Best Hostels Across Europe: Fun and Budget Friendly

A quick word on "The Importance of Hostels"

Hostels are steadily becoming a popular accommodation choice for travelers. Many of today's youth could not witness all of the world's places and paradises, without them. Not only does including those of us in the lowest of tax brackets, into travel, add to the industry, but they can also help add to the local economies of each destination. As these budgeted travelers, like myself, want to experience an up-close relationship with the local culture, they also tend to spend their money at locally recommended places. Places that are not designated by their Google dollar rating.

Hostels help the local economies enlarge, something large conglomerates can hurt by placing hotels in destinations that become popular. They consume money away from those living in the area, who then have to experience the effects of the mass consumption, waste, and sometimes unruly behavior of visitors. Hostels can keep these profits for themselves as local businesses and help create the conditions for guests to support the local economy better.

They are also awesome places to meet people from all around the world! They allow you an inside perspective of the location, usually arranging bar crawls and social events. I will say, traveling is cool, but meeting new people, while traveling is the coolest! Hostels provide the chance to travel, not simply vacation because there is a big difference between the two. If you have been thinking of booking a trip, I highly recommend staying in hostels. The experience can be one-of-a-kind and even life-changing!

It is always best practice to check reviews before booking a stay. A safe site to research or book on is Hostelworld.com, although many are available to book through Booking.com. Pro tip: Some hostels offer their cheapest rates when you book directly or pay with cash, so don't be afraid to get in touch! There are tons of types of hostels to best suit your needs: family, party, youth, while also offering an array of accommodations from dorms to private rooms. Hostels will bring you closer to those living in the area and add an aspect of connection, leaving a truly remarkable experience for a curious traveler.

Have no fear, hostels are safe and a perfect option for those looking to travel for less, but experience more!

Europe is home to the first-ever hostel, opening on June 1st, 1912 in Altena, Germany. Founder, Richard Shirrmann steadily expanded his idea for youth travel accommodations and in just a few decades created, Hostelling International, with more than 2,000 hostels! His idea still rings true today, as hostels are spaces where youth of all backgrounds can peacefully get to know each other.

After traveling through more than 10 hostels in Europe, here are a list of my favorites:

Dink's Party Hostel Hvar, Croatia

The travelers coming through Hvar are looking for one thing, a party. The atmosphere at Dink's carries a welcoming vibe for solo travelers, with a large table in the main room to share dinners, or pregame shenanigans over.

Dink's has one of the best bar crawls, both for the experience and the price! A typical night involves three stops: two bars, and one club. BUT WAIT, this club is not just any, it is THE (famous) Carpe Diem beach club, that is on its OWN island. Yes, I said island, and yes you must take a boat ride to get to it. The bar crawl covers the tickets for the boat there and back, as well as gets you free shots and an hour of free drinks between the two other stops. What a bang for your buck.

Everyone staying here was extremely friendly, and the lucky ones who get to work here, were even friendlier. They do fit many bunks in a small space, but it makes for an easy chance to bond with your new roomies. I stayed in their 8-bedroom dorm, but they also have 6 and 4-bedroom dorms. There are beautiful beaches to enjoy in the daytime, as well as shops in the main port, both about a 20-minute walk away.

Many consider Hvar a secret spot for yachting and luxurious travels, but backpackers know there's always a way to experience the high life for a low price. Dink's is your doorway in! Ferries run every day from Split, Croatia.

Cats Hostel Madrid, Spain

When the dogs are away the cats will play, at Cats Hostel in Madrid!

From roaming the magical sites of Madrid during the day to some of the best clubbing in Europe, Cats will help you experience the best of Madrid! With friendly staff to help you in both English and Spanish, upon arrival, this place is best for those wanting a social experience.

I would personally recommend this hostel for remote workers as well. The hostel stayed pretty quiet during the day, great for working hours, and livened up for nighttime festivities, much later in the evening. Not to mention the beautiful design of this old Spanish style, 2- story villa. Not a shabby place to call an office.

With a weekly schedule of activities and free walking tours of the city, you can easily fill up your time with all of the hostel's offerings.

The rooms were very comfortable and had many different options. The bathrooms were all cleaned daily, and the common areas were kept tidy. They also serve breakfast, and have a bar open every night of the week. A tad far from the bus station, but is well located to walk, or rail to all the famous sites around the city.

Highly recommend a stay here when visiting Madrid!

Sir Toby's   Prague, Czech Republic

A legendary hostel opened since 1999. They have been hostelling longer than some current backpackers have been alive!

This hostel gave me the best impression with its friendly staff who immediately greeted me upon my arrival. The interior is filled with electic colors and vintage decor, perfect for candid photos and aesthetic shots. The entire lounge area is made to be as friendly and inviting as possible. Just one step in and you can feel the good vibes all around.

Prague a beautiful city filled with history and art, and Sir Toby's won't let you miss out! Located in a sweet central spot of the city, they offer tours and adventures to all the best and most sought after spots in Prague. There's no need to stress about outside booking or missing out on the must-see's, Sir Toby's will have your stay all taken care of.

Of course one of these tours is a lively bar crawl to some of Prague's hottest nightlife spots. The best part? The party started right downstairs in their very own bar. It also ends their, if your night doesn't turn to day that is!

Sir Toby's is definitley the best hostel in all of Prague. Don't miss out on this stunning hostel and it's vibrant accommodations!

Saint Christopher's Inn Canal   Paris, France

Sitting on their balcony with an expresso and croissant...c'est la vie!

Voted Hostelworld's Best Hostel three years in a row, you will not be disaapointd by a stay here. With a beautiful view over Canal Saint Martin, it is easy to relax and enjoy the slow Parisian lifestyle after roaming the streets of Paris all day. At night, the hostel's own bar turns into a lovely scene where you can easily mingle with all your fellow backpackers.

During my stay, I found the rooms to be modern with accesssible outlets and privacy curtains. The hostel did not offer as many dorming options as most, with only 12 and 8 bed options, this hostel is well-known to the more social traveler. I would expect those staying here to be seeking a social experience and enjoy rooms with a larger number of guests.

The hostel is well located for transportation around Paris and all of its sight-seeing. Whether walking, biking, or taking the metro, this hostel was convienent for enjoying the day, throughout Paris, as well as the nights for a proper fête. I highly recommend a stay here while living out your Paris dreams!

Planning a trip to some of Europe's best cities? Consider booking a stay in one of these awesome hostels!