Best Hostel Guide for First-Timers

Everything you need to know about staying in a hostel, from packing essentials to unwritten etiquette rules.

What to Expect

Staying in a hostel is a unique experience. Unlike hotels, hostels are designed to be social, communal spaces. You'll likely be sharing a bedroom (dorm) and bathroom with other travelers, though private rooms are often available. Expect a lively atmosphere, shared kitchens, common areas, and a mix of people from all over the world.

Dorm vs Private Room

Dorms: The quintessential hostel experience. You book a single bed in a shared room (ranging from 4 to 20+ beds). It's the cheapest option and the easiest way to meet people.

Private Rooms: Offer the privacy of a hotel room but with access to the social spaces and facilities of the hostel. Great for couples or those needing a break from shared spaces, though they cost more.

Mixed vs Same-Sex Dorms

Most dorms are mixed, meaning both men and women share the space. Many hostels also offer female-only dorms, which can provide an extra level of comfort and privacy for solo female travelers.

Booking & Preparation

Booking Platforms: Hostelworld vs Booking.com

Hostelworld: The go-to platform for backpackers. It lists almost every hostel, focuses entirely on this type of accommodation, and is great for reading reviews from a similar demographic. You can easily see the 'vibe' of a place.

Booking.com: While it lists hotels and apartments, it also has a massive inventory of hostels. Sometimes it offers better rates, free cancellation options, or loyalty discounts (Genius program).

Reading Reviews

Always sort reviews by recent dates. Look for comments on cleanliness, security, Wi-Fi reliability, and the atmosphere. If you want a quiet night, avoid hostels repeatedly described as "party hostels."

Packing for Hostels

Padlock: Essential for securing your valuables in the provided lockers.
Earplugs and Eye Mask: Crucial for sleeping in shared rooms with different schedules.
Microfiber Towel: Not all hostels provide towels, and microfiber dries fast.
Shower Shoes: Flip-flops are a must for shared bathrooms.

Hostel Life

Hostel Etiquette: 10 Rules

Don't turn on the main light late at night or early in the morning.
Pack your bags the night before an early flight to avoid rustling plastic bags.
Don't snooze your alarm multiple times.
Keep your belongings confined to your bed and locker space.
Don't hang wet clothes over other people's beds.
Take phone calls outside the dorm room.
Don't eat strong-smelling food in the dorm.
Always lock your valuables away.
Be respectful of personal space and quiet hours.
Say hello to your roommates when you first arrive.

Meeting People

Hostels are built for socializing. Hang out in the common areas, join organized tours or pub crawls, and simply say hi to your roommates. Cooking in the shared kitchen is also a great icebreaker.

Safety

Hostels are generally very safe. Keep your valuables locked away when you're not using them, don't leave electronics charging unattended in common areas, and trust your instincts. Most hostels require keycard access.

Working at Hostels for Free Stay

If you're traveling long-term on a tight budget, many hostels offer work exchange. You help out for a few hours a day (reception, cleaning, bartending) in exchange for a free bed and sometimes meals.

Top Hostel Chains

If you want a reliable, standardized experience, these chains are great options:

Generator

Design-led hostels with a boutique hotel feel, popular across Europe.

St Christophers

Known for their party atmosphere and Belushi's bars attached to the hostels.

Selina

Targeted at digital nomads with great coworking spaces and wellness activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for a hostel?

Essential items for a hostel include a combination lock for lockers, earplugs and an eye mask for sleeping in dorms, and a quick-dry microfiber towel.

Is it better to book on Hostelworld or Booking.com?

Hostelworld is generally better for finding true backpacker hostels and reading reviews from a younger crowd, while Booking.com can sometimes offer better rates or free cancellation.

Are hostels safe for solo travelers?

Yes, hostels are generally safe. They typically have secure access, lockers for valuables, and staff on duty. However, you should always use common sense and lock up your belongings.

Can I work at a hostel for a free stay?

Many hostels offer work exchange programs where you can work a few hours a day at the reception or cleaning in exchange for free accommodation. Platforms like Workaway can help you find these opportunities.

Should I choose a mixed or same-sex dorm?

It depends on your comfort level. Mixed dorms are often cheaper and more widely available, but same-sex dorms (especially female-only) can offer more privacy and comfort for some travelers.