Hostels of the World

“Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.” And nowhere is that truer than in Africa. From the peaks of Kilimanjaro to the pyramids of Giza, this vast land offers a world of contrasts.

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: Trek through Uganda’s jungles, or cross the golden dunes of Namibia—each journey offers a fresh perspective on this ancient continent.
• Wildlife: Whether watching gorillas in Rwanda, witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, or spotting lemurs found only in Madagascar, Africa’s wildlife offers some of the world’s most unique encounters.
• Diversity: It has 55 countries, with over 2,000 spoken languages.

Hostels stretch from Morocco’s souks to the game reserves of South Africa, catering to adventurous, independent travelers who value essentials over extravagance. Think affordable and immersive experiences, whether it’s walking alongside elephants, hiking with local guides who know the land like their backyard, or discovering unique flavors throughout its cities.

Vast deserts, crystal-clear reefs, and rich traditions — Oceania is where nature’s extremes collide. This is a land that feels both wild and welcoming, ancient yet alive with new adventures.

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: Discover the red sands of Uluru, snorkel the reefs of Fiji, or trek New Zealand’s dramatic fjords.
• Wildlife: Meet animals that don’t exist anywhere else. Kangaroos, koalas, and even monotremes (egg-laying mammals) call this region home.
• Culture: Oceania is home to some of the world’s oldest cultures, from the Aboriginal heritage in Australia to Polynesian traditions across the islands.

You’ll find hostels under the stars in the Outback, surf hostels along Australia’s eastern coast, and modern ones in New Zealand where you’re always near a national park or trailhead. In Fiji and Tahiti, beach hostels make it easy to dive into aquamarine waters at dawn...

Where else can you experience both mountainous skyscrapers and quiet temples, often just blocks apart? 

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: From Mongolia’s Gobi Desert to China’s rainbow-hued Danxia landforms—here, landscapes are otherworldly.
• Tea Culture: China is famous for its green and oolong teas, while Japan has its intricate tea ceremonies. While Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan favor stronger black tea, often served with sweets.
• Food: This region’s food scene is unmatched, and its street markets are a food lover’s dream.
• History: The area is filled with remnants of empires and trade routes.

Hostels in Central and East Asia are experiences in themselves. Relax in a Japanese ryokan-style hostel or spend the night in a cozy Mongolian yurt beneath a sky filled with stars. 

Some of the best stories begin with a backpack, a sense of adventure, and a map of Central and South America.

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: Hike through the cloud forests of Costa Rica, kayak across Guatemala’s volcanic Lake Atitlán, or trek the vast, rainbow-colored hills of Peru’s Vinicunca.
• Culture: Whether it’s the street parades of Brazil’s Carnival or the traditional Incan festivals in the Andes, each country is filled with celebrations rooted in deep cultural heritage and community.
• Wildlife: Spot sloths in Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park, swim with sea turtles off the coast of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, or catch sight of the Amazon’s pink river dolphins.
• Flavors: From Peruvian ceviche to Colombian coffee served just how locals like it, the flavors of Central and South America are endlessly inviting.

Hostels in Central and South America provide unique, budget-friendly stays that put you in the heart of the action. They offer affordable lodging with an inviting atmosphere—perfect for solo travelers, digital nomads, and anyone craving adventure.

Imagine sipping mulled wine in a medieval square while snowflakes dance around you in the winter, with the smell of roasted chestnuts nearby. 

Continental Curiosities:

• Flavors: Indulge in hearty borscht from Ukraine, try the sweet pastries of Hungary, or enjoy the famous kielbasa in Poland. Each dish tells a story of the land and its people.
• Landscapes: Hike the dramatic cliffs of the Carpathians, stroll through the picturesque vineyards of Hungary, or explore the pristine lakes of Slovenia.
• Festivals: In Bulgaria, during the Rose Festival, locals celebrate the rose harvest with colorful parades and folk dances. In Hungary, the Busójárás festival marks the end of winter with a display of masks, music, and traditional costumes. Slovakia's Vynobranie Wine Festival has locals gather to taste regional wines.

You’ll find a diversity of hostels in the heart of the region’s various cities. Some overlook rivers, while others are nestled near valleys and mountains.

These are places where culture, flavor, and natural beauty intertwine, creating an unforgettable spice.

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: From the cliffs of Acapulco to the beaches of the Bahamas, you’ll probably want to stay here forever.
• Wildlife: Swim with dolphins in Cancun, befriend marine life in the reefs of Cozumel, or take a boat trip to see the iguanas of the British Virgin Islands.
• Culture: Celebrate with locals during Mexico’s Day of the Dead, where altars decorated with marigolds and sugar skulls tell stories of loved ones. Experience the electrifying energy of a Carnival parade in Barbados, where music, dance, and joy fill the streets.
• Flavors: Savor the zesty tang of fresh ceviche in coastal towns, indulge in spicy mole from Oaxaca, or sip on a refreshing rum punch as you relax on the beach.

Hostels in Mexico and the Caribbean cater to adventurous backpackers who are looking for both a sense of comfort and community. However, keep in mind that not all destinations in this region have hostels. It’s wise to verify availability before you plan your trip, especially since many places in the Caribbean can be pricey.

One moment, you're savoring a bowl of fragrant saffron-infused rice in a market in Dubai, surrounded by the modern skyline's glimmering lights. The next, you're captivated by the ruins of Petra, with its rose-red façades.

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: Trek the dunes of the Arabian Desert in Oman, wander through the canyons of Wadi Shab, relax on the inviting beaches of Batroun, or take in the dramatic cliffs of Musandam, often referred to as the "Norway of Arabia."
• Culture: Experience the traditions of Ramadan in the UAE, indulge in rich Turkish coffee served with delight, or dance the night away at a music festival in Beirut—every experience adds to the region's charm.
• Culinary Delights: Savor mouthwatering shawarma, try the sweet delicacies of baklava, or sip on fragrant mint tea.
• Persian Gulf Pearl Diving: The pearling industry was once the backbone of many Gulf economies, particularly in Bahrain and Qatar, long before oil was discovered.
• Cultural Melting Pot: From the Kurds to the Druze, the region's over 300 ethnic groups enrich its traditions and festivals.

Hostels in the Middle East provide a way for you to affordably explore the region, especially the cities that tend to come with heftier price tags. We recommend spending extra time to understand the cultural conduct here, as customs may differ significantly from Western norms.

Don’t let the size of the list fool you; Canada and the USA are BIG! Vast mountains, sprawling forests, and stunning cities — North America is a land of breathtaking beauty. 

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: From the fjords of British Columbia to the sun-soaked beaches of California, the natural beauty here will leave you in awe.
• Wildlife: Get up close with grizzly bears in Alaska, spot moose roaming the forests of Canada, or observe the colorful birdlife in Florida's Everglades.
• Culture: From Indigenous traditions in Canada to the eclectic music and food scenes in Nashville and Montreal. Don’t miss the historic charm of Colonial Williamsburg or the awesome vibes of Brooklyn.

While hostels in the USA and Canada might be a bit pricier, they boast impressive designs, cool social spaces, and prime locations. 

With over 30% of the world’s population living in this region, it’s no surprise that backpackers flock here, drawn by the promise of adventure.

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: Whether it’s the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan or the crystal-clear waters of the Philippines.
• Culinary Wonders: Feast on fragrant curries in Sri Lanka, savor street food in Bangkok, or indulge in the fresh seafood of Vietnam. Each dish has flavors that linger long after the last bite.
• Wildlife: Encounter elephants in Thailand, spot orangutans in Borneo, or go snorkeling with colorful marine life in Indonesia. The biodiversity here is astonishing.

Hostels in South and Southeast Asia cater to every kind of traveler, from budget backpackers to adventurous souls—even those looking for more luxury in communal settings. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—four countries, each with its unique quirks and traditions! For such a small landmass, it’s quite incredible how different each small area is.

Continental Curiosities:

• Landscapes: Explore the coastlines of Wales, stroll through the countryside of the Cotswolds, or trek the dramatic hills of Scotland’s Isle of Skye.
• Cultural Richness: Experience the atmosphere of a traditional Irish music session in Dublin, delve into the history of the Tower of London, or enjoy a festival in Edinburgh.
• Flavors: Savor fish and chips in a local pub, or wake up with a traditional full English breakfast...
• Wildlife: Spot puffins on the cliffs of Northern Ireland, search for the elusive red deer in the Scottish Highlands, or take a boat trip to see seals basking on the shores of the Isle of Skye.

Hostels in this part of the region are affordable(ish) and largely basic. The Youth Hostels Association (YHA) has a strong presence nationwide, offering a great variety of options. While many hostels are basic, the best ones can be found in the larger cities.

Hostels in Europe are one of the best ways to explore the continent’s many countries and cultures. In every major city, you’ll discover a myriad of amazing options just waiting for you…

(Fun) Continental Curiosities:

• Europe is home to the world’s smallest country: The Vatican City.
• ¾ of the world’s potatoes come from Europe.
• Norway has the longest coastline in Europe.
• It’s illegal in Switzerland to mow your lawns on Sundays!

Europe isn’t just rich in history; it’s also a hub for hostel culture. From boutique hostels in Paris to sunny beach hostels in Spain, and from surf retreats in Portugal to cozy backpacker havens in Albania, there’s something for everyone.

On Hostelz.com, you can find every single hostel in Europe (and worldwide)!