Europe is one of the most popular continents in the world for backpacking with so many cool cities, islands, and landscapes to explore. Whether you choose to interrail around the continent’s magical spots, island hop around the idyllic islands, or just fancy a quick city break away to explore, you are pretty much guaranteed to meet other backpackers. That’s why it is a great place to backpack solo.
If you want the best chance of meeting other like-minded travelers when you’re away you’re going to want to stay in a hostel. They are, hands down, the best places to stay to meet other travelers and provide awesome social facilities at budget-friendly prices. As travelers who stay in hostels ourselves, we know they can be very hit-and-miss, and you can sometimes find some with no social atmosphere and subpar facilities. That’s why we decided to create this article on the 7 best hostels in Europe for solo travelers where we only list places with a great social presence whilst also offering fantastic facilities.
Is a backpacking trip to Europe on your travel bucket list? Make sure to save the hostels we’ve listed below for your potential upcoming trip.
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Europe for Solo Travelers
#1 The Overall Best Hostel in Europe for Solo Travelers – Circus Hostel Berlin
#2 The Best Hostel in Paris for Solo Travelers – Generator Paris
#3 The Best Hostel in Barcelona for Solo Travelers – Kabul Party Hostel
#4 The Best Hostel in London for Solo Travelers – Wombat’s City Hostel London
#5 The Best Hostel in Amsterdam for Solo Travelers – Flying Pig Downtown
#6 The Best Hostel in Rome for Solo Travelers – YellowSquare Rome
#7 The Best Hostel in Budapest for Solo Travelers – Hostel One Budapest
#1 – Circus Hostel Berlin
The Overall Best Hostel in Europe for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$
- Location – Weinbergsweg 1a, 10119
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Circus Hostel Berlin…
The facilities at Circus Hostel Berlin are unbelievable, with all the rooms being fitted with super-comfortable beds whether that be in a sociable dorm or a deluxe private. The bathrooms are also super modern and clean and there is hot water 24 hours a day!
The hostel is also well located in the heart of Berlin and gives you the perfect opportunity to explore some of Berlin’s coolest neighbourhoods. This also includes the city’s best nightlife areas whether you’re looking for dive bars, the club scene, or anything in between you’ll be able to find it on your doorstep at Circus Hostel Berlin.
Circus Hostel Berlin is perfect for…
Those travelers who want to keep busy on their trip to Berlin and meet other backpackers to spend their time with. Circus Hostel Berlin puts on a variety of sociable events including trips to nearby sought-after travel destinations and walking tours of the city center during the day. As the sun sets you can expect events such as karaoke, live music, and trivia nights along with daily happy hours at the on-site bar which will give you ample opportunity to meet other backpackers.
Heading to Berlin? Save some money with our guide to the coolest hostels in Berlin!
#2 – Generator Paris
The Best Hostel in Paris for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 9-11 Place du Colonel Fabien
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Generator Hostel Paris…
If you’re looking to party in style but without bursting the bank then Generator Paris is the place to do so. The hostel is home to a breathtaking rooftop terrace and bar area where you can watch the most incredible sunset views over the nearby neighborhood whilst sipping on a signature cocktail or refreshing beer. After you’ve had a few drinks on the terrace, you can make your way down to the hostel’s epic underground nightclub which boasts an awesome array of live music artists and DJs from across the city.
Generator Hostel Paris is perfect for…
Those luxurious travelers with Generator Paris often leave backpackers confused as to the fact they’re staying in a hostel and not a lavish hotel. The facilities at Generator Paris are incredible with beautifully modern fittings throughout the hostel. This spans from their dorm and private rooms to their amazing common spaces. It might take a push to leave these amazing facilities, but when you do decide to venture out of the hostel, you’ll be happy to find that it is only fingertips away from the famous Canal Saint-Martin where you’ll find stunning restaurants, unique art galleries, and chic cafes.
Haven’t Booked for Paris? Read up on our favorite hostels in Paris (for any budget)!
#3 – Kabul Party Hostel
The Best Hostel in Barcelona for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$
- Location – Plaza Real 17, Barcelona, Spain
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona…
The hostel’s central location right off Las Ramblas is amazing and means travelers are in a prime position to explore Barcelona. Here, you will find an incredible selection of shops and cafes along with being just moments away from major sights including the famous La Sagrada Familia. If you want to soak up the sun rays on the beach then the hostel also is just a 25-minute walk from the sands of the main beach which can also easily be accessed by public transport from the hostel.
Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona is perfect for…
Partygoers rejoice! This is the ultimate place to let your hair down and prepare for a heavy night out in the bustling city of Barcelona. As you can probably tell from the name of the hostel, Kabul Party Hostel is a place for backpackers to congregate have a few drinks, and explore Barcelona’s epic nightlife scene. Guests typically start the night on the hostel’s rooftop patio that overlooks the stunning Plaza Real for BBQs and drinking games before heading out to the most famous clubs in the city which are also in super close proximity to the hostel including Pacha and Opium.
Barcelona is great! Barcelona’s hostels are great too!
#4 – Wombat’s City Hostel London
The Best Hostel in London for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 7 Dock Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Wombats City Hostel London…
If you want to stay in a super cool and historic building on your trip to London then this is the place to do so. Wombats is situated in a traditional brick building with roots going back to the 1800s that has been revamped to be equipped with fancy facilities that still keep its historic charm. The hostel is designed with old oak furnishings that have been reused from parts of sturdy ships and churches and even the pints you drink here will be served on a bar made from 500-year-old wood.
Wombats City Hostel London is perfect for…
Those who want a pretty epic and super central location on their trip to London and want to be in a prime position to explore the capital’s top sites. The hostel is in the heart of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets which is nearby top hotspots including Shoreditch, Hoxton Square, and Brick Lane all of which are within walking distance or can easily be accessed by the tube! The hostel also organizes walking tours and day trips around these locations, so if you’re traveling alone and want to explore with some other travelers then this is the perfect way to do so.
Looking for the Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best party hostels in London!
#5 – Flying Pig Downtown
The Best Hostel in Amsterdam for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$
- Location – Nieuwendijk 100, 1012 MR
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Flying Pig Downtown…
Flying Pig Downtown Hostel is consistently ranked one of the best hostels in Europe and has gained itself a reputation as being a social hub in Amsterdam. It’s hard to explain what the atmosphere is like without visiting the hostel yourself first hand but we can certainly say it’s unique, warming, and very special. The hostel also has a lively on-site bar which is a truly epic place to get the night started with a few local beers that can be enjoyed at a steal of a price.
Flying Pig Downtown is perfect for…
Those party-goers traveling through Europe who have added Amsterdam to their list of bucket list party destinations. The hostel is situated just a stone’s throw away from the Noordwijk Strip where there are plenty of bars and clubs to enjoy. The hostel is also a great place to stay for those who don’t want sterile and super flashy facilities and want a more homely vibe, with Flying Pig Downtown being packed with loads of character and a quirky style with a super welcoming atmosphere.
Amsterdam is alive! And you’ll find these party hostels have some of the best events around!
#6 – YellowSquare Rome
The Best Hostel in Rome for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$
- Location – Via Palestro 51
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like YellowSquare Rome…
We love that the hostel has a youthful party atmosphere but with ultra-modern facilities and deluxe beds to relax and unwind if you need to. Yellow Square Rome also has an epic location near Termini station where you can access pretty much all the top attractions in the city from. There is also plenty to do within walking distance from the hostel, including visiting a stunning art gallery, having a traditional Italian coffee at a local cafe, along with several beautiful architectural sites to observe.
YellowSquare Rome is perfect for…
Rome is an incredible but very big city which can sometimes be a tad overwhelming to explore especially if you’re traveling alone. That’s why YellowSquare Rome is the perfect place for solo travelers to base themselves as it provides so many spaces and activities that facilitate meeting other like-minded people. If you’re a digital nomad looking to meet other online workers, there is an awesome co-working space at the hostel.
If you want to experience some of Rome’s nightlife scene, there are local live bands that play at the hostel where people congregate from all over Rome to enjoy the venue. And finally, if you want to experience an authentic side of Rome, the hostel offers shopping and walking tours with locals!
Don’t stop the party! Read up on Rome’s best party hostels too!
#7 – Hostel One Budapest
The Best Hostel in Budapest for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$
- Location – Rumbach Sebestyén, Budapest
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Hostel One Budapest…
We love all the free add-ons provided at Hostel One Budapest including free nightly pub crawls led by super friendly nightlife professionals, free walking tours around Budapest’s top sites led by knowledgable guides along with free high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms and common areas which is perfect for those working online or just need their daily internet fix.
You will also find a bustling on-site bar at Hostel One Budapest which serves up a large selection of backpacker budget-friendly drinks deals where you will occasionally find happy hours which you should take full advantage of.
Hostel One Budapest is perfect for…
Those who want the perfect mixture of the social atmosphere from a party hostel combined with a laid-back and homely atmosphere where you can take a night off for yourself, if you please. One of the best ways Hostel One Budapest enables guests to socialize without relying on drinking games is its free family dinners which are prepared by the staff every night.
Here, you can indulge in some super tasty food whilst getting to know other backpackers and travelers from all over the world. The team is also super adaptable to dietary requirements, so if you are vegetarian or vegan. just let the team know in advance and they will try and help you out as best they can.
Not finding the right hostel? Budapest has a selection of party hostels too!
Conclusion to the Best Party Hostels in Europe for Solo Travelers
Well there you have it that’s our guide to the best hostels in Europe for solo travelers. In this article, we have cherry-picked 7 hostels from major backpacker hotspots from across the continent all of which have incredibly sociable atmospheres perfect for those traveling alone and looking to meet other guests. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate party at Kabul Hostel in Barcelona, fantastic common areas at The Flying Pig Downtown hostel in Amsterdam, or just want the overall package at Circus Hostel Berlin there is a little something for everyone.
We really hope this guide has helped you select the perfect hostel for your pending trip or perhaps given you some inspiration on where to go. If you do end up booking any of our recommendations do let us know in the comments below its always great to hear when you guys use our recommendations.
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