Not sure where to go? Discover our favourite hostel highlights and top tips for making the most of your stay at Safestay

Looking for cool things to do? See our recommendations for what's on and where to go across our city centre locations

valentines-day-in-london-aspect-ratio-750-550-aspect-ratio-1-1

Out of ideas? Check out our travel guides to get inspired for your next trip.

VB21-Brighton-Palalce-Pier_VisitBrighton-scaled-aspect-ratio-1-1

Beyond the basics - discover hidden gems to explore, not just travel.

PSACT-2023-Low-Res-24-aspect-ratio-570-420-aspect-ratio-3600-2030-aspect-ratio-1-1

First time in the city? Read these articles and feel like a local wherever you go.

pexels-kelly-1179532-12496265-scaled-aspect-ratio-1-1

Stay up to date with all the top events in from Barcelona to Berlin with What's On articles.

Membership

Locations

Book

Locations

Austria

Kitzbühel Alpine

Kitzbühel Centre

Belgium

BRUGP-2023-Low-Res-18-aspect-ratio-87-70

Brussels Grand Place

Czech Republic

Prague Charles Bridge

Germany

Berlin Kurfurstendamm

Greece

ATHMS-2023-Low-Res-12-aspect-ratio-87-70

Athens Monastiraki

India

216_PoolArea_13-scaled-aspect-ratio-87-70

Zostel Goa Morjim

Italy

Naples Materdei

Pisa Centrale

Poland

WAWOT-Warsaw-2023-Low-Res-17-aspect-ratio-87-70

Warsaw Old Town

Portugal

LISBA-2023-Low-Res-27-aspect-ratio-87-70

Lisbon Bairro Alto

Slovakia

Bratislava Presidential Palace

Spain

BCNPG-2023-Low-Res-18-aspect-ratio-87-70

Barcelona Gothic

Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia

Untitled-design-70-aspect-ratio-300-430-aspect-ratio-927-676-aspect-ratio-87-70

Calpe Seafront – Apartment Atlantico

Mezquita-de-Cordoba-3-scaled-1-aspect-ratio-87-70

Cordoba Mezquita Catedral

Madrid Central

United Kingdom

VB46-Royal-Pavilion-at-night-Credit-Adam-Bronkhorst-scaled-aspect-ratio-87-70

Brighton Royal Pavilion

Glasgow Charing Cross

EXTERNAL-COWGATE-SIGNAGE-scaled-aspect-ratio-87-70-scaled

Edinburgh Cowgate

LONEC-2023-Low-Res-20-aspect-ratio-87-70

London Elephant & Castle

LONEC-2023-Low-Res-14-aspect-ratio-87-70

London Kensington Holland Park

York Micklegate

United States

Bend Bunk + Brew, Oregon

NorthwestPortlandHostel-aspect-ratio-87-70

Portland Northwest, Oregon

San Francisco Green Tortoise, California

View all venues

San Francisco Green Tortoise
a Safestay Partner Hostel

Nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood, just steps from Chinatown, Little Italy, and popular attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square, the Green Tortoise offer travelers an unforgettable stay in the heart of the city.

Book

Groups

Booking direct with us is cheaper than all online travel sites. Best price guaranteed.

Make an online booking

You can book directly online for multiple guests. Just enter the number of guests and your dates below. To book whole rooms or for more options please visit our groups page.

Guests

Prefer to speak to an agent?

Submit the form below or visit our groups page.

"*" indicates required fields

Check-In

Welcome to Green Tortoise Hostel – San Francisco’s legendary home base for travellers who crave adventure, comfort, and a real sense of community. Set in the heart of North Beach, with the electric buzz of Chinatown, the flavours of Little Italy, and iconic spots like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square – all just a short stroll away.

Kick back in our cosy Mixed Dorms, Female Dorms, or Private Rooms, and enjoy the perks that make us stand out: free breakfast, a soul‑soothing sauna, and unforgettable events that bring travellers together.

Green Tortoise isn’t just a place to stay – it’s the best hostel experience San Francisco has to offer.

Your Hostel in San Francisco!

Step into our historic Ballroom – a space that’s been bringing people together for over a century.

In the early 1900s, San Franciscans gathered here to feast, celebrate, and soak up the city’s energy thanks to the bustling restaurant downstairs. Since then, the room has seen iconic eateries and vibrant establishments come and go, each adding a layer to its story.

Then, in 1994, the Green Tortoise Hostel made this legendary space its home, transforming it into a place where travelers lounge, connect, and write the next chapter of its history.

Location

494 Broadway
San Francisco
CA 94133
United States

W3W: REALLY.NOTION.DEEPLY

T: (800) 867 8647

E: info.SFOGT@safestay.com

Get Directions

Unmissable sights near Safestay San Francisco Green Tortoise

North Beach / Little Italy

3 min walk

Chinatown

8 min walk

Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

18 min walk

Union Square

20 min walk

Cable Car (Powell–Mason Line)

23 min walk

Gallery

Rooms

Shared dorms sleeping 4 or 6

Female only dorms sleeping 4

Budget dorms sleeping 8

Private rooms

Facilities

Lockers

Luggage Storage During Your Stay

24 Hour Reception

Billiards

Breakfast

Show all 19 facilities

Getting here

Closest Airport

Closest airport San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ~14 miles

Take an approx. 30min train ride with the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART. usually Red or Yellow lines) to/from Montgomery Street or Embarcadero Station. The hostel is a 10 – 15 min walk from the station.

Closest rail / metro (light rail / streetcar)

Montgomery Street (10 min walk) and Embarcadero Station (15 min walk)

- BART – trains to the airport and other bay areas, including Oakland and Berkeley
- MUNI Metro – light railway trains for city connections

Amtrak Railroad Passenger Station around 15 min walk

- - for intercity connections

Closest bus stops

Columbus Ave & Kearny St
Bus lines: 8, 8AX, 8BX for downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf or Chinatown

Pacific Ave & Montgomery St
Bus line: 12 for SoMa, Mission, and Potrero

Union St & Columbus Ave / Stockton St
Bus line: 39 Coit for Coit Tower and scenic North Beach hills

Closest landmark

Peter Macchiarini Steps – around the corner
The Beat Museum – 100 meter

San Francisco Green Tortoise a Safestay Partner Hostel