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Planning my first solo trip to Europe: Hostel recommendations?

solo travelhostelseurope trip
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Grigor_77
Joined:
13.02.2020
Posts: 124
Topic Starter
05.02.2025 18:58
I am finally biting the bullet and planning my first solo trip across Europe this summer. I am a bit nervous about staying in hostels since I have never done it before and want to make sure I pick places that are actually social and safe. Does anyone have a list of top-rated hostels where it is easy to meet other travelers? I am mostly looking at cities like Prague, Berlin, and Lisbon. Any personal experiences or tips on how to choose the right vibe would be greatly appreciated!
14 replies in this topic
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Selekcioner
Joined:
15.05.2023
Posts: 273
05.02.2025 21:11
Exciting! Hostels are the best way to meet people. Just look for ones that organize walking tours or pub crawls.
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Misho_B
Joined:
25.05.2020
Posts: 1940
13.03.2025 21:58
In reply to a previous post
For Lisbon, check out Yes! Lisbon Hostel. It’s legendary for being social and the staff are amazing at getting everyone to hang out together.
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kris_1982
Joined:
15.06.2023
Posts: 2314
30.04.2025 02:40
In reply to a previous post
I second the recommendation for Yes! Lisbon. I stayed there three years ago and I'm still friends with the people I met in my dorm.
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Selekcioner
Joined:
12.07.2022
Posts: 2335
30.05.2025 03:18
In reply to a previous post
Don't be nervous! Most solo travelers are in the exact same boat as you, so everyone is very open to chatting.
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NeZnamNoPisha
Joined:
30.03.2022
Posts: 1905
31.05.2025 08:43
In Prague, look at The RoadHouse. It's a bit smaller, which makes it way easier to actually talk to people compared to those massive 200-bed party hostels.
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Zhivko_D
Joined:
17.02.2021
Posts: 1584
20.07.2025 03:33
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the previous comment. Big hostels can feel a bit impersonal sometimes. Smaller boutique hostels are better for making actual connections.
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ekspert_forum
Joined:
21.11.2020
Posts: 1534
01.08.2025 03:15
For Berlin, I loved Circus Hostel. It’s super safe, clean, and has a great bar downstairs where people congregate before heading out.
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Marius_C
Joined:
10.04.2024
Posts: 1134
05.08.2025 01:53
Does anyone have tips on how to handle luggage in hostels? That's my biggest anxiety about staying in them.
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redoven
Joined:
09.09.2021
Posts: 392
16.10.2025 21:17
In reply to a previous post
Most hostels provide lockers, just bring your own sturdy padlock! It’s really standard practice everywhere in Europe.
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Bg_Pechba
Joined:
19.03.2025
Posts: 2327
27.10.2025 13:57
Check out Hostelworld reviews, but specifically filter by 'social' or 'atmosphere'. Sometimes people complain about noise, but if you want social, that's exactly what you should look for.
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monika_p
Joined:
01.08.2023
Posts: 1064
27.10.2025 19:44
In reply to a previous post
If you're worried about safety, many hostels offer female-only dorms. That might help ease your nerves for your first trip.
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anonimen_bg
Joined:
25.05.2024
Posts: 235
05.11.2025 12:44
I’ve traveled solo through Europe twice now and honestly, just sitting in the common room with a book is usually enough to get someone to come say hi to you.
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Roman_88
Joined:
11.08.2020
Posts: 1176
20.11.2025 14:16
In reply to a previous post
Don't stress too much about the 'vibe'. You can always switch hostels if you get to one and it feels off, though that rarely happens if you do your research.
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robert_d
Joined:
08.04.2022
Posts: 1737
06.01.2026 07:09
Good luck! You're going to have an incredible time. Solo travel is life-changing.

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