Last updated on August 5th, 2024 at 03:41 pm
I’ve been staying in hostels for over 10 years now as a solo traveling female. From my early 20’s to my 30’s, the hostel scene in Europe is truly unmatched, but how do you find the best hostels in Europe?
The hostel scene has definitely grown in recent years from what it used to be. While some still offer the bare minimum in a room with 14 strangers, others have upgraded their services into more of a ‘boutique style’ accommodation option with activities, amenities, and comfy beds. At half the price of hotels and a livelier social scene, hostels around the globe are making waves. Many hostels now are like charming co-living spaces: think full-kitchens, pools, social spaces, and weekly planned events to meet fellow travelers.
If this is your first solo trip to Europe, it’s important to plan ahead and think about priorities when it comes to picking accommodation (because it can really change the vibe of your trip!) When choosing the best hostels in Europe, I’ve taken into account the holy grail of hostel rating: safety, common spaces, atmosphere, and staff.
Solo Travel Hostels Snapshot
Best Hostel for Partying: Flying Pig Uptown (Amsterdam)
Ultimate for Solo Travelers: OneFam Old Town (Prague) and OneFam Ribiera (Porto)
Best for Digital Nomads: Dream Hostel (Prague), House of Sandeman (Porto), and Tilia Hostel (Faro)
For Female Travelers: Hostel Dvor (Split), Castanea Hostel (Stockholm), and the Yard Hostel (Helsinki)
Flying Pig Uptown, Amsterdam
I stayed at the Flying Pig in my early 20’s, and I can safely say they were some of my best travel memories. A party hostel through and through, the Flying Pig makes it easy to make friends with everyone. All of the staff are pretty young too, and like to partake in activities with travelers!
While rooms are pretty basic, the bedding is surprisingly comfy. The hostel has a buzzing bar area with happy hours, and there’s also a dining and ‘chill’ area too.
Why Flying Pig is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- They have organized events throughout the week
- The happy hours are the best way to meet people
- Lockers in the rooms for safety and storage
OneFam Old Town, Prague
Wow is all I can say. I actually stayed here in my late 20’s and still had the BEST time. Staying in a mixed room of 8 people, I made tons of friends. Arriving on a bus from another country that evening, I was immediately invited on the pub crawl. It’s safe to say OneFam is a social place! The only downside in the summers is the lack of AC in rooms, but with wide windows to open, it was manageable. A smaller hostel run by volunteers, it’s so easy to make new travel friends here. OneFam has an open kitchen, living, and dining space to socialize and relax. (The beds also include curtains which is always a win).
Why OneFam Old Town is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- Daily events morning and night (which include bar crawls and walking tours)
- Social spaces where everyone is welcome to cook, watch tv, or play games
- Lockers in the rooms and laundry service provided
OneFam Ribeira, Porto
There are so many things I can say about OneFam Ribeira in Porto. I extended my trip, met 5 of my closest travel friends there, and didn’t want to leave! OneFam is one of the best hostels in Europe if you’re really looking to socialize and find a home-away-from-home while abroad. Family dinners, weekly activities around Porto, and bar crawls are all amazing ways to meet fellow travelers and are offered at OneFam. The Hostel is compact and has various types of rooms, an outdoor patio, communal areas, and a ‘cave’ downstairs where nights out begin with a few drinking games.
Why OneFam Ribeira is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- All staff are volunteers under the age of 40 who tag along on bar crawls and events
- Plenty of cozy communal spaces for meeting new people
- Planned activities everyday and evening bar crawls
Dream Hostel, Prague
It’s pretty rare to find a hostel that’s both social and quiet at the same time. Dream Hostel in Prague is the perfect mix, which is why it makes it on the list of best hostels. When you walk into Dream Hostel you’ll be surprised by how modern and charming it looks: I know I was! Picture hanging plants, light wooden interiors, and quaint reading nooks. The rooms are incredibly clean, with curtains on each bed for privacy. The room I stayed in had a bathroom and shower just outside the room, which was perfect. There’s also a lot of common spaces ideal for socializing and co-working as well.
Why Dream Hostel is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- Plenty of common spaces
- Airport shuttle, laundry services, and lockers
- Steps from the main shopping streets
House of Sandeman, Porto
Situated along the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river with sweeping views of Porto, House of Sandeman is by far one of the nicest hostels I’ve visited in Europe. A large communal space near the front lobby features comfy couches, TV’s, a long dining table (where the free breakfast buffet takes place each morning), a small bar, and charming window seats with views of the Douro River. The Hostel conveniently opens onto a large outdoor patio-bar area, which can often be found filled with both locals and travelers. The best part is by far the House of Sandeman Cellar on the lower level. If you want to sample some Port and visit the barrels, hostel guests receive a discount.
Why House of Sandeman is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- Opens directly to the main street filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and activities
- Many communal areas on site including 2 bars, living/dining rooms, and weekly family dinners
- Breakfast buffet included in the price (ideal to meet and chat with people)
- Extremely comfortable and spacious beds with curtains
- You can book tours directly through the hostel
Tilia Hostel, Faro
On a quiet street in Faro Portugal sits Tilia Hostel. A serene escape perfect for solo travelers, Tilia is one of the best hostels I’ve found in Europe for women as it feels extremely safe and welcoming. The kitchen opens into a beautiful outdoor courtyard for coffee breaks, remote work, and chatting with friends. The upstairs patio is spacious and has ample seating options for relaxing and tanning. While there’s no bar on site, a pop-up one does appear on certain evenings offering affordable drinks!
Why Tilia Hostel is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- Plenty of indoor/outdoor communal spaces (including a large living/dining area and patios)
- The Faro bar crawl picks up from the hostel on some evenings for you to meet travelers fro other hostels in the area too (this will take you to a few local bars in the area)
- The overall vibe of the hostel is welcoming and relaxed. Easy to travel, work, and meet people
Hostel Dvor, Split
This charming hostel on the narrow streets of Split, Croatia was a pleasant surprise for me! Somewhat off the beaten path with no bar inside, I had a hard time with how I’d make friends here. Alas, I was wrong! In the evenings, travelers socialize in the outdoor patio and living room areas. It’s also very easy to make friends in your rooms, as it’s a pretty small hostel. The building gives apartment vibes, and each room is super clean and spacious. I stayed in a room of 4 with a shared bathroom/shower, and had no issues meeting people. The rooms come with large closet spaces, personal safes, and air conditioning!
Why Hostel Dvor is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- Incredibly safe and clean
- A short walk to the Old Town, Harbor, and Restaurants/bars
- Small breakfast included and coffee etc.
Castanea Old Town Hostel, Stockholm
On a cobblestone street in the heart of Stockholm’s charming Gamla Stan neighborhood, you’ll find Castanea Old Town Hostel. More along the lines of a co-living apartment, the Hostel is right around the corner from the the Main Square (Stortorget) and is extremely clean with cute communal spaces. There’s no bar/restaurant on site, but there is a full kitchen, dining room, and living area. The rooms are also well taken care of, comfortable, and the overall vibe just feels safe and welcoming for all.
Why Castanea Old Town is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- Extremely clean spaces and rooms
- Communal areas make it easy to meet people
- On a safe street in the heart of Gamla Stan (one of the cities cutest neighborhoods)
The Yard Hostel, Helsinki
On a busy bar street in Helsinki, Yard Hostel has the best of both worlds. The hostel’s proximity to the bars and restaurants is really ideal if you’re solo traveling and don’t want to venture too far alone for a night out. Inside, is a different atmosphere altogether. With only a few rooms all on one floor, it feels like one large cozy living room. Shoes have to be taken off before entering, rooms are incredibly clean and spacious (with curtains), and the communal spaces are both relaxing and welcoming. The kitchen flows into the large living room area, and travelers can often be found sitting around working, watching TV, playing games, or chatting. It never gets too rowdy, which is nice. The Hostel also has a board near the lobby with activities and travel tips fro exploring Helsinki.
Why Yard Hostel is One of the Best Hostels in Europe
- Incredibly clean inside and has comfortable communal space
- A full kitchen with all the supplies you may need
- Comfortable rooms with curtains for privacy
