Long gone are the days when budget traveling meant sacrificing comfort. If you know where to go, it’s easy to enjoy an amazing city and cushy surroundings for affordable costs by staying in a hostel. In fact, the cities listed here are known to cater to backpackers and flashpackers (long-term backpackers) with their inexpensive yet appealing accommodations that will help you cut corners.
From private singles to 10-bed dormitories, hostels have options for every preference. Sure, the fully-equipped kitchens and bathrooms may be shared, but what was once considered bare-bones-style sleeping quarters are now extraordinary ways to travel solo or in a group, while expanding your social circle. This list is only the tip of the iceberg.
Lisbon, Portugal
As if its welcoming environment, old-European architecture and savory cuisine (and wine) weren’t enough, Lisbon is also home to some of the best bargain accommodations worldwide that will have you feeling at home. In fact, Home is the name of their most popular hostel. This 200-year old building offers spacious bedrooms with airy windows, a desirable location in the city’s historic center and the highly sought-after Mamma’s dinners, cooked by the hostel owner’s very own mother.
Torre de Belem in Lisbon , Portugal
Double Ensuite at Good Morning Hostel in Lisbon, Portugal | Image courtesy of Good Morning Hostel
A room at Good Morning Hostel in Lisbon, Portugal | Image courtesy of Good Morning Hostel
Have you never visited Portugal’s capital before? Allow the city’s hostels’ crews to show you around! Most of these locations also organize group walking tours and pub crawls.
Breakfast at Good Morning Hostel in Lisbon, Portugal | Image courtesy of Good Morning Hostel
Hostels: Goodmorning Lisbon Hostel; Home Lisbon Hostel; Yes! Lisbon Hostel; Lost Inn Lisbon
St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg, Russia certainly holds the intrigue of many as a place to visit, with its long history, gorgeous palaces and bright parks. The dollar to ruble conversion rate is pretty nice, too (at the time this was written, $1 equals 66.91 rubles).
Cathedral Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Russia
Soul Kitchen is hands down one of the best hostels in the city and the luxury suite is truly one of a kind. Forget the typical dormitory experience in this single room; the wooden bed, private shower and fireplace seem to be the epitome of comfort and romance. This is a great place for couples who are looking for a unique twist to their St. Petersburg hostel experience.
Kitchen and dining area at Soul Kitchen Hostel in St. Petersburg, Russia | Image courtesy of Soul Kitchen Hostel
Double Ensuite at Soul Kitchen Hostel in St. Petersburg, Russia | Image courtesy of Soul Kitchen Hostel
Lounge at Soul Kitchen Hostel in St. Petersburg, Russia | Image courtesy of Soul Kitchen Hostel
Hostels: Soul Kitchen Hostel; Red House; Old City
Taipei, Taiwan
If you’re looking to visit Asia, why not travel off the beaten path and visit Taiwan? The capital, Taipei, is ready for you. Not only are the signs oftentimes translated in English, but exploring the city is easygoing on the American dollar.
Jioufen village, Taipei, Taiwan
Image courtesy of Meander Hostel in Tapei, Taiwan
Image courtesy of Meander Hostel in Tapei, Taiwan
Night markets, the mixture of Chinese and Japanese culinary influences, and natural beauty are only a few reasons to visit. And don’t forget their many backpacker-friendly lodgings. Star hostel is a green, minimalist, and clean spot in the city center, but Meander is where to go if you want to feel the city’s heartbeat. It’s location is surrounded by shopping centers including markets, bars, and restaurants.
Image courtesy of Meander Hostel in Tapei, Taiwan
Hostels: Meander Hostel; Star Hostel; NK Hostel
Berlin, Germany
Progressive. Sustainable. Trendy. These words describe the top hostels in Berlin, as well as their vibrant city.
Berlin, aerial view
Circus Hostel in Berlin | Image courtesy of Circus Hostel
At EastSeven, enjoy a private garden, wooden decks, a BBQ area and hammocks. Circus is a bright, colorful spot located upstairs from their own microbrewery, and Generator Mitte is the place to go if artwork, including string sculptures, call your name.
Image courtesy of Generator Berlin Mitte
Image courtesy of Generator Berlin Mitte
Hostels: Circus Hostel; Generator Berlin Mitte; Plus Hostel; EastSeven Berlin Hostel
Cape Town, South Africa
The travelers have spoken, and some of the best hostels in the world are located in Cape Town, South Africa. Although it’s not like we needed yet another reason to visit; the inexpensive price tags, mountains, sea, exotic flora and unique fauna are all reasons in themselves.
Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa | Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile license
Entryway stairs at BIG Hostel in Cape Town, South Africa | Image courtesy of B.I.G. Hostel
B.I.G is an accommodating location that has been labeled one of the best hostels in the world. Are you someone who travels with your canine BFF? The good news is that B.I.G is pet-friendly. It also has a pool, garden, and South African-style BBQ areas called Braai.
Private Room at BIG Hostel in Cape Town, South Africa | Image courtesy of B.I.G. Hostel
The Backpacker and Amber Tree Lodge also offer gorgeous rooms, many amenities and luxurious furnishings that have earned them both much recognition.
Hostels: B.I.G. Backpackers in Green Point; The Backpacker; Amber Tree Lodge
Queenstown, New Zealand
This is a destination for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. Hiking, bungee jumping, jet boating, paragliding, and skiing are just a couple of activities that draw people to the land under ‘The Land Down Under’.
Bungee in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visitors in Queenstown Mall | MJ Prototype / Shutterstock.com
Adventure Hostel is a small to medium-sized lodging that is located centrally and offers a number of pre-organized nightly activities, water and ski gear rentals, storage for your personal gear, and a heating/cooling system in each room to keep you comfortable regardless of the season.
Lounge at Adventure Hostel in Queenstown, New Zealand | Image courtesy of Adventure Hostel Queenstown
Kitchen in Absoloot Value Accommodation, New Zealand | Image courtesy of Absoloot Value Accommodation
Lounge in Absoloot Value Accommodation, New Zealand | Image courtesy of Absoloot Value Accommodation
Absoloot Value seems to stand up to its name with a number of raving reviews, while Nomads Hostel is a location that may tempt you to stay put for a while. In fact, the perks of Nomads include both mountain and lake views, a cinema, sauna, fireplace in the lounge and ski gear storage.
Room in Nomads Hostel in Queenstown, New Zealand | Image courtesy of Nomads Hostel
Exterior of Nomads Hostel in Queenstown, New Zealand | Image courtesy of Nomads Hostel
Hostels: Absoloot Value Accommodation; Nomads Queenstown; Adventure Queenstown Hostel
Barcelona, Spain
In true Barcelona-fashion, these hostels have something for everyone. A few are located in the middle of the city, neighboring shopping centers and nightlife, while others are located in quieter neighborhoods. These accommodations cater to the reasons why tourists visit this popular Spanish city, like eye-popping buildings, lively party scenes and the sun-soaked Barceloneta beach.
Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona, Spain Sergey Kelin / Shutterstock.com
Image courtesy of Sant Jordi Hostel, Barcelona, Spain
Image courtesy of Sant Jordi Hostel, Barcelona, Spain
Image courtesy of Sant Jordi Hostel, Barcelona, Spain
Sant Jordi is one designer hostel which attracts the party-minded, complete with a roof-top pool and club themed common areas. Conversely, Mediterranean Hostel is in the middle of a residential neighborhood, where guests can enjoy their afternoon siesta in peace. Expect eclectic artwork, modern or bohemian furnishings (depending on the location), and engaging staff who are excited to show you their lovely city.
Hostels: Sant Jordi Hostel, Rock Palace; Hostel One Paralelo; Mediterranean Hostel; Casa Gracia; Saint Christopher’s Inn, Barcelona
*A major resource for finding quality hostels worldwide is HostelWorld, a website that connects you to thousands of properties in over 170 countries with the click of a button. Their Hoscars page (a tribute to the top picks for a range of superlatives) showcases customer favorites, from year to year.
