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Hostels are quite easily the pinnacle of backpacking these days. Over the past few decades they have really evolved and stepped up their game to become something that isn’t just a bunk bed in a room, but a place to feel safe, socialise, have fun and make memories. Over my years of backpacking I have stayed in my fair share of hostels, both good and bad, and in my opinion, a bad hostel can ruin a trip – which we obviously don’t want.
In this post I have compiled a list of every hostel I’ve stayed in as well as my thoughts, a rating out of 10 and a link to their Hostelworld page, in case you want to book your own stay! These thoughts are based off my personal experience, and if I did not like my stay at a hostel, that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy yours – and vice versa. As I continue to travel I will regularly update the list for you to revise, so if you see me somewhere on my Insta, make sure to check back here to get the lowdown on my thoughts!
Europe Hostels
LONDON, ENGLAND
8/10
Located a 10 minute walk from the Tower of London is Wombat’s. The hostel has won numerous awards over the years and is a great hostel to stay at. It’s social, has a kitchen, bar, co working spaces and isn’t too expensive.
Only thing I didn’t like is the location, as the District and Circle tube lines can be a little long winded.
Book your stay at Wombat’s here
THE DICTIONARY HOSTEL (no longer open)
6.5/10
Located in Shoreditch (one of my favourite areas in London), clean but didn’t have a huge amount of atmosphere while I was there (November), however Shoreditch is a great part of London for meals and going out so I’m sure it’s great in the heart of summer.
Book your stay at The Dictionary here
PARIS, FRANCE
6/10
Great location, comfy beds each with its own curtain and has it’s own bar (expensive though). I paid €50 for one night which is ridiculous, not sure if it’s the best option in Paris but it’s in a good location and is a popular choice for a lot of travellers.
Book your stay at St Christopher’s Inn here
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
5/10
Great location, however the whole ‘vibe’ of the hostel was completely off. There was around 4 school trips when I was there and it really didn’t feel like a hostel. The rooms were large, clean and adequate for the stay, however that’s about it. Would recommend Flying Pig hostels instead of staying here.
Book your stay at Flying Pig Downtown here
BARCELONA, SPAIN
8.5/10
One of my favourite hostels I’ve stayed in. Small and a little pricey but feels very homely with free family dinners, free sangria, free pub crawl, great social vibe. They have a kitchen you can use and a little sitting area to socialise.
Book your stay at Black Swan here
5/10
Not amazing but had comfy beds, kitchen and common area. Not much of a social vibe while I was there but in a great location for sightseeing.
Book your stay at Mediterranean Youth Hostel here
8/10
Amazing hostel for socialising, in house bar, cheap and great location. I stayed in a 20 bed dorm which was pretty hot but each bed comes with its own little curtain so doesn’t feel as invasive (this is good option if you’re tight on money). Kabul is designed for people who like to party so they have drinking games and pub crawls you can join.
Book your stay at Kabul Party Hostel here
AMISTAT BEACH HOSTEL (no longer open)
6/10
Great if you want to be close to the beach but is quite far out from the centre of Barcelona (there is a metro very close though). It’s a pretty large hostel with lots of rooms and a large common area/kitchen. They offer drinking games, walking tours and pub crawls.
Book your stay at Amistat Beach hostel here
MADRID, SPAIN
8/10
A large hostel with a buzzing rooftop bar/restaurants. The rooms were large and spacious with several en suites and large lockers. They offer free welcome sangria which is a nice way to meet people, as well as a pub crawl in collaboration with Cats hostel (a good party alternative).
Book your stay at The Hat hostel
VALENCIA, SPAIN
7/10
Very social and clean, events on every night and its own in house bar upstairs with a little terrace. Great location and super friendly/helpful staff.
Book your stay at Red Nest here
LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG
6/10
Great location, quiet and clean, felt a little bit like a hospital but it’s one of the only options in Luxembourg city and I would definitely stay again.
Book your stay at Luxembourg City here
VIANDEN, LUXEMBOURG
3/10
Very quiet, weird vibe and unfriendly staff but great location and beautiful town (I’m pretty sure this is the only hostel in the town). The town itself is a must to see, so would stay here again for sightseeing purposes!
Book your stay at Hi Vianden here
LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND
8/10
Great location with unbelievable views of the Alps, cosy cabin vibes and has a ‘club’ downstairs (it’s more of a dark room with some lights and a laptop plugged into speakers), however super fun and I loved my time there. The managers are quite strict and you have to pay to use appliances in the kitchen + pay to use the shower (I think it’s a Swiss thing), however I managed to find a secret shower where I didn’t have to pay. Definitely one of the more affordable options in Lauternbrunnen.
Book your stay at Schutzenbach Backpackers here
ST JULIANS, MALTA
8/10
Location was a little strange, and was only moments away from the strip clubs, but also walking distance within St Julian’s for sightseeing and public transport. In house bar, kitchen, and super social with a roof top. I really liked my time here and some of the rooms have balconies, as well as the beds having their own curtains for a bit of privacy!
Book your stay at Marco Polo here
ROME, ITALY
8.5/10
Right near Termini train station (which is a little dodgy of an area, so I don’t recommend walking around alone at night), very social and staff were super friendly. Free pasta every night and discounts at the Yellow bar. Really social hostel, perfect for solo travellers – it’s by far one of my favourite hostels I’ve ever stayed in and I couldn’t recommend it more!
Book your stay at The Yellow here
5/10
Clean rooms, but you have to make your own bed and not very social when I visited (August). The hostel is very modern which lots of great facilities to use and also located relatively close to Termini (not as close as The Yellow).
Book your stay at Generator Rome here
3.5/10
Stayed here on my first backpacking trip when I was 18, it’s meant to be a hip vegan/vegetarian hostel but the atmosphere was incredibly weird and I really didn’t enjoy my stay!
Book your stay at the Beehive here
POSITANO, ITALY
5/10
Unfortunately the only hostel in Positano and wasn’t the best. Atmosphere was quiet during my stay. There is a small bar you can buy drinks and food from, they also have a breakfast menu for the mornings, which is super tasty. Would have been okay with the stay… except I got bed bug bites during my stay. Definitely wasn’t best pleased!
Book your stay at Hostel Brikette here
CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
6.5/10
Beautiful views and a lot of fun. It’s located right at the top of Manarola so you can see all the way down to the sea, unfortunately there isn’t a kitchen, however it’s a really great hostel and is a cheap option for Cinque Terre.
Book your stay at Cinque Terre Hostel here
BOLOGNA, ITALY
7/10
Quite a small hostel with only around 4 – 5 rooms, but a great option and I really enjoyed my stay here. The beds are fully separated and each has their own curtain so you can get full privacy. There is a common room and a fully functioning, modern kitchen with spices, oil, salt and pepper that you can use. It was very clean and super cute, definitely would stay again!
FLORENCE, ITALY
8/10
PLUS is a chain throughout Europe and they have a number of different locations including Berlin and Prague. It’s a super big hostel with 6 floors, a rooftop terrace where you can look over the whole of Florence, an indoor and outdoor pool, common room, a small kitchen with a fridge, and a spa! The room was super clean with a large ensuite, and due to COVID they were only doing half capacities in each room so it was only myself and one other person in my room. It was about 15 minutes walk from the heart of Florence and 10 – 15 minutes from the train station. Loved staying here, however didn’t have an overwhelming social vibe!
Book your stay at PLUS Florence here
LAKE COMO, ITALY
9/10
Lake Como is a must while in Italy and Ostello Bello is a great hostel to stay at while in Como. It’s a 5 minute walk from the train station and right by the city centre, lake and ferry stop. The beds are 3 tiered bunks and the rooms are light and airy! It had a great vibe and it also had its own bar, court yard and garden for you to hang out in.
Book your stay at Ostello Bello here
TURIN, ITALY
6.5/10
I only spent one night in Attic hostel and it was very quiet during my stay (as in it was just me and one other boy in the whole hostel), however the hostel was cute and had a nice vibe. It was clean with a kitchen and a little common area to hang out in.
VENICE, ITALY
7.5/10
Venice is notorious for expensive accommodation and Anda is a great option for a cheap, fun and social time. The hostel is massive with 7 levels, several kitchens, its own bar, large common room and outdoor area. My room was really nice and super modern with comfy beds (you do have to make your bed when you arrive though). The hostel isn’t located on Venice island and you do have to get the train across, but it only takes 10 minutes.
MILAN ITALY
7/10
Spacious rooms with a nice courtyard, cafe and friendly staff. Definitely quite expensive (it’s to be expected in Milan) and it’s not right in the centre close to the Duomo, however it’s in a really lovely neighbourhood, Navigli. Only a few minutes walk from dozens of bars and restaurants, as well as a cute weekend market.
Book your stay at Combo Milano here
CORFU, GREECE
8/10
Pink Palace is one of the most famous hostels in Europe and even though COVID stopped a lot of their events there was still a great vibe. The hostel could easily fit 500 + people so I’m sure during ‘usual’ times the hostel would be thriving. The rooms have air con and you can opt to pay for breakfast in the morning which costs €5. Events they host are quad tours, boat trips, kayaking and more.
Book your stay at Pink Palace here
METEORA, GREECE
8.5/10
Located in the heart of Kalambaka, this hostel is comfy and perfect for your time in Meteora. There isn’t too much atmosphere, but people are chatty and the owners are more than happy to help with any questions you have for your time there.
Book your stay at Meteora Central Backpackers here
MYKONOS, GREECE
PARAGA BEACH HOSTEL (no longer open)
5/10
Paraga is the famous hostel in Mykonos and it’s definitely a lot of fun. The rooms are SUPER basic, and feels more like you’re camping than staying in a hostel. You can choose between wooden cabins or fixed ‘tents’. Neither option has aircon so it is incredibly hot! The hostel has a pool bar and you’re right by the beach, along with a small supermarket shop on site. It is important to note that the hostel is located far from Mykonos Town, but the hostel provides free transfers from the port and airport and a shuttle bus once an hour from the hostel into town (or the reception can call a taxi).
Book your stay at Paraga Beach Hostel here
PAROS, GREECE
8/10
Paros Backpackers is a small hostel that is super social and a great choice for your time in Paros. It is a 5 minute walk from the beach and 10 minute walk from the centre of town. There is a small kitchen you can use, a pool and a rooftop that is perfect for watching sunset or bringing your own drinks up to sit and socialise.
Book your stay at Paros Backpackers here
RHODES, GREECE
8/10
STAY Rhodes is an amazing hostel with a great common area, bar, garden and kitchen. Each bed are individual single beds (instead of bunk beds) and the rooms feel very private, with their own balconies too! The staff were great and it had a great atmosphere too.
Book your stay at STAY Rhodes here
SOFIA, BULGARIA
6.5/10
A very basic hostel that is affordable and comfortable. The beds were single beds (instead of bunk beds) and each floor was small, with a communal shower and bathroom to share. There’s a small kitchen and reception area, as well as a back garden to chill in.
Book your stay at Hostel 123 here
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
7/10
Located right on the edge of the Old Town in Bucharest, this hostel is pretty basic but has great and friendly staff that are more than happy to invite you out for a drink or tell you the best spots to discover.
Book your stay at Sleep Inn here
BRASOV, ROMANIA
9/10
A lovely, homely hostel that is right in the centre of Brasov. The hostel was basic but well looked after, with lovely staff and everything you would need, including laundry services (delivered to your bed) for only £2.
Book your stay at Jugendstube here
KOSICE, SLOVAKIA
7/10
A super small family run hostel that feels like a cosy cabin. The hostel is basic, with single beds and a shared bathroom. There isn’t much of a social atmosphere, but works well for a short stay in Kosice.
Book your stay at Happy Bull here
KRAKOW, POLAND
7.5/10
The OG Greg and Tom’s was a great choice for Krakow. It was clean, right next to the train and bus stations (as well as a big shopping centre), with a kitchen and common areas free to use. The hostel is small and quiet, so great for a good night’s sleep.
Book your stay at Greg and Tom’s here
8.5/10
Greg and Tom’s beer hostel is the sister hostel to the OG Greg and Tom’s, with a stronger focus on partying. Every day you get free breakfast (which consists of veggies, cheese, meat, waffles, etc), free dinner which changed every night but usually involved roasted veggies, burgers, pasta, meat of some kind, etc and one hour of free beer. The hostel costs around €8 so it’s great value for money, they also offer pub crawls every Friday and Saturday night, plus they have a common room which is incredibly sociable. The only downside was my room was located right above a restaurant/bar so it would super noisy during the day and night if you didn’t go out and wanted to sleep.
Book your stay at Greg and Tom’s Beer House here
7/10
I volunteered at this hostel for a brief time and really enjoyed the social atmosphere here. They work closely with Krakow Party Animals pub crawl, so each night pre drinks are hosted in the common area, making it a little crazy at times. The rooms and bathrooms are very standard and it’s definitely more of a party orientated hostel, so it depends what you’re looking for.
Book your stay at Let’s Rock here
ZAKOPANE, POLAND
7.5/10
A 5 minute walk from the bus/train station, this hostel is great for your time in Zakopane. It’s a little further out of the centre than other hostels, but works well if you’re planning on hiking a lot (the buses from the station take you to the beginning of the hikes. There is a small kitchen and en-suites in each room.
Book your stay at Target Hostel here
WARSAW, POLAND
7/10
A safe and secure hostel with a kitchen, breakfast in the morning, bar, as well as comfy, private beds. Each bed had its own curtain and the hostel was cleaned several times each day.
Book your stay at Safestay Warsaw here
GDAŃSK, POLAND
5/10
Another place that doesn’t necessarily have a lot of good options in terms of hostels, so this is the best out of a bad bunch. The hostel is located inside a hotel so it’s not really social, and the rooms don’t have curtains so when the sun is up… y you’ll know about it. The showers and bathrooms are clean and they do have a kitchen you can use, plus it’s only 5 minutes into the Old Town, so it does the job.
Book your stay at Szafarnia 10 here
MOSTAR, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
8/10
A sweet, family run hostel that is 300m from the Old Town and offers free breakfast every morning (cooked by the Grandmother of the family!). I stayed in a private room which was comfortable, spacious and quiet. The bathroom is functional and has toiletries you can use. I definitely recommend joining their day tour which takes you to some of the best sights in Herzegovina for €40, it’s a great way to meet people and was super informative.
Book your stay at Nina Hostel here
SARAJEVO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
7/10
Located right in the centre of the Old Town, the hostel is social and clean, plus you get free towels! I imagine the rooms get quite hot in the peak of summer, but during my stay everything was comfortable and it was a great hostel to meet people. There is a small beer stand to buy beer from and a functioning kitchen too, so this hostel has everything you need during your time in Sarajevo.
Book your stay at Vagabond here
KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
9/10
This hostel is right in the centre of Kotor’s Old Town and is the perfect mix of chilled and social/party. They hostel two events that they alternate – sunset BBQ and sunset boat party. Both events are great and are the perfect way to meet people, each for €20. The rooms are really clean and comfortable, and the hostel also has a kitchen and common area to hang out in. It’s definitely a little expensive but worth it!
Book your stay at Old Town Hostel here
STARI BAR, MONTENEGRO
9/10
This hostel is a converted old olive oil mill that is tucked away in the mountains. The hostel is definitely very chilled out, but super clean and even includes free washing. They host one daily activity and family dinner a few nights a week, which makes it a bit more social, but it’s definitely best for relaxing. You can only book via email and it often books out, so definitely get in early.
Book your stay at The Grove here
ULCINJ, MONTENEGRO
9.5/10
This hostel has now become one of my new favourites in Europe. Coco the owner is slightly crazy (in a good way) and makes you feel right at home. It’s incredibly social and the rooms are clean. The only downside is the bathrooms as there aren’t that many so you do have to wait, but the hostel hosts a range of activities like boat trips and a daily sunset beach excursion for €5, which I definitely recommend.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
8/10
Yes hostel is right in the centre of the tourist area of Lisbon. It is an amazing social hostel with family dinners, drinking games and pubcrawls most nights a week. If you’re solo it’s a great hostel to stay in and has everything you need including comfy, clean beds, kitchen, huge lockers and a big common area with a bar (the common area even has a bed).
Book your stay at Yes Hostel here
6/10
A large hostel chain in Europe that has several locations including Athens, Brussels and Warsaw. The hostel is nice with a great view over the city, there is a spacious common are with a balcony and a bar. Wasn’t super social when I stayed and it’s a little out of the city centre, but is a nice, quiet place to stay in Lisbon.
Book your stay at Safestay here
10/10
When I say this is one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in! The hostel is perfect, with beautiful facilities, an amazing rooftop with a lovely view, friendly staff and everything else you could need. It takes about 10 minutes to walk into the centre of Lisbon, but it’s in a lovely neighbourhood which is great to explore. The hostel offers activities like Portuguese family dinners, day trips to Sintra and pub crawls 3 nights a week.
WHFT also has a sister hostel We Love F Tourists, which is located more towards the centre of Lisbon, so don’t forget to check that out too.
Note: the hostel is a little more expensive and has a bit more of a ‘co-working’ feel, so if you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere, YES hostel is better.
Book your stay at We Hate F***** Tourists here
PORTO, PORTUGAL
6/10
Originally I had booked to stay at Passenger Hostel, which is THE hostel to stay in in Porto, however due to construction they weren’t operating as normal, so stayed at Pilot instead. To start with the good, it’s in a good location with great restaurants and bars and only 15 minutes into the centre. There is a nice courtyard to sit in and a nightly pub-crawl which makes it easy to meet people. Unfortunately for me the bad points outweighed the good – the rooms were ridiculously hot with no air con and each morning the rubbish trucks collect the rubbish at 5am, waking you up.
If the weather had been a little cooler, I would have really enjoyed my time here.
LAGOS, PORTUGAL
8/10
The iconic hostel of Lagos is Rising Cock (not sure about the name though). Definitely leaning more towards the party vibe but a very social hostel regardless. They take everyone out on a pub crawl each night so the hostel is quiet after 11pm anyway.
Book your stay at Rising Cock here
HOSTEL CASA PORTAS DE PORTUGAL
6/10
Rising Cock books out quickly, so this is a cheap alternative. Not social but decent for a short stay and very central/close to the bus station.
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
2/10
Stayed here in 2018 when travelling on a limited budget. The hostel was very far out of the centre with a weird vibe and sterile rooms. Booked for 4 nights but only ended up staying 1. Paid €13 per night, which is much cheaper than Old Town prices, but would not recommend this hostel at all. An alternative option is City Walls hostel.
Book your stay at City Walls hostel here
SPLIT, CROATIA
7/10
Very social party hostel with daily events such as beach trips. There is a backpackers bar downstairs called Charlies, which is busy every night of the week, so it’s a great hostel for those who want to go out and socialise. The street below Fiesta Siesta is loud so an early night isn’t really possible when staying here. Rooms are basic with communal bathrooms and showers and the hostel is located right in the heart of the Old Town.
Book your stay at Fiesta Siesta here
8/10
The sister hostel to Fiesta Siesta is Booze and Snooze, which is located 100m away and has a very similar vibe. They have a small courtyard where guests can play drinking games and socialise. Every Friday night they have a pizza and beer pong night which is a great way to meet people, they then all head to Charlie’s Bar to party on! Neither Booze and Snooze or Fiesta Siesta has a kitchen, but the rooms have aircon and it’s also very central to all the restaurants and grocery store!
Book your stay at Booze and Snooze here
7/10
Located just outside of Old Town, they have clean, quiet rooms where you can relax and sleep if you’re not heavily into partying. It’s a great option if you still want to be close to Old Town without being right in the heart of it. Split Old Town can stay noisy till pretty late in the evening so it can be nice to escape the noise!
Book your stay at Split Backpackers 2 here
ZADAR, CROATIA
1/10
One of the WORST hostels I have ever stayed in. Smelt horrific, unfriendly staff, loud and uncomfortable. Would not recommend this to anyone.
HVAR, CROATIA
7/10
Chilled vibe with drinking games and clean room. You can also borrow pool toys to swim with! Located right at the top of a hill so you can get an amazing view over the water and town below.
Book your stay at The Shaka here
9/10
Super social and a lot of fun. Got offered ice cream with check in and also has a burger place underneath. Rooms are basic but there is a great social atmosphere at this hostel, definitely loved my stay here.
Book your stay at Villa Marija here
PULA, CROATIA
3/10
Bizarre vibe with no staff to check me in for 2 hours, but great location right by the water. Probably wouldn’t stay again but it’s cheap and central.
OHRID, NORTH MACEDONIA
7/10
Central with very helpful staff. The manager/owner was a lovely man who helped me with all my questions I had. Not super clean but homely and social (plus cheap).
Book your stay at Sunny Lake here
ATHENS, GREECE
8.5/10
Beautiful rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis, definitely one of my favourite hostels. Very clean and social and is located right in the heart of Plaka and takes 10 minutes to walk to the base of the Acropolis.
Book your stay at Athens Backpackers here
7/10
Located in Monastiraki, Safestay is also around 10 minutes away from the Acropolis. Each morning you can grab breakfast in the reception for €5 and there is a rooftop bar with a stunning view over the city. The rooms are basic but comfortable, the only issue with my room was the shower was located IN the room, with a semi clear glass door? Luckily I was by myself in the room but would not have felt comfortable showering with people being able to partly see through the door.
Book your stay at Safestay Athens here
THESSALONIKI, GREECE
6/10
Cute and quiet, not very central to the heart of Thessaloniki, but works well for a short stay.
Book your stay at Studio Arabas here
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
7/10
Party hostel with a great social vibe, different events every night, kitchen, clean and really friendly, accommodating staff – read about my time working at Vitae hostel here.
6.5/10
Hive hostel is a party hostel located in District Seven/Jewish Quarter in Budapest. The hostel is lively, with a rooftop bar that is busy every night. The beds are extremely comfy and the hostel is clean and spacious, definitely recommend. The hostel sits on top of a late night bar/club, so be aware that it is fairly loud in the evenings, it’s definitely better if you plan on going out during your stay!
I would not recommend staying here if you aren’t a party person.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
WOMBATS CITY – THE LOUNGE (no longer open)
3/10
Very sterile, hospital like feel. Does have a bar but not much social feel, unfriendly staff and uncomfortable beds, would not stay here again.
Book your stay at Wombats Vienna here
8/10
This boutique hostel is really small and a great place to chill and rest. Not much of a social atmosphere but is cosy and comfortable. There is no kitchen but a microwave and fridge you can use.
Book your stay at Vienna Boutique Hostel here
INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA
8/10
A surprisingly lovely hostel with super comfy and clean rooms, good facilities, kitchen and a 10 minute walk into the centre. The only minor downside was the unfriendly check in I had when arriving.
Book your stay at Meininger here
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
10/10
One of the best hostels in Europe. The hostel is small with welcoming staff and comfy beds, fully functioning kitchen and cosy common area. The hostel only has 20 beds, which creates a lovely ‘family style’ vibe and there is the perfect mix of chill + social atmosphere. There is a family dinner each night for 100 Kc (£3.50) which is always vegetarian, as well as an evening activity that changes each night of the week.
Book your stay at Roadhouse here
9/10
Madhouse is the sister hostel to Roadhouse and is a little more party orientated, so it really depends what you’re looking for during your stay. Madhouse hosts drinking games each night after the family dinner and the staff take you to different bars, clubs and events. Personally my favourite was the drunk bowling on Monday. Even though it’s a party hostel you can still get a good night sleep and the hostel is only a 10 minute walk into the centre of Prague.
Book your stay at Madhouse here
4/10
Stayed here in 2019 and was met with rude staff and a terrible vibe with the hostel. The hostel is in a decent location but I would not recommend staying here.
Book your stay at Hostel Tyn here
BERLIN, GERMANY
7.5/10
Circus is highly recommended and was a nice stay in Berlin. The rooms are spacious and clean, there are some nice areas to sit and relax, with an additional cafe attached to the reception of the hostel. Downstairs is a small bar with its own brewery. Only downside is the loud street the hostel is situated on, but definitely not too noticeable in the night time.
Book your stay at Circus Hostel here
HAMBURG, GERMANY
4/10
Stayed here in 2016 and have since discovered that the hostel often hosts school groups, which is what happened when I stayed. Would not recommend staying here.
COLOGNE, GERMANY
8/10
Each bunk bed was a double bed size (rather than single), each bed had its own curtain and the hostel was well equipped. Located in the Belgian Quarter, the hostel was in a very central location and not too far from anything.
Book your stay at Die Woghenmeinschaft here
MUNICH, GERMANY
6/10
A popular European hostel chain and a hostel that has clean rooms, big common areas and great locations. Because of Oktoberfest I paid €90 for one night (absolutely crazy) and still had to make my own bed when arriving. It’s definitely not my favourite hostel ever but it does the job and it is a good base hostel (ideal because its close to the train and bus station).
Book your stay at Wombats here
NUREMBURG, GERMANY
7/10
Very large open rooms with clean communal bathrooms and a chilled common area. Only spent one night here but doesn’t strike me as an overly social hostel. Only a 5 minute walk from the metro and walking distance into the centre.
Book your stay at Five Reasons here
FÜSSEN, GERMANY
5/10
This hostel is small and basic with no kitchen, no convenient common areas and weird reception hours (3pm – 8pm). There are only 2 options in Füssen so you can’t be too picky, it does the job but don’t expect too much!
Book your stay at Bavaria City Hostel here
BRUGES, BELGIUM
7.5/10
Located a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city, Snuffel felt a little ‘sterile’, in the rooms, but was great every other way. There was free breakfast in the mornings and a bar with different events in the evenings.
Book your stay at Snuffel Hostel here
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
8.5/10
Very fun, social hostel with a bar and comfy, clean rooms. I’ve stayed here a few times and really enjoyed myself each time.
Book your stay at Downtown Hostel here
7.5/10
A newly opened hostel with all the amenities you could imagine, like indoor football pitch, cinema room, gym, event space and more. The rooms are on the smaller side but everything is incredibly modern and clean. Only 5 minutes from the supermarket and is in a great location for walking everywhere.
Book your stay at Next House Hostel here
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
9.5/10
One of my favourite hostels. Very social, sauna, big showers, comfy beds and free pasta and rice with a great area for hanging out and a pretty big kitchen. The rooms use unique passcodes so there is a high level of security, I felt very safe while I was there and would recommend it to everyone. It is also in a great location (about 20 minute walk from Gamla Stan).
Book your stay at City Backpackers here
TALLINN, ESTONIA
TALLINN BACKPACKERS (no longer open)
8/10
Really lovely small backpackers right in the heart of Tallinn. Wasn’t overly social when I visited (February) , however I think in the summer months it’s a lot more lively! Quite a small hostel but feels very homely with a kitchen and common area to hang out in.
Due to this no longer being open, an alternative option to check out is Fat Margaret’s
VILNIUS, LITHUANIA
8/10
A super fun and lively hostel that made my time in Vilnius. The staff were lovely and super accommodating, with comfy beds and a social reception area and small bar.
Book your stay at Jimmy Jumps here
RIGA, LATIVA
9/10
A well known hostel that is famous for its social vibes and great atmosphere. The owners are an Aussie – British duo, who know how to look after their guests. Really loved Naughty Squirrel!
Book your stay at Naughty Squirrel here
9/10
I volunteered at this hostel as a part of a Worldpackers collaboration (You can click here or use SHETRAVELLEDTHEWORLD for $10 off your membership). The hostel is super small, with a great atmosphere for socialising. They offer free toiletries, small kitchen, spacious and comfy beds and is 2 minute walk from a shopping centre. Hostel also offers free breakfast with waffles, eggs, bread, veggies, cheese, meat and a coffee machine (it’s a great way to meet everyone at the hostel).
Book your stay at Cinnamon Sallys here
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
7.5/10
Wild Elephants was a really great time and was in the most amazing location right in the heart of Bratislava. There was a little ‘bar’ in the attic/upstairs part of the building with small rooms people could sit and socialise/play drinking games in. Really great hostel to meet people and they also offer €5 dinners each night which are always vegan!
Book your stay at Wild Elephants here
ISTANBUL, TURKEY
8/10
A 5 minute walk from Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, Cheers hostel is small but very homely with lovely staff. The rooftop bar has the most amazing view and it’s really social, it also has an incredible view of Hagia Sofia. If you’re not at the bar it can be a little loud when trying to sleep, other than that it’s great.
Central America Hostels
CANCUN, MEXICO
8/10
A fast paced hostel with a lot of people looking for a good time. Mayan Monkey includes free breakfast, happy hour daily and more. I loved Mayan Monkey and really recommend to everyone.
Book your stay at Mayan Monkey Cancun here
7/10
Stayed here a few times when flying in and out of Cancun. The hostel is located in the downtown of Cancun and is comfortable, with a rooftop pool and clean rooms. Only downside was one night they had a standup comedian that went until 1am, so hard to sleep with the noise.
Book your stay at Nomads Cancun here
TULUM, MEXICO
7/10
Enjoyed my time at Mayan Monkey, but thought the Tulum location was a little inconvenient as it wasn’t in the downtown and wasn’t close to the beach. The hostel also had really loud music all day (starting at 7am), which could be a little annoying. Other than that Mayan Monkey offered a lot, including, bicycle rental, co-working space, kitchen, several chill out areas, pool and bar with different events, including weekly DJs.
Book your stay at Mayan Monkey Tulum here
BACALAR, MEXICO
9/10
One of my favourite hostels I stayed in during my time in Mexico. The perfect hostel located right on Bacalar lagoon. There were daily events throughout the days and evenings, including neon party, Spanish lessons, margarita making classes and more. They have a kitchen and the bar makes food you can purchase (the food is really tasty).
Book your stay at Yak Lake here
HOLBOX, MEXICO
8/10
The perfect ‘tree house’ vibe hostel, located 30 seconds away from the beach. The hostel was another one of my favourites in Mexico, however the only downside was there wasn’t air conditioning in the rooms, which made it hard to sleep (I believe this has changed since I stayed in Sept 2021). Other than that, there were daily activities throughout the day and evening that were all super fun to get involved with and made it super easy to make friends!
Book your stay at Tribu hostel here
ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO
9/10
I loved Nomads and thought it was a great hostel to stay in. The rooms were well equipped and the beds were comfy and very private. The hostel was right on the beach and had everything you would need for a great stay! They also had several little food trucks right on the road outside the hostel which you could order and they would deliver it to you by the bar/beach.
Book your stay at Nomads hostel here
ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
7.5/10
Selina’s are always nice and the one in Antigua is no exception. It has everything you need like a pool, hostel bar, chill out areas, kitchen, outdoor workout space and more. The location is a little out of the way but nothing too extreme and it’s a great place to stay if you want some peace and quiet.
Book your stay at Selina hostel here
8/10
Adra hostel has an absolutely lovely vibe and I really loved my night here. They have a 24 person dorm which I decided to stay in to see what it would be like and it was a lot of fun! The hostel feels really clean and homely and everything is really beautiful, including the courtyard and rooftop. There is also a bar and restaurant in the hostel.
Book your stay at Adra hostel here
6.5/10
Tropicana is the party hostel of Antigua and is known for their crazy nights. I didn’t stay here, however I did visit a few times and I did book my Acatenango volcano hike through Tropicana. This hostel is very standard but has a great social scene and comes with everything that you would need.
Book your stay at Tropicana hostel here
LAKE ATITLAN, GUATEMALA
7/10
Another great Selina located in the town of Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. The hostel is clean and semi social, and is within 5 minutes from the super market and the main street of the town.
Book your stay at Selina Lake Atitlan here
7/10
Located in San Pedro, another town on Lake Atitlan (known as the party town), Mandalas is perfect if you want to be involved in the social scene while still getting a good night’s sleep. It’s not the most social hostel ever, but the rooms are clean and it feels very welcoming. It’s a 5 minute walk away from everything, including the popular party hostel Mr Mullets, which is where all the action takes place. The hostel also offers heaps of activities including the Indian Nose hike and is super affordable.
Book your stay at Mandala’s here
FREE CERVEZA
8/10
This is the absolute definition of ‘wholesome fun’. Free Cerveza is located in one of the Lake’s small towns, Santa Cruz. Each night they do a family dinner with 2 hours free beer, there is morning yoga, stand up paddle boarding and more. The whole feel is just amazing and definitely a great stay!
Book your stay at Free Cerveza
LANQUIN, GUATEMALA
4/10
Lanquin in general is known for food poisoning, but Oasis the Traveller really didn’t help with disgusting food from the restaurant and no kitchen to use. The rooms are very ‘tree house’ style, which were quite cute, however overall the hostel isn’t great. Would definitely recommend Zephyr Lodge instead, which is right up the road and is much nicer.
Book your stay at Zephyr Lodge here
FLORES, GUATEMALA
8/10
Such a fun and social hostel that I absolutely loved. In a great location with helpful staff, travel agency, restaurant, bar, and they even have a ‘night club’ in the back. A great social hostel that has everything you need for an amazing time in Flores. They even have pet rabbits and tortoises!
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
8/10
Casa Pepe was more on the expensive side but an amazing hostel. It was in Centro (centre) of the city, so relatively central to everything. There was a great social vibe with a lot of people to socialise with. There is also an amazing rooftop bar and restaurant you definitely need to check out!
Book your stay at Casa Pepe here
OAXACA CITY, MEXICO
7/10
A cute hostel with great staff and good vibes! It’s well equipped and perfect for socialising. Can be a little loud with the music from the bar but otherwise is a great hostel.
Book your stay at Casa Angel here
PUERTO ESCONDIDO, MEXICO
7/10
Selina is located in Zocalo, which is right on the beach and hosts dozens of beach clubs and bars. The Selina itself is mainly used by digital nomads and has a great co-working space, cafe and bar area during the day. It’s not the most social hostel unless you get a good group at the time. I found the staff to be difficult and a little rude, which made the vibe feel a little off. In general the Selina had great facilities.
9.5/10
This may take the cake with being one of the best hostels I’ve EVER stayed in. Villa Bonobo is very small but has the loveliest staff, comfy beds, pool and more, it’s definitely more of a hotel feel than a hostel. The only minor downside is the location, it’s a little out of the way but only takes 20 minutes to walk into La Punta.
Book your stay at Villa Bonobo here
5.5/10
We went from very good, to very bad. Bonita Escondido is great for socialising, however actually staying here is a different story. The rooms are overpriced, unclean and really hot. The staff are rude and unhelpful and the bathrooms were next level gross. I found a lot of aspects of the hostel were neglected (like the water tank never being full), and they didn’t have a kitchen or fridge you could use. In saying this, the pool area is social and they have events in the evening, which was the only redeeming quality, but you could get the exact same social experience without staying there and just visiting.
SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, MEXICO
7/10
A basic hostel that was social and welcoming. The staff were really helpful and there were plenty of activities/excursions to get involved with. The hostel also had free breakfast and dinner each day, as well as a kitchen and a small bar/garden.
Book your stay at Puerta Vieja here
CAYE CAULKER, BELIZE
8/10
I genuinely cried when I left this hostel, which has never happened before. Bella’s has such a family feel and all the staff are amazing. It was very hit or miss if it was social (more based on the crowd at the time), but it was overall a really fun hostel to stay in. Just be warned – there is no air con in the rooms!
Book your stay at Bella’s Backpackers here
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
7/10
This Selina was located a little out of the centre but still within walking distance of everything. As always it is clean and well equipped with everything you need, they also do a welcome drink (traditional Costa Rican coffee and liquor) on the roof every evening, which is a great way to mingle.
Book your stay at Selina San Jose here
LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA
6.5/10
A really simple hostel with basic amenities. Only a 5 minute walk from the centre of La Fortuna and has a bit of atmosphere. Definitely on the basic side but is good for the prices and offers heaps of daily tours/shuttles + daily free hot springs visit.
Book your stay at La Choza Inn hostel here
SANTA TERESA, COSTA RICA
2/10
Potentially the worst hostel I’ve ever stayed in… EVER. So disgustingly dirty, with stained sheets, tiny rooms and gross bathrooms. The staff were unhelpful and it wasn’t a welcoming experience. The worst part? You could hear rats running through the walls at night.
Asia Hostels
KATHMANDU, NEPAL
9/10
I LOVED this hostel and I couldn’t recommend it more! There is a hostel bar which is very social, the rooms are bright and comfy, a rooftop with beanbags and there is even a net on the rooftop where you can lie and stare at the mountains!
POKHARA, NEPAL
8/10
Another great hostel with a great vibe. There is a rooftop with hammocks for you to relax in, a downstairs area to hang out in and you can also borrow hiking gear in case you do any trekking! I really loved Kiwi Backpackers
Book your stay at Kiwi Backpackers here
BANGKOK, THAILAND
6.5/10
This hostel is super basic and the rooms are super hot during the day (they turn the aircon on in the evening though). There is a little common area downstairs that is often full day and night, so it’s a great hostel for meeting people. The showers were ‘wet rooms’, which I didn’t particularly like, but the hostel is affordable so is great if you’re on a budget.
Book your stay at Back Home Backpackers here
8/10
Only spent one night here and rooms were on the smaller side, but it’s a highly raved about hostel with a good common area and their own bar. They even have a slide in the reception.
Book your stay at Here Hostel here
PAI
9/10
A phenomenal hostel with so much to offer in terms of social atmosphere, friendly staff (and owner), a restaurant, bar, very attentive cleaners, big beds, nice en suites and a well thought out common area. Not to mention day and evening activities which are a must when you’re there. Only MINOR note is that it’s about 15 minutes outside of the centre of Pai, but really not bad at all.
Book your stay at Nolo Hub here
CHIANG MAI
8.5/10
The iconic hostel of Chiang Mai that books out well in advance, and for good reason. This hostel is social, central and hosts really fun activities. It’s so good a lot of people from other hostels come here in the evenings to socialise. The rooms also have little pods, so it kind of feels like you’re in a private room even in a dorm.
CANGGU, BALI
8.5/10
A lovely hostel with amazing facilities, two pools and comfy beds! Only stayed here one night but absolutely loved my stay. Only downside is you have to top up a bracelet to purchase anything from the restaurant or bar, which is a little annoying. The hostel is in a quiet location and the bar closes early to allow you a good night’s sleep.
Book your stay at Farm Hostel here
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
8/10
This hostel is on the 34th floor (as the name suggests) and it is absolutely stunning. There is a large open air outdoor area which has incredible views over KL, the beds are comfy with curtains, bathrooms are en-suites, they have a kitchen, access to a penthouse rooftop pool, gym and even a massage chair. There is a small grocery store downstairs so you have everything you need right there. They also do events so you can have an opportunity to meet people. Only downside is it’s a little tricky to find at first.
Book your stay at Penthouse on 34 here
JRYGALAN, KYRGYZSTAN
7/10
Mine hostel was really small but has everything you need including comfy beds, big kitchen, clean toilets and showers. The owner is nice and even took us for a little day out to a waterfall..
HANOI, VIETNAM
7/10
Buffalo is your standard social hostel, with a bar attached to the pool area, common area, restaurant and spacious rooms with curtains and large lockers. Each night they do a free hour of beer, which is a great way to meet people and break the ice a bit!
Book your stay at Buffalo here
7/10
Central Backpackers is the sister hostel to Buffalo and is right down the road. There is a lively rooftop bar where you can play beer pong, mingle and get ready for the nightly pub crawl they host. The facilities aren’t as nice as Buffalo and this hostel is a lot more party orientated.
Book your stay at Central Backpackers here
HA GIANG, VIETNAM
6/10
Only stayed here one night before heading on the Ha Giang Loop. The hostel smelt terrible in the rooms, so I’m thankful I only stayed for one night. Most people stay here to do the Loop through the hostel, which you can book here.
Book your stay at Jasmine here
Book the Ha Giang Loop through Jasmine here
NINH BINH, VIETNAM
8/10
Banana Tree is a super cute hostel right by the river of Ninh Binh. They have a pool, motorbike rental, laundry, restaurant, bar and plenty of spots to chill. It’s a pretty relaxed hostel and is super affordable.
Book your stay at Banana Tree here
HOI AN, VIETNAM
7/10
There are a few different Bed Stations in Vietnam. The one in Hoi An is a great social (more party based) option, with 30 minutes free drinks and 100k (£3.50) 1 hour and a half unlimited drinks for 1 hour and a half. There is a pool and motorbike rental, some local restaurants around, but the hostel is a 15 minute walk into the Old Town. The rooms are very basic and on the smaller side, so don’t expect the most peaceful sleep, but it’s a great hostel for meeting people.
Book your stay at Bed Station here
DA NANG, VIETNAM
7.5/10
This hostel is absolutely beautiful, and only a 10 minute walk from the beach. The rooms are VERY small, so hard to find space to put your luggage, but the beds are comfy with curtains and everything is very functional.
Book your stay at The Memory here
PHONG NHA, VIETNAM
8/10
A very social hostel with spacious rooms, pool table, pool, 30 minutes free drinks and motorbike rental. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable, and overall this hostel is a must stay in Phong Nha.
Book your stay at Central Backpackers here
HUE, VIETNAM
8/10
A small and cute hostel with a very traditional layout. I paid £10 for a private room which was like a private pod in a dorm room. Each pod had a fan and the room overall had air con. The hostel was very clean and was a good option for a short stay.
Book your stay at A-Mâze House here
PUERTO PRINCESA, PHILIPPINES
8.5/10
This hostel is great. Very clean with a restaurant attached that has good food (although notably a little expensive). The rooms feel nice with very private pods and lots of storage.
Book your stay at Guni Guni here
PORT BARTON, PHILIPPINES
7.5/10
A fun, lively hostel with an amazing boat trip you definitely have to do. They do both a party boat tour and a non drinking one, I recommend the non drinking one because you see some amazing things, however the party one sounds fun too. They do free drinks for 30 minutes and live music, while also having a restaurant and nice outdoor common space. I stayed in a 20 person dorm, which is really fun and the room was big/long, so it didn’t feel that crowded and each bunk has it’s own power point and curtain.
Book your stay at CocoRico here
EL NIDO, PHILIPPINES
8/10
This hostel is absolutely huge, 5 stories, with a gorgeous rooftop pool and bar that overlooks El Nido. They do different events in the evening like karaoke and live music, so it’s a perfect place to chill for sunset. The rooms are cold, comfy and private, so it’s definitely worth the extra price compared to other hostels. They also have a tour company attached so you can book all the boat trips through them.
CORON, PHILIPPINES
8/10
A very fun and social hostel with a rooftop pool, bar, restaurant, nightly events and boat tours. There are a range of different things going on throughout the week and it’s easy to meet people. The rooms are large, although no curtains, and the bathrooms are communal.
Book your stay at Outpost here
SIQUIJOR, PHILIPPINES
9/10
Some of the biggest dorm rooms I have EVER seen. A chill common space with free breakfast and coffee, motorbike rental and decent showers. They also take people out to family dinner which is a nice way to meet people. Very chilled out hostel but it’s nice.
BOHOL, PHILIPPINES
8/10
A recently opened Mad Monkey in Panglao, a small island attached to Bohol. You can book tours like the Chocolate Hills through Mad Monkey and they also do activities like beer pong tournaments in the evening. Everything is very new and clean.
Book your stay at Mad Monkey Panglao here
MOALBOAL, PHILIPPINES
3/10
Where do I even start with this hostel. Another terrible place I do not recommend. The rooms were ridiculously hot (even though there was air con), it was so loud and the walls were paper thin, some of the most unhelpful staff I’ve ever encountered, it was so bad I didn’t even stay as long as I booked.
The only saving grace is they do free drinks for 30 minutes which can bring in a good group of people, but you don’t have to be staying at the hostel to join in on this.
Instead, check out Chief Mau, this is just down the road in town and is meant to be amazing.
Book your stay at Chief Mau here
SIARGAO, PHILIPPINES
6.5/10
This hostel is fine and does the job, with a busy bar area that’s good for meet people, but I wasn’t that fussed over the rooms or bathrooms. Nor did I feel like the reps made much of an effort with any of the guests, which gave an off feel. Mad Monkey always provides a really good group of travellers who are up for a good time, so I made some amazing friends here regardless.
Oceania Hostels
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
NOAH’S BONDI BEACH (no longer open)
6.5/10
Located right in the heart of Bondi, Noah’s is a super relaxed hostel that is incredibly social and a lot of fun. There is a large kitchen space which is usually bustling with people and a huge rooftop over looking the beach, you are literally a minute’s walk from Bondi!
NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA
7.5/10
Only a 20 minute walk from the bus stop, Backpacker’s Newcastle feels like a home away from home. With a pool, outdoor area to socialise, and a little kitchen & lounge, there is heaps of space for you to meet people. The rooms are really simple but comfortable and the owner was super friendly, he even drove me to visit some friends!
Book your stay at Backpacker’s Newcastle here
COFFS HARBOUR, AUSTRALIA
6/10
I only spent one night here and my stay was fine, there was a pool and a big common area with heaps of people hanging around. It’s close to town and the beach, plus the hostel offers free surf board and kayaks!
Book your stay at Aussitel here
BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA
8.5/10
A GREAT hostel and a lot of fun. There is always heaps of people hanging around for you to socialise with, a bar with events and music, a pool and just walking distance from Byron town. The rooms were basic and a little stuffy in the heart of summer, but other than that I loved my stay.
Book your stay at Aquarius Backpackers here
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
BASE BACKPACKERS (no longer open)
7/10
Right in the heart of Auckland is Base, a 7 story backpacker hostel which is slightly crazy. I stayed here for a little over 4 weeks, so I got to know it pretty well. There is a rooftop bar which does nightly events like bingo and Happy Hour, as well as a late night bar called Habana Joe’s right under the hostel. The rooms are basic but definitely do the job and there is a massive kitchen for you to cook in, as well as plenty of showers and bathrooms on every floor. This is a great social hostel to stay in!
Book your stay at Base Auckland here
ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND
6.5/10
Close to the grocery shop and town, this is where I would recommend for people visiting Rotorua. Not overly social when I visited, but the rooms were clean, with each bed having its own power socket and a communal kitchen + common area with a TV to hang out in.
Book your stay at Rotorua Downtown Backpackers
6/10
Rock Solid was super basic and very quiet. It was great because it was right in the heart of town, but other than that there wasn’t much happening. It had a kitchen and decent beds, perfect if you just want to chill for a few days.
Book your stay at Rock Solid Backpackers
TAUPO, NEW ZEALAND
8/10
A cosy little hostel right in the heart of Taupo town, there is a bar open to the public in the front section, with both in and outdoor seating. The rooms are small but nice and you can see a view of the lake from the bedrooms. The bathrooms are communal and there is also a kitchen you can use!
PICTON, NEW ZEALAND
8/10
The Villa is homely, central and really lovely. I met some great people here and it felt super comfortable. There is a big garden in the front and back with heaps of places to hang out, as well as a hot tub. There is a big kitchen that leads on to the garden and the rooms were great and comfortable! It’s also only a few minutes walk away from the water.
Book your stay at The Villa here
ABEL TASMAN, NEW ZEALAND
8.5/10
Abel Tasman National Park is a great place in the South Island and staying at The Barn was a highlight for me! You can choose to either stay in a yurt (a fancy tent) or a dorm, I chose a yurt and had a great time! There are proper single beds in there (not just mattresses on the floor) and it’s surprisingly comfortable. There is a huge outdoor style kitchen plus big dining space and the showers are outdoor camping style too, so it feels like you’re really out in nature!
Book your stay at the Barn here
NELSON, NEW ZEALAND
7.5/10
Right in the centre of Nelson and has a really homely, rustic feel. Instead of bunk beds they are all singles, which is greatly appreciated. There is a huge kitchen with everything you’ll need, including spices (which is always rare in a hostel) and also a little common area and outdoor area where you can socialise. Not the most social of hostels when I stayed but really nice otherwise.
Book your stay at Palace Backpackers here
QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
10/10
One of the best hostel I’ve ever stayed in! So much fun, with the friendliest staff, this is the perfect place for solo travellers or if you’re just looking for a good time. Each bed has its own curtain, the duvets and mattress is super comfortable and it’s just lovely! The hostel also has a common area, kitchen, outdoor section, different events every night and you can even borrow gear like bikes and go pros!
Book your stay at Adventure Q2 here
WANAKA, NEW ZEALAND
MATTERHORN SOUTH (no longer open)
7/10
Very simple and basic, but definitely does the job. It didn’t seem overly social while I was there, but it was very central in Wanaka and had a decent kitchen and common area where you could hang out.
Book your stay at Matterhorn South
6/10
Bit of an odd job hostel but fits the bill when you’re looking for a decent place to stay, social enough and comfortable sleep.
Book your stay at Wanaka Backpackers Bothy
KAIKOURA, NEW ZEALAND
5/10
A little out of the main part of Kaikoura, I booked this very last minute and didn’t spend too much time here (I arrived late afternoon and left early morning). It was pleasant enough but wouldn’t be rushing to stay again!
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
7/10
This is one of those large hostels that are just good fun! It’s super basic and you can fit a lot of people when it’s at full capacity, but it’s a great place to meet people and socialise. It’s not too far from the centre of Christchurch and you have all the basic amenities you would need!
MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND
5.5/10
Super basic and very cheap, Mount Backpackers is the real ‘surfers’ vibe. I stayed in their 16 bed room and it’s definitely snug and can get VERY hot in summer. There is a small kitchen and little backyard bit to hang out in and the best part is they offer bicycle hire for $2, it’s right in the centre of town AND only a short walk from the beach!
Book your stay at Mount Backpackers
NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND
5.5/10
The vibe in the rooms and reception is very similar to staying at your grandparents house, and the interior design doesn’t look too far off that. However there is a great little rooftop balcony where you can sit and chill with some people!
