My Favorite Hostels in the World
I’m often asked how I afford to travel so much, and the a lot of that answer is in the budget saving hostel. You can find a clean, social and we’ll located hostel for whatever you want or need.
In the last 15 years of travelling I’ve also seen hostels go far beyond fulfilling the basic cheap stay criteria – looking at you Asia! – often beautifully designed, offering everything from fantastic food to rooftop swimming pools to budget tour services.
Read ahead for my favourite hostels in the world!
The America’s
Canada
HI Ottawa Jail Hostel (Ottawa, Canada)
An unforgettable Ottawa stay in an actual prison cell! Stay if only for that (slightly creepy) late night walk down the cell corridor to your own personal cell, or group cell (boards are put for privacy). The hostel also provides tours of the jail for those who want to know more about the history. The location is near downtown and walking distance to Rideau Canal, Byward Market, Ottawa Art Gallery, and the Parliament Building.
Book here: HI Ottawa Jail Hostel
United States
Green Tortoise (San Francisco, USA)
In a fantastic location at the top of Chinatown – walking distance to Coit Tower (the Fireman’s monument), Fisherman’s Wharf to get In-N-Out Burger and catch trip to Alcatraz (take their fantastic audio tour featuring former inmates), Lombard Street, Little Italy, and more. The hostel comes complete with a ballroom like common area – where they provide free breakfasts and dinners – and a free sauna. Don’t miss the blues bar The Saloon around the corner, the oldest bar in San Francisco.
Book here: Green Tortoise Hostel
Asia
Cambodia
Onederz Hostel (Siem Reap, Cambodia)
A high standard and impeccably clean hostel with a beautiful common area, good food (in hostel and at the near by night market), and rooftop swimming pool. The staff are very helpful and can advise you on their excellent and cheap tours of Angkor Wat and more.
Book here: Onderz Hostel
Japan
Guesthouse Toco (Tokyo, Japan)
If you are looking for somewhere relaxed when you land, there is nothing more serene than waking up and opening up the sliding doors to this beautiful garden. This small hostel – which includes dorm and private rooms – is in 100 year old Japanese wooden house and garden. It has a small, relaxed bar in front and you should not miss the ramen at Banninriki (万人力), one of the best meals I had in Japan.
Book here: Guesthouse Toco
Nui Hostel and Bar Lounge (Tokyo, Japan)
A beautiful and stylish hostel located near the historic Asakusa area. They have a trendy bar for for socialising with travellers and locals alike. Their food should not be missed.
Book here: Nui Hostel + Bar
Malaysia
Mingle Hostel (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
A hip hostel situated on the edge of KL’s Chinatown, with its excellent food places including its own Mingle Cafe a 10 minute walk away.
Book here: Mingle Highstreet
Taiwan
Star Hostel – Main Station (Taipei, Taiwan)
A beautiful, clean hostel with great a common area. The facilities are excellent – one of those hostels that has really thought of all the little details.
Book here: Star Hostel (Main Station)
Thailand
Nappark Hostel (Bangkok, Thailand)
Everybody stays here in Bangkok for a good reason – great location (short walk from Khoa San Road), great rooms – with fabulously big beds – and yes, nap space. Great location to start out your Thailand visit.
Book here: Nappark Hostel
Taco Shack (Koh Tao, Thailand)
Such a fun place to meet people, explore Kho Tao’s amazing beaches, snorkel, and eat amazing fish tacos. TACO SHACK!
Book here: Taco Shack
Europe
Belgium
Hostel Uppelink (Ghent, Belgium)
In the historic centre of Ghent, you have a view of the river and Three Towers literally from your bed. The building itself is historic with beautiful common area/bar area over looking the river and serving Belgium beer. The staff are lovely and the hostel offers free walking tours.
Book here: Hostel Uppelink
Denmark
Sleep in Heaven Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Charming hostel in the trendy Norrebro area of Copenhagen. Has a homely and social common area, great for meeting other travellers. Note that it has a age restriction of 18-35 for dormitories, private rooms are available for any age.
Book here: Sleep In Heaven Hostel
Finland
The Yard Hostel (Helsinki, Finland)
A stylish hostel with a cozy common room, great for meeting other travellers. While there is a cheaper hostel further out of the centre, you can’t beat The Yard Hostel for location – minutes from the Central Station (with direct I or P trains to the airport) and walking distance all the sights. Check the information folders and recommendations for what to see in Helsinki – and don’t miss a traditional sauna!
Book here: The Yard Hostel
Spain
Hostel 1 Paralelo (Barcelona, Spain)
Great location and social hostel – with family meals, sangria, and social outings – along with good standard dorms. The hostel is close to numerous tapas bars along the Carrer de Blai, and the excellent La Confiteria 1912 cocktail bar.
Book here: Hostel 1 Paralelo
Middle East
Israel
Florentine Hostel (Tel Aviv, Israel)
In my favourite Tel Aviv neighbourhood – the trendy Florentine – this hostel has the sweetest staff and great social scene, congregating around its rooftop common room (with great views of TLV). Perfect place to meet people, relax or head out with their organised social events. The location is excellent base to explore city, including walking distance to Jaffa.
Florentine Hostel (June 2022 update – temporarily closed, but looking to reopen)
Lebanon
The Colony Beirut (Beirut, Lebanon)
A cool, fun place to meet more nationalities than anywhere I’ve been. Centrally located with great bars and food in walking distance – don’t miss the Smoking Bun and the legendary B018 club in a underground bunker.
The Colony Beirut
