For backpackers, where you stay can be just as memorable as where you go. The right hostel can mean much more than a cheap bed for the night: it can be a place to meet fellow travellers, swap stories, find travel companions and discover parts of a destination that you might otherwise miss. From tropical beaches to lively European cities, these six hostels offer something a little different for travellers who want to experience the world without spending a fortune.
Selina La Fortuna – Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a natural choice for adventurous backpackers, with rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls and beaches all competing for attention. Selina La Fortuna makes a useful base for exploring the Arenal region, particularly if you want to combine outdoor adventures with a sociable hostel atmosphere.
The area is known for activities ranging from hiking and zip-lining to rafting and hot springs. After a day outside, having somewhere relaxed to meet other travellers can be just as appealing as another organised excursion.
It is also the sort of destination where staying in a hostel can help with spontaneous travel plans. Someone you meet over breakfast may be heading to the same waterfall, national park or beach the following day.
Generator Barcelona – Spain
Barcelona has long been a favourite with younger travellers, and Generator Barcelona puts you right in the middle of the city’s energetic atmosphere. Located in the Gràcia area, the hostel provides a convenient starting point for exploring Gaudí’s architecture, the Gothic Quarter, markets, beaches and Barcelona’s famously late nightlife.
One of the advantages of a city hostel is flexibility. You can spend the morning exploring on foot, return for a rest during the hottest part of the afternoon and then head out again in the evening.
For solo travellers, hostels such as this can also make a large city feel considerably less daunting. Communal areas and organised activities create opportunities to meet people without having to make the first move in a crowded bar or restaurant.
Lub D Bangkok Siam – Thailand
Bangkok is a brilliant introduction to Southeast Asia, but its size and intensity can initially feel overwhelming. Lub D Bangkok Siam offers a central base from which to explore the city while still providing the social atmosphere that many backpackers look for.
Its location makes it particularly practical for exploring Bangkok’s shopping districts and attractions, while public transport makes it easier to venture further afield.
Bangkok is also one of those destinations where a hostel can become part of the travel experience itself. Conversations with other guests often lead to recommendations for street food stalls, markets and less obvious places to visit.
Mad Monkey Hostel – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh offers a very different experience from Cambodia’s better-known temple destinations, combining a fascinating history with busy streets, riverside views and an increasingly lively food and nightlife scene.
Mad Monkey is aimed firmly at the social backpacker. It is the kind of place where communal spaces and activities make meeting other travellers relatively effortless.
That can be particularly valuable when travelling alone. Backpacking does not necessarily mean travelling in isolation, and a sociable hostel can provide an instant temporary community.
Phnom Penh is also a useful stop for travellers putting together a wider Southeast Asian adventure, with Cambodia connecting naturally with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
The Independente Hostel & Suites – Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most popular city-break destinations, but it remains an excellent choice for backpackers who want character without necessarily paying hotel prices.
The Independente Hostel & Suites occupies a striking historic building overlooking the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint. Its location means you can easily reach many of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods on foot, while the surrounding area is full of cafés, bars and restaurants.
Lisbon itself works particularly well for independent travellers. You can spend a morning riding the city’s famous trams, explore Alfama’s narrow streets in the afternoon and finish the day with Portuguese food and music.
A hostel with plenty of character fits naturally into that sort of trip.
The Flying Pig Downtown – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is another city where a hostel can add considerably to the experience. The Flying Pig Downtown has developed a reputation among backpackers for its relaxed and social atmosphere, making it particularly appealing to younger travellers and solo visitors.
Being close to Amsterdam’s central attractions means you can explore much of the city without relying heavily on public transport. Museums, canals, cafés and historic streets are all within easy reach.
The biggest appeal, however, is arguably the people you meet. One of the pleasures of backpacking is that plans can change quickly. A quiet evening can turn into a group dinner, a cycling trip or a late-night exploration of the city simply because you started chatting to someone in the hostel.
What Makes A Great Backpacker Hostel?
The best hostels are not necessarily the cheapest. Location, cleanliness, security and atmosphere all matter, particularly if you are travelling alone.
It is also worth thinking about what kind of trip you want. A party hostel might be perfect for someone hoping to meet lots of people, but less appealing if you want an early night before a day of hiking. Likewise, a beautifully designed boutique hostel may suit a traveller looking for something quieter.
Ultimately, the best backpacker hostel is one that fits the way you travel. After all, the accommodation is only one part of the adventure – but the people you meet there can sometimes become one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
Featured image credit: by Doğukan Akbaş via Pexels.
