As a travel blogger, I’ve had the opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful and cool hostels. From Amsterdam to Saint Petersburg, these hostels offer a unique blend of comfort, style, and adventure that will make your backpacking trip truly unforgettable.
The Thrill of Hostel Life
For many travelers, hostels are more than just a place to sleep – they’re an experience. They’re where you meet fellow adventurers, make new friends, and discover the hidden gems of a city. And Europe is home to some of the most beautiful and cool hostels in the world.
A Brief History of Hostels
Hostels have been around for centuries, with the first recorded hostel opening in 1453 in Frankfurt, Germany. Over time, hostels evolved to cater to travelers and adventurers, offering a unique blend of accommodation and community. Today, hostels are more popular than ever, with millions of travelers choosing to stay in them each year.
The Benefits of Hostel Life
So why choose a hostel over a traditional hotel? Here are just a few benefits:
- Affordability: Hostels are generally cheaper than hotels, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- Social atmosphere: Hostels offer a unique social atmosphere, where you can meet fellow travelers and make new friends.
- Community involvement: Many hostels offer community events and activities, such as pub crawls, hiking trips, and cultural tours.
- Local insights: Hostel staff often have insider knowledge of the local area, providing visitors with valuable tips and recommendations.
Top 20 Most Beautiful and Cool Hostels in Europe
Here are some of the most beautiful and cool hostels in Europe:
- Lucky Lake, Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- This hostel is like stepping into a mythical village, complete with animal statues and colorful decorations.
- Gallery, Porto (Portugal)
- This 19th-century building has been converted into a stunning hostel, featuring works of local art on display throughout the building.
- Jumbo Stay, Stockholm (Sweden)
- Imagine sleeping inside a retired Boeing 747! That’s exactly what you get at Jumbo Stay, an eco-friendly hostel carved out of an old plane.
- Lavender Circus, Budapest (Hungary)
- This vintage-style hostel is located in a beautiful palace in the heart of Budapest, making it the perfect spot for couples looking for romance and privacy.
- Safestay Hostel, Elephant and Castle, London (United Kingdom)
- This hostel has been revitalized with a colorful design featuring bright lights and a large common room with a pool table.
- Hostel Celica Art, Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- This former prison has been completely renovated and decorated with works of art created by 80 different artists.
- Dream Hostel, Tampere (Finland)
- This excellent hostel is located just three minutes from the train station in Tampere, featuring a fresh design and free Wi-Fi.
- The Independente, Lisbon (Portugal)
- This recent opening is located in the residence of an ex-Swiss ambassador, featuring original architectural characteristics and vintage design pieces.
- Plus Hostel, Florence (Italy)
- Are you looking for a place to party in Florence? Look no further than Plus Hostel, which offers a free outdoor pool, sauna, and panoramic terrazza.
- Casa Gracia, Barcelona (Spain)
- Located close to La Pedrera by Gaudí, this hostel is a true 5-star experience with spacious rooms and excellent services at super low prices.
- Oasis Backpackers Palace, Seville (Spain)
- This oasis in the desert of Seville offers an eco-friendly hostel carved out from an old building, featuring comfortable beds and private bathrooms.
- Kex Hostel, Reykjavik (Iceland)
- Once it was a Mjólkurkex factory, now this hostel is an elegant eco-hostel with contemporary design features and fantastic details.
- U Hostels, Madrid (Spain)
- Located inside an old 19th-century palace, this hostel is near the Alonso Martinez metro station, making it an ideal base for exploring Madrid.
- Cocomama, Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- At 20 minutes from the Red Light District, you’ll find Cocomama – an ex-bordello turned hostel! It’s like stepping into a fairytale world of gnomes, beers at 1 euro, and a large selection of books and films in the common room.
- Kadir’s Tree House, Olympos (Turkey)
- Have you always envied those treehouses from American TV shows? Enjoy your siesta between the branches of Kadir’s Tree House! It’s like staying in a fairytale forest!
- St-Briavels Hostel, Gloucestershire (United Kingdom)
- What’s better than sleeping inside a castle like a real king? St-Briavels Hostel in Gloucestershire will make you feel noble at an unbeatable price! Worth trying!
- Generator Hostel, Barcelona (Spain)
- This vibrant hostel is the perfect place to stay in a dynamic city like Barcelona, featuring a design team that has recreated the city streets’ atmosphere in the rooms.
- The Red Boat Malaren, Stockholm (Sweden)
- We’ve found something better than sleeping inside a castle! Sleeping on a boat docked right in the center of Stockholm! Red Boat Mälaren is an eco-friendly hostel carved out from two boats.
- Sky Backpackers, Dublin (Ireland)
- Backpackers Sky is a place where passion for travel and music comes together, located next to the former recording studio where artists like The Cranberries, David Bowie, and U2 recorded their hits.
- Soul Kitchen, Saint Petersburg (Russia)
- Located in a neo-baroque building over 150 years old, Soul Kitchen is considered one of the best three hotels in Eastern Europe, offering a luxurious experience at super low prices.
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Conclusion: The Magic of Hostel Life
These beautiful and cool hostels in Europe offer an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. From Amsterdam to Saint Petersburg, each hostel has its own unique charm and character. So why settle for just any hotel when you can have the adventure of a lifetime?
FAQs:
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What’s the best hostel in Europe?
- That’s like asking me to choose my favorite food! Each hostel has its own unique charm and character, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.
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How do I book a hostel in Europe?
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You can book hostels through online platforms like Hostelworld, Booking.com, or by contacting the hostel directly.
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What’s the best way to get around Europe?
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That depends on where you are and how far apart your destinations are! Consider using public transportation, renting a car, or taking buses and trains.
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Can I stay in a hostel with my partner?
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Many hostels offer private rooms and dorms for couples, so it’s definitely possible to stay together!
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Are hostels safe?
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Most hostels have excellent security measures in place, but always take the usual precautions like locking your door and keeping an eye on your belongings.
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Can I use my credit card to pay for a hostel?
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Many hostels accept credit cards, but it’s always best to check ahead of time.
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How do I meet other travelers at the hostel?
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Join hostel events, attend local tours, or simply strike up conversations with fellow guests – that’s how you make new friends!
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Can I stay in a hostel for an extended period?
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Many hostels offer discounts for long-term stays, so be sure to ask about those when booking your stay!
