The Backpack

Welcome to Cape Town’s hippest urban hostel! We’ve got everything you need: from dorms to deluxe doubles, and obviously a cool Café & bar, free WiFi and a swimming pool with views of Table Mountain!

The Backpack is perfectly situated in the heart of Cape Town. We are within walking distance of many bars, restaurants and popular attractions like Green Market Square, Company’s Gardens and the Bo-Kaap. We’re a 5 minute taxi or bus ride from V&A Waterfront, and 10 minutes from the Table Mountain Cable Car Station.

We have it all: dorms, doubles and singles, with shared or private bathroom facilities. All our rooms are individually designed in a funky and fresh style, and bedding is supplied (just bring a towel). All rooms have a safe and free WiFi, and there is parking with 24-hour security available. A meet & greet airport shuttle is available at an additional cost. Children are welcome in private rooms.

Our Café and bar will keep you fed and watered (or whatever else tickles your fancy – we’re fully licensed). A delicious free breakfast is included. We also have a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, a pool table, swimming pool and a cool shop. And, even though we’d all rather not do chores, we’ve got a laundry, luggage storage and an ATM.

Our Travel Centre will help you make the most of your stay in Cape Town and beyond. Want to sip wine Cape winelands style? Cycle through a township? Visit historic and cultural sites? Go paragliding? Or even volunteer some of your time to a community project? We’ve got it covered!

The Backpack is not just the hippest hostel in town; we also work hard to make a positive difference through the way we work, the way we live and the way we are. Whether you get involved actively in one of our projects, or just support us by being our guest, your visit will contribute to making South Africa a better place for everyone.

‘Not too laid back, not too loud—guests love The Backpack and it's easy to see why. For years it has stayed ahead of the crowd by constantly adapting, yet always offering top notch accommodation for the price and wonderfully clued-up service from its desk.’ – Lonely Planet