If you’re looking for a hostel in Europe, there’s A LOT of choice in each capital city. But when choosing the right hostel, there are a few things to consider first to make sure it’s the one for you. Backpackers usually look for a hostel that has a fun, friendly atmosphere, a central location, group events and a hell of a good time. We’ve made interrailing Europe on a budget so much easier for you guys and we picked out our favourite hostels that offer all of these things, right in the heart of Europe’s capital cities. Each of these hostels have their own USP - and backpackers love them for a reason...
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LISBON: OASIS HOSTEL
Right in the heart of Lisbon you’ll find the Oasis hostel. Near the lively Bairro Alto in a restored century-old Portuguese mansion this hostel is perfect for backpackers on a budget looking to explore the city from a central base. This hostel is everything a hostel should be: affordable, centrally located, lots of fun with friendly informative staff. They have many types of rooms ranging from 4 to 14 bed dorm for all types of travellers, most of them with their private bathroom. The hostel hosts all kinds of group activities including pub crawls, beach volleyball, dinners, food walking tours and more.
BARCELONA: ST CHRISTOPHER’S INNS
The Catalan capital technically belongs in this list. Not just a hostel, St Christopher’s Inns just off La Rambla is one of the best places to party in the city. The rooms are all super light, comfortable and spacious, but it’s the whole vibe of this hostel that makes it a definite backpacker favourite. Book through our website and you’ll get 25% off food and drinks deals at Belushi’s downstairs which also happens to have the longest Happy Hour in Barcelona! Our guests especially love the courtyard in the middle of the bar, a sunny little oasis to meet and mingle with like-minded travellers before partying into the night at Belushi’s.
AMSTERDAM: THE FLYING PIG
The most chilled out place to stay in Amsterdam. The Flying Pig has two locations in central locations: Uptown and Downtown. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, the Flying Pig has you covered. Here, you get a mix of chilled comfort combined with a lively party vibe at night. Both of the Flying Pigs are great - however if you want to stay right by the Red Light District, The Flying Pig Downtown is for you.
The Uptown hostel is in the heart of Amsterdam, opposite Vondelpark and minutes walk from the Van Gogh museum and the city’s buzzing Leidseplein Square.
MADRID: CATS PARTY HOSTEL MADRID
Looking for a party in the Spanish capital? Then this hostel will cater to all your party travelling needs. Every Wednesday this hostel hosts its very own famous Madrid Hostel party, offering free entrance to a nightclub and a free beer! Go on one of their famous tours and pub crawls - and don't miss their Paella Party.
Cats Party Hostels central location means that you can walk to all the main historical monuments, museums, shops, restaurants and Madrid’s best nightlife. Who needs public transport?
LONDON: ST CHRISTOPHER'S AT THE VILLAGE
Winner of Best Accommodation in the British Youth Travel Awards, St Christopher’s at the Village is our favourite hotel in the Big Smoke.
This cutting-edge hostel right in the centre of bustling London offers backpackers a fun capsule bed experience. You can sleep inside a capsule, inspired by the popular futuristic concept in Japan. Each capsule bed comes with its own mood lighting, USB ports, plug sockets and its own privacy curtains. A forward-thinking hostel of the future. Wake up in the morning and you’ll find some of London’s greatest sights on the hostel doorstep: Tower Bridge, Borough Market, the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and even the spooky London Bridge Experience to name just a few.
The hostel bar Belushi’s is the place to be for a wild night out. Expect live rock n’ roll, your favourite chart hits, resident DJ’s and plenty of drink deals to make a night in London one to remember. A hostel that has it all.
OSLO: ANKER APARTMENT
A 10 storey hostel in Oslo, Anker Apartment us a clean modern hostel that offers guests all they need for a comfortable stay in Norway. Very simple but practical, the hostel even has a supermarket attached to it that joins the lobby entrance. Convenience! The mixed or female-only dorms offer 4 to 30 bunk beds, kitchenettes or communal kitchens, and private or shared bathrooms.
ROME: ALESSANDRO PALACE
When in Rome, you want to experience the rich Roman history, architecture, food, culture and nightlife. Experience the best of Roma at Alessandro Palace, a hostel and bar in the centre of the city. Just a 25 minute walk to the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, this hostel is close to many of Rome’s must-see sites. A cheap bed, a fun vibe and plenty of great facilities. The hostel has its own on-site bar with satellite TV with all the sports channels, plus it hosts pizza parties. It’s USP is the rooftop terrace bar. So enjoy the city in true Italian style and have a drink up there.
COPENHAGEN: COPENHAGEN DOWNTOWN HOSTEL
Smack bang in the centre of the Danish capital, just a short journey from the airport and within easy cycling distance from all the attractions, it’s no wonder why Copenhagen Downtown hostel is the most popular in the city. The bar is buzzing with happy travellers every night, who are enjoying the daily happy hour and free social evening meal (yep, we said free) after a day exploring the sights. The rooms are modern, spacious and seriously comfortable so you won’t miss a wink! This hostel also cooks up a lovely evening meal if you fancy it.
ATHENS: ATHENSTYLE HOSTEL
Not many hostels can say they a rooftop bar, let alone stunning views, but AthenStyle Hostel has both of these things. Located right below the Acropolis, it lends itself perfectly to backpackers looking to explore Athens’ ancient history, and whether they’re after a social dorm room, a private room, or even studio flat or junior suite, this place would suit everybody! Apart from the stunning views of the Acropolis and the Filopappou Hills on the rooftop restaurant, the local food, drinks and people here make it a wonderful retreat after a long, hot day of touring the sights. Whether it’s relaxation or a party you’re after, AthenStyle has got you covered.
REYKJAVIK: KEX HOSTEL
Heading to Iceland’s capital and need a place to stay? Kex Hostel could not be in a more idyllic spot. Located in an old biscuit factory in Reykjavik city centre, this hostel overlooks the ocean so you can roll out of bed with views you could expect from a 5* hotel. Not bad for budget accommodation. The rustic interior, modern rooms and young backpacker vibe makes it a great place for solo travellers to meet new people. The hostel is surrounded by the best clubs, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and music venues. A convenient hipster location.
PARIS: ST CHRISTOPHER’S INNS CANAL
An epic party hostel with picturesque views of Canal Saint Martin, St Christopher’s Inns Canal is located right on the water in a pretty area of Paris. Have your morning coffee overlooking the canal on the waterfront terrace then head out for the day with 5 metro stations just a short walk away to connect you to the rest of the city. The rooms are modern with comfy POD beds fitted with USB ports, plug sockets and privacy curtains. The hostels Belushi’s bar serves up badass burgers, wraps and bar snacks. The lively backpacker bar hosts parties, DJ’s and fun events come evening. A free walking tour departs from the hostel each day and in the night, take part in the hostel bar crawls.
PRAGUE: THE CZECH INN
Hostels need to be more than just a bed for the night. They have to provide atmosphere and a great location: The Czech Inn has both these things. The trendy hostel inside a historic building lies on the doorstep of Prague’s swankiest beer gardens, bars and famous gothic architecture in hip Vinohrady. The daily happy hours in the bar downstairs are unbeatable with delicious Czech pints costing less than €1. The Old Town Square and Prague Castle lare just 20 minutes ride away or less on the tram.
DUBLIN: AVALON HOUSE
Avalon House right in the heart of Dublin is a haven of backpackers looking for a dose of Irish spirit. Everything is on the doorstep of this hostel including Dublin Castle and Trinity College, the National Museums and Galleries the main shopping street, Grafton St. Avalon House is the perfect place to base yourself for a taste of Ireland’s capital city. Backpackers’ favourite Temple Bar is just minutes walk from the hostel, ideal for stumbling back to bed once those late night Irish parties have drawn to a close.
BUDAPEST: MAVERICK HOSTEL
The Maverick Hostel isn’t your average youth hostel, the central Budapest backpacker hangout is a former royal mansion built by the Habsburg dynasty. You’ll probably feel like you’re in the wrong place when you step inside, as the grand entrance is like no other hostel you’ll have ever stayed in! Once you get to the reception, the warm atmosphere and friendly welcome will make you feel right at home, and one of the best parts (for most people, anyway) there are no bunk beds! Start your morning with a free tea or coffee from the kitchen (there’s one on every floor), before heading out to see the sights, loads of which are just on the doorstep!
EDINBURGH: ST CHRISTOPHER’S INNS
This charming Edinburgh hostel is nestled right in the heart of the medieval Old Town so you can roll straight out of bed and be right on the doorstep of plenty of incredible sights. The Old Town is significantly cheaper than the New Town which is a perk in itself. St Christopher’s is within walking distance to everything you could possibly want to do in the city: The Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, The Scottish National Galleries and Edinburgh Castle. Offering free breakfast, daily drink deals, open mic nights, a real party vibe and free cancellation if you book direct, this hostel is the one to choose for backpackers in Edinburgh who are looking for an authentic Scottish experience.
Heading to Edinburgh for Fringe Festival? Here’s
WARSAW: OKIDOKI HOSTEL
The reason backpackers love OkiDoki in Warsaw so much isn’t only for it’s awesome city location (right by the Old Town with a metro line just seconds away), but for the insanely friendly welcome they receive throughout their entire stay. The on-site bar becomes every guest’s favourite hangout as meeting new people here is inevitable, plus the selection of Polish beers is the dream. You’ll never be bored at OkiDoki as the staff put on evening activities every evening - from karaoke to movie nights and board games. The rooms have all been designed by awesome artists which just add to the overall cool vibe of this Warsaw hostel.
STOCKHOLM: CITY BACKPACKERS HOSTEL
Find City Backpackers right in the heart of the Swedish capital, just around the corner from Stockholm’s main shopping street, Drottninggatan and within walking distance from the Old Town. The chilled out vibe of this place is perfect for backpackers looking to really explore the city while meeting plenty of like minded people. There are rooms to suit any kind of traveller, with dorms, private and apartments on offer, plus a huge kitchen and FREE pasta! If you’re after a taste of the local cuisine, head next door to Nomad restaurant which serves up some seriously good Swedish dishes. Then head back to the hostel for a free evening sauna! Bliss…
ZAGREB: CHILLOUT HOSTEL
If you’re looked for a chilled out hostel in Croatia’s capital, where better to choose than Chillout Hostel. This place stays true to its name with a really relaxed atmosphere in the day, the perfect place to chill. Then at night it comes to life with a vibrant bar, live music and themed parties. We also love the awesome modern rooms: here you’ll benefit from sleeping in POD beds that provide the ultimate privacy. Chillout Hostel Zagreb is located right in the centre, next to all the landmarks, vibrant stores, notorious nightlife, restaurants and historic buildings.