Turin is one of those cities that rewards staying in a hostel rather than an apartment — the social scene here is low-key compared to somewhere like Budapest, so a good hostel common room is often where the actual conversations happen. Here’s where I’d point you, by what you’re after.
Travelling with someone, or just want your own room this time? I also wrote a hotel guide by neighbourhood.
Quick Answer: Which Hostel Type Are You?
| You’re the type who… | Look for… |
|---|---|
| Wants a genuinely social, top-rated hostel | San Salvario |
| Wants central but a bit edgier/local | Quadrilatero Romano / Porta Palazzo |
| Just needs quiet and clean | Vanchiglia |
🥇 Best Overall — San Salvario
Tomato Urban Retreat (8.7/10 on Booking.com/Hostelworld, 3,188+ reviews — ranked the #1 hostel in Turin) — eco-friendly, no plastic at breakfast, big shared courtyard, 10-minute walk to Porta Nuova station and the historic centre. This is the one most solo travellers end up recommending to each other.
🏛️ Central & Social — Quadrilatero Romano / Porta Palazzo
Combo Torino (8.9/10 on Booking.com, 4,894+ reviews) — set in a former fire station, huge common areas, on-site bar/restaurant with regular events, right by Piazza della Repubblica and Europe’s largest food market. Good for solo travellers who want to meet people without a full “party hostel” vibe.
😴 Quiet & Simple — Vanchiglia
CX Turin Vanchiglia (8.9/10, “quiet, modern and clean” per recent reviews) — rooftop terrace, en-suite rooms even in the hostel-style setup, a trendier and calmer part of town near the Po river. Good option if you want your own space at the end of the day rather than a dorm scene.
What I Actually Bring to a Hostel in Turin
- A reusable water bottle — Turin’s free public drinking fountains (the turet) are everywhere, no need to buy bottled water
- Earplugs, same as always
- A light layer for the evenings — the city sits right under the Alps and cools down fast after sunset, even in summer
Interactive Map — Compare Hostels & Prices
Booking Tips for Solo Travellers
- Book ahead for late September/early October if your trip overlaps with the Salone del Gusto food festival — the good hostels fill up fast.
- Most hostels here lean more “quiet backpacker” than “party hostel” — if you specifically want nightlife energy, San Salvario options are still your best bet, but manage expectations versus somewhere like Budapest.
- Check-in windows tend to be limited (often 2-11pm) — message ahead if you’re arriving late.
Prefer more privacy or travelling as a couple? Check my Turin hotel guide by neighbourhood
Want the full itinerary this is based on? Read my complete Turin travel guide
Hi, I’m Andreia
I create Sisoulnomad: honest solo-travel guides from Europe and beyond. No fake sponsored content — just what I actually use and recommend. Want a real postcard from wherever I am in the world? Join the club. 📮