The 5 Best Hostels in Europe for First-time Backpackers
Traveling abroad can be intimidating. Language barriers, currency exchange rates, and navigating an entirely new place are all things travelers might worry about when booking a trip to a new country for the first time. But being a solo backpacker comes with many benefits, especially while staying in hostels.
Hostels are their own hub for communities, and there are incredible ones all over the globe. When booking a trip to Europe for the first time, there are plenty of amazing hostels that make traveling alone highly rewarding and worth your while. We’ve put together a list of the top hostels in Europe for first-time backpackers.
Stone City Hostel - Gjirokaster, Albania
Winner of several ‘best hostel in Albania’ awards since 2020, Stone City Hostel is a place where backpackers come for the unique experience of staying in an old stone house in Gjirokaster and stay for the wide range of activities and top-notch hospitality. Gjirokaster, which is located in Southern Albania, is a historical city and sits in a valley that is between the Gjere mountains and the Drino, giving backpackers plenty of natural wonders to explore during their stay. Stone City Hostel has become well-renowned for its walking trips, nearby hikes, and local recommendations from hosts Brenna and Walter. The space is cozy and features a garden that is shaded by fruit trees as well as a rooftop terrace with spectacular views. Best of all, it’s affordable and close to the city center.
Wombat’s City Hostel - Vienna, Austria
Known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful architecture, Wombat’s City Hostel in Vienna delivers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers. Located near the iconic Naschmarkt, which is Vienna’s largest food market, the hostel provides access to many local digs, unique eateries, and bars. The hostel also puts out a breakfast buffet and has a guest kitchen for travelers to cook their own meals. Situated in a fun and trendy neighborhood, the hostel gives backpackers plenty of chances to explore alone or with other travelers. It’s also located right across the street from the metro station, which means getting to and from the airport or hopping a train to another city or country is easy and quick. Wombat is a chain of hostels, and their City Hostel in Vienna is one hostel that makes backpacking through Europe for the first time a comfortable, fun, and affordable experience.
EastSeven Berlin Hostel - Berlin, Germany
For those looking for a social hostel in a city that is pulsating with art, culture, and history, EastSeven Berlin Hostel is a great option. Located in the suburb of Prenzlauer Berg, the hostel is near several cafes, bars, and restaurants, and is also easily accessible from public transit stations. They run daily events and also have a garden on-site that is great for sipping beer and socializing with other travelers. With all that there is to do in Berlin, EastSeven Berlin Hostel is an affordable way to access the many rich cultural experiences that it has to offer. Travelers consistently rave about the hostel’s cleanliness and its friendly staff, making EastSeven Berlin Hostel a great option for first-time backpackers in Europe.
Zeus is Loose Hostel - Thessaloniki, Greece
From a historical standpoint, touring Greece is one of the top things to do while backpacking through Europe. While Athens is incredible and gets a lot of shine, the port city of Thessaloniki is somewhere where you can find traces of history that date back to 315 BC. It’s considered to be the cultural and entertainment capital of Greece, and Zeus is Loose Hostel provides backpackers endless opportunities to explore and experience Thessaloniki’s rich history through tours, activities, and tastings. The hostel is located near several transit stops and is within walking distance of plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and museums. Travelers rave about the rooftop bar and its spectacular views. Zeus is Loose is a perfect introduction for first-time hostel guests, too, since its sleek setup can feel more like a hotel. While other hostels might be more social, Zeus is Loose is great for digital nomads and backpackers with work to do.
Yes! Lisbon Hostel - Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re looking for a place to party, meet new travelers, and expand your social circle, Yes! Lisbon Hostel is a great choice. The hostel runs social events like walking tours, pub crawls, and dinners. Located in the center of town, Yes! Lisbon Hostel gives travelers access to tons of cafes, shops, and restaurants, and it is also located near many museums and transit centers. It’s also near the famous Terreiro do Paco, which is one of the most famous historic squares in Lisbon. Guests love the social atmosphere and friendly staff. For first-time backpackers in Europe, exploring Lisbon by staying at a hostel like Yes! Lisbon Hostel is one of the best ways to experience solo traveling on a budget in a fun, safe, and affordable way.
