3 reviewed party hostels · from €3.55/night · Hostelworld rated
Hikkaduwa’s nightlife runs on beachfront rum cocktails and reggae basslines. By day, the strip along Galle Road is all sunburnt travellers and surfboard wax. By 9 p.m., the same stretch lights up with fire dancers outside places like Mambo’s and Top Secret, where a arrack sour costs 600 LKR and the sand sticks to your feet between shots. The hostel scene is small but social: dorm beds cluster in low-rise buildings five minutes’ walk from the water, so you can stumble home along the shore instead of hailing a tuk-tuk.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
A vibrant party haven, steps away from Narigama beach. With its central location, on-site bar, and lively atmosphere, this hostel offers the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and energetic nights. Get ready for an unforgettable party experience in Hikkaduwa!
Steffi's Mandala is a beachfront haven that merges eco-friendliness with exhilarating parties. With diverse accommodations, a vibrant bar, and healthy eats, it's a hub for socialising. Sunrise yoga, kayak tours, and a welcoming vibe make it a top-notch party hotspot in Hikkaduwa.
Kind & Love Guesthouse and Hostel in Hikkaduwa offers a vibrant stay with comfortable, amenity-rich rooms and a lively common area. Enjoy delicious breakfasts, 24/7 support, and spaces like a green balcony and terrace for socialising, perfect for party-goers looking to connect and relax.
Organised nights out with a local guide
A weekly crawl that hits Mambo’s, Top Secret, and Jailhouse Rock. Starts at 8 p.m. at Mambo’s with a free shot, then moves to Top Secret by 11 p.m. Includes a welcome drink, discounts at each bar, and a group photo with fire dancers. The crowd is mostly backpackers from Hummus Hostel and Kind & Love.
How Hikkaduwa's nightlife zones break down
The main drag runs parallel to the beach, packed with bars, hostels, and surf shops. Galle Road is where the pub crawls start, and the sand is always littered with empty beer bottles by midnight. It’s loud, sandy, and social: ideal if you want to roll out of bed and into a beach party.
A quieter stretch of beach 1 km north of Hikkaduwa centre. The bars here are smaller and the crowd older: think digital nomads and long-term travellers. The reef is closer to shore, so the swimming is better, and the sunsets are less crowded.
A residential area 2 km inland, where guesthouses hide behind jungle gardens. It’s quieter, with a few rooftop bars and yoga shalas. The walk to the beach takes 15 minutes, but the trade-off is cheaper hostels and a more local vibe.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A two-storey palapa on the sand where the pub crawl starts most nights. Reggae covers kick off at 7 p.m., and by 10 p.m. the crowd is dancing on tables. Happy hour runs 6–8 p.m. with 350 LKR beers. Expect a mix of backpackers and local expats: no cover charge, but arrive early for a beachfront table.
Hikkaduwa’s only proper club, tucked behind a surf shop on Galle Road. The sound system pumps tech-house and drum & bass until 3 a.m. on Fridays. Entry is 500 LKR after 11 p.m., which includes one drink. The crowd is mostly 20-something travellers and Colombo weekenders.
A rock bar with graffiti walls and a pool table. Live bands play Sri Lankan covers of AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses from 9 p.m. most nights. A large Lion beer is 400 LKR, and the kitchen serves burgers until midnight. It’s a five-minute walk inland from the beach, so it stays busy even when the sand gets too rowdy.
A thatched hut with bean bags and fairy lights. Sundowners here are a Hikkaduwa ritual: order a passionfruit mojito (700 LKR) and watch the sunset over the reef. No cover, no minimum spend, but it’s first-come, first-served after 5 p.m.
A rooftop bar above a guesthouse, popular for its two-for-one cocktails (800 LKR) until 9 p.m. The crowd is older than the beach bars: think 25–40-year-old travellers and digital nomads. Views over the jungle and ocean make it worth the 10-minute walk from Galle Road.
A shack with surfboards for tables and a sound system that plays Bob Marley on loop. Happy hour is 4–6 p.m. with 300 LKR arrack shots. The crowd is mostly surfers and hostel groups. It’s right on the beach, so shoes are optional.
A tiny open-air bar with a tree growing through the middle. The owner, Kumar, mixes lethal arrack punches (600 LKR) and keeps the fridge stocked with Lion beer. It’s a locals’ favourite, so expect loud music and cheap prices: no menu, just ask for what you want.