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🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

🛡️ Safe💰 Budget: USD 90/day🚶 Very Walkable
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Quick Answer

Stay in Fishtown

Offers more affordable dining, drinking, and a vibrant, alternative cultural scene.

See full Interlaken neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Interlaken

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

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1

Fishtown

An eclectic and trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene, independent shops, and innovative restaurants.

Our top picks in Fishtown

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SCENIC APARTMENT FISHTOWN$$

Modern apartment rental with good amenities.

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The Windsor Suites Philadelphia$$

Although not directly in Fishtown, it's a well-regarded option accessible via public transport.

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Local Boutique Hotels$$

Fishtown has a growing number of smaller, independent boutique accommodations.

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🛡️ Generally safe during the day,...Budgetnightlifefoodies
View Hotels in Fishtown
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2

Downtown

A bustling urban center with a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities.

Our top picks in Downtown

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The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton$$$

Offers sophisticated rooms and a rooftop lounge with city views.

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Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia$$$

Known for its stylish decor, complimentary wine hours, and friendly service.

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Windsor Suites Philadelphia$$

Provides spacious suites with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays.

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🛡️ Generally safe during the day,...Mid-rangefirst-timersfoodies
View Hotels in Downtown
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3

Old City

Historic cobblestone streets filled with colonial charm and artistic flair.

Our top picks in Old City

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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia$$$

Located in the heart of Old City, offering stylish rooms and a popular rooftop bar.

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Penn's View Hotel Philadelphia$$

A charming boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms and river views.

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Morris House Hotel$$

Set in a historic building with a beautiful garden courtyard.

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🛡️ Very safe during the day, gene...Mid-rangeculturehistory buffs
View Hotels in Old City
View all hotels in Interlaken

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Fishtown
BudgetAn eclectic and trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene, independent shops, and innovative restaurants.
nightlifefoodies
Downtown
Mid-rangeA bustling urban center with a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities.
first-timersfoodies
Old City
Mid-rangeHistoric cobblestone streets filled with colonial charm and artistic flair.
culturehistory buffs
Rittenhouse Square
LuxuryAn upscale neighborhood centered around a beautiful park, known for its sophisticated dining and shopping.
luxurycouples
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Find budget-friendly hostels in Interlaken

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Interlaken

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Interlaken. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in Interlaken

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Interlaken

1

Fishtown

Budget

An eclectic and trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene, independent shops, and innovative restaurants.

nightlifefoodiesculturesolo travelersbudget
  • +Creative and energetic atmosphere
  • +Great live music venues
  • +Affordable dining and drinking options
  • -Further from major historical sites
  • -Can be gritty in parts
🏨 SCENIC APARTMENT FISHTOWN🏨 The Windsor Suites Philadelphia🏨 Local Boutique Hotels
2

Downtown

Mid-range

A bustling urban center with a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities.

first-timersfoodiesculturenightlife
  • +Excellent public transport access
  • +Wide variety of dining and entertainment
  • +Central location for sightseeing
  • -Can be crowded and noisy
  • -Parking can be challenging
🏨 The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton🏨 Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia🏨 Windsor Suites Philadelphia
3

Old City

Mid-range

Historic cobblestone streets filled with colonial charm and artistic flair.

culturehistory buffscouplesfoodies
  • +Rich in historical sites
  • +Charming atmosphere
  • +Excellent independent restaurants and boutiques
  • -Can be very touristy
  • -Limited nightlife options beyond restaurants
🏨 Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia🏨 Penn's View Hotel Philadelphia🏨 Morris House Hotel
4

Rittenhouse Square

Luxury

An upscale neighborhood centered around a beautiful park, known for its sophisticated dining and shopping.

luxurycouplesfoodiesshopping
  • +Elegant atmosphere
  • +World-class dining and shopping
  • +Beautiful central park
  • -Very expensive
  • -Can feel exclusive
🏨 The Rittenhouse Hotel🏨 The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square🏨 AKA Rittenhouse Square

Daily Budget (Budget)

USD 90/day

Balmers Hostel dorm bedUSD 40
Picnic lunch from Coop supermarketUSD 15
Walking and local bus for short distancesUSD 5
Hike to Harder Kulm viewpoint (take funicular down)USD 30
See all budget tiers

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Interlaken

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Interlaken Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Interlaken on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Local street food and cuisine
2

Interlaken Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Interlaken with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Interlaken: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Interlaken's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Interlaken: Scenic Excursion

Escape Interlaken for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Interlaken Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Interlaken's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details
View all tours in Interlaken

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Interlaken

Backpackers in Interlaken: FAQ

What is the best area in Interlaken for backpackers?
Fishtown is our top pick for backpackers in Interlaken. An eclectic and trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene, independent shops, and innovative restaurants. It is a budget-friendly area known for nightlife, foodies, culture.
Is Interlaken safe for backpackers?
Interlaken is rated "safe" overall. Stick to well-lit, busy streets. Public transport is generally safe, but be mindful of who is around you. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated neighborhoods. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in Interlaken for backpackers?
Expect to spend around USD 90 per day in Interlaken as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Interlaken?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in Interlaken?
The most affordable hostels in Interlaken are typically found in Fishtown. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More Interlaken Guides

Full Interlaken guideAreas to avoidBest time to visitMore cities in United States👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers

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