Looking for the best hostels in Europe to make your travels unforgettable?

If you’re backpacking through iconic cities or exploring hidden gems, choosing the right hostel can set the tone for your adventure.

With affordable prices, vibrant atmospheres, and prime locations, Europe is home to some of the top-rated hostels that cater to solo travelers, groups, and couples alike.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best hostels in Europe that offer great amenities, a welcoming environment, and the chance to meet fellow travelers.

Let’s go in!

Here are the Best hostels in Europe to Explore

Archi Rossi (Florence, Italy)

This characterful hostel in Florence stands out with its unique artistic atmosphere.

The walls serve as an ever-evolving canvas where guests can leave their mark by signing their names or creating drawings, making each visit visually unique.

What makes Archi Rossi special is its impressive facilities: a cafeteria-sized kitchen perfect for preparing Italian-inspired meals, and a peaceful outdoor garden where travelers gather with bottles of wine to share stories as the Tuscan evening unfolds.

While the accommodation features standard metal bunk beds, they offer comfortable mattresses and secure lockers for your belongings.

The convenient location near Florence’s train station makes it an ideal base for exploring this Renaissance city.

Archi Rossi at a glance:

• Laid-back garden sanctuary perfect for socializing
• Creative environment where guests contribute to the décor
• Strategic location for easy city exploration and day trips
• Beds from 27 EUR, private rooms from 58 EUR

Here are the The 10 Best Hostels in Europe

Here’s a curated selection of the top 10 hostels across Europe:

1. City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

This Stockholm gem combines comfort with social opportunities through its inviting outdoor lounge and café.

The hostel stands out with its cozy beds and plush pillows, complemented by extensive facilities including a spacious kitchen, common room, sauna, and laundry services.

Highlights:

• Numerous organized events for guest interaction
• Generous free perks including complimentary coffee, tea, pasta, and sauna access
• Social outdoor patio perfect for relaxing and meeting fellow travelers
• Beds from 23 EUR, private rooms from 68 EUR

2. The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

The Flying Pig hostels have established themselves as institutions in Amsterdam’s accommodation scene.

While their facilities are standard, the atmosphere is what distinguishes them.

The bar area becomes a social hub each evening, attracting travelers looking to connect.

The staff contribute significantly to the experience, engaging with guests and offering expert local knowledge.

Highlights:

• Exceptionally comfortable beds with fluffy pillows
• Charging points accessible from each bed
• Vibrant social atmosphere
• Three locations across Amsterdam (uptown, downtown, and beach)
• Beds from 30 EUR, private rooms from 180 EUR

3. Kabul (Barcelona, Spain)

Located in Barcelona, Kabul is renowned for its lively atmosphere.

This hostel caters to travelers seeking an energetic social experience rather than a quiet retreat.

The comprehensive common area occupies an entire floor, featuring a café, bar, tables, internet kiosks, and a pool table where guests gather to socialize.

Highlights:

• Energetic party atmosphere
• Regular organized activities
• Ideal environment for solo travelers to make connections
• Clean accommodations with comfortable beds and good shower pressure

4. Gallery Hostel (Porto, Portugal)

This luxury hostel in Porto represents the evolution of hostel accommodations.

The establishment doubles as an art gallery featuring works by local artists that are available for purchase.

The hostel arranges home-cooked Portuguese meals and offers complimentary after-dinner drinks, creating an intimate dining experience that encourages guest interaction.

Highlights:

• Communal dining experiences featuring Portuguese cuisine
• Complimentary post-dinner drinks
• Dedicated game room and backyard space
• Thick mattresses and secure lockers in rooms

5. Hostel Mostel (Bulgaria)

With locations in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo, Hostel Mostel has created a network of accommodations following consistent principles: comfortable beds, recreational facilities including pool tables, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

The hostels are known for offering numerous free amenities to travelers.

Highlights:

• Interactive social environment
• Numerous complimentary perks
• Various organized activities

6. The Beehive (Rome, Italy)

Operating for several decades, The Beehive offers a less corporate hostel experience in Rome.

The establishment fosters community through nightly events such as quizzes, happy hours, and pizza gatherings.

Highlights:

• Two fully-equipped guest kitchens
• Indoor lounge and outdoor courtyard spaces
• Fresh bagels served Monday through Thursday mornings
• Comfortable sleeping accommodations
• Female-only rooms available

7. Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)

This Krakow hostel balances nightlife engagement with comfort by operating two separate buildings—one for partygoers and another for those seeking quieter evenings.

The establishment provides complimentary breakfast and dinner daily, along with entertainment options including Nintendo and PlayStation consoles and an extensive movie collection.

Highlights:

• Dual-building setup accommodating different preferences
• Complimentary meals (breakfast and dinner)
• Entertainment systems and media library
• High-quality shower facilities

8. St. Christopher’s (Barcelona, Spain)

Situated near Barcelona’s famous La Rambla, St. Christopher’s represents a reliable hostel brand with locations throughout Europe.

The Barcelona establishment features pod-style beds with privacy curtains that enhance sleep quality despite the social environment.

The expansive bar and outdoor area create natural gathering spaces for travelers.

Highlights:

• Extensive bar and outdoor common area
• Privacy curtains on dorm beds
• Secure lockers for belongings
• Lively, social environment

9. Francesco’s (Ios, Greece)

This Greek island hostel benefits from stunning views and resort-like amenities including a swimming pool.

Francesco’s creates community through nightly gatherings that include complimentary drinks, helping travelers connect.

The hostel also organizes pub crawls, embracing the festive atmosphere of Ios. Its central location ensures easy access to island attractions.

Highlights:

• Swimming pool
• Nightly communal events with free drinks
• Central island location within walking distance of amenities
• Kitchen facilities and clean rooms

10. Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Located near Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile and castle, this hostel occupies a remarkable building with architectural character.

The interior features beautiful woodwork, stone staircases, and an atmosphere reminiscent of historical Scottish residences.

The common area provides pool tables, television, newspapers, and complimentary Wi-Fi, while staff arrange various events and dinners.

Highlights:

• Distinctive historic building with period features
• Regular organized activities
• Spacious common areas for socializing
• Comfortable mattresses with charging access
• Proximity to Edinburgh’s primary attractions

Wrapping up

So, there you have it, folks! 10 of the best hostels across Europe, each offering something unique for solo travelers.

Solo travel especially for the first time, can be a bit daunting, but with the right hostel, it becomes an adventure filled with new experiences and friendships.

Europe’s hostel landscape offers diverse experiences ranging from party-focused environments to more relaxed, artistic settings. These top establishments demonstrate how hostels have evolved to provide budget-conscious travelers with comfortable accommodations.

Remember, the best part about staying in hostels is the people you meet and the stories you share.

So pack your bags, book your stay, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories. Safe travels!