Hostels are some of our favorite places to stay! Budget-friendly, sociable and reliable, they are every backpackers best friend – including those with children. Family friendly hostels can be found all over the world.
Don’t overlook how amazing staying at a hostel can be, especially if you have young ones in tow. In top locations and with a bunch of amenities, you can explore all the best bits of your destination with a comfortable bed to return to.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your next family adventure and make it an extra fun one!
Why Choose a Hostel?
Don’t let the reputation for rowdy parties, in-bunk naughty activities, and all night noise put you off. There are so many hostels that can offer an epic place for families on vacation.
The best family friendly hostels out there come with cool communal spaces. Things like swimming pools where kids can have a blast splashing around, and with colourful artwork and murals that just make the place seem more fun for young ’uns.
They’re a cheaper option than hotels, ideal if you’re trying a family vacay on a budget. They have friendly staff to welcome you back each day and recommend cool things to do in the city with your children. The youthful vibe might be just what you need rather than the sometimes impersonal atmosphere of a budget hotel.
Best Family Friendly Hostels Around the World
From Switzerland to Bangkok, these are our favorite family friendly hostels that you must try out!
Generator Hostel in Barcelona, Spain
Generator is a well-loved chain of hostels that knows how to create clean, safe and stylish places to stay around the world. This Barcelona spot is one of them. It offers up the chance for a family to see the city on a budget without skimping on top amenities and a central location.
The hostel is located in a large building spread across numerous floors, so it’s almost like a hotel (but not quite). However, you’ll get to enjoy communal spaces such as outdoor terraces and an on-site restaurant which is always handy. There’s also a fun games room!
Rooms here come in various shapes and sizes. Options may start with basic dorms, but there are also family size rooms that come with their own ensuite bathrooms. Families can sleep in peace and quiet, and on a budget too.
YHA South Downs in Sussex, UK
Exploring Britain’s beautiful South Downs area has never been easier thanks to top accommodation like this youth hostel. It’s set within a stunning refurbished Sussex farmhouse, so you really get to stay in a part of the area’s history and heritage.
Location-wise, it’s a three-minute walk from Southease Train Station and just a few miles from Newhaven.
Back at the converted farmhouse, you’ll find a selection of options for you and your family. One of the best choices may be the pod cabin which offers up a glamping-style experience but with an en-suite bathroom. There’s also a bell tent, or you could rent out an entire dormitory.
Don’t worry about going hungry in the countryside – there’s an on-site restaurant here too.
Bern Youth Hostel in Bern, Switzerland
Offering up one of the best family friendly hostels in Bern, Switzerland, this place reopened in 2018 completely refurbished and up to date. The location is pretty great – on the banks of a picturesque river just 10 minutes from a train station. Some rooms look out onto the water, really adding to the idyllic setting.
Bern Youth Hostel is great value for money with large social spaces to hang out so your family won’t feel cramped in their room. Staff are really friendly and will help you get to grips with the area.
There’s also a delicious buffet breakfast served up every morning as part of the nightly rate, so you won’t have to worry about heading out on an empty stomach.
Backpackers Hostel K’s House Kyoto in Kyoto, Japan
Seeing the ancient Japanese capital has never been more of a bargain than at Backpackers Hostel K’s House Kyoto. It’s a family friendly hostel located just 20 minutes walk from the Gion district (famed for its geisha), and 10 minutes from the Kyoto train station making it the ideal base to explore the city.
The hostel itself is spotless and well maintained, so you won’t have to worry about the cleanliness factor. There’s also a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
When it comes to the room options, you can choose from family rooms with bunk beds – alternatively, you could even try out sleeping on tatami together on your very own futons.
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
DJH Youth Hostel Nuremberg in Nuremberg, Germany
Opening up in 2013, this Nuremberg hostel definitely has some unique selling points about it. First of all, the fact that it’s situated in a medieval castle is truly awesome.
The hostel impresses at every turn. There’s a dining room in a vaulted cellar, a huge cinema room, and the outside of the building is, well, a castle! Staying here will be like staying in your own fairytale.
The rooms here consist of private dormitories with their own private bathrooms attached, making them perfect for families on holiday in Nuremberg. Further adding value for money is the daily breakfast that’s included in the room rate.
Hektor Design Hostel in Tartu, Estonia
The clue is in the name. Hektor Design Hostel is a funky, nicely curated hostel in Tartu, Estonia. It mixes traditional style with simple modern lines with colour pops throughout. Accordingly, rooms here are bright with touches of Nordic minimalism and practical design. They’re great for families, because they even come with private bathrooms!
In terms of amenities, this family friendly hostel includes a gym and a sauna for when mum and dad want some downtime, as well as a library and bike hire to explore further afield. Location-wise, you’ll find Hektor Design Hostel less than a 10-minute stroll to Tartu Train Station and close to galleries, shops and cafes.
YHA Ambleside Hostel in the Lake District, UK
Situated on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, the recently refurbished YHA Ambleside Hostel is all the better for having a pub and huge garden on site. However, don’t worry, it’s still very much a family friendly hostel option.
Rooms here include shared and private bathroom choices with bunk beds and doubles ideally suited to a family trip.
This budget-friendly option makes for a great base to explore the surrounding area. Numerous walking and cycling routes can be accessed nearby, and watersports are available on the lake too. Ambleside village is a 10-minute walk from the hostel – here you’ll find country pubs and tea rooms.
Yaks House Hostel in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s hostels may have a notorious reputation for being backpacker digs that are all about partying, but Yaks House Hostel is the ideal antidote to rowdy accommodation options in the Thai capital.
Set in a large, modern building, this family friendly hostel feels more like a boutique hotel and boasts polished concrete floors and chic colour palettes. Throughout, you’ll find an array of bright communal spaces for you and your family to unwind in.
There’s a large guest room here with pool tables and swing chairs as well as views out across the city. You’ll also find a communal kitchen to rustle up a few snacks for you and your children.
Maverick City Lodge in Budapest, Hungary
Situated in Budapest, Maverick City Lodge is a large, bright and modern hostel. It’s a clean and comfortable space for you and your family to stay in the Hungarian capital on a budget.
The bright, minimalist rooms on offer range from pod-style dorm beds which feel spacious and comfortable, to large, private rooms with a choice of either private or shared bathrooms. There’s a communal kitchen with free tea and coffee available as well as laundry facilities which is always helpful.
In terms of location, you’ll find this hostel in the city centre, close to a metro station and near to Kazinczy Street, with all its restaurants and shops.
Xishu Garden Inn inChengdu, China
If you’re on a family trip to Chengdu, then this is the ideal place to stay. There’s a real family friendly vibe at Xishu Garden Inn. It’s run by a friendly team of staff who speak great English and who will be able to help you explore the city with ease.
The location is also great, being set in the centre of the city, close to the night market. The hostel itself has a spacious roof garden where you can unwind in the evenings, and a large communal dining space and cafe where you can get to know fellow guests.
Wondering about the rooms? Fittingly, they come with panda-inspired design details and are modern with wood floors and indoor plants.
Free Hostels Roma in Rome, Italy
Location-wise, this family friendly hostel in Rome can’t be beaten. It’s steps away from some of the city’s most iconic sites with the Colosseum and other landmarks within easy walking distance (Termini Train Station, too).
The boutique-style hostel straddles basic accommodation and a chic hotel stay with rooms that are contemporary and colourful. It has a clever approach to the use of space and design. You can choose from rooms with pod beds of varying sizes, complete with en-suite bathrooms.
There’s also a large outdoor terrace where you can chill out after a day of exploring Rome. Food is available, but the staff will be able to point you in the direction of something delicious to eat in the nearby area.
Mayan Monkey Tulum in Tulum, Mexico
Taking your family on a trip to Tulum has never been easier thanks to this family friendly hostel. The Mayan Monkey Tulum has a resort vibe with multiple spaces for guests to use and chill out in. Think tiki huts and illuminated palm trees dotting an outdoor area and a sizeable outdoor pool.
Spend your time kicking back, splashing around in the pool, tucking into authentic food from the on-site restaurants or hiring bikes to explore the nearby Mayan ruins.
Rooms come in a range of sizes, including dorms, but there’s a family room on offer that feels more like staying in a plush, high-end resort than a hostel. This is truly one of the nicest hostels that cater for families that we’ve seen.
Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites in Cartagena, Columbia
A fun place to stay in Cartagena with your family, Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites is a rebuilt Colombian mansion. Throughout, alongside the traditional decor, you’ll find bright, colourful murals adorning the walls making for a lively place to stay with your family.
Rooms here come with private bathrooms. Some even have the option of opening up onto the outdoor courtyard area where there’s a swimming pool for added fun. The facilities are all clean and the staff are very helpful which is always a plus.
We’d say it’s a good option for those travelling with older children who’d like nothing more than to kick back and watch some Netflix after a day of sightseeing in the city.
So Cool Hostel Porto in Porto, Portugal
You may not think it’s possible to stay in style with your family – never mind on a budget – but it totally is, especially at So Cool Hostel Porto. It’s set in a 19th-century townhouse that’s been lovingly renovated.
It still boasts many of the original design details – think wood flooring, high ceilings and a spiral staircase, among other things.
Rooms here come in a variety of sizes, but there are spacious family rooms for you and your children to spread out and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. Another bonus is the complimentary breakfast.
Location? You’ll find this hostel right near a metro station and not far from plenty of restaurants and shopping options.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels for Families
Now that you’ve got more than just a few options for your next family vacation, all you’ve got to do now is figure out which destination to jet to. Bangkok? Chengdu? Or maybe the UK’s Lake District? Whichever you choose, now you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re likely to find an awesome family friendly hostel to accommodate you.
And don’t forget Travel Insurance! We’ve put together a roundup of Travel Insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads, our favorite travel insurance provider.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
