How to Meet People in Hostels When You’re A Solo Traveler
Travelling solo doesn’t mean staying solo. In fact, one of the best parts about hostel travel is how easy it is to connect with other travellers from around the world, whether it’s bonding over a shared breakfast, a spontaneous hike, or a late-night chat in the common room.
👉 If you’re nervous about meeting people or want to dive deeper into solo travel, check out our guide to travelling alone for the first time.
Ready to find your people? Here’s how to break the ice, join the conversation, and make meaningful connections in hostels, without feeling awkward.
1. Say Hi in the Hostel Chat Before You Arrive
Before you’ve even unpacked your bag, you can already start connecting.
Hostelworld’s app lets you join the social chat of your hostel as soon as you book. You’ll find a community of other travellers staying there, asking questions, sharing travel plans, or arranging drinks or group dinners. Even a simple “Anyone around for a beer tonight?” can lead to meeting your next travel buddy.
➡️ Tip: When joining Hostelworld’s app and booking a hostel, you will be able to join the social chat for both the hostel you’ll be staying at, as well as as a city chat with all travellers who will be in the city you’re visiting at the same time as you. Use both, the hostel chat to connect with people you will be sharing a dorm with, but also the city chat for joining group tours, sharing a meal with other solo travellers, and more!
2. Ice Breakers That Aren’t Cringe
We get it, approaching a group of strangers can feel intimidating. But here’s the secret: everyone else is in the same boat. Hostels are full of solo travellers who want to meet people.
Try these simple openers:
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“Hey, mind if I join you?”
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“Where are you heading next?”
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“Anyone got recommendations for food around here?”
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“I just arrived—what’s the vibe like here?”
The goal isn’t to be clever, just open and genuine. Most people will happily welcome you in.
3. Show Up to Hostel Events (Even If You’re Nervous)
From pub crawls to communal dinners, hostel activities are designed to get people mixing. You don’t need to be the life of the party, just showing up is enough. These events naturally break the ice, especially when you’re doing something interactive like trivia nights, cooking classes, or walking tours.
Don’t overthink it. Just go. You’ll thank yourself later.
👉 Don’t know what to expect? Check out our list of 13 hostel activities that help you instantly meet people.
4. Share Your Travel Plans
A guaranteed conversation starter? Talking itineraries. Whether you’re heading to the same next stop or just curious where people are coming from, swapping travel stories and plans is the universal language of hostels.
You can say:
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“I’m heading to Lisbon next, any hostel recs?”
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“I’ve just come from Budapest—want some tips?”
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“I’ve got a free day tomorrow—anyone want to explore together?”
💡 Even better? The Hostelworld app lets you share your travel plans directly with other travellers staying at your hostel, or even nearby. It’s a game-changer for finding people headed in the same direction or linking up for a trip, day tour, or night out. You can also check out others’ travel plans to see who might be going your way.
You might end up finding someone with a similar route—or even your next travel buddy.
5. Hang Out in Social Spaces (Not Just Your Dorm’s Bunk Bed)
It’s tempting to curl up with your phone after a long travel day, but common areas are where the magic happens. Even just sitting in the kitchen with a coffee or chilling in the lounge can lead to easy chats.
Leave your headphones off. Look approachable. You don’t need to talk to everyone, just being present makes it easier to connect when the opportunity comes.
6. Not a Natural Extrovert? That’s Okay.
You don’t have to be super outgoing to meet people. Many travellers are shy, introverted, or simply not into big social scenes, and that’s totally valid. Look for smaller or quieter hostel events, early morning group walks, or one-on-one convos in shared dorms.
💡 For more low-pressure ways to meet people, read our guide on how to make friends in hostels even if you’re shy.
7. Be the First to Say Something
Sometimes, all it takes is one person to break the silence, and that person can be you. Whether it’s asking if someone wants to cook dinner together or offering to share your snacks, small gestures go a long way.
Confidence is like a muscle: the more you use it, the easier it gets.
Bonus Tips to Meet People Without Even Trying
🎒 The “Dorm Room Compliment”
Notice someone with a cool patch-covered backpack or a well-worn Lonely Planet guide? Compliment it. It’s a super low-stakes way to start a convo—and usually leads to a story or a laugh.
“That backpack’s seen some things!” is basically traveller-speak for “Tell me your life story.”
🍜 Cook Something That Smells Amazing
Forget fancy cooking skills, just boil pasta with garlic and olive oil. The smell will waft through the hostel and suddenly people are “just hanging out in the kitchen.” Instant friends.
Bonus: Ask if anyone wants to join. People love food, and shared meals = shared stories.
🧩 Carry a Card Game or Uno Deck
Even if you’re not super social, games are social magnets. Leave a deck out on the table and wait. It takes one curious person walking by to ask, “What’s this?” and you’re off.
🛋️ Be a Couch Potato (In the Lounge)
You don’t have to chase convos. Sometimes just being in a common area and looking open (i.e., not glued to your phone) is all it takes. People are more likely to talk to someone who’s available, even if you’re just pretending to read your book.
🎧 Headphones Off, Curiosity On
If you’re in the common room with headphones in, you’re saying “I’m not available.” Even if you’re not in a chatty mood, ditch the earbuds for a bit. It makes you more approachable and invites spontaneous chats.
Meeting People in Hostels is Easier Than You Think
Solo travel doesn’t mean solo living. Hostels are built for connection, and even one new friend can change your trip entirely. Whether you’re swapping stories on a rooftop or heading out on a spontaneous adventure, the people you meet might just become the highlight of your journey.
And don’t forget to download the Hostelworld app to join chats, plan meetups, and connect with other travellers before you even arrive.
Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book
🤔 FAQ: Meeting People in Hostels
Is it weird to just walk up to people and talk to them?
Not in a hostel! That’s kind of the whole point. Most people are open to chatting, especially in shared spaces like the lounge or kitchen. Start with a simple “Hey, where are you from?” or ask about their travel plans. It doesn’t have to be a TED Talk.
What if I don’t drink or party? Will I still meet people?
Definitely. While some hostels have lively bars and pub crawls, plenty offer alternative activities like yoga, cooking nights, day hikes, or movie marathons. Use the Hostelworld app to find like-minded travellers and join activities that suit your vibe.
How does the Hostelworld app help with meeting people?
Once you book your hostel, you can join the in-app social chat and share your travel plans with other travellers. You’ll see who else is staying there, what people are planning, and you can message them directly. It’s an easy way to start connecting before you even arrive.
What if I try and people don’t respond?
It happens. Not every interaction will turn into a lifelong friendship, and that’s okay! Keep being open and friendly, and you’ll naturally click with the right people. Sometimes it takes one “hey” to completely change the vibe of your trip.
What if there’s a language barrier?
Hostels are international melting pots, and you’d be surprised how far smiles, gestures, and Google Translate can take you. Plus, most travellers speak at least a little English, and making the effort is what counts. Card games, food, and shared activities often speak louder than words anyway.
Is it safe to meet up with strangers from the hostel app?
Hostelworld’s social features connect you with people who are booked into the same hostel or nearby, so there's built-in context and accountability. Still, always meet in public places, trust your gut, and let someone know where you're going, just like you would anywhere else.
Can I meet locals through hostels or just other travellers?
Mostly other travellers, but some hostels host local-led tours, cooking classes, or language exchanges, which are great ways to meet locals too. Keep an eye on hostel noticeboards or event calendars for unique opportunities.
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