The Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly Hostels in Europe: Your 2024 Adventure Awaits
Imagine strolling through the charming streets of Paris, exploring the historic sites of Rome, or soaking up the sun on a Greek island – all while staying at the best hostels in Europe! Welcome to the world of budget-friendly hostels, your gateway to exploring the continent without breaking the bank. European hostels offer an incredible mix of experiences, from private rooms to shared rooms, catering to solo travellers, families, and everyone in between.
Did you know that in 2023, over 70% of young travellers chose hostels for their European adventures? It's no wonder, with prices often less than half of traditional hotels! From the cheapest hostels to unique hostels with free breakfast and excellent amenities, there's something for every traveller. So, grab your backpack, and let's dive into the world of budget-friendly hostels Europe has to offer in 2024!
Why Choose Budget-Friendly Hostels in Europe?
Save Money: Hostels are the ultimate way to save money while traveling. From dorm beds to private rooms, you'll find options for every budget. The cheapest hostels often offer bunk beds in shared rooms, while still providing a comfortable and social atmosphere. Even the best hostels in Europe are often more affordable than budget hotels.
Convenient Locations: Many hostels are located in the city center or within walking distance of major attractions. This convenient location can save you money on transportation and allow you to explore more of your destination. Some hostels are even just a stone's throw away from famous landmarks!
Social Atmosphere: One of the biggest draws of hostels is the opportunity to meet fellow travelers from around the world. Lively hostels often have common rooms, game rooms, and organize events that make it easy to connect with other guests. Whether you're a solo traveler or part of a group, you'll find plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
Amenities Galore: Modern hostels offer a wide range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most European hostels, and many also provide guest kitchens, laundry rooms, and luggage storage. Some hostels even offer unique perks like a free sauna, indoor pool, or pool tables!
Unique Experiences: From party hostels with lively nightlife to family-friendly options with a more relaxed atmosphere, there's a hostel for every travel style. Many hostels organize walking tours, pub crawls, and other activities to help you experience the local culture.
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Top 15 Budget-Friendly Hostels in Europe for 2024
The Flying Pig Downtown - Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Location: Heart of Amsterdam, 5-minute walk from Central Station
• Price range: €25-40 per night
• Unique features: Legendary bar, smoking room, and free walk tours
• Guest rating: 9.2/10
Pro tip: Book their "pig parties" for instant friendships with fellow travellers!
Generator Hostel - Paris, France • Location: 10th arrondissement, close to Gare du Nord
• Price range: €30-50 per night
• Unique features: Rooftop terrace with Sacré-Cœur views, chic design
• Guest rating: 8.9/10
Don't miss: Their weekly cheese and wine nights – très français!
3. Hostel One Paralelo - Barcelona, Spain • Location: Parallel Avenue, near La Rambla
• Price range: €20-35 per night
• Unique features: Free dinners, 24/7 reception
• Guest rating: 9.5/10
Insider scoop: Join their legendary pub crawls for the full Barcelona experience!
4. Wombat's City Hostel - London, UK • Location: Whitechapel, East London
• Price range: £25-45 per night
• Unique features: Wombar (their cool basement bar), free walk tours
• Guest rating: 9.0/10
Must-try: Their full English breakfast – perfect fuel for London adventures!
5. East Seven Berlin Hostel - Berlin, Germany • Location: Prenzlauer Berg district
• Price range: €20-40 per night
• Unique features: Beautiful Garden, BBQ area, bike rentals
• Guest rating: 9.3/10
Cool perk: They offer yoga classes in their garden – namaste, Berlin style!
6. The Yellow - Rome, Italy • Location: 5-minute walk from Roma Termini station
• Price range: €25-45 per night
• Unique features: Rooftop bar, live music venue, tattoo parlour
• Guest rating: 8.8/10
Fun fact: Their pub crawls are legendary among Rome's backpacker scene!
7. Hostel Ruthensteiner - Vienna, Austria • Location: Near Westbahnhof station
• Price range: €20-40 per night
• Unique features: Musical instruments for guests, lovely garden, free sauna
• Guest rating: 9.4/10
Don't forget: Join their schnitzel-cooking classes for a taste of Austria!
8. Greg & Tom Party Hostel - Krakow, Poland • Location: Old Town, 10-minute walk from Main Square
• Price range: €15-30 per night
• Unique features: Free breakfast AND dinner, awesome party vibe
• Guest rating: 9.6/10
Party animals, rejoice: Their vodka tasting nights are not to be missed!
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9. Tom Beer House Hostel - Prague, Czech Republic • Location: Situated in Prague 3, just 10 minutes by tram from Old Town Square
• Price range: €15-35 per night
• Unique features: On-site microbrewery, beer-themed decor, nightly beer tastings
• Guest rating: 9.1/10
Don't miss: Their "Craft Beer 101" workshop – perfect for aspiring beer connoisseurs!
• Price range: €20-40 per night
• Unique features: Artistically decorated rooms, communal dinners
• Guest rating: 9.3/10
Art lovers: Each room is uniquely decorated by local artists!
11. Dream Hostel - Tampere, Finland • Location: City centre, near the main railway station
• Price range: €25-45 per night
• Unique features: Modern Scandinavian design, excellent common areas
• Guest rating: 9.2/10
Northern Lights tip: They organise aurora viewing trips in winter!
12. City Backpackers - Stockholm, Sweden • Location: Central Stockholm, walking distance to Old Town
• Price range: €25-50 per night
• Unique features: Free pasta nights, sauna, bike rentals
• Guest rating: 9.4/10
Summer special: Join their archipelago boat trips for a true Swedish experience!
13. Franz Ferdinand Hostel - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina • Location: Heart of Sarajevo, close to the eternal flame
• Price range: €10-25 per night
• Unique features: Themed rooms, free guided tours
• Guest rating: 9.5/10
History buffs: Don't miss their WWI-themed walking tour!
How to Choose the Right Budget-Friendly Hostel
Location is Key • Look for hostels in the city centre or close to public transportation • Consider proximity to attractions you want to visit • Some hostels are just a stone's throw away from major sites • A convenient location can save you time and money on transportation
Room Types • Choose between dorm rooms, private rooms, or family rooms • Dorms often come with privacy curtains and individual lights • Private rooms offer a good balance between privacy and hostel atmosphere • Consider the number of beds in dorm rooms – smaller dorms can be quieter
Amenities That Matter • Free Wi-Fi is a must for most travellers • Look for hostels with guest kitchens to save on food costs • Laundry facilities can be a lifesaver on longer trips • Some hostels offer free stuff like city maps or welcome drinks • Check if the hostel has lockers for keeping your valuables safe
Social Atmosphere • Party hostels are great for night owls, but may not guarantee a decent night's sleep • Look for hostels that organise events like walking tours or movie nights • Common rooms and game rooms are great for meeting other travellers • Some hostels offer outdoor activities or group excursions
Reviews and Ratings • Read recent reviews on multiple platforms • Pay attention to comments about cleanliness, staff, and atmosphere • Look for hostels consistently rated as a "great hostel" or "good hostel" • Check reviews from solo travellers if you're traveling alone
Price and Value • Compare prices across different booking platforms • The cheapest hostel isn't always the best value – consider amenities too • Some hostels offer discounts for longer stays • Look for hostels that include free breakfast or other meals
Safety and Security • Choose hostels that offer lockers for valuables • Look for 24/7 reception or security • Read reviews mentioning security features • Consider the neighbourhood's safety, especially if you'll be returning late at night.
Money-Saving Tips for Hostel Stays in Europe
Take Advantage of Free Food • Choose hostels that offer free breakfast • Some hostels even provide free dinner or organise group dinners • Use guest kitchens to cook your own meals • Look for hostels that offer free pasta nights or other meal perks
Join Free Activities • Many hostels offer free walk tours • Participate in hostel-organised events to save on entertainment costs • Look for hostels with free amenities like saunas or bike rentals • Some hostels organise free pub crawls or movie nights
Book Smart • Book cheap accommodation in advance for better rates • Look for mid-week deals – weekends are often pricier • Consider staying in Eastern Europe for lower overall costs • Use hostel booking platforms to compare prices and find deals
Use Hostel Discounts • Ask about hostel discounts on local attractions • Some hostels have partnerships with nearby restaurants or bars • Look for hostels that offer free public transport passes • Check if the hostel has a loyalty program for frequent travellers
Be Laundry Savvy • Use hostel laundry rooms instead of expensive laundromats • Team up with other travellers to share a load and split costs • Pack quick-dry clothes to minimise laundry needs
Choose Multi-Bed Dorms • Opting for bed dorms instead of private rooms can significantly cut costs • Larger dorms (8-12 beds) are usually cheaper than smaller ones • If you're traveling with friends, booking a whole dorm can be cost-effective
Travel in the Off-Season • Hostel prices often drop significantly during the off-season • You'll also encounter fewer crowds at popular attractions • Some hostels offer special winter or shoulder season rates
Safety and Comfort in Budget-Friendly Hostels
Security Measures • Choose hostels that offer lockers for valuables • Look for 24/7 reception or security • Read reviews mentioning security features • Use a portable door lock for extra peace of mind in shared rooms
Sleeping Comfortably • Bring earplugs and a sleep mask for a decent night's sleep • Choose bottom bunks if you prefer more privacy • Look for hostels with comfy beds and clean rooms • Consider booking a private room if you're a light sleeper
Respecting Shared Spaces • Be mindful of noise levels in dorm rooms • Keep your area tidy in shared rooms • Follow the same principles of respect in all hostels • Use headphones when listening to music or watching videos
Solo Traveler Tips • Consider female-only dorms if that makes you more comfortable • Join hostel activities to meet other travellers • Trust your instincts and prioritise your safety • Look for hostels that cater specifically to solo travellers
Maintaining Hygiene • Bring flip-flops for shared showers • Pack a quick-dry towel to avoid damp situations • Choose hostels with good cleanliness ratings • Don't be afraid to ask for fresh linens if needed
Dealing with Snoring and Late Arrivals • Use white noise apps to drown out background noise • Choose smaller dorms or private rooms if you're a light sleeper • Be prepared with a small flashlight for late-night arrivals • Consider booking hostels with "quiet hours" policies
Staying Healthy • Look for hostels with on-site gyms or that offer fitness classes • Choose hostels that provide healthy breakfast options • Use guest kitchens to prepare nutritious meals • Join hostel-organised outdoor activities or walk tours.
Unique Hostel Experiences in Europe
Themed Hostels • Book a stay at Lavender Circus Hostel in Budapest for a quirky, artistic experience • Try the beer-themed Tom Beer House Hostel in Prague for brew enthusiasts • Experience history at Franz Ferdinand Hostel in Sarajevo
Eco-Friendly Hostels • Look for hostels with sustainability initiatives • Some hostels offer organic breakfast options or grow their own herbs • Participate in hostel-organised beach clean-ups or eco-tours
Adventure Hostels • Book hostels that offer outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, or skiing • Look for hostels with bike rentals to explore your destination • Some hostels in rural areas offer farm stays or wilderness retreats
Cultural Immersion Hostels • Choose hostels that offer language exchange evenings • Look for hostels that organise cooking classes featuring local cuisine • Some hostels partner with local artisans for workshops and classes
Luxury Hostels • Experience "poshtels" that offer private rooms with hotel-like amenities • Look for hostels with rooftop bars or trendy co-working spaces • Some luxury hostels even offer spa services or indoor pools
Historic Hostels • Stay in converted castles, monasteries, or other historic buildings • Look for hostels that offer tours of their historic premises • Some historic hostels have themed rooms based on different time periods
Final Thoughts
From the bustling streets of London to the historic lanes of Prague, budget-friendly hostels in Europe offer an incredible way to explore the continent without breaking the bank. Whether you're a solo traveller looking for a lively hostel, a family seeking family-friendly options, or a group of friends ready to book cheap accommodation, there's a perfect hostel waiting for you.
Remember, the best hostels combine affordability with comfort and unique experiences. From free breakfasts to walking tours, from cozy dorms to private rooms, the world of hostels is diverse and exciting. By choosing hostels, you're not just saving money – you're opening yourself up to new friendships, cultural exchanges, and unforgettable memories.
So, pack your bags, book your stay, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Europe's best hostels. Whether you're exploring the capitals of Western Europe or venturing into the lesser-known gems of Eastern Europe, hostels will be your home away from home. Happy hostelling, and may your European adventure be filled with new friends, amazing experiences, and stories to last a lifetime!