{"id":1266808,"date":"2025-07-22T14:25:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T14:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=1266808"},"modified":"2026-07-16T10:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T10:34:09","slug":"13-hostel-activities-that-help-you-instantly-meet-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/13-hostel-activities-that-help-you-instantly-meet-people\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Hostel Activities That Help You Instantly Meet People"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the best parts about staying in a hostel<\/strong><\/a> isn\u2019t just the budget-friendly beds or central locations, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Here are 11 fun and easy hostel activities<\/strong> that will help you connect with fellow travelers the moment you check in and greatly enhance your travel experience!<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 1. Karaoke Nights<\/h2>\n
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Villa Viva Cape Town Hostel – Cape Town, South Africa<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Karaoke night is a hostel classic. No matter where you are in the world, there\u2019s nothing like a group of international travelers belting out Queen or reggaeton hits after a couple of drinks. Whether you\u2019re tone-deaf or a closet superstar, it\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

Pro tip<\/strong>: Check the hostel\u2019s events calendar on the Hostelworld app<\/strong><\/a> to see if karaoke night is on before you book.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7b 2. Happy Hour<\/h2>\n

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

Hostel activities<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udde0 3. Trivia Night<\/h2>\n
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The Village Melbourne Hostel – Melbourne, Australia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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

\ud83c\udfb2 4. Games Night<\/h2>\n
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Wake Up! Sydney Central – Sydney, Australia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether it\u2019s Cards Against Humanity, Uno, or a full-blown beer pong tournament, games night gets everyone talking. You don\u2019t 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!<\/p>\n

Look for hostels<\/strong> that list entertainment rooms in their facilities or that regularly host game nights or tournaments for snooker, foosball and more.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc51 5. Drag Shows<\/h2>\n

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In some of the world\u2019s most inclusive and fun-loving hostels, drag shows are a vibrant way to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture<\/strong><\/a> and meet new people in a truly electric setting.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s more than just an event, it\u2019s a statement that your hostel is open, friendly, and down to party.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf5d 6. Family Dinners<\/h2>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\uddd8 7. Morning Yoga<\/h2>\n
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YellowSquare Florence – Florence, Italy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Not every hostel offers wellness-style activities, but the Hostelworld<\/strong><\/a> app makes it easy to spot the ones that do. If you download the app<\/strong>,<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDownload Hostelworld App & Find Events<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7b 8. Pub Crawls<\/h2>\n

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Pub crawls are a rite of passage in many hostels, especially in Europe or Southeast Asia. You\u2019ll follow your hostel crew from bar to bar, often with games, free shots, and drink deals included. It\u2019s socializing made simple, just show up and go with the flow.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb6 9. Live Music Nights<\/h2>\n

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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa8 10. Creative Classes and Workshops<\/h2>\n
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YellowSquare Florence – Florence, Italy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u2019t your thing, and you\u2019ll even walk away with a cool souvenir.<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for this in the hostel’s description on Hostelworld.com<\/a> or in the Hostelworld App<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 some even advertise these events in their photo galleries.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd7e 11. Walking Tours<\/h2>\n

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Many hostels organize daily or weekly walking tours with a local guide. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Most of these tours are free or tip-based, and you\u2019ll probably end up grabbing lunch with your new friends afterward.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfad 12. Comedy Club Nights<\/h2>\n

Some hostels partner with local comedy clubs or host their own open-mic shows \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfac 13. Cinema Nights<\/h2>\n
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The Search House Beachfront Hostel – Florianopolis, Brazil<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a long travel day, nothing beats movie night. Some hostels host regular film screenings with popcorn, beanbags, and cozy vibes. Whether it\u2019s cult classics or foreign films, cinema nights<\/strong> are chilled-out hostel activities<\/strong> perfect for introverts and extroverts alike.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf2 How to Find Hostels With Great Activities<\/h2>\n

Want to make sure your next hostel has these kinds of social perks? Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n

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    Use the Hostelworld app<\/strong><\/a> to look at events hosted by different hostels in the city you’ll visit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Check verified reviews to see what travelers say about the vibe and events.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Look at hostel photos \u2014 often, they\u2019ll show scenes from pub crawls, yoga, or dinners.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Message the hostel via the app to ask about weekly activities and group chats.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Hostel activities<\/strong> aren\u2019t just for killing time \u2014 they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

    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<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n