I’ve lost count of the number of party hostels I’ve stayed in across Europe. Some have been brilliant. Some have left me questioning every decision that led me there.
One thing I’ve learned is that not all party hostels are created equal. A cheap beer and a pub crawl don’t automatically make a hostel good. After all, there’s a big difference between having a great night out and spending the next morning regretting your choice of accommodation.
From Budapest and Prague to Barcelona and Lagos, I’ve had some unforgettable nights in European hostels. I’ve also learned to appreciate the places that get the balance right. The ones where it’s easy to meet people and have fun, but where you can still get a decent night’s sleep when you need one.
That’s exactly what you’ll find in this guide. No gimmicks, no hostels that are famous purely because they’re loud. Just the places I’d happily stay in again.
Let’s get into it.
In a hurry? Here are my top hostel picks in Europe
The Best Party Hostels in Europe
Right, let’s jump into the hostels that are going to make travelling around Europe epic…
Flying Pig Downtown – Best Party Hostel in Amsterdam
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- Price: $$
- Best for: Solo travellers who want to jump straight into Amsterdam’s nightlife and meet loads of people.
- Highlights: Famous hostel bar, daily events and a location just minutes from Central Station.
- Location: Right in the city centre of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Amsterdam for a proper party atmosphere, Flying Pig Downtown is a classic. Set right in the middle of the city, just a few minutes from Central Station and the Red Light District, you’re in the perfect spot for nights out and late-night adventures. The famous hostel bar is the heart of the action, and it’s one of those places where it feels easy to meet people from the moment you arrive.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Legendary Party Scene: The on-site bar is one of the best-known hostel bars in Amsterdam, with DJs, happy hours and something going on most nights.
- Amazing Location: You can walk to the city’s best nightlife, canals and top attractions.
- Easy to Meet People: The social atmosphere makes it a great choice for solo travellers.
Flying Pig Downtown is all about good times, and it does exactly what it says on the tin. The rooms are comfortable, the facilities are well looked after, and there’s always a buzz around the place. It can get noisy, but that’s part of the experience. If you’re looking for one of the most fun and sociable hostels in Amsterdam, this one is hard to beat.
Generator Hostel – Best Party Hostel in London
- Price: $
- Best for: Travellers looking for a lively base in central London with a fun social atmosphere.
- Highlights: Stylish interiors, a buzzing bar and a prime location in Russell Square.
- Location: Russell Square in central London, United Kingdom.
Generator London is a great shout if you want somewhere sociable without blowing your budget in one of Europe’s most expensive cities. Tucked away in Russell Square, you’re within easy reach of Covent Garden, Soho and King’s Cross, so it’s a brilliant base for exploring during the day and heading out at night. The bar downstairs has a fun, energetic feel and makes it easy to grab a drink and meet fellow travellers before a night out in the city.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Buzzing Social Spaces: The bar and lounge areas are lively and attract backpackers from all over the world.
- Fantastic Central Location: Many of London’s top sights, bars and nightlife spots are just a short Tube ride away.
- Stylish on a Budget: Generator combines a cool design-led feel with affordable prices.
Generator London feels more like a cool hangout than a standard hostel. It’s bigger and a bit more polished than your typical backpacker spot, but still has a really social atmosphere and plenty of chances to meet people. The rooms are on the smaller side, but if you’re backpacking the UK and want somewhere fun, central and full of fellow travellers, it’s a great place to stay.
Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona – Best Party Hostel in Barcelona
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travellers who want to party every night and meet loads of people.
- Highlights: Free breakfast, rooftop terrace and nightly club outings.
- Location: Plaça Reial, just off Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain.
Kabul Party Hostel is the kind of place people talk about long after their trip to Barcelona. Right on Plaça Reial in the heart of the city, you’re steps from Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and some of Barcelona’s best nightlife. Between the rooftop hangouts, unlimited sangria and beer offers (oh yes my friends), and organised club nights, it’s pretty much impossible not to have a big night here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Non-Stop Party Atmosphere: From pre-drinks on the rooftop to nights out at famous Barcelona clubs, there’s always something going on.
- Incredible Location: You’re right in the middle of the action with bars, restaurants and attractions on your doorstep.
- Super Social Vibe: Perfect for solo travellers looking to make friends quickly.
Kabul is loud, lively and unapologetically focused on partying. This is not the place to book if you’re after early nights or a quiet stay. But if you’re travelling to Barcelona on your own and want a hostel where it’s ridiculously easy to meet people, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option. As one of the most iconic party hostels in Europe, Kabul absolutely delivers.
The 3 Ducks Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Paris
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travellers who want to mix Paris sightseeing with a fun, social hostel atmosphere.
- Highlights: Lively bar, outdoor terrace and the Eiffel Tower just a short walk away.
- Location: In a lively neighbourhood near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
Everyone thinks of Paris as all romance and croissants, but it’s actually a quality city for a night out too. 3 Ducks is the place to stay if you want a social atmosphere without anything too crazy. You’re only a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, and the bar and terrace are great spots to grab a drink, hang out and get to know the other people staying there.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Always a Good Vibe: The bar and terrace are great for a few drinks and meeting fellow travellers.
- The Eiffel Tower Is Basically Around the Corner: You can be there in about 15 minutes on foot.
- A Bit More Stylish: It feels more polished than your average backpacker hostel.
3 Ducks is one of those hostels that just feels easy. The staff are friendly, the rooms are clean, and the terrace is a great place to have a few drinks before heading out. It’s a really good option if you’re travelling solo, as people seem to get chatting naturally and it has a fun, sociable feel without being too over the top. It can be noisy at night, so pack some earplugs, but if you want a lively place in a brilliant part of Paris, this is a fantastic pick.
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Copenhagen
- Price: $$
- Best for: Solo travellers looking for a lively hostel where meeting people happens naturally.
- Highlights: Late-night bar, daily social events and surprisingly affordable drinks for Copenhagen.
- Location: Right in the old town of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Copenhagen can be eye-wateringly expensive, so finding a hostel with cheap drinks and a proper social atmosphere is a bit of a result. Copenhagen Downtown Hostel has a huge bar downstairs and there always seems to be something going on, whether that’s beer pong, live music or a group getting together for a night out. It’s one of those places where it’s very easy to arrive solo and end up with plans for the evening within an hour.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- A Proper Social Hub: The bar is the heart of the hostel, and there’s usually a crowd up for a few drinks.
- Great for Meeting People: Daily meetups make it especially good for solo travellers.
- Right in the Middle of Copenhagen: You can walk to Tivoli, bars, restaurants and most of the city’s main sights.
This place has a really good buzz and feels genuinely social without trying too hard. The drinks are reasonably priced by Copenhagen standards, the events are well organised, and there are always plenty of travellers around. If you want somewhere lively where it’s easy to make friends and head out together, this is one of the best picks in the city.
Balmers Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Interlaken
- Price: $$
- Best for: Adventure travellers who want epic mountain days and sociable nights.
- Highlights: Traditional Swiss chalets, a beer garden and an on-site club for guests.
- Location: In Interlaken, nestled between two lakes in the heart of Switzerland.
Balmers is one of those hostels where people end up staying longer than planned. Set across a few old Swiss chalets, it has loads of character and a really relaxed, social atmosphere. After a day of hiking, paragliding or exploring the mountains around Interlaken, everyone seems to end up in the beer garden or cosy bar, swapping stories over a few (or more than a few) drinks.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Loads of Character: Staying in traditional Swiss chalets makes this place feel a bit special.
- Great Social Atmosphere: The bar, beer garden and occasional on-site club make it easy to meet people.
- Perfect Adventure Base: You’re right in the middle of one of Europe’s best outdoor destinations.
Balmers is the sort of place that people rave about for good reason. It has a really welcoming, home-from-home feel, and after a day in the mountains (which, by the way, are home to some of the best hiking trails in Switzerland), it’s hard not to get drawn into the garden or bar for a few drinks and a chat with other travellers. There’s a great mix of adventure and socialising here, and it’s the kind of hostel that makes you wish you’d booked an extra night or two.
Greg & Tom Party Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Kraków
- Price: $
- Best for: Backpackers who want a really social hostel with free food and big nights out.
- Highlights: Free breakfast and dinner, nightly pub crawls and a brilliant Old Town location.
- Location: Just a short walk from Kraków’s Main Square in Kraków, Poland.
Kraków is one of those cities where a good night out is pretty much guaranteed, and Greg & Tom puts you right in the middle of it all. You’re only a few minutes from the Main Square and the bars of the Old Town, so you’re never far from the action. Throw in free breakfast, free dinner and a group of travellers who are always up for a night out, and it’s easy to see why this place is so popular.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Food Every Day: Breakfast and dinner are included, which saves money and gets everyone together.
- Epic Pub Crawls: A great way to see Kraków’s nightlife and meet other travellers.
- Right in the Heart of the City: You can walk to the Main Square, Wawel Castle and countless bars.
Greg & Tom is the sort of hostel where everything is set up to make life easy. There’s unlimited tea and coffee, secure lockers, a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of handy extras like earplugs, maps and free luggage storage. There always seems to be a good buzz around the place, whether people are hanging out after dinner or getting ready to head into Kraków’s Old Town. If you’re backpacking Poland, ready to meet people and have some big nights out, you’ve hit the jackpot with this place.
Circus Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Berlin
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travellers who want a social hostel with great beer and Berlin nightlife on the doorstep.
- Highlights: On-site microbrewery, lively bar and exclusive walking tours.
- Location: In the lively Mitte district of Berlin, Germany.
Berlin is one of the best cities in Europe for a night out, and The Circus is a great place to experience it. You’re right in the middle of the German capital with the U-Bahn and tram stopping just outside, so getting around is ridiculously easy. Back at the hostel, the bar is always lively, and having a proper microbrewery in the basement is a very nice bonus.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Own Microbrewery: Freshly brewed beer in the basement is a very solid way to start the evening.
- Great Social Atmosphere: Quiz nights, karaoke and bar tours make it easy to meet people.
- Perfect Berlin Base: You’re well connected to the city’s best bars, clubs and attractions.
The Circus is one of those hostels that feels a bit nicer than your typical party spot, but without losing the social side of things. There’s usually something going on, the rooms are really comfortable, and the location makes it so easy to get out and explore Berlin. If you want to enjoy the city’s legendary nightlife but still come back to somewhere that feels clean, comfortable and well run, this place is hard to fault.
The Rising Cock Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Lagos
- Price: $
- Best for: Beach-loving backpackers who want legendary pub crawls and a really social atmosphere.
- Highlights: Free pub crawls, famous hangover crepes and a prime Old Town location.
- Location: In the historic centre of Lagos, just a short walk from the beaches of the Portuguese Algarve.
Lagos is one of the best places in Europe for a beach-and-party combo, and Rising Cock is right at the heart of it. Tucked away in the old town, you’re just around the corner from the best bars and restaurants, and only a short walk from some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. Between the free pub crawls, boat parties and Mama’s famous morning crepes, it’s the kind of place where the good times seem to roll from check-in to check-out.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Legendary Social Scene: Free pub crawls make it ridiculously easy to meet people.
- Beach and Nightlife Combo: Spend the day on the sand and the night out in Lagos.
- The Crepes Are a Lifesaver: A much-needed cure after a big night out.
Rising Cock feels more like staying at a mate’s beach house than a typical hostel. There are comfy common areas, an outdoor terrace and always a group of travellers up for doing something. If you’re heading to southern Portugal for sunshine, beach days and some very messy nights, this place is hard to beat.
St Christopher’s Inn Edinburgh – Best Party Hostel in Edinburgh
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travellers who want a lively hostel right on the Royal Mile with a bar downstairs.
- Highlights: Belushi’s Bar, pub crawls and discounts on food and drinks
- Location: On the Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh and pub crawls go together like haggis and whisky, and St Christopher’s puts you right in the thick of it all. You’re staying on the Royal Mile in the heart of Scotland’s capital, with Edinburgh Castle, legendary old pubs and plenty of bars just a short walk away. Downstairs, Belushi’s is the obvious place to kick off the night, and the food and drink discounts are a very welcome bonus when you’re trying to keep the budget in check.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Belushi’s Downstairs: A great place to grab a drink and meet other travellers.
- Perfect Old Town Location: You’re right on the Royal Mile with Edinburgh’s top sights and nightlife on your doorstep.
- Loads Going On: Pub crawls and walking tours make it easy to get involved.
St Christopher’s is the sort of place where the social side takes care of itself. There’s always a crowd in Belushi’s, it’s easy to find people up for a few drinks, and before long, you’ll be heading out to explore Edinburgh’s best bits together. It can be a bit noisy, but that’s all part of the craic. If you’re heading to Scotland for a few drams, late nights and plenty of laughs, you’ll fit right in here.
YellowSquare – Best Party Hostel in Rome
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travellers who want a seriously social hostel with legendary pub crawls in the heart of Rome
- Highlights: Famous hostel bar, daily events and a great location near Termini Station
- Location: Near Termini Station in Rome, Italy
Rome might be all about ancient ruins and carbonara, but YellowSquare proves the city knows how to party too. Just a short walk from Termini Station in the heart of Rome, Italy’s capital, this place is colourful, social and always has something going on. The bar is the real heart of the hostel, with affordable drinks (which is always a welcome surprise in a city that isn’t exactly known for being cheap), loads of events and pub crawls that have a habit of turning into very late nights.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Legendary Hostel Bar: One of the best places in Rome to meet other travellers over a few drinks.
- Something Happening Every Day: Live music, cooking classes, pub crawls and plenty more.
- Great Location: Well-connected for exploring Rome’s top sights and nightlife.
YellowSquare has a bit of everything going on, which is probably why so many travellers end up extending their stay. One minute you’re out exploring Rome, the next you’re back at the bar with a plate of pasta and a group of new friends deciding where to go next. It’s lively, welcoming and packed with things to do, so there’s never really a dull moment.
Hostel ELF – Best Party Hostel in Prague
- Price: $
- Best for: Travellers who want a laid-back party hostel with cheap beer and a great social atmosphere.
- Highlights: Free breakfast, leafy courtyard and nightly events.
- Location: In Žižkov, Prague’s bar-packed neighbourhood, just 20 minutes from the Old Town in Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of Europe’s great party cities, and Hostel ELF is where it’s at to experience it. Set in Žižkov, a neighbourhood famous for having more bars than you could ever hope to visit (I hear you…challenge accepted), this place has a really easygoing, social feel from the moment you arrive. There’s cheap Czech beer, a cosy bar, a graffiti-covered courtyard and plenty of travellers who are usually up for a few drinks.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Cheap Beer and Great Company: Exactly what Prague does best.
- Lovely Outdoor Courtyard: Perfect for barbecues, morning coffees and recovering after a big night.
- Free Breakfast: Always appreciated when you’re travelling on a budget (or hungover).
One of the best things about Hostel ELF is that you can make your stay whatever you want it to be. Spend the day exploring Prague’s Old Town, take it easy with breakfast and coffee in the courtyard, or head out for a big night in Žižkov, one of the city’s best neighbourhoods for bars. With a fully equipped kitchen, comfy common areas and a pub crawl on offer, it’s a great setup whether you’re taking things slow or going all in.
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The Hive Party Hostel Budapest – Best Party Hostel in Budapest
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travellers who want to stay right in the middle of Budapest’s legendary party district
- Highlights: Rooftop bar, daily pub crawls and a location surrounded by bars and clubs
- Location: In Budapest’s party district, just steps from Gozsdu Courtyard in Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of those cities where things can get messy in the best possible way, and The Hive puts you slap bang in the middle of it. Step outside and you’re surrounded by ruin bars, clubs and some of the best nightlife in Hungary’s capital. Back at the hostel, there’s a rooftop bar, daily pub crawls and usually a big group of travellers figuring out where the night is going next.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Right in the Party District: You’re staying in the heart of Budapest’s nightlife.
- Something Going On Every Day: Pub crawls, bingo crawls, boat parties and SPArties.
- Modern and Well Run: Clean rooms, good bathrooms and solid facilities throughout.
The Hive is the sort of place where sleep becomes a bit of an afterthought. You can spend the day soaking in Budapest’s famous thermal baths or wandering along the Danube, then come back for happy hour on the rooftop before heading straight back out. The rooms are modern, the bathrooms are well set up, and there are plenty of lockers and common areas to make life easy. It’s loud, social and very good at turning strangers into drinking buddies.
Francesco’s – Best Party Hostel in Ios
- Price: $$
- Best for: Island-hoppers who want beach days, sunset drinks and huge nights out.
- Highlights: Sunset terrace bar, swimming pool and free welcome drinks.
- Location: In Ios town, a short walk from the island’s famous nightlife and around 20 minutes from the beach.
Ios is one of those Greek islands where nights have a habit of getting completely out of hand, and Francesco’s is right at the centre of it all. You’re only a short stumble from the bars in town, and the beach is close enough for a much-needed recovery session the next day. There’s a pool, free welcome drinks and a terrace bar with unreal sunset views, so it’s a very easy place to settle in and start making friends. If you’re travelling solo through Greece and find yourself on the party island of Ios, Francesco’s will then feel like striking party gold.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Legendary Party Atmosphere: Free shots and nightly drinks get things going very quickly.
- Amazing Sunset Views: The terrace bar overlooks the port and is the perfect place to start the evening.
- Great Location: Close to both the nightlife and the beach.
It’s safe to say, Francesco’s is raved about, and once you stay here, it’s easy to see why. You can spend the day by the pool or down at the beach, then head up to the terrace for sunset drinks before another big night out. The rooms are spotlessly clean, there’s hot water around the clock, free safety deposit boxes and no curfew, so you can come and go as you please. And with a near-perfect rating backed up by thousands of reviews, this is very much one of those hostels that lives up to the hype.
Wild Elephants Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Varna
- Price: $
- Best for: Solo travellers who want a super social hostel with home-cooked dinners and big nights out.
- Highlights: Vegan-friendly dinners, nightly outings and a welcoming backpacker atmosphere.
- Location: On a central square in the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia.
Bratislava might not be the first place that springs to mind for party hostels, but Wild Elephants has built a bit of a cult following among backpackers. It’s right in the middle of Slovakia’s capital, surrounded by bars, markets and restaurants, and the staff are fellow travellers who are genuinely great at bringing everyone together. Throw in home-cooked vegan-friendly dinners and nightly trips out, and it’s very easy to feel like part of the group.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Run by Backpackers: The staff know exactly how to help people connect.
- Dinner Together Every Night: A brilliant way to meet people before heading out.
- Perfect Central Location: Everything worth seeing in Bratislava is within easy reach.
Wild Elephants has all the little extras that make a stay feel easy. There’s a rooftop bar, outdoor terrace, games room, fully equipped kitchen and plenty of comfy spaces to hang out when you’re not out exploring. Add in free lockers, luggage storage, city tours and strong Wi-Fi, and it’s the kind of place where you quickly unpack, settle in and head straight to the bar. If you’re backpacking through Eastern Europe, this is one of those hostels that’s absolutely worth building into your route.
Abigail’s Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Dublin
- Price: $$
- Best for: Travellers who want to be right in the middle of Dublin’s pub scene.
- Highlights: Nightly pub crawls, en-suite rooms and an unbeatable city-centre location.
- Location: Right by Temple Bar and Trinity College in the heart of Dublin, Ireland
If you want to be right in the thick of Dublin’s famous drinking scene, Abigail’s is hard to beat. You’re only a few minutes from Temple Bar, Trinity College and all the pubs that make Ireland’s capital such good craic. Throw in the nightly pub crawl, and it’s a very easy place to meet people, enjoy a few pints (Guinness of course) and experience Dublin properly.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Unreal Location: You can walk to Temple Bar, Trinity College and most of Dublin’s top sights.
- Nightly Pub Crawls: A great way to discover Dublin’s best bars and meet other travellers.
- Handy Facilities: En-suite rooms, a big self-catering kitchen and free walking tours.
Abigail’s keeps things simple, but it has everything you need. The rooms are comfortable, the kitchen is great for saving a few euros, and the location means you’re never far from a good pint and some live music. If you’re only in Dublin for a weekend, it’s a brilliant base since you can walk to just about everything. It’s social, central and makes it very easy to make the most of your time in Ireland’s capital.
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Over to you
By now, I hope our epic guide to the best backpacker stays for partying in Europe has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! If not, or if you’d prefer something a bit more relaxed, then check out our mega-guide on hostelling in Europe (complete with a roundup of the absolute top backpacker pads).
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
Just wanted to say it isn’t weird for them to offer free food when Everton are playing. They share the same city as liverpool and have roughly equal fanbase within the city. Although Liverpool are more of a worldwide household name you may want to do more research into the success of one of englands most successful club teams in Everton
Hi Shane
You are absolutely right and thanks for bringing this to my attention. I lived in Liverpool myself for a while and my mate is still living around the corner from Goodison. That said, calling them one of England’s ‘most successful clubs’ is a bit of a stretch no?!
Aiden