Hostels aren't run-down places like they used to be.
They are no longer places you want to escape to as soon as you set foot in them.
Youth hostels have become pleasant, trendy and stylish.
The competition means that they are more and more creative and offer more and more free services during the stay.
Here is a list of 20 cheap and cool hostels all over Europe where you will want to stay for several months!
Here is a vintage hostel you will love. It was built in an old mansion in downtown Budapest.
With a warm and cozy atmosphere, and a touch of old imperialism, Lavender Circus is the perfect hostel for couples looking for a romantic spot without spending a fortune.
Price: double room from €15 per night/person.
Location: city center, near Kálvin tér metro station
Equipment: Free WiFi, 24/7 reception, free towels, bed linen and hair dryer. Outdoor terrace, shared kitchen with free tea and coffee. Possibility of washing clothes.
Activities: close to the Hungarian National Museum, Budapest Castle, Parliament, Gresham Palace and the spectacular Andrássy Avenue.
Check out the hostel's website here.
Formerly, this hostel was a military prison from which no one could ever escape! Even worse than Alcatraz! It even seems that the building is haunted! You better be brave to wander the halls at night...
Are you ready to spend the night in an authentic prison bed and enjoy a typical prisoner meal? Be aware that visitors are required to sign a waiver to be treated like real prisoners and even insulted. Ah I forgot, be prepared to be punished with physical exercises if you behave inappropriately.
Price: 15 € per night/person.
Location: Karosta (the naval port) is located 5 km from the historic center of Liepāj.
Equipment: all the equipment you would expect to find in a real prison.
Activities: the historical visit of the prison and the museum is included in the price of the stay. Other nearby attractions:a large fortress and the Karosta canal, the military complex of Karosta, the cathedral of St. Nikolay, and the palace of the officers.
Check out the hostel's website here.
"Babushka" means "grandmother" in Ukrainian. Here we welcome you with all the love of a grandmother!
All rooms are decorated in the rustic style of yesteryear with ceiling chandeliers, floral wallpaper on the walls, gilded ceilings, red patterned carpets in an 18th century aristocratic style. There is even a fireplace available in the common areas.
Price: €7 for the dormitory per person and €11 per person for a private room.
Location: in the city center, close to all Odessa attractions. Located 15 minutes from the Arcadia district where there are all the beaches and nightclubs.
Equipment: air conditioning (it is very hot in Ukraine during the summer); reception open 24/7 so as not to be locked out, self-service washing machines, equipped kitchen with free tea and coffee, board games available.
Activities: close to the very lively Deribasivska street and the sumptuous Odessa Theater and Opera.
Check out the hostel's website here.
This youth hostel should seduce you with its charm! Either way, this is the one and only boutique hostel in Bosnia. You will feel at home as soon as you arrive!
Modern rooms with large pictures on the walls will surprise you. Everything is impeccable in this hostel, including the prices which are very low.
Price: €10 per bed in a dormitory and €16 for a private double room.
Location: city center on Jelića street a stone's throw from Ferhadija pedestrian street.
Equipment: 24/7 reception, free Wifi and self-service computers, free breakfast with self-service tea and coffee, self-service TV and board games.
Activities: located a few minutes from the old town, the famous district of Baščaršija and the Cathedral.
Check out the hostel's website here.
Did you like to play in treehouses when you were little? Or on the contrary would you have liked to have one? Either way, you'll love taking a siesta in these cabanas, which have splendid views of Olympos National Park and the beautiful beach just below.
Price: €12 for a bed in a 6-bed dorm or €22 for a private double room.
Location: in the very heart of the beautiful village of Olympos.
Equipment: Air conditioning, Wifi, hot shower 24/7, credit cards accepted, washing machines available, parking, safes, bar and restaurant.
Activities: Olympos National Park with the famous Mount in the background, a turquoise sea and a splendid sandy beach.
Check out the hostel's website here.
Vibrant, stylish and affordable, the Generator hostel is the perfect place for a bustling city like Barcelona.
Inside, it looks like the architects have managed to take the multitude of colors present in the city and put them all in the rooms.
Plus, there are bright, colorful lanterns everywhere and a large terrace with the best views in town. The party never stops here!
Price: dorms start at €12 per night and private rooms at €22.
Location: in the center of the elegant Gracia district, 5 min walk from the central Diagonal and Verdaguer metro stations.
Equipment: Free Wifi, events organized almost every week, washing machines and reception open 24/7.
Activities: Gaudi's House is in the same area, the hostel is near the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Las Rambas Street and the Pablo Picasso Museum.
Check out the hostel's website here.
No, staying in a real castle that is 800 years old is not going to ruin you! On the contrary, it is one of the most affordable accommodations in this beautiful part of England.
Of course, it is said that the castle is haunted and you will probably be told the story of the baby who cries during the night during your stay. All rooms are full of character with original stonework and Victorian period furniture.
Price: beds start at €24 and private rooms at €74 a night.
Location: in the center of the city of Lydney.
Equipment: Credit cards accepted, large park, bike rental, library, board games, kitchen available.
Activities: explore nearby Clearwell Cellar; lose yourself in Puzzlewood Forest with its many trails; go monkeying around in the nearby rope park or learn local history at the Dean Heritage Centre.
Check out the hostel's website here.
This eco farm located in the charming countryside of Saaremaa is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. You can taste the organic vegetables that are grown by the owners.
Animal lovers will be delighted to learn that there are 180 sheep and lambs on the farm, plus goats, rabbits, chickens and cats just waiting to play!
Price: bed and breakfast between 16 and 21 €
Location: municipality of Kärla, Saaremaa.
Equipment: children's play area with swings, trampoline, sandbox, petanque; bike rental; volleyball and basketball courts; fireplace in the common room.
Activities: the beautiful Lake Karujärv where you can camp, swim and fish is within walking distance; just 12 km from a beautiful sandy beach on the Baltic Sea coast; the Mihkli Farm museum 10 km away; Kuressaare Castle 23 km. The Vilsandi National Park 15 km away is an ideal place for bird watchers. The meteor craters at Kaali are 25 km away.
Check out the hostel's website here.
A very chic youth hostel located in the Latin Quarter, one of the most beautiful areas of Paris and also the most touristic. The 4-person dorms are bright and spacious.
The staff is very pleasant and ready to show you around and also show you the trendy places of the moment in Paris. Even though Paris is an expensive city to visit, you can still enjoy it by staying in this hostel with affordable prices.
Price: from €27 for a dormitory and €70 for a private room.
Location: located in the south of Paris, near lines 6 and 7 of the metro.
Equipment: 24/7 concierge, free breakfast, free WiFi, air conditioning. Possibility to leave your luggage during the day.
Activities: near the Sorbonne University, the Pantheon and the Jardin des Plantes. Easily accessible by metro:the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.
Check out the hostel's website here.
This hostel is a perfect example of Scandinavian design:simple and sophisticated at the same time. It was named the best hostel in Finland in 2013.
The decoration is original and modern. As for the reception, it is warm and pleasant. Reasonable prices, comfortable rooms and central location make this place a safe bet.
Price: €20 for a bed in a 16-person dormitory and €62 for a private room.
Location: the hostel is located near tulli university and 5 min from tampere metro station.
Equipment: Free wifi, bed linen, place to put your luggage, free tea and coffee, very pleasant relaxed atmosphere. You can also borrow a book or an umbrella in case of rain.
Activities: near Pyynikki Park, Observatory Tower, Tampere Cathedral and Lenin Museum.
Check out the hostel's website here.
Without a doubt, Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe for budget travellers. And this hostel is the perfect place to enjoy luxury service when you're on a tight budget. Located in the residence of a former Swiss ambassador, the place was created by 3 brothers for locals and travelers to meet.
The architecture is a very successful mix of modern and period. There are 11 comfortable dorms, and 4 private suites plus a rooftop terrace with great city views!
Price: from €11 for a dormitory to €85 for a suite.
Location: located between the districts of Principe Real and Bairro Alto and a few minutes from the Rossio train station.
Equipment: 24/7 reception, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, sun terrace.
Activities: on the other side of the road, there is a great viewpoint over the Tagus river. The hostel is near the city center and St. George's Castle as well as the Glória Funicular.
Check out the hostel's website here.
Do you want to party in Florence? We recommend this hostel which has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a sauna and a great terrace with a bar to party until late at night.
Obviously, it's not really the place to go if you want calm, but it's certainly the perfect place to meet nice people from all over the world.
The hostel offers stylish suites and mixed dorms for 4, 6 or 8 people just 10 minutes from the Duomo Cathedral.
Price: from €25 for a dormitory and €44 for a double room.
Location: 10 min walk from the train station and close to the city center.
Equipment: free indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas and Turkish baths (in winter), free Wifi, free bed linen, parking available.
Activities: a few blocks from the Duomo Cathedral, Piazzale Micehlagelo, the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria.
Check out the hostel's website here.
Once an Icelandic cookie factory, this building is now an eco-friendly hostel that mixes vintage industrial style with eclectic modern style.
The furniture here is entirely recycled and second-hand. But it's done with such taste that you would never have known it, if I hadn't told you.
The hostel's designer has spent months collecting objects from around the world. This hostel has quickly become a meeting point for both locals and travelers who take advantage of the bar and restaurant. There is even a barber and a gym.
Price: from €21 per dorm to €43 for a private room.
Location: in the center of Reykjavik with a view of Mount Esja across the bay.
Equipment: reception open 24/7, free WiFi, possibility to rent bicycles, parking available, board games and book exchange, lockers for luggage, bar, gym and barber.
Activities: the original Hallgrímskirkja church is a few blocks away. There are incredible panoramic views of Reykyavik. Have fun in the pools of Lagafellslaug in Mosfellsbaer and take a dip at the Grotta lighthouse.
Check out the hostel's website here.
Another perfect place for those who like to party! The owner loves to party in the hostel bar. And it's often unlimited beers and a vodka festival.
The local restaurant stays open until late for your little midnight craving. And to quote the staff, "Even the toilets are clean enough to sleep in!"
Price: 15 € for the dormitory.
Location: just 10 min from Stare Misto station, the oldest district of the city.
Equipment: reception open 24/7, free Wifi, bar and restaurant, outdoor terrace, access to dormitories by card, lockers available and many other things.
Activities: you can stroll through the historic center of Krakow and take a walk through the incredible Wawel Royal Castle as well as the cathedral located in the same area.
Check out the hostel's website here.
This hostel is the sexiest and craziest in Prague! It was voted "Best hostel in the Czech Republic" and ranked "6th best small hostel in the world" by the website Hostelworld!
This hostel is not only made for sleeping but it is also your home away from home where you are considered family.
All rooms are covered in bizarre graffiti by 2 artists from Montreal and Melbourne.
Price: from €16 for a dormitory.
Location: in the city center, near Národní třída which is on metro line B.
Equipment: Free WiFi, large common room with TV, lockers for luggage, hot showers and bed linen, kitchen available with free tea and coffee, events are organized on weekends.
Activities: close to the old town and the incredible astronomical clock, near Charles bridge and the historic district of Mala Strana.
Check out the hostel's website here.
This hostel is one of the top 3 best hostels in Eastern Europe selected by Hostel Bookers.
The staff will welcome you warmly even during the harsh Russian winter! Soul Kitchen is located in a 150-year-old neo-baroque building that is well worth a visit.
The owners have managed to preserve the 19th century wood oven, which is still in use today. And that's not all, the wooden floor is also vintage, as are the tiles.
Price: dorms start at €11, private rooms at €16.
Location: the hostel is located in the city center, just 2 min walk from Admiralteyskaya metro station.
Equipment: lockers for luggage, umbrellas available, communal kitchen with free tea and coffee at any time, board games, free WiFi and computers available.
Activities: 2 min from the magnificent cathedrals of St Isaac and Kazan. One block from the Hermitage.
Check out the hostel's website here.
Amsterdam is a capital that is not given! Luckily, here's a great modern hostel where you'll get what you pay for.
This hostel is located in the museum district and a few blocks from the best bars and nightclubs in town! The rooms are spacious and all have private toilets as well as beautiful reproductions of Van Gogh's paintings.
Price: dorms start at €20 and private rooms at €37.
Location: in the Museum Quarter with 3 of the most famous museums on your doorstep and 10 min from Central Station by public transport.
Equipment: 24/7 reception, free Wifi, free city tour, washing machines available, plus communal kitchen.
Activities: Leidesplein square is easily accessible on foot, as well as the P.C. Hooftstraat shopping street and the beautiful Vondelpark.
Check out the hostel's website here.
This spacious and trendy hostel, located in the city center, is perfect for exploring the most beautiful places in Belgrade. Prices are very affordable and quality rooms.
The common area is large and comfortable and the dorms are modern and very clean. You no longer have any excuses not to visit this city without blowing your budget.
Price: €8 for dorms and private rooms are €16 for two.
Location: in the city center and only 3 stops from the station or 20 min on foot.
Equipment: reception open 24/7, free bed linen and blankets, luggage lockers available.
Activities: just 5 min by public transport from Ada Ciganlija which is Belgrade's "beach" on the Sava river, and 10 min from Knez Mihajlova, which is the historic center and Skadarlija, which is Belgrade's sore district.
Check out the hostel's website here.
This hostel is actually located on 2 charming boats, docked on the stormy Lake Mälaren, in the heart of Stockholm.
The rooms may not be very spacious, but they are very well appointed, comfortable and with enough space for everyone. So, does it make you want to fall asleep watching the boats pass by your window?
Price: €35 for a 4-person dorm and €31 for a private room.
Location: just a few minutes from the old city center, and the metro station.
Equipment : reception open 24/7, credit cards accepted, free Wi-Fi, bike rental and parking available.
Activities: a few minutes from the trendy district of Södermalm; the Royal Palace of Stockholm is also very close as well as the Vasa Museum and the historic center of Gamla Stan.
Check out the hostel's website here.
This hostel is an amazing place where the worlds of music and travel collide. It is located in the old recording studio where The Cranberries, David Bowie, Def Leppard, Van Morrison and U2 recorded their hits.
The owner loves hosting artists for great concerts in the common area. The staff is very friendly and will give you lots of tips to make the most of your stay in Dublin without blowing your budget.
Price: from €26 for a dormitory to €42 for a private room.
Location: in Dublin city center and close to O'Connell Bridge.
Equipment: 24/7 reception, shared kitchen, free WiFi, board games and cable TV available, luggage lockers.
Activities: walking distance to O'Connell Street, Temple Bar, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Dublin's best pubs.
