Boutique Backpackers in Cape Town

So you want to travel on a budget, but you also love style? Time to meet the cool kids of the travel industry. They’re called “poshtels” and they’re a combination of hostels and posh design. Essentially the idea is to invite backpackers to discover in style at superb costs. All while meeting the coolest kids on the block. So how quirky are we talking here? Meet our top 5!

THE BACKPACK

Voted Lonely Planet’s best value for money hotel in the ENTIRE WORLD, South Africa’s oldest backpackers is also one of its most hip and happening – not to mention eco-friendly. Stylish décor is dedicated to promoting the vibe of the old Victorian setting, and with multiple communal areas for meeting your fellow world-wanderers, swimming pool, on-site café and travel centre, there’s no wonder it’s the wunderkind of the tourist talk. Add that to outstanding service and social upliftment projects, there’s nothing like The Backpack for getting in touch with the soul of Cape Town.
Website: www.backpackers.co.za

THE B.I.G BACKPACKERS

More intimate that huge, this cute boutique hostel is all about style plus combining that dedication with the kind of prices that backpackers love. A beloved spot on TripAdvisor – the world’s premier travel rating site – The B.I.G Backpackers’ hooks you up with a superb coffee, free Wi-fi, gorgeous linen and a swimming pool. And if you’re here in the glorious African summer, trust us, that swimming pool is magic! Tuck into a continental breakfast and plot your adventures at the on-site tourism booking centre.
Website: www.bigbackpackers.co.za

Image courtesy of B.I.G. Backpackers.

ASHANTI BACKPACKERS – GREEN POINT

Elegant, secure and a little posh, jump into your fluffy white duvets, lounge by the swimming pool tapping into the free Wi-Fi or hang out by the plasma TV or bar at Ashanti Backpackers, perfectly located in the heart of Green Point, a throbbing hotbed of Cape Town nightlife. Within walking distance of the tourist haven V&A Waterfront, Ashanti Backpackers offers breakfast or self-catering facilities and the staff are super friendly. The view’s not too bad either!
Website: www.ashanti.co.za

ONCE IN CAPE TOWN

If it sounds like a fairy tale, that’s because it feels like one. Set on one of Cape Town’s most famous café strips, the effervescent Kloof Street, the staff of Once in Cape Town are dedicated to making all that giddy anticipation worth it. Including free walking tours, the legendary meatery Mzoli’s or hidden gems of Cape Town’s secret streets, tuck into breakfast at the on-site eatery Yours Truly among your fellow wanderers and check in on social media with the free Wi-Fi.
Website: www.onceincapetown.co.za

Image courtesy of Once in CPT.

AFRICAN HEART BACKPACKERS

With a travel centre running inside the backpackers, you’ll get all your questions and adventures answered by the arty Victorian era hostel in a spirited splash of colour and cool. Superb rates combined with free Wi-fi, complimentary breakfasts (plus self-catering options) and the vibrant bohemian neighbourhood of Observatory make this one a winner.
Website: www.backpackersincapetown.co.za
Loving these options but keen on making sure your bases are covered? Check out our list from 2011. Once you’re done, visit our online booking tool HERE. Enjoy content like this? You should follow us on Twitter for more of the best of Cape Town.