We’re exploring the top 50 cities that should be on every backpacker’s radar. From classical capitals to lesser-known charmers, these destinations are primed for adventurous and cost-conscious travelers to experience Europe—these are the 50 best hostels in Europe!
Now, you know we’re firm believers that the best travels connect you intimately with the culture, people, and heart of a place. While saving money is smart, it’s about so much more than just cheap beds. It’s about having unique experiences, becoming temporary locals, and seeing Europe through fresh eyes.
These cities have all that magic and then some. Every lane, cafe, church, and town square holds the promise of an unforgettable memory. And with a little money savviness, you can truly immerse yourself without breaking the bank. So pack an open mind, and your most comfortable shoes, and get ready to fall in love with Europe’s hospitable spirit!
Best Hostels in Europe
With that spirit of adventure, let’s dive into our list, in alphabetical order, shall we? We’ll give you the inside scoop on what makes each city so special, and then we’ll name the best hostel in that city.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Picturesque canals wind through Amsterdam, leading visitors to attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum and the poignant Anne Frank House.
🛌 Cocomama – Check Availability
2. Antalya, Turkey
Antalya boasts ancient ruins in Perge, a stunning coastline at Konyaaltı Beach, and a charming Old Town for exploration.
🛌 Hostel Vague – Check Availability
3. Athens, Greece
In Athens, majestic views from the Acropolis, ancient ruins in the Agora, and vibrant Plaka for Greek cuisine await visitors.
🛌 Athens Hub Hostel – Check Availability
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona dazzles visitors with Gaudí’s masterpieces, the vibrant atmosphere of Las Ramblas, and the sandy shores of Barceloneta Beach.
🛌 Onefam Ramblas – Check Availability
5. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is rich in history with remnants of the Berlin Wall, world-class museums on Museum Island, and vibrant nightlife scenes.
🛌 EastSeven Berlin Hostel – Check Availability
6. Birmingham, United Kingdom
Cadbury World delights chocolate lovers, while Bullring offers a shopping haven, showcasing the city’s cultural diversity in Birmingham.
🛌 Birmingham Central Backpackers – Check Availability
7. Brussels, Belgium
Grand Place’s architecture shines in Brussels, Belgian chocolates tempt, and Atomium’s futuristic design intrigues visitors.
🛌 Latroupe Grand Place – Check Availability
8. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest invites visitors to soak in thermal baths, marvel at Parliament’s beauty, and explore Buda Castle’s historic charm.
🛌 Onefam Budapest – Check Availability
9. Cologne, Germany
Stunning Cologne Cathedral, a riverside stroll along the Rhine, and the vibrant ambiance of the Old Town define Cologne.
🛌 Die Wohngemeinschaft – Check Availability
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
Nyhavn’s colorful houses, enchanting Tivoli Gardens, and the free-spirited vibes of Christiania characterize Copenhagen.
🛌 Woodah Boutique Hostel – Check Availability
11. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s lively pub culture, historic Trinity College, and the Guinness Storehouse brewery beckon visitors to the Irish capital.
🛌 Jacobs Inn – Check Availability
12. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls offer breathtaking views, while Game of Thrones filming locations enchant visitors, and Banje Beach invites relaxation.
🛌 Dubrovnik Backpackers Club – Check Availability
13. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh boasts a majestic castle, historic charm along the Royal Mile, and panoramic views from Arthur’s Seat.
🛌 Castle Rock Hostel – Check Availability
14. Florence, Italy
In Florence, visitors can marvel at Renaissance art in the Uffizi Gallery, admire the grandeur of Florence Cathedral, and stroll across the charming Ponte Vecchio.
🛌 Ostello Bello Firenze – Check Availability
15. Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt’s modern skyline contrasts with the botanical beauty of Palmengarten and the historic charm of the Old Town.
🛌 Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt – Check Availability
16. Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk’s charming Old Town architecture, Solidarity Museum, and nearby Baltic Sea beaches offer a rich cultural experience.
🛌 Hostel Mamas & Papas – Check Availability
17. Glasgow, United Kingdom
Glasgow offers cultural richness at Kelvingrove Art Gallery, scenic strolls along the River Clyde, and vibrant energy in the West End.
🛌 Glasgow Youth Hostel – Check Availability
18. Granada, Spain
Granada captivates with its Moorish architecture in Alhambra, winding streets of Albaicín, and the flavorful tapas.
🛌 Oripandó Hostel – Check Availability
19. Hamburg, Germany
Bustling harbor scenes, the miniature world of Miniatur Wunderland, and trendy districts like Sternschanze define Hamburg.
20. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki’s neoclassical architecture, relaxation in Esplanadi Park, and exploration of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress offer diverse experiences.
🛌 The Yard Hostel – Check Availability
21. Krakow, Poland
Krakow’s historic Old Town, majestic Wawel Castle, and poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial are must-visit attractions.
🛌 MEININGER Krakow Centrum – Check Availability
22. Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig offers the Bach Museum celebrating musical history, the historic charm of Auerbachs Keller, and the vibrant Karl-Liebknecht-Straße.
🛌 Sleepy Lion Hostel & Apartments – Check Availability
23. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s historic tram 28 winds through Alfama, while Belém Tower stands tall, and São Jorge Castle offers panoramic views.
🛌 Home Lisbon Hostel – Check Availability
24. London, United Kingdom
British Museum treasures, Buckingham Palace, and strolls along the Thames River define London’s allure.
🛌 Urbany Hostel London – Check Availability
25. Málaga, Spain
Málaga showcases Picasso’s legacy, the Moorish beauty of Alcazaba, and the relaxation of Malagueta Beach.
🛌 The Urban Jungle Rooftop Hostel – Check Availability
26. Malta
Valletta’s history, the ancient Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and picturesque beaches make Malta a captivating destination.
🛌 Mandera’s Boutique Suites & Dorms – Check Availability
27. Madrid, Spain
Prado Museum’s art treasures, Retiro Park’s tranquility, and Mercado San Miguel’s tapas allure visitors to Madrid.
🛌 Onefam Sungate – Check Availability
28. Milan, Italy
Milan impresses with its Duomo, the opulence of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.
🛌 YellowSquare – Check Availability
29. Munich, Germany
Munich hosts Oktoberfest festivities, Nymphenburg Palace, and leisurely walks in the English Garden.
🛌 Euro Youth Hostel – Check Availability
30. Naples, Italy
Naples tantalizes with Neapolitan pizza, the ruins of Pompeii, and panoramic views from Posillipo Hill.
🛌 Tric Trac Hostel – Check Availability
31. Nice, France
Nice beckons with the Promenade des Anglais, the markets of the Old Town, and the relaxation of pebbled beaches.
🛌 Hostel OZZ – Check Availability
32. Oslo, Norway
Oslo impresses with the Viking Ship Museum, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, and panoramic views from Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
🛌 K7 Hotel Oslo – Check Availability
33. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Palma de Mallorca offers pristine beaches, the historic charm of Bellver Castle, and the enchanting Old Town.
🛌 Hostal Atlanta – Check Availability
34. Paris, France
Paris enchants with views from the Eiffel Tower, art treasures in the Louvre, and romantic strolls along the Seine.
🛌 Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels – Check Availability
35. Porto, Portugal
Porto’s São Bento Railway Station impresses, port wine cellars tempt, and the Ribeira district charms.
🛌 Gallery Hostel Porto – Check Availability
36. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague enchants with the Charles Bridge, the grandeur of Prague Castle, and classical music at Rudolfinum.
🛌 Luma Terra Prague Hostel – Check Availability
37. Riga, Latvia
Riga dazzles with Art Nouveau architecture, cobblestone streets in the Old Town, and lush parks.
🛌 The Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel – Check Availability
38. Rome, Italy
Rome’s Colosseum stands grand, Trevi Fountain beckons wishes, and Vatican City houses treasures.
🛌 The RomeHello Hostel – Check Availability
39. Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam impresses with innovative architecture, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, and the lively Markthal.
🛌 Sparks Hostel – Check Availability
40. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo captivates with its religious diversity, Bosnian cuisine, and the Tunnel of Hope’s historical significance.
🛌 Hostel Kucha – Check Availability
41. Seville, Spain
Seville enchants with the Alcázar, flamenco performances, and leisurely strolls in Maria Luisa Park.
🛌 New Samay Hostel – Check Availability
42. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm offers medieval charm in Gamla Stan, the impressive Vasa Museum, and the green spaces of Djurgården.
🛌 Castanea Old Town Hostel – Check Availability
43. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn preserves history in its Old Town, impresses with the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and intrigues with the Kalamaja district.
🛌 Fat Margaret’s – Check Availability
44. Valencia, Spain
Valencia impresses with the City of Arts and Sciences, the relaxation of Malvarrosa Beach, and the bustling Central Market.
🛌 Cantagua Hostel – Check Availability
45. Venice, Italy
Venice enchants with gondola rides along the Grand Canal, the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, and labyrinthine streets.
🛌 Anda Venice – Check Availability
46. Vienna, Austria
With grand imperial palaces, elegant cafes serving indulgent Sachertorte, and the musical legacy of composers like Mozart and Strauss, Vienna is a hit!
🛌 Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna – Check Availability
47. Vilnius, Lithuania
In Vilnius, expect to be captivated by its Baroque Old Town, the medieval Gediminas Tower, and the bohemian arts district of Užupis.
🛌 Jimmy Jumps House/Hostel – Check Availability
48. Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw commemorates its resilience at the Warsaw Uprising Museum, showcases grandeur in the Royal Castle, and delights with the lively Nowy Świat street.
🛌 Oki Doki Old Town Hostel – Check Availability
49. Zurich, Switzerland
With the promenade along the Limmat River, the trendy Züri-West district, and panoramic views from Uetliberg Mountain, Zurich is impressive!
🛌 Oldtown Hostel Otter – Check Availability
50. Zadar, Croatia
Zadar mesmerizes with the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation installations, its historic Old Town peninsula, and the relaxing Kolovare Beach.
🛌 Downtown Boutique Hostel – Check Availability
Your Gateway to Unforgettable Adventures
As you embark on your journey through Europe’s most captivating destinations, remember that the best hostels in Europe offer more than just affordable accommodation – they provide a gateway to authentic experiences, cultural immersion, and lifelong memories. From the vibrant energy of cosmopolitan capitals to the charming allure of off-the-beaten-path gems, each of these top-rated hostels promises a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers, engage with locals, and truly embrace the essence of your surroundings. So, whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a first-time explorer, let this curated list of the best hostels in Europe be your guide to unforgettable adventures that will ignite your wanderlust and leave you yearning for more.
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