When you hit the road, usually seeing the sights is pretty high on the list of priorities. So why should your time in a hostel be any different? There are many hostels on Hostelworld.com with great views, but we’ve picked out some of the best here, ranging from city skylines to stunning mountain vistas and everything in between. Pack your camera and get ready for wanderlust in 3...2...1...
Oasis Backpackers Mansion Lisboa, Lisbon
Lisbon is a city like no other, and features some of the best hostels in the world. Oasis Backpackers Mansion Lisboa definitely stands out, not only because they're set in a stylish, spacious, comfortable mansion, but because they also boast stunning views across the city to the sea. It's a great way to wake up in the morning - and with their huge variety of activities and events, it's a great place to end the night as well!
>> Book Oasis Backpackers Mansion Lisboa
ZIP112, New York City
Not only is this hostel set in the ultra-hip and artsy neighbourhood of Williamsburg, but it boasts some one-of-a-kind views of the New York skyline. It's perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of this busy city. This laid-back, small-capacity hostel has spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, free toiletries and even mobile phones for rent.
Sydney Harbour YHA, Sydney
What better way to start the day in sunny Sydney than with a jaw-dropping view of the Opera House across the harbour? This is one of the most popular hostels in Sydney and no wonder – along with their great location, this state-of-the-art hostel also features a large guest kitchen, an onsite grocery store, a coffee bar and a rather comfortable TV room.
Castle Rock Hostel, Edinburgh
As if the opulent decor of this hostel weren’t enough, most of their windows look out at nearby Edinburgh Castle, situated quite literally across the street. You’ll know you’re in Scotland when you glance out the window and see the castle walls towering above the city. This friendly, warm and spacious hostel offers multiple lounges and popular walking tours and pub crawls.
Casa Bombo, Granada
If you want to soak up the distinct atmosphere of Granada’s Albaicin, Casa Bombo is a great place to do it. It’s set in the midst of the Albaicin’s winding streets and is perfectly located on the hill to look straight across to the Alhambra. Whether you’re swimming in the pool, lounging on the terrace or lying in your comfortable bed, it’s hard to miss the stunning view across the way.
Auberge de jeunesse-Éthic Étapes Concarneau, Concarneau, France
Set right next to the open waters of the Bay of Biscay, this hostel has some of the best sea views in Brittany. In fact, their building even used to be a sailor’s residence. It’s located about 10 minutes' walk from the medieval walled town of Ville Close in the harbour. Their facilities include free breakfast, a pool table, laundry and more.
>> Book Auberge de jeunesse-Éthic Étapes Concarneau
Whitepark Bay Hostel, Whitepark Bay, Northern Ireland
Want to be able to say you’ve seen Scotland from Northern Ireland? Whitepark Bay Hostel is the place to do it. This friendly, relaxing hostel is set just over the beach and looks out across the sea from the common areas and several rooms. They have bicycle parking and are wheelchair accessible. All of their rooms are ensuite and there’s a cosy open fire for those chilly evenings.
Cheers Hostel, Istanbul
Situated right in the heart of Istanbul, this hostel offers stunning views as well as a perfect location. The windows of their Wintergarden Panoramic Terrace Bar overlook the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Taksim – and they serve some delicious cocktails as well. Guests wake up to a free Turkish breakfast on the terrace, served by the very friendly and sociable staff.
Equity Point Marrakech, Marrakech
This sumptuously decorated hostel is set in a riad – a house built around a central courtyard, typical of the region. They also have a rooftop terrace overlooking the city and Djemaa el-Fna. And with a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and free breakfast, this calm and quiet hostel is an oasis right in the heart of the busy city.
>> Book Equity Point Marrakech
The Backpack, Cape Town
As big cities go, Cape Town is never far from the countryside, no matter where you are in it. Accordingly, The Backpack is located right in the city centre but has spectacular views of Table Mountain from their courtyard and swimming pool. This fair trade hostel also features laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, a cafe bar and more, making it one of the most comfortable and stylish places around.
Hostel Pudu, Bariloche, Argentina
If you’ve come to Bariloche, chances are that you’re a big fan of the great outdoors. Well, you’re in luck at Hostel Pudu. Not only have they got highly-rated friendly staff, hammocks and weekly barbecues, but, as one of their guests said, ‘All rooms really face the lake and you have an amazing view waking up, eating breakfast, hanging out in the nice living room, bar or in the beautiful rose garden.’
HI-San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
San Francisco is a charming but busy city and one of the best ways to get a real feel for the Californian landscape is to stay at this hostel. It’s set amongst the trees in a spacious former army barracks in Fort Mason, overlooking the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Best of all, it’s only 15 minutes’ walk from Pier 39 and the Embarcadero, right in the centre of the city.
>> Book HI-San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf
Raniban Retreat, Pokhara, Nepal
If you’re going to visit a beautiful country like Nepal, you might as well stay at a hostel where you can appreciate the view. Raniban Retreat does this spectacularly. This solar-powered hostel is located just up from the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara and has clear views across Phewa Lake to the peaks of Annapurna, Machapuchare and Dhaulagiri from their terraces, gardens, rooftop and several rooms. Bring a camera!
Sarvar Guest House, Jodhpur
This gorgeously kitsch and colourful guesthouse has a prime view of Merhangarh Fort and Jodhpur’s distinct blue and white houses. Luckily, they have a large rooftop terrace restaurant with comfortable seating so you can relax while taking it all in. It’s set in a haveli, a traditional Indian mansion, and has 24hr security, free internet, free parking, free airport pick-up and more.
Kawaguchi-ko Station Inn, Mount Fuji
A lot of hostels claim views of Mount Fuji but not many have the great vantage point of Kawaguchi-ko Station Inn. This onsen has traditional tatami-style rooms and is located just across the street from Kawaguchiko train and bus stations, making it ideal for those travelling around Japan. They have air conditioning, an onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi and lots more.
>> Book Kawaguchi-ko Station Inn
Karen Hill Tribe Lodge, Chiang Mai, Thailand
This lodge is set in the mountains above Chiang Mai and presents a great opportunity to experience rural Thai life. It offers comfortable private rooms and a large yard and porch, all overlooking picturesque rice terraces. You won’t get bored here, either – there’s elephant safaris, cooking classes, massages, dance lessons, excursions and more, all year ‘round. It’s simply a perfect spot for getting to know the locals as you explore the lush surroundings.
