13 Hostel Activities That Help You Instantly Meet People

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One of the best parts about staying in a hostel isn’t just the budget-friendly beds or central locations, it’s the built-in social life. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, hostel activities are the ultimate icebreakers. From wild karaoke nights to laid-back yoga mornings, these experiences transform strangers into travel buddies and even lifelong friends.

Here are 11 fun and easy hostel activities that will help you connect with fellow travelers the moment you check in and greatly enhance your travel experience!

🎤 1. Karaoke Nights

woman laughing, sitting on a stool, after singing live with man on keyboard next to her
Villa Viva Cape Town Hostel – Cape Town, South Africa

Karaoke night is a hostel classic. No matter where you are in the world, there’s nothing like a group of international travelers belting out Queen or reggaeton hits after a couple of drinks. Whether you’re tone-deaf or a closet superstar, it’s all about fun, laughter, and cheering each other on. The best part is you don’t even need to be scared or shy because you’re sleeping in the same dorm as most people in the room. Let your personality shine and have fun… That’s what everyone else will be doing!

Pro tip: Check the hostel’s events calendar on the Hostelworld app to see if karaoke night is on before you book.

🍻 2. Happy Hour

Happy hour is often the unofficial welcome party of any social hostel. Cheap drinks, chill music, and a buzzing common area… What more do you need to break the ice?

Hostel activities like this are low-pressure ways to meet people while sipping on something cold after a long travel day. Most hostels even offer free beer hours later in the day. Not only is it a great way to socialize and even plan your next day with your new travel buddies, it’s also a great way to unwind, relax and enjoy the most out of your day in the city without being cooped up in a hotel room by yourself with a mini fridge filled with overpriced drinks.

🧠 3. Trivia Night

a group of people gathered for a hostel event, drinking and talking
The Village Melbourne Hostel – Melbourne, Australia

Nothing bonds travelers like arguing over what year the Eiffel Tower was built or who played the lead in a random 90s film. Trivia night is perfect if you’re into fun competition and want to test your world knowledge.

Winning team often gets free drinks and bragging rights. There couldn’t be a better way to connect with your hostel buddies.

🎲 4. Games Night

group of people sitting at a table laughing and playing cards
Wake Up! Sydney Central – Sydney, Australia

Whether it’s Cards Against Humanity, Uno, or a full-blown beer pong tournament, games night gets everyone talking. You don’t need to be a social butterfly, the games do the work for you. Even if you don’t know how to play snooker or chess, or whatever game is the chosen one for the night, don’t worry! You’re surrounded by people from all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. There’s always someone that will help you learn the rules so everyone can have a great time!

Look for hostels that list entertainment rooms in their facilities or that regularly host game nights or tournaments for snooker, foosball and more.

👑 5. Drag Shows

drag queen performing outside with people watching

In some of the world’s most inclusive and fun-loving hostels, drag shows are a vibrant way to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and meet new people in a truly electric setting.

It’s more than just an event, it’s a statement that your hostel is open, friendly, and down to party.

🍝 6. Family Dinners

Some hostels organize weekly (or even nightly!) communal dinners, think pasta nights, taco Tuesdays, or BBQs on the terrace. These hostel activities bring everyone to the table, quite literally.

You can share stories, food, and plans for what to do next in the city. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people, especially if you’re shy about initiating conversation. This is the perfect opportunity to bond over a shared love for pasta, pizza and more, as well as over a passion for travel.

🧘 7. Morning Yoga

group of women doing yoga outside with an instructor
YellowSquare Florence – Florence, Italy

Looking for a gentler way to connect, get in touch with your inner self and stretch out the muscles before or after days of walking around? Morning yoga sessions on the rooftop or in a quiet courtyard offer a peaceful start to the day, and a perfect chance to chat with fellow backpackers afterward over breakfast.

Not every hostel offers wellness-style activities, but the Hostelworld app makes it easy to spot the ones that do. If you download the app, go to events and choose the city you’re travelling to and the dates, you will find the events offered on all the hostels in the city.

Download Hostelworld App & Find Events

🍻 8. Pub Crawls

two women smiling at the camera while at a bar

Pub crawls are a rite of passage in many hostels, especially in Europe or Southeast Asia. You’ll follow your hostel crew from bar to bar, often with games, free shots, and drink deals included. It’s socializing made simple, just show up and go with the flow.

If you’re not a fan of beer, you can always go for a glass of wine or a cocktail, or even just a juice with some bar snacks. There’s no pressure to drink as well, you could just accompany your hostel buddies.

🎶 9. Live Music Nights

Some hostels invite local musicians or backpacker bands to perform. Think acoustic sets in the courtyard or live DJs in the bar. These hostel activities draw both guests and locals, making it easy to strike up conversations in a relaxed, music-filled setting, perfect for getting involved in the local scene.

🎨 10. Creative Classes and Workshops

painting workshop in a hostel with three women painting
YellowSquare Florence – Florence, Italy

Get your creative juices flowing while connecting with others during casual art workshops or painting classes. You can even learn how to make cocktails or paint a mug! It’s a great alternative if nightlife isn’t your thing, and you’ll even walk away with a cool souvenir.

Keep an eye out for this in the hostel’s description on Hostelworld.com or in the Hostelworld App — some even advertise these events in their photo galleries.

🥾 11. Walking Tours

group of people taking a selfie together while standing in front of a historical sight in paris

Many hostels organize daily or weekly walking tours with a local guide. It’s not just a great way to see the city, it’s the perfect opportunity to bond with people over street food, hidden alleys, or local legends.

Most of these tours are free or tip-based, and you’ll probably end up grabbing lunch with your new friends afterward.

🎭 12. Comedy Club Nights

Some hostels partner with local comedy clubs or host their own open-mic shows — and yes, they’re hilarious. Laughing alongside strangers is one of the easiest ways to bond. Bonus points if you’re brave enough to hop on stage yourself.

🎬 13. Cinema Nights

people sitting outside in a garden watching a movie being projected
The Search House Beachfront Hostel – Florianopolis, Brazil

After a long travel day, nothing beats movie night. Some hostels host regular film screenings with popcorn, beanbags, and cozy vibes. Whether it’s cult classics or foreign films, cinema nights are chilled-out hostel activities perfect for introverts and extroverts alike.

📲 How to Find Hostels With Great Activities

Want to make sure your next hostel has these kinds of social perks? Here’s how:

  • Use the Hostelworld app to look at events hosted by different hostels in the city you’ll visit.

  • Check verified reviews to see what travelers say about the vibe and events.

  • Look at hostel photos — often, they’ll show scenes from pub crawls, yoga, or dinners.

  • Message the hostel via the app to ask about weekly activities and group chats.

Hostel activities aren’t just for killing time — they’re designed to help you connect. Whether you’re sharing a laugh at karaoke or chatting after a walking tour, these moments can shape your entire travel experience.

So next time you’re choosing a hostel, go beyond just location and price. Think about the experiences, people, and memories you could gain. And for that? There’s no better place to start than Hostelworld.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Hostel Activities

Not all hostels offer organized activities, but many do. On Hostelworld, you can go to the Events tab on the app and find which hostels are hosting which events. Also, read verified reviews to find properties known for great vibes and community events.

Most hostel activities are free, but some may come with a small fee. Always check with the hostel at check-in or on the Hostelworld app.

For solo travelers, trivia nights, happy hours, family-style dinners, and creative workshops are fantastic ways to meet people in a relaxed setting. These low-pressure activities make it easy to strike up conversations.

Yes! On the Hostelworld app, you can find a tab for Events where it will list all events that hostels will be hosting for the dates you're visiting. You can also find most hostel listings include photos, descriptions, and reviews that mention the vibe and events. For more questions, contact the hostel directly via the app to ask about weekly activity schedules.

Beyond the classics like games night and pub crawls, some hostels offer unique experiences like drag shows, comedy club nights, live music, or painting classes. These events add local flavor and memorable moments to your trip.

Most hostels post weekly activity schedules at reception or in their app group chats. If you arrive after an event has started, ask staff or join the next one. The social vibe is usually ongoing, even outside formal events.

Yes, in general, hostel activities are designed to be inclusive and safe. Look for hostels with strong reviews from solo female travelers and don’t hesitate to ask staff about safety, group dynamics, or local tips.

Absolutely. Cinema nights, creative classes, morning yoga, and walking tours are more chill options that still let you meet people without the party pressure. Pick a hostel with a balanced social vibe, not just labeled “party.”

Hostel-organized activities are the fastest way to meet fellow travelers because they create structured social environments. Most hostels offer 2-3 organized events daily, from walking tours to pub crawls, specifically designed for solo travelers to connect.

Shared cooking creates natural conversation opportunities and lasting travel friendships. The key is timing your cooking during peak hours (6-8 PM) when most travelers gather to prepare dinner.

Games and shared activities in common areas provide low-pressure ways for introverted travelers to initiate conversations. Board games, card games, or simply asking to join a group watching TV breaks the ice naturally.

Feeling anxious is incredibly common — even among frequent travelers. Here’s what helps:

  • Start with low-pressure spaces: Hang out in communal areas like the kitchen, lounge, or rooftop. Often people will start the conversation for you.
  • Join structured activities: Things like walking tours, pub crawls, or group dinners give you a natural way in without forcing small talk.
  • Use “micro-openings”: Small interactions (asking where someone is from, commenting on the hostel, asking for a recommendation) can naturally grow into conversations.
  • Be honest if needed: Saying “I’m traveling solo and don’t know many people yet” usually gets a warm response — most travelers have been there.
  • Take breaks: Socializing is optional. Recharging is allowed.

It’s easier than it looks — most groups form that same day.

  • Approach during an activity, not mid‑conversation. Shared tasks (cooking, card games, making coffee) create natural openings.
  • Use proximity: Sitting near them with a smile or small comment often invites you in.
  • Ask to join rather than hover:
    “Hey, mind if I join you?” is almost always met with “Of course!”
  • Offer something small: Suggest a game, ask for advice on day trips, or share snacks—easy bonding moves.
  • Don’t take closed groups personally: Sometimes people are tired or on their last day.

Use questions that are open-ended but not too personal:

  • “Where have you traveled from?”
  • “Any tips for things to do around here?”
  • “How long have you been on the road?”
  • “Are you joining the hostel activity later?”
  • “Did you try the food here yet?”
  • “What’s been your favorite place so far?”

Travelers love sharing stories — you just need to open the door a little.

Hostel friendships can be surprisingly strong, but they take small, consistent effort:

  • Exchange social media early so you don’t lose people.
  • Send quick check-ins (“Hey! Saw a cool café here — reminded me of our Lisbon trip!”)
  • Share photos from your travels afterward.
  • Plan future meetups, even casual ones (“If you’re ever in Portugal, message me!”).
  • Don’t force it: Some connections are for the moment — and that’s okay too.

For introverts:

  • Board game nights
  • Cooking classes
  • Movie nights
  • Shared workspace or café hangouts
  • Small-group walking tours

For ambiverts:

  • Hostel dinners
  • Bar nights with chill atmospheres
  • Day trips
  • Language exchange sessions

For extroverts:

  • Pub crawls
  • Beach parties
  • Open-mic nights
  • Group hikes
  • Large social mixers

Matching your energy to the activity makes meeting people so much easier.

About The Author

Diana Morais

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