My Favorite Hostels in Europe
Staying in hostels was one of my favorite parts of traveling around Europe. In some ways, hostels are even better than hotels. They’re definitely a great way to meet people and a cheap option. While many hostels are pretty similar, there are some that go above and beyond. Here were my favorites while backpacking all over Europe:
#1 Yoho International Youth Hostel
Salzburg, Austria
This hostel was my absolute favorite. I did mostly visit Salzburg because my favorite movie of all time is The Sound of Music, so I loved that this hostel played it every night at 8 p.m. (you bet I watched it each night I was there). In addition to being one of the cleanest and coziest hostels I stayed in, the hostel staff were so nice. They even made change for me for the 50 euro bill I had gotten from an ATM.
#2 The Hat
Madrid, Spain
The Hat Madrid probably had the coolest aesthetic of all the hostels I stayed in. Walls were filled with inspiring travel quotes, and the rooftop had a cool bar. The traditional pan con tomate breakfast was a nice bonus too. More than anything, I also loved that this hostel hosts various meet ups to work on Spanish or just meet other travelers. This hostel is also in the best location, off the Plaza Mayor and two of my absolute favorite spots in Madrid (*hint* both involve food): El Mercado de San Miguel and La Chocolatería de San Gínes.
#3 Trendy Hostel
Paris, France
This hostel at the end of line 7 was the coziest I ever stayed in. I want that bedding for my bed! I don’t think I’ve ever been in a comfier bed, and it was a hostel bunk bed. The location for Trendy Hostel was nice too – while at the end of the metro line, it didn’t take long to get into the city, and being a bit further out was nice. I’ll always remember the charming quiet neighborhood with the little corner bakery that we’d go to every day and somehow manage to order from a man who only knew French but would great us with a “Hello” or an “Hola.”
Honorable Mention: Generator Hostel
Dublin, Ireland
Generator Hostel’s Dublin location is an honorable mention for me just because I didn’t actually stay there but only visited it with someone I met who was staying there. While I can’t speak to what it’s like to actually stay there, this hostel was the coolest one I’ve ever seen. It was as busy as some of the bars (if not busier), and I loved visiting for a free Irish whiskey tasting.
What have been some of your favorite hostels? What made them so great? Please share in the comments below!
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