Best Hostels for Solo Travelers in Europe

As every solo traveler knows, finding the right hostel is downright difficult, but can also be a game changer for your solo experience. You need the perfect mix of social and relaxed, so I’ve compiled this list of the very best hostels for solo travelers in Europe.

When traveling alone, sometimes there may be phases where you want to meet people, and others where you want some privacy. It can be really difficult to find a hostel that combines both!

In Europe, there isn’t as strong as a backpacker culture as in Southeast Asia and Latin America. However, you can still find your community if you know where to look!

How much does a hostel cost?

It really depends when you go and where! In the off season, you will normally pay 20-30 euros per night in some of the major European cities. In the summer and other holidays, those prices can raise.

Normally, mixed dorms are the cheapest, whereas all male or all female dorms can be slightly more expensive. Always be sure and read reviews or take the advice from this list to ensure you get the best bang for your buck!

Where are the best hostels for solo travelers?

Usually, Eastern Europe is a bit more open to backpacker, budget style travel. However, this list includes hostels scattered all over Europe, so you can always find your match and great hostels for solo travelers.

Hostel Backpackers

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A really lovely hostel that is very suitable for solo travelers is the Hostel Backpackers in Mostar. Already from the outside it is colorful and friendly to look at, but also from the inside this place is an absolute highlight. It is a family run business and you can really feel that in the hospitality!

When booking you can choose between dorm or double rooms for private use. Also, the prices here are relatively cheap. A dorm bed in the low season costs only about 10 euros. The location is also fantastic and you can reach the most important attractions of Mostar only a few minutes’ walk!

Contributed by Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma

Cats Hostel

Madrid, Spain

When you hear that Cats Hostel in Madrid is located in an old palace, you might not expect it to be a lively party hostel, but you’ll definitely be surprised.

This is one of the top-rated Madrid hostels for solo travellers thanks to a sociable bar area, regular shared dinners, and of course an evening pub crawl to experience the nightlife in a safe and fun way. I made some great friends when staying here and we travelled on together to other destinations.

To top it off, the hostel is very budget friendly. The location isn’t overly central, but it’s within walking distance of most things you need.

The hostel is part of Europe’s Famous Hostels which is an association of independent hostels, so you know it’s trustworthy. The only downside is the lack of a kitchen to make your own food, but with reasonable food prices in the bar you should get by.

Contributed by Kieren from Got My Backpack

Studying abroad? Madrid is one of the best cities for study abroad programs!

3 Bros’ Hostel

Cieszyn, Poland

Cieszyn is a unique town on the Polish-Czech border that used to be one city but since 1920 has been divided by the state border. The place is charming, full of history and monuments, and makes a perfect stop when traveling between Krakow and Prague. The best place to stay in Cieszyn is 3 Bros’ Hostel, founded by local guys who are passionate about the region. Here you will learn more about Cieszyn and its surroundings as well as the fascinating history and culture of the area.

The hostel is small and cozy, has only a few rooms (both dorms and private), and a common room where guests often hang out with owners and where you can easily talk to others and meet fellow travelers. 3 Bros’ Hostel is part of Visegrad Hostels and one of the best places to stay in Central Europe.

Contributed by Kami from Kami and the Rest of the World

Flying Pig Downtown

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The Flying Pig Downtown in Amsterdam is one of the best hostels in Europe for solo travelers. It is very cheap to stay at this hostel, especially when you are staying in a large dorm. Prices start at around €15 and this includes breakfast!

Furthermore, the hostel has a superb location! Located in one of the two major shopping streets of Amsterdam, this is probably the best place to stay in Amsterdam if you want to explore the city center. There are also many clubs and cafes in the neighbourhood where you can meet new people. This is particularly convenient if you are only one day in Amsterdam.

Another great thing about this hostel is the atmosphere. It is very relaxed and a great place to make new friends and one of the best hostels for solo travelers.

Contributed by Dymphe from Dymbroad

Purple Nest Hostel

Valencia, Spain

Purple Nest Hostel is undoubtedly one of the best hostels in Valencia. Located in the heart of Valencia near Turia Park, it’s a lively hostel that is a fun and safe place to stay. The main reason it’s fun is that it has its own bar. You can order cheap drinks for €2 to €3 and socialise with your fellow guests. With a pub crawl on the weekend and many more activities, it’s a great place to meet fellow travellers.

The rooms in the hostel are secure and there is a spacious kitchen for you to cook up a storm. Plus, the hostel is reasonably priced and will allow you to save money so you can enjoy the sights of Valencia. Purple Nest Hostel is the place to go if you want a sociable and affordable hostel in Valencia!

Contributed by Tom from The Travelling Tom

Black Tomato Hostel

Kutaisi, Georgia

Black Tomato Hostel in Kutaisi, the second-largest city in Georgia, is a great place for solo travelers coming to this country in the Caucasus. Budget-friendly, clean, and centrally located are the words that perfectly describe the hostel, in addition to the friendly staff, excellent ambiance, and a high rating in the city.

Started with a small project of two girls, the hostel now is a chain and has another branch in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. The design of the hostel is minimalist, yet elegant adorned with vintage furniture and pastel colors.
Black Tomato Kutaisi has private and dorm rooms to choose from. Dorms have 6 or 8 beds and come with a curtain, plugs, and lamps, as well as a locker. Private rooms come with a hanger/wardrobe, armchair, and nightstands.

The common area has boardgames if you feel like playing one with fellow travelers or hang out in a wine bar in its yard

Contributed by Baia from Red Fedora Diary

Pink Palace Hostel

Corfu, Greece

The Pink Palace Hostel in Corfu is definitely a party hostel so you can expect the place to be a little noisy. But it is also a super social hostel which makes it great for solo travellers.

One thing that was unique about the hostel is that breakfast and dinner is included which gives it more of a hotel feeling. For dinner, the staff will seat you at tables together with other people, which is a great way to meet other travelers.

Another thing that makes this hostel perfect for solo travelers, is that due to the hostel being on an island, a lot of people stay for a longer period of time. That is great for finding a group of friends for a couple of days. At least in the summer months, they also host events such as booze cruises or toga parties which are great ways to meet other travelers as well. Definitely one of the best hostels for solo travelers!

Contributed by Becky from Becksplore

Small Funny World

Athens, Greece

The best part about this hostel is the location along with the communal area. Both which are perfect for solo travellers wanting to hang out with other guests. They have large benches made from recycled wood and even an outdoor patio area with seating overlooking the street below. Full of the atmosphere from the music playing in the background with the people chatting from all the local bars and restaurants.

The reception is even run by other long term guests. So if you’re wanting that classic hostel experience, this is the perfect spot! You come out onto one of the best streets for restaurants and bars in Athens. Meaning you won’t need to walk back very far if you decide to go out with other guests from the hostel.

They also include breakfast, it’s mostly cereals but great if you’re on a tight budget. Though you will need to get up early and get in there first as things can run out. Including clean bowls!

Contributed by Danni in The Desert

St Christopher’s Inn Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

St Christopher’s is a hostel chain located across Europe, but I’ve always had some amazing experiences in the Barcelona version! Every night there is a free drink for newcomers which allows you to break the ice with other guests. The hostel organizes many tours and activities to get to know the city of Barcelona, and is located at an amazing location right by the Gothic Quarter.

Inside the hostel is also a sports bar and restaurant, so you’ll always find a great mix of internationals and locals hanging out around the common areas.

Fabrika Hostel & Suites

Tblisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, Georgia is fast gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s coolest up-and-coming capitals – and Fabrika, the city’s most popular hostel and one of the best hostels for solo travelers, is at the epicenter.

Located inside a refurbished Soviet sewing factory, Fabrika offers both dorms and private suites. But it’s far more than just accommodation – it’s also a cultural hub, café and shopping precinct, and creative arts space rolled into one.

By day, the main part of the hostel is a popular co-working area. At night, it turns into a fun cocktail bar. Hanging out at Fabrika is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi, and it’s a great opportunity for solo travelers to meet locals.

Out back, the Fabrika Courtyard hosts regular events (film screenings, yoga classes, pop-up markets) and hosts a collection of cool cafes, bars and restaurants.

Contributed by Emily from Wander-Lush

Hostel Mostel Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria

One of the best hostels in Europe for solo travellers is Hostel Mostel in Sofia, Bulgaria. Whether you’re spending a weekend in Sofia or longer, it’s one of the best places to meet other travellers, enjoy the nightlife and get together for group tours and day trips.

Another draw of Hostel Mostel is its two daily free meals! Not only can guests enjoy a generous buffet breakfast but there’s a free dinner each night with a choice of three options. Guests dine together at large shared tables and, if they wish, stay to share drinks and head off on a bar crawl led each night by a member of staff.

The hostel is in the heart of Sofia and in walking distance to most of the attractions. They run daily trips to Rila Monastery and Rila Lakes, two of the best attractions in the surrounding area.

Contributed by Rose from WhereGoesRose

Caveland Hostel

Santorini, Greece

One of the most beautiful and unique hostels for solo travelers in Europe can be found in Santorini, Greece. The hostel is named Caveland.

Caveland Hostel is nestled in an old 18th-century winery and then Luxury Hotel. Today it is a true oasis for backpackers. Caveland is especially popular among female solo travelers. Join their yoga-classes near the big pool and mingle at the BBQ event. Our own favorite event is the organized traditional tavern dinner.

As for the sleeping arrangement, the dorms and private rooms are inside the caves, the former wine storage. You can choose between double single rooms luxury private rooms, 4-bed-female only dorms, and 6-bed-dorms.

Why is Caveland one of the perfect hostels for solo travelers?
It is a safe and small place where it is easy to connect to fellow travelers. It is not a party place, but a cozy hostel with nights out and organized events.

Contributed by Matt from Hostelgeeks.com

Hostel EuroAdria

Dubrovnik, Croatia

I firstly loved how small this hostel was but also it’s the vibrant decor. Most rooms are only four beds. It was also well designed with charging ports for each of the bunks and small shelves to place items. It was kept amazingly clean and after staying in large hostels where you kind of get lost in the crowd and need to get up early in order to have a hot shower, it was really great to stay in a hostel that was smaller and not have to worry about those things.

As a female solo backpacker, I really felt safe here. Plus the owners of the hostel are very hands-on! You could chat with the owners and learn directly from the locals on where to go in Dubrovnik.

This hostel is also close to the Old Town but not directly in it. It’s a 2km walk or alternatively, you can catch a bus quickly down the main road. It’s one of the best hostels for solo travelers who want a quieter hostel not directly in the centre.

Contributed by Danni in The Desert – Danni specializes in Guides to Visiting Dubai and other Arabian Gulf Countries

What are your favorite hostels for solo travelers in Europe?