Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

Hostel · Cape Town · Western Cape

Big Blue Backpackers

A sociable, budget-friendly hostel in Green Point, within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront and Two Oceans Aquarium.

  • 18-minute walk to Two Oceans Aquarium
  • 24-hour security and key access
  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms
7 Very good 757 reviews Booking.com 7 · 757 reviews

About

Big Blue Backpackers

Big Blue Backpackers sits on Vesperdene Road in Green Point, an area known for its relaxed vibe and proximity to Cape Town's waterfront. The hostel is an 18-minute walk from the Two Oceans Aquarium and roughly 2 km from the Cape Town International Convention Centre, with the Clock Tower Retail Centre about 1 km away.

The property operates as a hostel with a mix of private rooms and dorms, a shared kitchen, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar and lounge, and a garden with sun loungers. There's a 24-hour security desk and key access, which makes it a practical pick for travellers who value safety without the formality of a hotel.

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Friendly, welcoming staff — Multiple guests highlight the helpfulness and warmth of the team, which contributes to a relaxed, at-home feel.
  • Great location near the waterfront — An 18-minute walk to the Two Oceans Aquarium and within easy reach of the V&A Waterfront, restaurants and supermarkets.
  • Social atmosphere — Lots of common spaces, a bar, pool table and regular guests create opportunities to meet fellow travellers.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Street noise in some rooms — Some guests noted noise from the street, though they still managed to sleep well.
  • Breakfast lacks fruit — The included breakfast is basic, with cereal but no fruit, according to two reviews.
  • Shared facilities in some dorms — Basic rooms with shared bathrooms are the norm for dormitory stays; guests found them clean but simple.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Private Bathroom Double Room

  • 1 Double bed

Family Shared Bathroom Quadruple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons

Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Private pool
  • Heating

Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Private pool
  • Heating

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Private pool
  • Heating

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access
  • Welcome drink
  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities
  • Shared kitchen
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • AM/FM alarm clock
  • Fax/Photocopying
  • Board games
  • Parquet floor

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Golf course
  • Billiard tables
  • Table tennis

Services

  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Grocery shopping service

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7
Very good 757 reviews

Guest-rated 7/10 from 757 reviews

Booking.com · 7 · 757 reviews
7Verified guest

“Laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and a great location. The artistic decor and music set the tone, and it felt safe and secure — a good value with a vintage character.”

7Verified guest

“The staff were welcoming and quick to help.”

7Verified guest

“Nice building with plenty of guests, so there was real potential to meet people. The 24-hour security desk was a plus.”

7Verified guest

“The location was perfect, and the private room with its own bathroom was quiet and clean. Staff were friendly, and it was close to public transport and the waterfront.”

7Verified guest

“Set in a great, safe area near the waterfront, it's a comfortable place to explore from. The rooms were comfortable with attached toilets, and the staff were friendly. Each room had basic amenities like a shower, and breakfast was included, though a bit of fruit would have been nice.”

7Verified guest

“Both the staff and other guests were so welcoming — I felt at home right away.”

04 — Location

Getting around Cape Town

The property sits in Cape Town.

V&A Waterfront: A 15-20 minute walk brings you to the V&A Waterfront, with its restaurants, shops and the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Green Point: The area around the hostel is quiet and residential, with a few local cafes and easy access to the city.

City Centre: Cape Town's CBD and the International Convention Centre are around 2 km away, reachable by public transport.

7 Vesperdene Road, Green Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8005, South Africa

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-23:00
Check-out
By 10:00-11:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
54 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:00, and check-out is between 10:00 and 11:00.

Is parking available at Big Blue Backpackers?

Yes, parking is available on site.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at the property.

Is breakfast included?

Some guests mention that breakfast is included in the price, but the specifics may vary, so it's best to confirm your booking.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms.

What are the room types?

Options include private double rooms, family rooms, and shared dormitories (mixed and female-only).

The bottom line

Big Blue Backpackers is a solid, friendly base in Green Point for budget-conscious travellers who value atmosphere and location over private comforts. With a pool, bar, and sociable common areas, it's especially suited to solo travellers and those looking to meet people. Expect basic but clean rooms and a breakfast that keeps things simple.

7A reliable, sociable hostel with a secure setting and a great location near Cape Town's waterfront.

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