable as if you are staying at your home. It has a cozy garden to enjoy your tea. They offer so many services such as laundry, money exchange services, etc.
It kind of feels more like a guesthouse or budget hotel than a hostel, but this top hostel in Shiraz is clean, plus the staff are nice and arrange good tours in the city.
- Address: Front of Armenian Church, Sang Siah St., Zand St., Shiraz
- Nearest Metro Station: Zand station (12-15 minutes walk)
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Mahbibi hostel (Isfahan)
Choose Mahbibi Hostel if you are looking for a backpacking hostel with a good location in the center of Isfahan and in close destination to city highlights. The hostel is a heritage building from the Pahlavi dynasty with traditional architectural enchantment, combined with modern comforts.
It suits backpackers who are interested in having easy access to most historical landmarks and public transportation in Isfahan. Also those who love to experience various activities such as Farsi Class, Persian Cooking classes, yoga class, Camping &, etc. It has a cozy cafe where English events are organized in the cafe, you could easily join the gatherings. Mahbibi Hostel offers an eclectic collection of amazing twin rooms, family rooms and dorm rooms. Some of which overlook a beautiful courtyard with trees and a pond. There is an eye-catching courtyard with colorful flowers, and a blue pond which has made a good atmosphere to this hostel.The rooms are pretty plush, to say the least, even the dorms are all new and chic and make you feel, why can’t all hostels be this nice?
It is located in a short walking distance of the Naghsh-e Jahan square, the main highlight of Isfahan and you can easily reach other city highlights by foot. Most travelers love the Mahbibi hostel for its excellent location as well as its hospitable staff.
- Address: No. 81439, Chaharbagh Khaju Street, Naghashi Intersection, Isfahan
- Nearest Metro Station: Darvaze Dowlat (8-10 minutes walk)
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Pava hostel (Isfahan)
This youth hostel in Isfahan has good vibes, a friendly atmosphere, and pretty much top facilities for the money you pay here. Pava Hostel has a traditional Persian design with affordable prices for every budget. It is a nice place to stay where you can share your experience with travelers of different cultures. They do their best to provide you with world renowned Iranian hospitality, so you will feel at home during your stay.
This house has different types of rooms to accommodate your needs. There is an apartment suite on the lower level, while dormitory and private rooms are on the first floor. The apartment suite includes its own living room with sofa beds, a separate bedroom with a double & a single bed, dining room, kitchen and private bath. The other rooms have four shared bathrooms as well as a communal kitchen, dining table, living room and terrace. Pavahostel is located in the center of Isfahan, which you can easily access everywhere. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) station is just in front of the hostel. You can easily access highlights of Isfahan such as Khajou bridge, Naghsh-e-Jahan square, Chehel sotoon palace, Hasht behesht palace, Masjed jame, Siose pol bridge. They also put on nice events and tours.
What makes Pava hostel one of the best hostels in Isfahan for backpackers and solo travelers is the location, relaxed atmosphere and the staff are super nice which makes the hostel a cool space to stay.
- Address: No. 110, Darafsh alley(number 32), Bozorgmehr street, Isfahan
- Nearest Metro Station: None
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Good feeling Hostel (Yazd)
Yazd’s historic hostels have redefined the concept of budget accommodation in Iran. They aren’t just a couple of rooms loaded with bunk beds, but boast a wide range of excellent facilities in buildings most of which are living museums in their own right. Good Feeling Hostel in Yazd, is one of them, a 400-year-old stunning historic house. The have chosen this name because they want you to be surrounded by good feelings at the heart of one of the most historic cities in the Middle-East, Yazd.
Good feeling is located in the old town of Yazd only a few walks away from main tourist attractions such as Yazd Khan Bazaar and Jame Mosque of Yazd. If you want to be in the heart of historical highlights of Yazd the moment you step out, you have definitely chosen the right place.
Good Feeling hostel has been recommended on various international tourist sites like the Tripadvisor, Hostel world, Homestay, Lonely planet and the French site Petipute. There are several wonderful communal areas including the cozy courtyard and the great rooftop terrace with benches and BBQ. Good Feeling Hostel also features a unique historic tower at the top of which you can have a panoramic view of the old town of Yazd. The truth is, by lodging in Good Feeling Hostel you will have most of the major attractions of Yazd at your doorstep! This hostel is an ideal base to return to for relaxation and socializing after a marvelous adventure in the city of windcatchers.
- Address: No. 2, Vahdati Manesh Dead End, South Kheradmand st, Karimkhan Zand st., Tehran
- Nearest Metro Station: Haft-e Tir (5 minutes walk)
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Sayeh Saray Hostel (Kashan)
Saye Saray Hostel in Kashan is an ancient house built during the Qajar era, the city of rosewater. The mansion that belonged to 200 years ago was renovated and turned into a traditional hostel in 2017. This hostel is situated in the old context of the city in the heart of Kashan, it provides convenient access to Kashan’s main tourist attractions just in 5 minutes’ walk to Agha Bozorg Mosque, 5 minutes’ walk to Bazaar of Kashan, 10 minutes’ walk to Boroujerdiha Historical House, Tabatabaei Historical House and Abbasian Historical House.It’s basically a good choice for anyone interested in a super slow pace of life. The place is all spacious with loads of art and those who are interested in the historic aspects of a traditional Persian house. The entrance doors of the rooms are adorned with Muqarnas tiles. It’s the kinda hostel where you’ll find yourself feeling at home pretty quickly.
It is better to travel to this hostel in spring during the Rosewater festival. There are other interesting festivals during spring such as Gol Ghaltan (rolling newborn babies in roses) and ”Ghali Shooyan” ceremony which is a religious ceremony. Saye Saray Residence has six master rooms scattered on the ground floor, first floor, and the basement of the house. This house is also properly clean so you won’t have to worry about what is lurking in the sheets, or even if they have been changed. The dorms come with private bathrooms, big old lockers and there’s 24-hour security so there’s nothing to worry about. Also in Saye Saray hostel you can experience Local foods of Kashan such as Shefteh somagh, Shivid Polo with meats and beans, Koofteh abe somagh kashani, Nokhod Alou stew, etc. Definitely it is one of the best overall hostels in Kashan.
- Address: No. 29, Farhang Alley., Fazel Naraghi Ave., Kamal-ol-molk sq, Kashan
- Nearest Metro Station: None
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Khorram hostel (Kerman)
Khorram hostel is a recommended hostel in Kerman for couples, solo travelers and backpackers. This hostel is located in an area known as Khorram Garden, which is an ancient historical house. The building dates back to 100 years ago which has been registered as Iran heritage sites (Reference No. 6122).
It’s a happy kinda place with nice staff, and a decent place to stay if you want to discover a more local side of the city. This place is actually set in a big house with nice spaces to hang out in, so it feels secure and homely. Also, nightlife is pretty good here. The hostel has one of the best locations in the city near many historical spots. It takes less than 15 minutes to go by walk to Vakil Bazaar, Ganjali Khan Complex, Harandy Garden Museum, etc.
The hostel itself is actually a big ancient historical house which makes it a chill and friendly atmosphere. The guys that run the hostel are super chill and make a fun atmosphere for everyone to get to know each other. Location-wise it’s right near the historical spots, which is a bonus.
- Address: No. 40, Alley number 5 ,East Parvin Etesami Street, Kerman
- Nearest Metro Station: None
- Luggage Storage: Yes
- Check In: 14PM
- Check Out: 12PM
- Breakfast: Yes
- 24-hour reception: Yes
- Tripadvisor
Iran is a huge country with numerous hostel choices. We hope in these top 10 Iran hostels, you found what you are looking for. As you see, Iran’s hostel scene has high quality and there are actually really cool and stylish places to stay. If you’re heading toward Iran on a backpacking adventure, the starting point could be to choose our best overall hostel in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan,Kerman, Yazd and Kashan and then it’s easy to get on the plane to uncover the amazingness of Iran.
What are your thoughts about our selection of the 10 top hostels in Iran? Let us know in the comments below. Also share your favorite hostel in Iran in the comments section.
In some cities you can find a decent hostel for €5 per night, making Iran a hotspot for backpackers on a low budget. With tips on top hostels in Iran hopefully you won’t end up anywhere shady, and your trip will be even more amazing. Here’s our pick of the 10 best hostels in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd, Kashan and Kerman as you follow, you will find the best hostels in each city.