The Best Hostels to Meet Other Travelers (With Reviews)
Meeting people on the road is one of the most exciting parts of travel. Whether it’s your first solo trip or your fifth, the right hostel can turn a few nights into a lifetime of memories. The best hostels to meet other travelers are designed with connection in mind. Think shared dinners, pub crawls, rooftop hangouts, and daily adventures.
From London to Bangkok, these are the hostels that solo travelers and backpackers rave about for their atmosphere, events, and friendly vibes.
🏰 Wombat’s City Hostel London
With a stylish basement bar, chill common areas, and regular events, Wombat’s is a dream for solo travelers. It’s walking distance from the Tower of London and near several train stations, which makes it easy to explore or meet others heading in your direction.
What guests say:
“A huge highlight was the lively basement bar. It had an awesome atmosphere and was an excellent spot to socialize and meet fellow travelers.”
“This place has a ton of activities and a bustling social atmosphere that attracts a younger crowd. If you’re in your early 20s, you’ll love this place.”
💬 How to turn strangers into travel buddies
Book Wombat’s City Hostel London
🎧 Holy Sheet Hostel
This hostel in Bangkok is small, friendly, and purpose-built for meeting people. The owner leads most social activities and introduces every guest to the group, which helps even shy travelers feel welcome from the start.
What guests say:
“Great hostel! It’s social, chill, in a nice area and has great facilities (breakfast, Netflix, card and board games, comfy bed). Feels very welcoming, safe and good for solo travelers.”
“Favorite hostel ever! So many people extend or come back because it’s a vibe. It’s homey and social and has a lot of nice little touches like all-day breakfast and a delicious family style dinner once a week.”
🧍 Feeling shy? How to make friends in hostels
🍷 St Christopher’s Inn Paris Gare du Nord
This hostel is a go-to for solo travelers arriving in Paris. With an on-site bar, daily events, and a welcoming common area, it’s designed to make meeting people easy. Whether you’re heading out for a pub crawl or relaxing with a wine in the lounge, this hostel brings people together effortlessly.
What guests say:
“We love St. Christophers !! It has the perfect location, the best social vibes, and has been our favorite hostel stay during our month long trip in Europe !!”
“Really social place, free drinks every night down at the bar, close to the metro so everything is accessible.”
👯 How to connect with other travelers in hostels
Book St. Christopher's Inn Paris Gare du Nord
🎉 Yeah Hostel Barcelona
Yeah Hostel is a favorite for solo travelers thanks to its nightly group dinners and friendly atmosphere. You can explore the city by day and return for drinks, games, or a local bar crawl with your new hostel friends.
What guests say:
“Very good vibes, very social and easy to meet people!”
“Super social hostel with really lovely and accomodating staff. Rooms were clean and location was perfect. Also great value daily dinners and pub crawls.”
🎲 Try these 13 hostel activities to meet people
🎨 St Christopher’s Inn Amsterdam – The Winston
This iconic hostel mixes nightlife, art, and friendly vibes. The rooms are each designed by different artists, and the bar downstairs is always buzzing. It’s located right in the heart of the action, making it easy to meet people and explore together.
What guests say:
“Really enjoyed this place had a cool vibe for a first time in Amsterdam. This hostel was great if you were looking for the social aspect and all the staff at the bar are super nice!”
“Great hostel. It was clean, vibes were good/very social and easy to meet people just hanging around Belushis, and the staff was amazing.”
Book St. Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston
🧡 Hostel ELF
Known for its outdoor BBQs and friendly courtyard, Hostel ELF is full of energy and creative touches. It attracts a fun mix of travelers and offers a laid-back social vibe that feels like home.
What guests say:
“really good stay, good social hostel that doesnt just focus on drinking.”
“This was the best hostel I’ve been to. The terrace area is very social, they have a darts board, card games, lots of sitting area. They even had a free bbq. “
🍺 St Christopher’s Inn Berlin Mitte
This hostel pairs a great location with a lively social scene. The bar on-site hosts events most nights, and there’s no shortage of activities to join. It’s the perfect mix of fun and function for solo travelers who want to meet others while exploring the city.
What guests say:
“Really enjoyed our stay at St.Christophers! The location was great for sightseeing/nightlife. Really social hostel and special shoutout to Tessa who really made us feel welcome!”
“Amazing hostel with a wonderful social atmosphere. “
The Best Hostels to Meet Other Travelers
Choosing the right hostel can turn a good trip into a great one. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or discovering Southeast Asia, the best hostels to meet other travelers offer a built-in community and unforgettable memories. From free dinners and rooftop drinks to morning yoga and late-night games, these hostels make solo travel feel anything but lonely.
Book your next stay with connection in mind, and you might just meet your next adventure buddy before check-in.
Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book
🙋 FAQ: How to Meet Other Travellers in Hostels
🍻 What activities help you meet other travellers in hostels?
Common hostel activities that help break the ice include:
Pub crawls
Family dinners
Free walking tours
Cooking classes
Game nights or quiz nights
These are great opportunities to bond over shared experiences.
👉 See: 13 hostel activities that help you instantly meet people
🧍 I’m shy or introverted. Can I still make friends in hostels?
Yes, definitely. Look for smaller hostels or those known for inclusive, welcoming vibes. Hostels that offer structured group activities make it easier to ease into conversation without pressure.
🧑🍳 Are communal spaces useful for meeting people?
Yes. Hostel kitchens, lounges, co-working areas, and rooftop terraces are where people naturally gather. Making a meal, offering to share snacks, or just asking about someone’s plans for the day can start a conversation.
🌍 Is joining a hostel tour a good way to meet people?
Absolutely. Hostel-led tours, whether it's a food walk or a city adventure, are designed for solo travellers and small groups. They’re low-pressure ways to connect while seeing the sights together.
👯 What type of hostels are best for meeting people?
Look for social hostels, party hostels, or boutique hostels with communal areas and organized activities. Read reviews that mention events, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. Hostels that offer pub crawls, family dinners, or daily tours are ideal for making connections.
🛏️ Should I stay in a dorm or private room to meet people?
Dorm rooms are usually better for meeting people, especially smaller ones (4–6 beds). However, you can still meet other travellers by spending time in common areas or joining hostel events even if you book a private room.
🕐 When is the best time to meet people in hostels?
Check-in time (afternoons) is a good moment to say hello to dorm mates.
Evenings are ideal, as many hostels organize dinners, happy hours, or group outings.
Mornings in the kitchen or common areas can also spark casual conversations over coffee or breakfast.
🙅 What should I avoid when trying to meet people in hostels?
Avoid being overly pushy, interrupting private conversations, or forcing social interaction. Be friendly, respectful of others' space, and let conversations happen naturally. Listening and showing genuine interest goes a long way.
🌐 Can I meet people through hostel apps or message boards?
Yes. Many hostels use apps or boards to share upcoming events, tours, or local tips. With the Hostelworld app, you can join social group chats with fellow travellers staying at your hostel or even connect with others exploring the same city. It's an easy way to meet people before you even arrive.
✈️ Can I meet travel buddies for future trips at a hostel?
Definitely. Many solo travellers team up for day trips or even plan to visit the next city together. Be open about your itinerary, you never know who might be heading in the same direction.
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