Staying in Hostels in Europe | All You Need to Know!

In Europe, you can find approximately 10,000 different hostels. 

Staying in hostels is one of the best methods to meet many exotic people worldwide with diverse backgrounds and cultures. The target audience for those choosing to stay in hostels is usually backpackers. However, you’ll meet like-minded travellers of all ages. Nevertheless, some hostels in Europe do have an age limit. 

Here are some useful tips to make your stay more enjoyable in hostels.

What it’s actually like in a hostel? 

Hostels are lower-priced accommodations that offer gender-mixed shared dorms, typically with separated beds or bunk beds. You’ll also find private rooms, female dorms and male dorms. It’s up to you which to choose. A communal kitchen is usually available, where you can cook your meals, a lounge area or garden where you can chill out, and shared bathrooms and shower spaces. 

Bathrooms in hostels are shared, especially if you’re staying in a shared dorm. Sometimes, you find a private bathroom in private rooms, but it’s uncommon.

How do you decide which room to choose? 

As we already mentioned, hostels offer a variety of rooms to choose from.

Shared Dorms  

If you travel solo, we recommend you stay in a shared dorm as it’s an easy way to make new friends and still make your money last longer. Mixed dorms are perfect for anyone who wants to meet people. It’s a fun experience.

Mixed Dorms vs Private Rooms  

For couples, sharing a bed in a shared dormitory is not permitted, leaving you with two alternatives. Either stay in a mixed dorm, like everyone else, on a single bed or bunk bed, or you can stay in a private room where you’ll have all the privacy you want. 

In our case, we stay in mixed dorms as we always travel on a budget. On the other hand, there were moments like when we stayed in our favourite hostel in Montenegro, we preferred to stay in a private room, especially when we needed to rest well after a long time travelling.

Sometimes, we stayed in a private room as we found better deals than staying in a shared dorm.

Female/Male Only Dorms  

Solo female or male travellers who prefer not to sleep in a gender-mixed shared dormitory can opt for a dorm designated exclusively for females or males. These sometimes cost slightly more than the gender-mixed dorms.

When staying in hostels, choose whichever dorm you feel most comfortable in as long as you make your stay fun!

What are the facilities in a hostel?  

1. Free WiFi is offered throughout any hostel in Europe. 

2. Some hostels offer breakfast or teas, coffee and snacks for free.

3. Many hostels provide bar service, typically located in the lounge or kitchen area.

4. Laundry service is offered in most hostels at a small extra charge. 

5. You’ll find a charging port and light beside your bed.

6. Towels aren’t always offered for free. Sometimes you have to pay a small charge. We recommend you take a microfiber towel with you to avoid extra charges.

7. Most hostels offer Free games and events with the hostel staff.

How do you get along in hostels?

Getting along with other travellers in hostels is super duper easy! All you have to do is talk! Remember that all people who stay in hostels have something in common. 

Starting a chat with a simple “Your first time in this hostel?” or “What are you up to today? Anything fun?” can lead to engaging and lengthy conversations with random individuals. Interestingly, you might find the last thing you ask is the other person’s name!

Are hostels safe to stay in?  

Yes! Staying in hostels is positively safe. Theft rarely happens as most travellers are mostly backpackers with the same matters. All hostels have lockers where you can safely secure your valuable belongings there. We always recommend you take a padlock with you. 

When using the showers, it’s important not to leave your shampoo, conditioner or shower gel in the bathroom once ready, as you’ll quickly find it empty by the evening.

People use whatever is left behind in the bathrooms. Let’s be honest sometimes, even we do that! Don’t leave anything running around on your bed when leaving the hostel; be responsible and keep an eye on your things.

How long should you stay in a hostel?  

While many hostels allow extended stays, certain European ones may have time limits. Despite the enjoyable atmosphere of hostels, it’s crucial to remember your initial travel purpose – exploring the world. Resist spending too much time in one place; venture out and embrace new adventures!

How much do hostels cost?  

Hostel prices in Europe vary, depending on destination, location and amenities. Typically, you can expect to spend between €8 to €35 per night. It can be a bit less or a bit more.

How can you book a hostel?  

There are various ways to book a hostel. Usually, we book directly with the hostel or through Hostelworld. You can also book through Booking.com and Airbnb. 

Before confirming your booking, always research and choose the ideal one.

Be Considerate 

When staying in hostels, be considerate to others. Remember, you aren’t alone! Hostels are shared accommodations with different people. Everybody deserves to be respected!

Helpful TO-DO list in hostels  

Ask for permission when you want to use something which isn’t yours, even if it’s an opened packet of pasta in the kitchen.

Pack the night before you leave the hostel to avoid waking the other travellers early in the morning with your vibrant packing sounds.

Arrive on time at the hostel. Whether it’s your check-in or you’re back after a night out, if there are time rules, obey them!

Clean up after yourself. Anyone using the kitchen or the bathroom after you wants to find it clean. It’s no big deal, right?

Share your stuff with other travellers. People would appreciate you more! Not only by sharing some food or shampoos but even by sharing some appropriate information.

Helpful DON’T do list in hostels  

Never keep the music loud. If you want to listen to your favourite band, wear headphones. Remember, other travellers sharing the same dorm with you might want to sleep.

 If you’re not planning to get out of bed before 8 a.m don’t set your alarm at 5 a.m.! Avoid snoozing your alarm. That sound can be utterly annoying in the morning.

If the hostel is fully packed don’t stay too long in the shower. Everyone wants hot water, so be thoughtful.  

Avoid sleeping or moving around the hostel in your underwear, or worse, naked. That’s way off! It happened to us in a hostel in Slovenia, so we know the awkwardness. Wear clothes you are most comfortable walking in, so if you need to use the bathroom or visit the kitchen, you don’t have to change constantly.

Extra helpful tips when staying in hostels in Europe  

Bring flip-flops  

You’ll be sharing the bathrooms. Bluntly speaking, bathroom cleanliness isn’t an issue, but wearing flip-flops in the shower is always safer.

Bring Earplugs & Eye Mask

Not everyone wants to sleep at 10 p.m. There might be people entering the dorm at 4 a.m. after a night out and will switch the lights on. Others want to stay chatting together, and someone might be the worst snorer!

TIP: Keep the earplugs and eye mask handy! Don’t pack them in the bottom of your backpack because you’ll end up like Steff, searching for them in the middle of the night, and you’ll ruin your sleep.

Tag your food in the fridge 

Usually, in hostels, everyone writes his name on his food. Nameless food means it’s for everyone.

Bring a padlock   

Not all hostels give you a padlock for the lockers. 

Express friendliness 

A simple smile can mean the world to a person. You never know what others are going through. Even though travelling means happiness, a person still can feel down sometimes. Remember, a smile is contagious!

If this is your first time staying in hostels in Europe, we hope you got inspired by our information. Staying in hostels is a beautiful experience where you don’t just enjoy your time but also learn new things from other travellers you’ll meet.

Fearless and explore the world, starting by staying in hostels in Europe!

Have you ever stayed in a hostel in Europe? How was your experience?

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