Are you ready to jump into some of the weirdest, wildest and most wonderful hostels in Europe? Imagine chilling in a cave on the Greek island of Santorini or dancing till dawn in Rome’s buzzing nightlife. Europe’s hostels are all about epic adventures and making friends from across the globe.
Whether you’re a solo explorer, a digital nomad, or just looking for a blast with your buddies, we’ve got the ultimate lineup for you.
From the charming alleys of Porto to the unique experience of sleeping in a Stockholm jumbo jet, these hostels are your ticket to diving into Europe’s rich cultures. Let’s check out the top 12 coolest hostels that Europe has to offer!
12 Amazing Hostels in Europe in 2025
We’re about to explore Europe’s coolest hostels – from the unique charm of a Santorini cave to the lively streets of Rome. Don’t have time to read? Here’s the best hostels in Europe at a glance:
- Top Overall Hostel: Camping Jungfrau Alpine Lodge
- Best Location: Generator Venice
- Best for Solo Backpackers: Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel
- Best Party Hostel: YellowSquare
- Best Budget Hostel: Ostello Bello Grande
- Most Unique Hostel in Europe: Caveland
1. Caveland, Santorini
Cave life, but make it comfortable. Caveland sits in an 18th-century winery in Karterados village, about a 25-minute walk from Fira. You’re literally sleeping in traditional cave rooms that have been converted into cozy accommodations, and honestly, it’s way cooler than I expected.
The vibe here is super laid-back and social. There’s a large pool where you can actually swim (not just splash around), plus terraces with sea views that are perfect for watching sunsets. I loved how the owners, Kostas and Giannis, have decorated the place with recycled materials they’ve found around the island – the wall mosaics made from discarded tiles are pretty genius.
Dorm beds start around €35-40 per night in 2025 (prices have gone up from the older €25 rates), but you’re getting breakfast included, free Wi-Fi, and access to all the communal areas. The hostel organizes group dinners, movie nights, and yoga classes throughout the week. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the nearest bus stop, so renting a scooter or ATV is definitely the way to go if you want to explore the island properly.
- Read next: Picture-Perfect Santorini Spots
- You may also like: Beautiful Greek Islands to Visit
2. YellowSquare, Rome
If you want to experience Rome’s nightlife without leaving your hostel, YellowSquare is your spot. This place is basically a hostel-club hybrid that’s buzzing seven nights a week. Located just 10 minutes from Roma Termini station, it’s super convenient for getting around the city.
The ground floor bar and club area gets absolutely packed with both travelers and locals. I was surprised by how good the music was – they actually have live bands and DJs who know what they’re doing. Plus there’s a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for pre-gaming before heading downstairs to dance.
Dorm beds start around €20-25 per night in 2025, and you’re paying an additional €3.50 per person per night city tax in cash. The rooms are modern with individual lockers, curtains around each bed, and decent air conditioning. Don’t expect much sleep if you book here – this is definitely a party hostel where the fun doesn’t stop until sunrise. They also have coworking spaces if you need to get some work done during the day.
- Read next: Why Choose a Retreat for Your Getaway
3. Camping Jungfrau Alpine Lodge
Camping Jungfrau Alpine Lodge in Lauterbrunnen isn’t your typical hostel – it’s more like a mountain basecamp at the foot of Staubbach Waterfall. The setting is absolutely incredible, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and that famous Swiss Alps scenery you see on postcards.
You can stay in traditional alpine lodge rooms or bungalows, and everything feels authentically Swiss. The on-site restaurant Weidstübli serves proper cheese fondue and raclette, which is exactly what you want after a day of hiking. I appreciated that they provide free hiking maps and can book all your excursions right from reception.
Prices vary quite a bit depending on the season – expect to pay €40-60 per night for dorm beds in 2025, with higher rates during ski season. The location is unbeatable for accessing Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) and Schilthorn. It’s a 15-minute walk to the train station where you catch the cogwheel railway up the mountains. Fair warning – you need to bring your own sleeping bag, though they provide blankets and pillows.
- Read next: Hidden Gems in Switzerland
- You may also like: Top Jungfrau Region Experiences
4. Kex Hostel, Reykjavik
Kex Hostel in Reykjavik occupies a former biscuit factory, and they’ve kept all that industrial charm while making it super comfortable. The place attracts a cool crowd of artists, musicians, and travelers who appreciate good design and even better coffee.
The bar downstairs is honestly one of the best hang-out spots in the city. They regularly host live music events, and the Icelandic craft beer selection is solid. The common areas have this cozy, living-room vibe with vintage furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the harbor.
✈️ My Go-To Travel Tip:
I use Going.com to find crazy flight deals...($300 roundtrip to Europe kind of crazy).
It’s free, and I honestly check it more than Google Flights. For a limited time only, they are offering 25% off on Premium and Elite to readers of my website, using my special code: JON25)
Room rates start around €45-55 per night in 2025, which is actually decent for Iceland where everything’s expensive. You’re getting beds with curtains, individual power outlets, and some of the cleanest bathrooms I’ve seen in a hostel. The location puts you walking distance from downtown Reykjavik, and it’s perfect if you’re planning day trips to see the Northern Lights or hit up the Blue Lagoon.
- Read next: Hidden Gems in Iceland
5. Gallery Hostel, Porto
Gallery Hostel in Porto is basically what happens when someone decides to turn a 19th-century building into both accommodation and art gallery. Located in the trendy Miguel Bombarda art district, this place showcases local Portuguese artists throughout the building.
Each room feels like sleeping in a curated art installation, but in a good way – not overwhelming or pretentious. The communal courtyard is where most of the magic happens, with home-cooked Portuguese meals served family-style and wine flowing freely. I really enjoyed the cooking classes they offer, where you learn to make proper Porto dishes.
Dorm beds start around €18-22 per night in 2025, making it one of the best value spots in the city. The hostel hosts regular cultural events like art exhibitions and live music. You’re right in the heart of Porto’s creative scene, with galleries, vintage shops, and cool cafes all within walking distance. The staff actually know the local art scene well and can point you toward the best underground shows and exhibitions.
- Read next: Fairytale Spots in Portugal
- You may also like: Best Airbnbs in Portugal
6. Ostello Bello Grande, Milan
Ostello Bello Grande brings serious style to the hostel game in Milan. Just steps from Milano Centrale station, this place feels more like a boutique hotel that happens to have dorms. The rooftop terrace and garden areas are Instagram-worthy, but they’re also genuinely good spaces to hang out.
The hostel runs regular events – cooking classes, live music nights, aperitivo hours – that actually bring people together instead of feeling forced. I was impressed by how they’ve designed the dorms with proper privacy curtains and spacious lockers. The building itself has this cool industrial-meets-modern vibe that fits Milan’s fashion-forward reputation.
Dorm rates run €30-35 per night in 2025, which is fair for such a central location in Milan. Private rooms are available too if you want more space. The communal kitchen is well-equipped, and there’s a bar on-site if you don’t feel like cooking. You’re perfectly positioned to explore Milan’s fashion district, with the Duomo and La Scala easily reachable by metro.
- Read next: Italy’s Hidden Gems
7. Circus Hostel, Berlin
Circus Hostel in Berlin’s Mitte district captures everything that makes the city unique. The building houses a microbrewery, a David Hasselhoff museum (yes, really), and one of the most social hostel atmospheres I’ve encountered. This place gets Berlin‘s slightly weird, always-interesting vibe just right.
The free walking tours they organize are actually worth doing – the guides know the city’s underground scene and aren’t just hitting the typical tourist spots. Night photography tours are available too, which is perfect for Berlin‘s incredible street art scene. The all-you-can-eat breakfast is a proper spread that’ll fuel you for hours of exploring.
Expect to pay €25-30 per night for dorms in 2025. The location is unbeatable – you’re opposite the famous St. Oberholz café and walking distance from major attractions. The on-site brewery serves decent craft beer, and the common areas stay lively until late. This hostel attracts a good mix of solo travelers and groups who want to experience Berlin’s alternative culture firsthand.
8. Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel, Lisbon
Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel in Lisbon does exactly what its name suggests – it’s designed specifically for people traveling alone who want to meet others. The staff here are masters at breaking the ice and organizing group activities that don’t feel awkward or forced.
The free breakfast is legendary (and I mean actually free, not just coffee and toast), plus they run walking tours that cover both the tourist spots and local neighborhoods. The common areas are perfectly designed for hanging out – comfortable seating, good lighting, and always someone interesting to chat with.
Dorm prices hover around €20-25 per night in 2025, making it great value for Lisbon. You’re centrally located near both Bairro Alto and Alfama, so you can easily explore the city’s best neighborhoods on foot. The hostel’s community vibe is genuine – I saw people exchanging contact info and making actual travel plans together. If you’re nervous about solo travel, this place will put you at ease immediately.
9. Generator Venice
Generator Venice sits on Giudecca Island, giving you that perfect “slightly removed from the chaos” feeling while still being just one vaporetto stop from Piazza San Marco. The building is a converted granary with mosaic floors, Murano glass chandeliers, and views of the Grand Canal that are genuinely stunning.
The interior design is next-level – think Venetian palace meets modern hostel. The bar and café areas have this sophisticated atmosphere where you can sip wine while watching boats cruise by. The pizza from their on-site café is surprisingly good, and way cheaper than what you’ll find around St. Mark’s Square.
Dorm beds start around €25-30 per night in 2025, which is incredible value for Venice. The building has 205 rooms total, so it’s large but doesn’t feel impersonal. Breakfast runs €5.50-7 depending on what you want included. Being on Giudecca means you get authentic Venice vibes without the overwhelming crowds, plus easy access to the main island when you want to explore.
- Read next: Stunning Spots in Venice
- You may also like: Must-See Italy Attractions
10. Celica Art Hostel, Ljubljana
Celica Art Hostel in Ljubljana used to be a military prison, and they’ve transformed each cell into an individual art installation. It sounds gimmicky, but the execution is actually brilliant – each room has been designed by different artists while keeping some of the original prison features like bars on windows.
The on-site café and art gallery create a genuine cultural hub where travelers and Ljubljana locals hang out together. The atmosphere manages to be both historically interesting and completely welcoming. I loved browsing the rotating art exhibitions and attending the events they host regularly.
Room rates start around €25-30 per night in 2025. You’re in the heart of Ljubljana’s cultural district, walking distance from the castle and main square. The building itself is a piece of history – it operated as a prison until 1991 and opened as a hostel in 2003. The common areas stay busy with people working on laptops, playing games, or just hanging out and talking about their travels.
- Read also: The Ultimate 2-Week Slovenia Itinerary
11. The Flying Pig Downtown, Amsterdam
The Flying Pig Downtown has been the heart of Amsterdam’s backpacker scene for over 20 years, and it still delivers that classic hostel experience everyone talks about. Located right in the city center, this place attracts people who want to experience Amsterdam properly – canals, museums, coffee shops, and all.
The bar downstairs is always buzzing with travelers swapping stories and making plans to explore the city together. It’s not the fanciest place you’ll stay, but the energy and location make up for any rough edges. The staff know Amsterdam inside and out and can point you toward the best spots that aren’t overrun with tourists.
Dorm beds run €35-40 per night in 2025, which reflects Amsterdam’s higher costs but is still reasonable for such a central location. You’re walking distance from Vondelpark, the Rijksmuseum, and all the main attractions. The hostel has that perfectly imperfect vibe where you know you’re staying somewhere with real history and character. It’s not trying to be boutique – it’s just trying to be a great place to meet people and explore one of Europe’s coolest cities.
12. La Banda Rooftop Hostel, Sevilla
La Banda Rooftop Hostel in Sevilla is all about that incredible rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and cathedral. The space up there becomes the social center every evening, with communal dinners, drinks, and people from all over the world sharing travel stories under the stars.
The hostel itself has this creative, slightly bohemian vibe that fits Sevilla’s artistic culture perfectly. The owners clearly care about creating a community rather than just providing beds – they organize group activities, help with tour bookings, and genuinely want guests to experience the real Sevilla.
Pricing varies seasonally but expect around €25-35 per night for dorms in 2025. The location in central Sevilla puts you walking distance from the cathedral, Alcázar, and the best tapas bars in the city. The rooftop views alone make this place worth staying at, but the community atmosphere and local knowledge from staff make it special. Don’t miss the sunset from the terrace – it’s one of those travel moments that actually lives up to the hype.
- Read next: Stunning Places in Spain
