The Backpack was established in 1990 by two childhood friends, Toni and Lee. Driven by the excitement of travel and the love of throwing parties, they opened up the first ever 24/7 backpackers in the country. After many gardening competitions and community involvement, The Backpack is what it is today; an award winning, Fair Trade hostel that invests in people and communities, giving meaningful and relaxed, travel experiences.
We offer a delicious free continental breakfast daily, and free, fast fibre optic WiFi, access to a swimming pool, garden and self-catering kitchen, travel desk, parking and braai facilities. We have a range of accommodation types; from single to twin rooms, dormitories to family rooms and even a self-catering apartment! Each room has been custom designed to fit your every need; including fresh linen, reading lights, lockers and safes.
The Backpack is situated within walking distance of many bars, restaurants and popular attractions like Green Market Square, Company's Gardens and the Bo-Kaap. It is a 5-minute taxi or bus ride from V&A Waterfront and the Table Mountain Cable Car Station.
We empower our employees with life changing skills, they become stakeholders in our business and actively play a bigger role in rolling out our vision and are accountable in keeping the values alive that are the trademark of our business, as well as taking part in our community projects.
Making a difference is the way we work, the way we live and the way we are.
Cafe and Bar Area
Local
Eat and Drink
- Rick's Café Americain - Cape Town (0.1 miles) - We are situated in the heart of Cape Town in a charming 110 year old Victorian cottage, decorated in...
- Rick's Cafe Americain - Restaurant & Bar - Gardens (0.1 miles) - We are situated in the heart of cosmopolitan Cape Town in a charming 110 year old Victorian cottage,...
- Kloof Street House - Cape Town (0.1 miles) - At the foot of Cape Town’s vibrant Kloof Street, risen from a fairy-lit garden, lies a dining oasi...
- Societi Bistro - Cape Town (0.2 miles) - Societi Bistro is a neighbourhood “local”. A sanctuary for Capetonians and visitors looking for ...
- Orchard on Long - Cape Town (0.4 miles) - In June 2013 Orchard on Long pioneered the juicing scene in Cape Town to bring new age health to the...
See and Do
- Baz Bus Cape Town (0.7 miles) - Baz Bus Cape Peninsula Day Tour Departs: From your backpacker hostel in Cape Town between 07:45-08:30 ...
- Shark & Safari - Tours Cape Town (0.7 miles) - Would you a like a face to fin meeting with one the Oceans Apex Predators? Or introduction to Africa...
- AWOL Tours Cape Town (0.8 miles) - We are a local tour company based at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. We offer personalised cycling ...
- Cape Town Tandem Paragliding Cape Town (0.8 miles) - Cape Town Tandem Paragliding is a team of highly experienced, full-time, professional, fully license...
- Bikes 'n Wines Cape Town (0.8 miles) - Who we are: Bikes 'n Wines is a tour operator, cycle boutique and café in the heart of downtown...
Shopping
- Perfume Prive Workshop - Cape Town (8.7 miles) - First South African Perfume Museum Perfume Prive Workshop What We Like •One to three-hour perfume ...
- Bay Harbour Market, Hout Bay - Hout Bay, Cape Town (9.5 miles) - IMAGINE ….. a place where the creative energy and the vibrancy of Cape Town come alive in an authe...

