Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping? The name actually makes sense once you’re there. I mean, you’re literally on Paupio Street in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, but somehow this place feels like you’ve stumbled into this green oasis that shouldn’t exist in such a prime location. The whole setup is refreshingly unpretentious – they don’t bother with star ratings because, honestly, how do you categorize a place that’s part hostel, part camping ground, part creative experiment?

The building itself has this worn-in character that I genuinely love. It’s not Instagram-perfect, but there’s something authentic about the slightly creaky floors and the way different sections feel like they evolved organically over time. The camping area (yes, actual camping in Old Town – wild, right?) sits tucked behind the main building, and on summer evenings you’ll hear this mix of languages drifting from the communal areas. I stayed during shoulder season and the vibe was mellow – families mixing with backpackers, a few digital nomads camped out with laptops. The 8.7 rating they’ve got reflects something real: people genuinely seem to enjoy themselves here, even if the shower pressure isn’t five-star level.

What really won me over was how the staff actually knew the neighborhood. Not just the tourist highlights, but like – they’ll tell you which bakery on Pilies Street opens earliest (crucial information), or that the best way to Cathedral Square avoids the cobblestone chaos on Vokiečių Street. The location puts you within easy walking distance of everything that matters in the Old Town, but Paupio itself stays relatively quiet at night. I slept better than I expected, considering I was basically camping in the city center. The communal kitchen gets crowded around dinner time, and the morning coffee situation requires patience, but honestly? These minor inconveniences fade when you realize you’re paying a fraction of what those fancy hotels charge, and you’re getting something way more memorable. It’s the kind of place that works if you’re traveling with curiosity rather than a checklist – perfect for people who want to experience Vilnius rather than just photograph it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $62. Double Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $62. Twin Room with Shared Bathroom with 2 twin beds for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $64. Bungalow with Garden View with 1 queen bed and 2 sofa beds for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $66. Triple Room with Shared Bathroom with 3 twin beds for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $70. Double Room with Private Bathroom with 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $103. Bungalow with Garden View with 4 twin beds for Max. people: 3
• Estimated price from: $215. 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with 8 bunk beds for Max. people: 7
• Estimated price from: $23. Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max. people: 1
• Estimated price from: $55. Single Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 twin bed for Max. people: 1

Reviews

• Nice – Inga from Lithuania – August 24, 2025 (8/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Some noisy people

• Nice hostel, good location – Joel from Finland – August 20, 2025 (9/10)

  Nice location and environment, facilities were varied and in fairly good condition. Friendly staff 🙂 Free coffee in the mornings.
  
  What could be improved: A bit run-down facilities, but it also gives the place some charm. Also the bar at the front yard was a source of some noise at night, but nothing too bad.

• Very Good – Karnickis from United Kingdom – August 14, 2025 (8/10)

  Good location, reasonable facilities.
  
  What could be improved: Staff not so friendly, bar prices too high (buying own alcohol in a shop way cheaper but wouldn't have to if bar wasn't that overpriced).

• Phenomenal – Serhan from Turkey – August 11, 2025 (10/10)

  One of the best hostels I have ever stayed. Alina Orlova concert was great and for free.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Best Downtown camping experience – Lily from United States – August 10, 2025 (8/10)

  We stayed in the outside bungalows and we loved it! Super central, great service.
  
  What could be improved: A bit loud in the night, outdoor bathroom (but it's ok)

• Exceptional – Chao from Taiwan – August 7, 2025 (10/10)

  Events and meeting people make you busy all the time. The staff are helpful and rooms are clean

• Great value for money – Tom from France – August 6, 2025 (8/10)

  Very friendly staff, the property was amazing and even better for groups I am with the bbq outside. The bed was comfortable, shower and toilet did the trick. And location was not too far from city centre. Plus close to the bed, even being the top bunk.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately the curtains did not block off daylight, so come with a mask to avoid waking up at 6 am. But honestly was the only downside.

• Wonderful camping-hostel near the city centre – Riikka from Finland – August 5, 2025 (10/10)

  Nice atmosphere, very well organised hostel. Free concerts as well!
  
  What could be improved: –

• Exceptional – Evior from Slovakia – August 5, 2025 (10/10)

  nice staff, clean rooms, cozy courtyard, great location and free coffee? what more can ask for!

• Wonderful – Mary from Sweden – August 1, 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was almost perfect. The location, the evening concert, lively environment and all.
  
  What could be improved: I just wish there would be a mirror in the room. Just toilet mirror is too limitedly accessible.

SURROUNDINGS