Europe is a continent that promises the world and delivers even more. Given that navigating the maze of magical countries can be an expensive experience, hostels provide the perfect option for travelers on a budget and thankfully there is an ever-expanding list of uniquely beautiful locations that won't lighten the wallet too much.

A great way to make new friends while discovering the hidden delights of the surrounding city, the best hostels have friendly and knowledgeable staff on hand 24 hours a day to make sure every visit reaches its full potential. Hostels help to unfold the history and joy of the cities they inhabit and here are 10 of the best around Europe worth the journey.

10 The Flying Pig, Amsterdam

A great hostel in a city of great hostels, The Flying Pig takes the fun-loving atmosphere Amsterdam is known for and brings raises it to another level. The relaxed bar fills up every night with travelers from all over the world and is an excellent place to meet new friends or reminisce with long-time companions.

The staff here combine to create a remarkable experience, always happy to share their local knowledge and join the party. The amenities are clean and well-maintained while the beds are surprisingly comfortable for the price tag and will have every guest refreshed and ready to cover the entire city map every day.

9 The Yellow, Rome

This lively hostel does much more than simply rely on its amazing location to wow all who choose to inhabit its walls. Just a short walk from the Colosseum and Piazza Navona, The Yellow shines brightly in the shadow of Roman history and is the perfect launching point to explore an ancient city.

A party hotspot, the Yellow has no common area other than the bar, meaning it is a hub of activity for boisterous travelers of every nationality. Thankfully the dorms are fairly well separated from the noise so sleeping isn’t as difficult as it can be in some other hostels. Don’t forget to ask about the first-rate walking tours available at reception, there are not many better ways to spend the day. 

8 The Three Ducks, Paris

Perfect for those with the very specific desire of inhabiting a historically protected 18th-century coach inn, the Three Ducks is the oldest private hostel in France. Sporting a reputation as one of the most festive and friendly lodging options in the capital, this wonderful spot has everything any traveler could ever need.

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Collect your free city map on arrival, devour a free breakfast each morning, place your valuables in the free safe and connect to the free wifi before making use of the staff’s limitless knowledge in advance of taking to the city of love in earnest.

7 Lavender Circus, Budapest

A boutique hostel resting in the center of Budapest, the Lavender Circus is an elegant 19th-century residence that feels like stepping into the home of an eccentric time-traveler from an adventure novel. Immaculate vintage furniture takes pride of place in every room and draws weary wanderers into their embrace at all hours of the day.

The price tag for such grandiosity will amaze even the most thrifty traveler, coming in at around $16 USD per night. This even includes an invitation to the lavish Hungarian dinner parties regularly thrown by the staff and designed to encourage mingling amongst the guests.

6 Soul Kitchen Hostel, St Petersburg

Teetering on the edge of a beautiful canal and within shouting distance of the Hermitage and St Isaacs Catherdral, Soul Kitchen Hostel leaves nothing to chance. Every inch is made up of personal touches and ingenious ideas that make every visitor feel special.

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Early risers can take advantage of complimentary coffee served alongside a slice of homemade apple pie that tastes of happiness and adventure. The kind staff are also always happy to show you to the local flea markets and even hit the town with you once the sun goes down.

5 Sir Toby’s Hostel, Prague

The mission at Sir Toby’s is a simple one: Make every single guest feel loved and at home. As it stands, this is an assignment that ends in success every single day of the year.

Before tackling the historic beauty of Prague, residents can create a feast using the courtyard BBQ, dive into a huge collection of board games in the common room or descend to the cellar pub for a beer served beside a handmade crepe. When ready to head into the great outdoors, there is no one more knowledgeable than the staff here so make use of their passion when deciding on the perfect way to spend the day.

4 The Dictionary Hostel, London

Calling the capital’s coolest corner home, the Dictionary Hostel in Shoreditch blends perfectly with the area’s funky, welcoming culture. The front door is in touching distance of the High Street which grants access to the best pubs, clubs and shopping spots in London but the hostel also has its own bar if the short walk is all too much after a day’s exploring.

The building itself is a converted Victorian-era warehouse that still exudes an exciting history while featuring the latest amenities the modern traveler has come to expect. There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe how perfect this hostel is.

3 Fair And Square Hostel, Belgrade

The 2015 grand opening of this gorgeous hostel had a four-month delay thanks to its classic beauty drawing interest from an international television show that ended up booking the entire place as a filming location. It is no surprise either given just how perfect the Fair and Square is.

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Drawing on the principles of industrial design, the wide-open spaces and classy furnishings have quickly turned the hostel into one of the most popular in Belgrade. No traveler will ever be lonely here thanks to a revolving door of interesting guests unpacking their tales from the road, often in the beautiful garden that defines the relaxing environment the Fair and Square is so proud of.

2 STF At Chapman & Skeppsholmen, Stockholm

Docked alongside the stunning Skeppsholmen Island in Stockholm, this hostel has the unique distinction of being a genuine sailing ship. Rooms give guests the unusual option of curling up in a comfortable bed while peering through a porthole at the Old Town and Royal Palace.

Not many hostel visits feature evenings reclining aboard a meticulously maintained ship’s deck with a sunset unfolding across the horizon but this one certainly does. Enjoy a delicious, local breakfast each morning and of course disembark each day to explore the surrounding area before dropping anchor back at this ideal location.

1 Castle Rock Hostel, Edinburgh

A reason to visit the Scottish capital all its own, the Castle Rock Hostel rests to the side of the iconic Royal Mile and grants views of the imposing Edinburgh Castle from some select rooms.

Filled with local and international art, a stunning grand piano and the memories of adventures past, the Castle Rock is perfect for meeting new friends before venturing out into the storied streets to explore one of the world’s most remarkable cities. There is no better location to lay your head in all of Scotland so stumble into the Castle Rock after toasting to the joys of life with a few whiskeys at one of the nearby pubs and be thankful you came.

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