Cheap Hostels in Europe: Insider Tips to Save Big

Thinking of Backpacking Europe?

Don't let budget constraints hold you back. Let us give you inside tips and tricks on how to find and book the cheapest hostels across Europe. From budget-friendly platforms to booking strategies, we’ll also give you a list of cheap hostels in major cities throughout the continent for you to have an idea of just how far your budget can go.

Money-Saving Tips

• Stay Outside the City Center: While central locations are often more convenient, they’re also pricier. Instead, we recommend checking out neighborhoods further out and researching the local transport options and costs.
• Avoid Special Holidays and Festivals: Planning your trip around local holidays like Christmas or avoiding popular festivals can lead to significant savings. During these events, prices for accommodation and transport skyrocket due to high demand.
• Opt for Larger Dorm Rooms: Bigger dorms typically come with lower nightly rates, making them a great option for budget travelers.
• Consider Hostels with Kitchen Facilities: Hostels with kitchens let you save by cooking your own meals, especially in expensive tourist destinations.
• Choose Hostels with Free Activities: Many hostels organize free activities like city tours, pub crawls, or movie nights, saving on entertainment costs.
• Look for Hostels with Free Breakfast: Free breakfast can save you a few dollars each day, which adds up quickly over a longer trip.

Use Hostelz to Find the Cheapest Prices!

Hostelz helps you book the cheapest possible accommodation by:

• Comparing prices across multiple booking platforms like Booking.com and Hostelworld.
• Providing a transparent view of all available rates for the same hostel and dates.
• Ensuring you don’t overpay by highlighting the lowest price option.
• Helping you save up to 23.7% on your final rate, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

Hostelz Comparizon Tool

At Hostelz, we know how important it is for travelers to compare their options before booking. That’s why we created our comparison tool, which offers the following features:

• Compare up to three hostels side-by-side.
• Search for your destination and select the hostels that catch your eye.
• View amenities, prices, and location details all in one place.
• Quickly spot the best value for your budget and make an informed choice.

"Cheapest Hostels Around the World"

Our “Cheapest Hostels Around the World” series helps travelers find affordable options in cities worldwide by offering:

• Highlights of the cheapest hostels in each area.
• Live pricing for up-to-date cost comparisons.
• Details on facilities, amenities, and review scores.
• Direct booking links for convenience.
• Regular updates to ensure you always find the best deals.

These articles make budget travel planning easier by showing exactly what each hostel offers.

City-Specific Cheap Hostels

To help you get started with your search for cheap hostels in Europe, we've gathered a list of the most popular cities in the continent with each of their respective cheapest hostels. We have longer lists - and cover way more cities - so feel free to check them out if you need more options!

1. Barcelona: Safestay Passeig de Gràcia

Barcelona is a wild mix of Gothic beauty, brilliant street life, and seriously delicious food. But heads up – it’s no secret, and prices can bite.

Safestay Passeig de Gràcia: starting at $8.04 a night. Right on the grand boulevard, this hostel has a rooftop with sweeping city views, a social vibe that’s contagious, and very comfortable dorms.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld
• More options: 11 Cheapest Hostels in Barcelona

2. Rome: Friendship Palace

While Rome can be pricey, especially near major attractions, budget travelers can still find cheap hostels in this European city.

Friendship Palace: starting at just $10.73 a night. Close to Termini Station, its unbeatable location makes it a solid pick for budget travelers.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld
• More options: 13 Cheapest Hostels in Rome

3. Paris: Trendy Hostel

Paris might be famous for romance and art, but it’s also known for stretching your budget.

Trendy Hostel: starting at $12.38 a night. With a communal kitchen and lounge, it’s a chill spot for backpackers looking to save.

• Check prices: Hostelworld
• More options: 15 Cheapest Hostels in Paris

4. Prague: a&o Prague Rhea

Prague is where history meets a seriously good deal. Here, you get medieval beauty, wild nightlife, and budget-friendly everything.

a&o Prague Rhea: starting at $5.23 a night. Located in a quiet residential area, this hostel combines affordability and modern amenities.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld
• More options: 11 Cheapest Hostels in Prague

5. London: No. 8 Willesden Hostel

London might be pricey, but it doesn’t have to wreck your budget. You can still catch the sights, grab some fish and chips, and enjoy the city without spending a fortune.

No. 8 Willesden Hostel: starting at $6.79 a night. With a pub downstairs and a kitchen, this hostel offers an authentic and affordable London experience.

• Check prices: Hostelworld
• More options: 13 Cheapest Hostels in London

6. Amsterdam: Princess Hostel Leidse Square

Amsterdam is one of those cities that just pulls you in – canals, buzzing bike lanes, art, and a free-spirited vibe. But it’s also famous for being pricey.

Princess Hostel Leidse Square: starting at $10.13 a night. Its prime location makes it a budget-friendly favorite near bars, Vondelpark, and museums.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld
• More options: 15 Cheapest Hostels in Amsterdam

7. Berlin: Pegasus Hostel

Berlin’s a backpacker’s playground – gritty, artistic, and endlessly fascinating. The city’s got it all, from historical sites to underground clubs that go until dawn.

Pegasus Hostel: starting at $8.82 a night. Located in Friedrichshain, it’s perfect for budget travelers exploring Berlin’s vibrant scene.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld
• More options: 11 Cheapest Hostels in Berlin

8. Lisbon: Samps Hostel

Lisbon is a city with soul – from the maze-like alleys of Alfama to the stunning views from Miradouros, this place has character in spades.

Samps Hostel: starting at $6.16 a night. Located in the Arroios district, it’s a simple but affordable base to explore Lisbon.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld
• More options: 13 Cheapest Hostels in Lisbon

9. Athens: Antonio’s Hostel

Athens has this gritty charm that backpackers love – ruins meet graffiti-lined streets, and everywhere you go, there’s good food and good vibes.

Zeus Hostel: Starting at $5.45 a night. This one centrally located near major attractions like the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum. It offers both private and shared rooms, with amenities including free Wi-Fi in public areas, a 24-hour reception, and an on-site bar.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld
• More options: 15 Cheapest Hostels in Athens

10. Vienna: MEININGER Vienna Downtown Franz

Vienna is elegant and full of charm, but you don’t have to spend like royalty to experience it all.

MEININGER Vienna Downtown Franz: starting at $8.19 a night. Close to Vienna’s Old Town, this hostel combines affordability with convenience.

• Check prices: Hostelworld
• More options: 12 Cheapest Hostels in Vienna

11. Budapest: Unity Hostel @ Udvar(rom)

Budapest has that gritty, magical charm that draws in backpackers – a place where you can wander ancient castles by day and explore ruin bars by night.

Unity Hostel @ Udvar(rom): starting at $4.96 a night. With its unique location and quirky energy, it’s a favorite among budget travelers.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld
• More options: 11 Cheapest Hostels in Budapest