Hostel (noun): An establishment that provides inexpensive lodging for a specific group of people. Such as workers, students, and/or travelers.
This article will go over the best hostels in Europe, with actual testimonials from me! Whether you’re a first-time solo traveler or a seasoned backpacker, choosing the right hostel can make or break your trip. I’ve stayed in hostels across Lisbon, Granada, Barcelona, Paris, London, and Rome. In this article, I’m breaking down every single one so you know exactly what to expect.
A common concern among new travelers is safety. The truth? Hostels are generally very safe, especially in Europe, one of the safest travel regions in the world. That said, doing your research matters. Always read reviews before booking, and if you’re a female traveler, always opt for female-only dorms.
Most quality hostels offer:
- Secure luggage storage
- In-room lockers (bring or buy a padlock)
- 24-hour reception and security
My Personal Hostel Checklist
Before booking any hostel, I check for:
- ✅ 24-hour reception
- ✅ Female-only dorms
- ✅ Secure luggage storage
- ✅ 24/7 security
- ✅ Responsive staff
- ✅ Strong reviews
- ✅ Free WiFi
- ✅ Solo traveler-friendly atmosphere
My Review of the Hostels in Europe: Every Place I’ve Stayed
1. Inn Possible Lisbon Hostel — Lisbon, Portugal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for: First-time solo travelers in Lisbon
This was my very first hostel experience, and I couldn’t have chosen better. Inn Possible Lisbon checked every box on my list: female dorms, 24-hour reception, great reviews, free WiFi, and breakfast for just €2. The staff even let me check in at midnight, well past the deadline.
What really sets this hostel apart is its social calendar. They host daily activities including day trips to Sintra, sangria nights, and family dinners. I met fellow travelers from Poland, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Turkey, and beyond. We met in the upstairs lounge, which is the social hub of the hostel. I even joined a free Lisbon walking tour with two people I met there.
The one downside? It’s on a hill, so the walk back after a long day of sightseeing is a workout. But that’s Lisbon’s fault, not the hostel’s.
Verdict: Highly recommended for solo travelers visiting Lisbon.
2. Oasis Backpackers Hostel Granada — Granada, Spain ⭐⭐⭐
Best for: Travelers who don’t need 24-hour reception
I was only in Granada for one day, so my experience here was limited. The rooms were fine, but the biggest issue was that Oasis Backpackers does not have 24-hour reception, something I failed to notice when booking. Arriving at 6 AM, sleep-deprived, and being greeted by a volunteer who wasn’t sure what to do was not ideal.
On the plus side, I was able to store my luggage before check-in, and I had the whole room to myself. The hostel does offer adventure activities, which I didn’t get to try. Not one of the best hostels in Europe, but it does its thing for some people.
Verdict: Skip if you need 24-hour reception. Decent otherwise for a short stay in Granada.
3. Generator Hostel Barcelona — Barcelona, Spain ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for: Social travelers who want a lively hostel in Barcelona
Generator is a global hostel chain, and that reputation shows. The Barcelona location had everything: a restaurant and bar, a café, a travel shop, and even a sangria-making class.
Fair warning: this hostel is busy. When I arrived, an entire Canadian rugby team was checking in. If you’re easily overstimulated, this may not be your vibe. But if you’re an extrovert looking to meet people, Generator Barcelona delivers. I connected with an Indian expat living in Amsterdam and a student from London doing a school project there.
Verdict: A reliable, buzzing choice for backpackers in Barcelona.
4. Generator Hostel Paris — Paris, France ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for: Budget travelers looking for a trusted hostel in Paris
Knowing Generator’s track record, booking their Paris location was a no-brainer. I only had one day here, but the experience mirrored Barcelona: polished, well-run, and welcoming. One standout perk: they allowed me to store my luggage both before check-in and after check-out. There is a small fee each time you retrieve it, but it’s worth the flexibility.
Verdict: A solid choice for anyone needing a dependable hostel in Paris.
5. Wombat’s City Hostel London — London, England ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for: Budget travelers who want a well-located hostel in London
Generator London was fully booked, so I turned to Wombat’s: another award-winning global hostel chain (including “Best Hostel in London”). It checked all my boxes with a couple add-ons! This included free breakfast with unlimited coffee and tea, a bar serving grilled cheese (which unfortunately sold out my first night), and a location just a 10-minute walk from Tower Bridge.
Verdict: A fantastic alternative to Generator for London. Highly recommended.
6. Yellowsquare Hostel Rome — Rome, Italy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for: Social extroverts who want the best hostel experience in Rome
We’ve talked about best hostels in Europe, now let’s talk about the best hostel in ROME. This was, without a doubt, the best hostel I’ve ever stayed in, and Rome was my favorite city in all of Europe, so the two go hand in hand.
Yellowsquare is a smaller chain with locations in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Athens. I chose it over Generator Rome because it fit my budget better and had an unbeatable social atmosphere. Free pesto pasta is included (though honestly, eat the real stuff at a local restaurant). More importantly, they offer a pasta cooking class, bar parties, game nights, a glow-in-the-dark event, currency exchange, a city map, and even a hair salon.
The hostel is spread across two sides of the street: the main building plus an annex across the road with a coworking space, additional rooms, a bar, laundry, and an outdoor patio. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from Roma Termini, where you can catch the airport train.
I visited during the Jubilee Year, which made the guest mix especially diverse. I met travelers from England, Virginia, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, France, Brazil, and many more.
Verdict: The best hostel in Rome. Full stop. If you’re heading to Rome, book Yellowsquare.
Final Thoughts: Are Staying at Hostels in Europe Worth It for Solo Travelers?
Absolutely. Hostels are one of the best decisions a solo traveler can make — not just for the budget savings, but for the community. You may be traveling alone, but in a good hostel, you’ll never feel alone.
Europe is the ideal place to start your hostel journey. The continent is safe, and the hostel culture is well-established. Even better, options range from cozy boutique hostels to massive social hubs. Do your research, stick to your checklist, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
The world is big. Hostels make it smaller, in the best possible way.
Have you stayed at any of these hostels? Drop your experience in the comments below!
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