Finding fab hostels can make or break your experience in a new destination.
Sure you can stay in a basic, bare necessities hostel when you’re backpacking. It’s definitely the way to go if you want to save money when travelling on a budget. But if you don’t feel safe, or it’s full of party-goers that never sleep or the absolute worst – there’s bedbugs – you definitely won’t enjoy your stay. No matter what kind of babein’ location you’re in.
So as you might know if you’re a regular reader, I make it my mission to scout out the most amazing boutique or quirky or just lovely-to-stay-in hostels around the world.
And I decided to create this post as a kind of index to my hostel reviews in my home continent. But not all of them, just focusing on the best of the best hostels I’ve stayed at in Europe.
I’m going to update this post as and when I discover new A+ hostels, so keep checking back before your next European adventure!
The Coolest Hostels In Europe
KEX – Reykjavik, Iceland
Ahhh KEX. What a dream. It’s definitely one of the more expensive hostels I’ve stayed at in Europe (which you kind of expect being in Reykjavik), but it’s also one of the best.
KEX epitomises the Scandi chic vibe of Iceland, with hipster touches like an on-site barbers, live music in the library-esque bar and an industrial feel to the rooms. Oh and there’s also amazing mountain views and kickass burgers served in the restaurant. Like I said, it’s a dream.
Check out the full hostel review here.
Clink78 – London, UK
Clink78 in London’s Kings Cross is a former Courthouse, one that The Clash once stood trial in. Lots of original features have been preserved, so you can chill out in the Victorian courtroom, relax in the basement bar and even sleep in a cell!
The cells are a bit claustrophobic I admit, but it’s definitely a cool place to stay with cheap drinks, colourful interiors and a fab location.
Check out the full hostel review here.
Casa Gracia – Barcelona, Spain
This place is one of the most luxurious hostels I’ve ever stayed at.
Casa Gracia in Barcelona is a former bank with a super cool vault area you can explore. But actually the best parts are the stylish art deco bar that serves delicious cocktails and tapas, as well as the rooms with balcony views and jacuzzi baths. Dreamy.
Oh and the breakfast is one of the best I’ve ever had in a hostel.
Check out the full hostel review here.
Wombats – London, UK
Wombats is well-known as a fantastic place to stay in London. The people are friendly and the basement area is everything you want from hostel nightlife, with a nice bar, pool tables and beer pong.
Plus the rooms are colourful and it’s in the perfect location for exploring Shoreditch and the rest of East London.
Check out the full hostel review here.
Hostel Celica – Ljubljana, Slovenia
Yep, another former prison! Hostel Celica in Ljubljana also has original cells you can sleep in but this time they’ve been completely renovated by local Slovenian artists. Each one is unique but they all have the original cell door which is pretty cool.
It is also in the infamous Metelkova area, a mecca for alternative music, street art and nightlife. Pretty special, huh?
Check out the full hostel review here.
YHA Eden Project – Cornwall, UK
The YHA at the Eden Project is not only in a fab location for exploring the Cornwall attraction, it’s also a pretty quirky stay in itself. There are lots of camping options available but I stayed in one of their shipping container rooms! They’re decked out with everything you could need.
Oh and the main “building” is actually a tent with a lovely community vibe, plus you can get takeaway delivered there. Perfect.
Check out the full hostel review here.
Palmer’s Lodge Swiss Cottage – London, UK
An alternative pick in the London hostels realm, but I really enjoyed Palmer’s Lodge in Swiss Cottage.
It’s a bit rough around the edges but this mansion has mahogany panelling throughout, coats of armour in the hallways and lots of original features. It basically feels like you’re at Hogwarts. Which I think on it’s own is a good enough reason to stay there. It’s also not too far from the nightlife of Camden.
Check out the full hostel review here.
PLUS Florence – Florence, Italy
The PLUS hostels always feel more like hotels than hostels, and their Florence location is definitely fancy. Especially seeing as it has an indoor swimming pool in the building. Like I said, FANCY.
It also has a rooftop area with amazing views of El Duomo and the skyline of this gorgeous city.
Check out the full hostel review here.
The RomeHello – Rome, Italy
The RomeHello is a street-art inspired design hostel with a really chill vibe and amazing staff. Seriously, everyone that works there is super friendly and cool. It’s also 10 minutes walk from big attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum, and has some really cool artwork all over the hostel.
Oh and if you fancy it, you can get 10% off with promo code HEELSINMYBACKPACK if you head over here.
Check out the full hostel review here.
That’s all for now, but like I said, I’ll keep updating this post with all the cool and quirky hostels I discover on my travels!
But in the meantime, tell me, are there any other top notch hostels in Europe you think I should give a go?
Let me know in the comments below, tweet me at @HeelsInBackpack, or find me over on Insta at @Heels.In.My.Backpack!
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Total Blogger Transparency: Some of the blog posts I link to include complimentary stays. But all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.
Having stayed in numerous hostels when I travelled around Europe I am a huge fan of them. I like your round up.
Thank you! Yessss hostels are the best, always way more of an atmosphere about them 🙂