Hostels vs. Hotels: Why Hostels Are the Go-To Option for Cost-Effective Travel in Europe

When it comes to affordable travel around Europe, staying in hostels is hands down the best option for students. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also offer a unique social experience that you just don’t get from staying in hotels. During my interrailing trip in the summer of 2023, staying in hostels was one of the highlights and helped me save money while making lifelong friends along the way.


Hostels vs. Hotels in Europe: Why Choose Hostels?
The main advantage hostels have over hotels is the cost. Most hostels offer dormitory-style rooms that are perfect for students, with prices typically lower than hotels. Beyond the financial savings, hostels are fantastic for meeting other travellers. During our stay at the Hive Party Hostel in Budapest, we connected with people from all over the world. The hostel organised events like pub crawls and city tours, which made it easy to bond with fellow travellers. Hotels, on the other hand, often lack this kind of social atmosphere.

In Balkan Soul Hostel in Belgrade, the friendly staff introduced us to local hidden gems and organized a night out, which ended up being one of the best evenings of the trip. Similarly, in Party Hostel ZZZ in Ljubljana, we enjoyed hostel-organized events and spent the day sightseeing with people we met there.


Hostelworld: Your Essential Tool for Booking Hostels

If you’re looking to experience Europe on a budget while making friends along the way, hostels are the way to go. Websites like Hostelworld make it easy to book hostels across Europe, offering reviews, ratings, and affordable options for every destination.


Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Budapest or discovering Belgrade’s nightlife, hostels are the perfect way to stay social and save money. Forget the traditional hotel—hostels offer a richer travel experience for any cost-conscious student traveller.

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