cheapest hostels for students in Europe

Traveling as a student in Europe can be both an enriching and affordable experience. With numerous affordable hostels located in vibrant cities, students can maximize their travel experience without breaking the bank. This article lists

Written by: Mia Brooks

Published on: September 10, 2025

Traveling as a student in Europe can be both an enriching and affordable experience. With numerous affordable hostels located in vibrant cities, students can maximize their travel experience without breaking the bank. This article lists some of the cheapest hostels across Europe, providing essential details such as location, pricing, amenities, and unique features.

1. The Village – Budapest, Hungary

Location

Nestled in the heart of Budapest, The Village is a perfect base for exploring the city’s famous ruin bars and thermal baths.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €10-12 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €30 per night.

Amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Fully-equipped kitchen
  • 24-hour reception

Unique Features

The Village offers free walking tours and events, connecting travelers and enhancing their experience of Hungarian culture.

2. St Christopher’s Inn – Paris, France

Location

Located near Gare du Nord, this hostel provides easy access to public transportation and major attractions like Montmartre.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €25 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €60 per night.

Amenities

  • Bar and restaurant on-site
  • Free breakfast
  • Lockers for valuables

Unique Features

A lively social atmosphere with themed nights and excursions organized for guests.

3. The Hat – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Location

The Hat is situated close to Amsterdam Central Station, making it convenient for exploring canals and museums.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €15-20 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €50 per night.

Amenities

  • Rooftop terrace
  • Bar and café
  • Bike rental services

Unique Features

Free walking tours and social activities such as game nights encourage guest interaction.

4. Hostel One – Barcelona, Spain

Location

Hostel One is located in the vibrant Eixample district, close to attractions like the Sagrada Familia.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €20-25 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €65 per night.

Amenities

  • Free dinner every night
  • Kitchen and communal space
  • Free Wi-Fi

Unique Features

Organized activities, including bar crawls and cultural events, allow students to mingle and explore the nightlife.

5. The Abode – Edinburgh, Scotland

Location

The Abode is located near the University of Edinburgh and a short walk from key historical sites including the Edinburgh Castle.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at £15-20 per night.
  • Private rooms: From £40 per night.

Amenities

  • Free breakfast
  • Lounge and game area
  • Laundry facilities

Unique Features

A cozy and welcoming environment with events like movie nights and pub quizzes.

6. Wombat’s City Hostel – Vienna, Austria

Location

Situated in the city center, Wombat’s is a stone’s throw from cultural hubs like the Hofburg Palace.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €14-18 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €55 per night.

Amenities

  • Rooftop terrace
  • Free city map
  • Guest kitchen

Unique Features

Wombat’s has a reputation for cleanliness and offers a fun atmosphere with a bar and lounge.

7. The Yellow – Rome, Italy

Location

Located in the heart of Rome, The Yellow offers close proximity to Termini Station and key historical landmarks.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €20 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €70 per night.

Amenities

  • Nightclub on-site
  • Bar with affordable drinks
  • Free Wi-Fi

Unique Features

A vibrant party atmosphere that includes organized activities and outdoor film screenings during summer.

8. Cocomama – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Location

Cocomama is located in a historic building, a short distance from the city’s best attractions.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €15 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €50 per night.

Amenities

  • Cozy common areas
  • Fully-equipped kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi

Unique Features

Cocomama emphasizes a homely vibe with beautifully designed interiors and regular events that encourage social interactions.

9. The Flying Pig – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Location

Located near Vondelpark, this hostel is aimed at travelers seeking a relaxed vibe in a bustling city.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €20-25 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €50 per night.

Amenities

  • Bar with happy hour
  • Chillout area
  • Free breakfast

Unique Features

A laid-back atmosphere with a strong sense of community and organized activities, like movie nights or pub crawls.

10. HI Hostel – Geneva, Switzerland

Location

Situated near Lake Geneva, HI Hostel offers easy access to stunning lake views and the downtown area.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at CHF 30-40 per night.
  • Private rooms: From CHF 70 per night.

Amenities

  • Free breakfast
  • Garden terrace
  • Shared kitchen

Unique Features

Offers a unique focus on sustainable practices and hosts cultural events.

11. Loneley Planet – Prague, Czech Republic

Location

Located in the lively neighborhood of Žižkov, this hostel promises fun and accessibility to Prague’s nightlife.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €10-15 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €25 per night.

Amenities

  • Free walking tours
  • Bar-restaurant
  • Game room

Unique Features

The hostel organizes a variety of social events like pub crawls and cultural tours.

12. Babushka House – Kraków, Poland

Location

Just a short distance from the Main Market Square, Babushka House offers a cozy retreat in the heart of Kraków.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €8 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €30 per night.

Amenities

  • Free breakfast
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Common room

Unique Features

Known for its homey feel and helpful staff, it often hosts cultural workshops and themed dinners.

13. Mosaic House – Prague, Czech Republic

Location

Located in the city center, this eco-friendly hostel provides access to the best of Prague’s cultural scene.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €14-20 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €50 per night.

Amenities

  • Friendly bar and restaurant
  • Chill-out lounge
  • Eco-friendly initiatives

Unique Features

Mosaic House is eco-conscious, applying sustainable practices while offering a vibrant atmosphere.

14. Hostel Uppel – Porto, Portugal

Location

In the historic area of Porto, Uppel is close to attractions such as the Livraria Lello bookstore.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €15 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €40 per night.

Amenities

  • Full kitchen
  • Free city tours
  • Wi-Fi throughout

Unique Features

This hostel encourages local engagement with regular wine tastings and culinary events.

15. Natasha’s Palace – Sofia, Bulgaria

Location

Natasha’s Palace is centrally located, offering easy access to major sites such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €8-10 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €25 per night.

Amenities

  • Bar with local drinks
  • Hot showers
  • Free map of the city

Unique Features

A cozy atmosphere that includes weekly movie nights, enhancing guests’ social interactions.

16. The Bear – Belgrade, Serbia

Location

Located in the city center, The Bear provides quick access to public transport and attractions.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €10-12 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €30 per night.

Amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Shared kitchen
  • Chill-out lounge

Unique Features

An extraordinary ambiance combined with attentive staff that creates a sense of belonging for travelers.

17. Albergue Inturjoven – Seville, Spain

Location

In the cultural heart of Seville, this hostel is perfect for exploring flamenco venues and historical landmarks.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €15 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €35 per night.

Amenities

  • Outdoor terrace
  • Shared kitchen
  • Organized activities

Unique Features

The hostel offers unique flamenco classes, giving students the chance to immerse themselves in local culture.

18. Ostello Bello – Milan, Italy

Location

Ostello Bello is located near iconic sites such as the Duomo and is known for its vibrant atmosphere.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €25 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €60 per night.

Amenities

  • All-you-can-eat breakfast
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Game and movie room

Unique Features

Unique activities, such as music nights and cooking classes, create an engaging social environment for travelers.

19. The Factory – Berlin, Germany

Location

Located in the trendy Friedrichshain district, The Factory offers access to Berlin’s alternative scene.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €12-15 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €45 per night.

Amenities

  • Bar and courtyard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Kitchen facilities

Unique Features

A vibrant community with thematic events that connect travelers, including art exhibitions and music performances.

20. Hostel Debo – Tallinn, Estonia

Location

In the picturesque Old Town of Tallinn, this hostel provides scenic views and proximity to local culture.

Pricing

  • Dormitory beds: Starting at €10-12 per night.
  • Private rooms: From €30 per night.

Amenities

  • Free coffee and tea
  • Lounge area with a library
  • Kitchen facilities

Unique Features

This hostel emphasizes local experiences, often organizing city tours and art showcases.

Exploring Europe on a student budget is easier than ever with these affordable hostels. Whether you crave a vibrant city atmosphere or a serene retreat, there is an ideal spot for every type of traveler. These affordable accommodations not only offer a place to rest but also provide opportunities to connect with fellow students while experiencing the diverse cultures Europe has to offer. Happy travels!

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