Here is a comprehensive list of all hostels that I’ve stayed at, and whether or not you should stay at them.

If you’re looking to book any of these, I recommend booking through Hostelworld. It’s a great website with all the information you’ll need, and from what I’ve heard they usually have better rates than booking in-person upon arrival.

I’ll try to keep this list updated as I continue my hostel travels!

Austria

Vienna

JO&JOE Vienna

Very nice hostel interestingly situated above an Ikea. The staff is super friendly, and there is almost always something going on in the lobby/lounge area where you can meet and hang out with other travelers. The rooftop has an incredible view of the city and is a great place to sit and have a beer.

Germany

Cologne

Station Hostel for Backpackers

Can’t say I recommend this one, but from what I remember Cologne doesn’t have a huge variety of hostels to choose from. The bathrooms on every floor (I checked) reek of urine, and sometimes even the hallways do too. There’s not much of a lounge, and if you do want to sit in the bar area on the bottom floor you have to buy something. From my experience they’re also pretty disorganized, since it was only after my second new bed arrangement that I didn’t find someone else in the bed I was assigned.

This is also a general warning for staying in Germany during the summertime: they normally do not use air conditioning, so if you enjoy even an inkling of comfort at night then I recommend either bringing a fan or avoiding Germany at all. That, or I suggest you pray to God for a nightly breeze and a bed next to the window.

Stuttgart

A&O Stuttgart City

I’m not sure if this is still open, since last I checked it had turned into a shelter for Ukrainian refugees. However, when I was there it was quite nice, clean and within walking distance of the city center. I also don’t think Stuttgart gets a whole lot of tourist activity, so it’s usually pretty quiet at this hostel.

MS Hostel ALEX 30 UG

Can’t say I recommend this one. From what I remember it was pretty cramped and in a not-so-pleasant location, and not the cleanest. This isn’t the type of hostel where you enjoy hanging out, it’s more like you sleep and you leave. It’s also an older crowd, from what I can remember.

Hungary

Budapest

The Hive Party Hostel Budapest

I highly recommend this if you’re ~35 years old or younger and like to party. There is always something to do, and the nightlife in Budapest is incredible. The rooms are also super clean and spacious, and the staff is very friendly. It’s also very easy to meet and make friends with other travelers.

If you don’t plan on partying 80% of the time you’re in Budapest, then I recommend staying at Maverick Urban Lodge, which is close by and from what I’ve heard it’s very nice. Because if you don’t plan on going to bed at least mildly intoxicated, then you’ll have quite a hard time sleeping at The Hive seeing as there are bars on the top and bottom floor of the hostel.

Ireland

Dublin

Clink i Lar

Very nice hostel situated within a five minute walk of the temple bars. Many good restaurants nearby, especially the bagel spot right around the corner. The rooms are nice, the bunks have curtains, and the bathrooms and showers seem to be cleaned daily. The showers are also their own lockable rooms which is nice although it is a tight fit.

The lounge spans two floors with tons of space and seating, and there’s a bar next to the front desk (to enjoy a lovely Guinness upon arrival). They also have a security guard at the door starting in the evening, so that was a nice added sense of security.

Italy

Milan

MEININGER Milano Lambrate

I must confess I don’t remember much about this hostel, and what I do remember may be tainted by my overall negative experience in Milan.

The room I stayed in had four twin-sized beds which was nice, and the hostel overall was pretty clean.

The area, however, is not the nicest. The train station nearby and the surrounding area was pretty trashed, with lots of broken glass, graffiti and overall not very welcoming conditions.

Rome

New Generation Hostel Rome Center

Super nice hostel with spacious rooms and friendly staff. Good centralized location with many restaurants nearby, and my room had a great view over the rooftops. The beds are extremely comfortable and the rooms are super clean.

Scotland

Edinburgh

Castle Rock Hostel

This is easily my favorite hostel I’ve ever stayed at. It’s in a great central location, with super friendly staff and tons and tons of character. It’s medieval themed, from the interior of the hostel to the names of the rooms and even bunks. There are travelers of all ages, and always a fun and friendly environment. The lounge is a great place to hang out and meet other friendly travelers, and the hostel is always kept very clean.

The hostel also has deals with restaurants and pubs in the area where you’ll get (I think) 15% off. Absolutely no complaints with this one.

Spain

Barcelona

St. Christopher’s Barcelona

Very clean rooms and overall in very good condition. It’s in a good area, with numerous restaurants and bakeries very close by. There’s a bar/restaurant on the bottom floor and a nice lounge area, and the bathrooms are normally pretty clean.

Madrid

The Hat

The Hat is a nice hostel only a block or two from Plaza Mayor. It was very clean when I was here, and the bunk beds are comfortable. There aren’t any curtains over the beds though, so keep that in mind. My room had a nice view overlooking the street below, and the hostel offers free walking tours which were very interesting and informational.

Switzerland

Zurich

Zurich Youth Hostel

Nice and cozy bunkbed dorms with lots of open floor space. The breakfast here is pretty good, and there’s a very spacious lounge area. The only downside (from what I can remember) is that there wasn’t any curtains for the bunks, but the other travelers in my room were pretty friendly so I didn’t worry too much.

It is a bit of a walk from the city center though, but otherwise very nice.

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Good luck and stay safe on your hostel travels! It can be a gamble sometimes, but the vast majority of the hostels I’ve stayed at have been great places that I’d return stay at again if I could. Have fun and remember ear plugs!