My Favorite Hostels from Around the World

Traveling the world on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or fun. Over the years, I’ve stayed in some incredible hostels that have made my trips unforgettable. Here’s a list of my favorite hostels from around the world, each with its own unique charm and vibe.

1. The Flying Pig Downtown – Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Why I Love It: This hostel is legendary for its social atmosphere and prime location near the Red Light District. The bar is always buzzing, making it the perfect place to meet fellow travelers.
• Highlight: Free walking tours and a cozy common area.

2. Kabul Party Hostel – Barcelona, Spain

• Why I Love It: If you’re looking for a party, this is the place. Located right on Plaça Reial, it’s the heart of Barcelona’s nightlife.
• Highlight: The rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

3. Circus Hostel – Berlin, Germany

• Why I Love It: A perfect mix of fun and culture. The hostel has its own microbrewery and organizes pub crawls and city tours.
• Highlight: The on-site brewery and beer garden.

4. Hostel One Miru – Prague, Czech Republic

• Why I Love It: This hostel feels like home. The staff are incredibly friendly, and they cook a free family dinner every night.
• Highlight: The cozy atmosphere and free dinners.

5. Home Lisbon Hostel – Lisbon, Portugal

• Why I Love It: The owners, Luis and Alex, treat everyone like family. The homemade dinners are delicious, and the location is perfect for exploring the city.
• Highlight: The warm, welcoming vibe and free sangria nights.

6. Maverick City Lodge – Budapest, Hungary

• Why I Love It: A stylish and modern hostel located in the heart of Budapest. It’s close to all the major attractions and has a great social atmosphere.
• Highlight: The rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.

7. The Yellow – Rome, Italy

• Why I Love It: This hostel is known for its lively bar and nightclub, making it a great spot for meeting people. It’s also just a short walk from Termini Station.
• Highlight: The on-site bar and nightclub.

8. St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Canal – Paris, France

• Why I Love It: Located along the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin, this hostel offers a relaxed vibe with easy access to the city’s top attractions.
• Highlight: The waterfront views and lively bar.

9. Castle Rock Hostel – Edinburgh, Scotland

• Why I Love It: This hostel is literally next to Edinburgh Castle! It’s quirky, fun, and has a great communal vibe.
• Highlight: The castle views and cozy common rooms.

10. Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel – Krakow, Poland

• Why I Love It: This hostel is all about fun and camaraderie. They offer free dinners and beer tastings, and the staff are amazing.
• Highlight: The free dinners and beer tastings.

11. Selina Hostels – Multiple Locations (Latin America)

• Why I Love It: Selina hostels are a chain of stylish, boutique hostels with a focus on community and coworking. They’re perfect for digital nomads and travelers looking for a mix of work and play.
• Highlight: The coworking spaces and vibrant social events.

12. The MadHouse – Prague, Czech Republic

• Why I Love It: A small, social hostel with a family-like atmosphere. The staff organize daily activities and make everyone feel welcome.
• Highlight: The free family dinners and pub crawls.

13. The Backpack – Cape Town, South Africa

• Why I Love It: This eco-friendly hostel is located in the heart of Cape Town and offers stunning views of Table Mountain. It’s a great base for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
• Highlight: The rooftop bar and eco-friendly initiatives.

14. Kex Hostel – Reykjavik, Iceland

• Why I Love It: A trendy hostel housed in a former biscuit factory, Kex offers a unique blend of industrial chic and cozy comfort. It’s a great place to meet fellow travelers and explore Iceland.
• Highlight: The on-site bar and live music events.

15. The Common – Manchester, UK

• Why I Love It: A boutique hostel with a focus on design and comfort. The Common offers private rooms and dorms, all with a stylish, modern vibe.
• Highlight: The cozy common areas and free breakfast.

16. Hostel Mostel – Sofia, Bulgaria

• Why I Love It: Known for its friendly staff and free dinners, Hostel Mostel is a great place to meet other travelers and explore Sofia.
• Highlight: The free dinners and organized tours.

17. The Walrus Hostel – London, UK

• Why I Love It: Located near the London Eye and Waterloo Station, this hostel is a great base for exploring the city. It’s known for its friendly staff and social atmosphere.
• Highlight: The free walking tours and pub crawls.

18. The Green Tiger Hostel – Bangkok, Thailand

• Why I Love It: A boutique hostel with a focus on sustainability and community. The Green Tiger offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of bustling Bangkok.
• Highlight: The eco-friendly initiatives and cozy common areas.

19. The Jazz Corner Hostel – New Orleans, USA

• Why I Love It: Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this hostel is perfect for music lovers. It’s just steps away from live jazz clubs and historic sites.
• Highlight: The live music events and friendly staff.

20. The Backpackers Hostel – Queenstown, New Zealand

• Why I Love It: A cozy, welcoming hostel with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. It’s a great base for adventure activities like bungee jumping and skiing.
• Highlight: The friendly staff and organized tours.

These hostels have made my travels unforgettable, offering not just a place to sleep but also a sense of community, adventure, and comfort. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a digital nomad, or just looking for a fun place to stay, these hostels are sure to enhance your journey.

Happy travels! 🌍✈️ My Favorite Hostels from Around the World

Photo by Sujan Mongar 

P.S. Do you have a favorite hostel? Share it in the comments below!