Backpacker Hostels Europe
A comprehensive guide to budget accommodation across the continent — from rising prices to hidden gems
Prices Have Risen Significantly in Recent Years
European backpacker hostels have seen significant price increases in recent years. A bed that used to cost just over ten euros now typically costs 30-40 euros in popular Western European cities. The average dorm bed in Berlin costs $23, Paris starts at €43, and Amsterdam's ClinkNOORD at €21.4 is considered cheap. London is even more expensive, with Wombat's charging €29.2 per bed.
Current Hostel Prices
Eastern Europe Still Offers Budget Options
Eastern Europe still has affordable options. Greg & Tom's in Krakow, Poland starts at €12 for a bed, €29 for a private room. Cities like Budapest and Prague still have beds for €8-9, but you need to book in advance.
There are many reasons for the price increases. Many hostels couldn't survive during the pandemic and closed down; those that survived need to recover their losses. More and more people are traveling solo—a Booking.com survey shows 59% of respondents plan to travel alone. When supply can't meet demand, prices go up.
The expansion of hostel chains has also driven up prices. Brands like Generator, Selina, St. Christopher's, and Meininger are growing larger. Small hostels either get acquired or have to raise prices to survive.
Room Types Make a Difference
Bed types vary in price. 4-bed, 6-bed, and 8-bed rooms have different prices—the more people, the cheaper it is. Many hostels have female-only rooms. Berlin's Generator Mitte starts at €19.4 for a bed, €84 for a private room. Stockholm's City Backpackers charges €21 for a bed, €70 for a private room.
Modern Hostel Amenities
In terms of facilities, today's hostels are different from those ten years ago. Many now have bars, communal kitchens, laundry rooms, and saunas. City Backpackers offers free pasta nights, free sauna, and free ice skate rentals in winter. Copenhagen's Steel House has a swimming pool and gym, with custom-designed circular pod beds and mattresses from Danish furniture brand Getama.
Free Pasta Nights
City Backpackers Stockholm offers free pasta nights, bringing travelers together for communal dining experiences.
Swimming Pools
Copenhagen's Steel House features a swimming pool and gym, elevating the hostel experience to new heights.
Winter Activities
Free ice skate rentals in winter and year-round sauna access at select hostels in Nordic countries.
a&o Hostels Chain
a&o Hostels is a European chain brand with locations in Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Venice, with beds starting at €12. Rooms come in 4-bed, 6-bed, and 8-bed configurations, all with private bathrooms.
Hostel Price Comparison
Amsterdam's Flying Pig
Amsterdam's Flying Pig has three locations: uptown, downtown, and beach. The beds are famously comfortable, and the pillows are excellent. Staff hang out with guests and recommend great spots around the city. This hostel has been operating since 1968.
Vienna's Hostel Ruthensteiner is family-run, with a bar, garden, and piano. You can rent bicycles. Lisbon's Home Lisbon Hostel is located in the Baixa/Chiado district, a 4-minute walk from the metro station, and features air conditioning, hair dryers, and a communal kitchen.
Money-Saving Tips
To save money, avoid peak season. Summer and Christmas are the most expensive times. Choose hostels on the outskirts of the city center—a few metro stops away can save you a lot. This is especially noticeable in places like Paris and Venice.
European Hostel Life
HostelPass is a discount card valid for one year that offers discounts at many hostels across Europe, as well as walking tours and museums. On Hostelworld, Berlin has 59 hostels to choose from, with over 12,000 reviews.
The Social Aspect
Socializing is a major feature of hostels. Many hostels organize free walking tours, pub crawls, and group dinners. If you're traveling alone, these activities are great for meeting fellow travelers. Some hostels are intentionally kept small with fewer guests, making it easier for everyone to get to know each other. London's Hostel One Notting Hill follows this philosophy.
The main booking platforms are Hostelworld and Booking.com. Hostelz.com can compare prices—sometimes the same hostel has different prices on different platforms. Booking peak season rooms in advance can help you avoid price increases, and some hostels offer free cancellation.
Berlin
Staying in the Mitte district puts you close to attractions—Museum Island and Alexanderplatz are within walking distance. Kreuzberg and Neukölln are the nightlife districts, with plenty of bars and restaurants. Prenzlauer Berg is quieter, with lots of cafes. For transportation, the ABC zone pass lets you travel to Potsdam, convenient for day trips.
From bustling city centers to quiet neighborhood gems, European hostels offer more than just a bed — they're gateways to authentic travel experiences and lifelong connections.