15 coolest hostels in Europe that travelers need to know

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

In this review, you will see that hostels can be not only a cheap getaway for one night, but a real highlight of your trip, which will be remembered for more of the touted attractions.

The word “hostel” appeared in our country relatively recently, and many people still confuse it with a hospice. And among those who have heard about the existence of these inexpensive hotels, the mistaken prejudice is widespread that hostels are a forced refuge for poor tourists who simply cannot rent a normal room in a normal hotel. They see hostels as hellish barracks with rows of bunks in the manner of an army barracks or a prison camp. However, this idea is very far from reality, and in fact, hostels can be comfortable, stylish, trendy, and at the same time inexpensive. In this review, we have collected a dozen and a half of the best hostels from all over Europe that will make your trip unforgettable.

Lavender Circus Hostel - Budapest, Hungary

Price: double rooms from € 14 per person per night.

Location: city center, next to the Kálvin tér metro station.

This vintage hostel is housed in a 19th century mansion in the heart of Budapest. A warm and welcoming atmosphere with a touch of former imperial luxury makes this place ideal for couples seeking romance and privacy.

Prison Hostel - Karosta, Latvia

Price: € 15 per person, per night.

Location: Karosta (naval port) is located 5 km from the historic center.

The former prison has now opened its doors to curious travelers. Are you ready to spend the night on a real prison bunk and enjoy a traditional inmate menu? Please note that all visitors sign at the time of check-in a waiver of claims for rude behavior of staff and even physical punishment!

The Babushka Grand Hostel - Odessa, Ukraine

Price: € 7 in total, € 11 in a separate room.

Location: in the city center, close to all the main attractions of Odessa, 15 minutes walk from the Arcadia area, where the best beaches and clubs are concentrated.

This unusual hostel will greet you with the warmth of grandma's comfort. All rooms are decorated in old style with chandeliers, floral wallpaper, gilding, carpets. There even a fireplace can be found in the common room!

Franz Ferdinand Hostel - Sarajevo, Bosnia

Price: starts at € 9.90 for a shared room, € 15.90 for a private double room.

Location: city center, one turn from the main pedestrian street Ferhadija.

This hostel was conceived and launched by a group of young architects and artists who dedicated it to the story of the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke. This event was the reason for the outbreak of the First World War, which swept like a whirlwind across most of the globe. The impeccably decorated rooms, with large paintings and historical photographs, will immerse you in the atmosphere of the time.

Kadir's Tree House - Olympos, Turkey

Price: € 12 for a bed in a room for six people, € 22 for a separate double room.

Location: in the center of the wonderful village of Olympos.

Have you dreamed of owning your own tree house as a child? In this hostel, your childhood dreams will come true! Stunning huts on stilts and trees await you in the immediate vicinity of Olympos National Park and a magnificent beach with crystal clear waters and white sand.

Generator Hostel - Barcelona, Spain

Price: a place in a hostel from € 11, 40 per night, a separate room from € 21, 60.

Location: in the center of the stylish Gracia district, 5 minutes walk from the two main metro stations.

Bright, stylish and affordable, this hostel is the perfect place to stay in a popular city like Barcelona. It seems that the design team has done everything in their power to make each room look unique. In this place, the holiday never ends, everything is saturated with the spirit of the fiesta.

St Briavels Hostel - Gloucestershire, England

Price: beds from € 24, private room from € 74 per night.

Location: in the city center, in an old family castle.

This hostel is located in an ancient castle. Its rich history and architecture makes a stunning impression, especially if you are a fan of the history of the Middle Ages. And lovers of mysticism can try to get acquainted with a local ghost that lives somewhere in the dungeon.

Dream Hostel - Tampere, Finland

Price: from € 19, 80 per bed in a room for 16 people, private room from € 62 per night.

Location: in the university district of Tulli, 5 minutes walk from Tampere train station.

For its simple yet sophisticated design, Dream Hostel was named Finland's Best Hostel in 2013! Modern decor, warm hospitality and reasonable prices along with a good location make this a very attractive place to visit.

The Independente Hostel - Lisbon, Portugal

Price: from € 10, 92 for a bed in a common room and € 85 for a private room.

Location: on the border of Principe Real and Bairro Alto, a short walk from Rossio train station.

Lisbon is arguably the best city in Europe for the budget traveler. The Independente Hostel is located in the residence of the former ambassador of Switzerland, and its design is a combination of modern elements with original architectural features. Most impressive of all is the rooftop terrace with amazing city views!

Plus Hostel - Florence, Italy

Price: from € 24, 96 for a shared room, € 44, 16 for a double room.

Location: 10 minutes walk from the train station. Close to the city center.

This hostel is perfect for hosting various parties and celebrations. It has a free outdoor pool, sauna and a great bar with everything you need to have fun. Yes, this is not the quietest place, so those who like a quiet holiday are better off looking for something else.

Kex Hostel - Reykjavik, Iceland

Price: from € 20.54 for a shared room, € 42.79 for a double room.

Location: in the center of Reykjavik, overlooking the sea and the bay.

Incredibly, it was once a confectionery factory. The current owners have gone to great lengths to preserve this old chocolate factory spirit and paint it with fresh, modern touches. Today Kex Hostel is one of the most popular establishments in Iceland among foreign tourists.

The MadHouse Hostel - Prague, Czech Republic

Price: from € 15.98 per bed.

Location: in the city center, next to the Národní třída metro station.

Sexy and crazy, The MadHouse is rated “the best hostel in the Czech Republic” and ranks sixth in the list of the best hostels in the world according to the Hostelworld website! According to its owners, MadHouse is not just a place to sleep, it is your home away from home, where a friendly family is always waiting for you. All rooms are covered with stylish graffiti by artists from Montreal, Canada and Australia.

Soul Kitchen - St. Petersburg, Russia

Price: place in a common room from € 10, 34, separate apartments from € 15, 75.

Location: city center, a 2-minute walk from the Admiralteyskaya metro station.

This hostel is recognized by Hostel Bookers as one of the best hotels in Eastern Europe. Soul Kitchen will open its warm embrace for you even in the coldest Russian winter. The establishment is located in an old building with a long history and a special soulful atmosphere, which the owners managed to perfectly preserve.

Van Gogh Hostel - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Price: place in a room from € 20, a separate room from € 36, 38.

Location: one block with three world famous museums and 10 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.

A modern hotel with excellent pricing for such an expensive city like Amsterdam. It is located in the museum district and just a few steps from the coolest bars, cafes, shops and clubs! Comfortable rooms, private bathrooms and gigantic and crazy paintings of Van Gogh looking at you from all walls.

The Red Boat Mälaren - Stockholm, Sweden

Price: from € 34, 80 for a four-bed room.

Location: a few minutes drive from the center of the Old Town, 10 minutes walk to the nearest metro station.

An overnight stay aboard a ship peacefully swaying on the waves right in the very center of Stockholm will definitely become one of the most vivid memories of the trip. The rooms are not very spacious, but comfortable enough. And most importantly, you can feel like a real sailor and look at the lights of the evening city from the deck of this houseboat.

What interesting and inexpensive hostels have you come across on your travels?