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Budapest is one of Europe’s top weekend vacation destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The Hungarian capital is packed with stunning architecture, ranging from the Roman era to the Gothic and Baroque times, history, natural hot springs — and of course, cheap beer! The city, which is one of our favorite places to travel for cheap, is filled with awesome hostels that are perfect for solo travelers or those traveling in groups. We’ve rounded up the best hostels in Budapest — happy vacation!
1. Hostel One Basilica
Warning: you’re going to have a lot of fun at Hostel Basilica One! Not only is it one of the most popular choices in Budapest thanks to its free nightly dinner (yes you heard right) but it’s also known for its amazing social atmosphere. Hostel One is a great place to get the party started and the hostel has drinking games running throughout the week, alongside pub crawls. As for the free dinner, the hostel serves up an evening meal included in your night’s stay, meaning you can save your money for partying and socializing with other guests. The hostel has a strict age limit of 18-36 years old, meaning that most travelers are on the same page. The dorm rooms are comfy, and the hostel provides free city maps, tea and coffee.
2. Full Moon Hostel
If you love Instagramming cute hostels, the Full Moon Design Hostel is the place for you. The hostel features picturesque interior design, of sky blue walls and white beams, that will have you taking a lot of pictures. Full Moon has every type of room you could want, from basic dormitories through to swanky VIP rooms, all for decent prices. The hostel is located just two minutes from the city’s famous river Danube, where you can soak in the view of the Hungarian Parliament. The hostel has a low-key vibe, with guests keen to explore the city. There’s simply so much to see and do in Budapest, you’re going to be spoilt for choice. Check out these 21 Fun Things to Do in Budapest and incorporate a few into your trip.
3. Pal’s Mini Hostel
Pal’s Mini Hostel is located in the uber-cool Octagon Square, which is right by Andrassy Avenue, a historic boulevard and UNESCO World Heritage with some of the city’s best architecture. It’s one of the best hostels in Budapest and it draws a cool, backpacker crowd thanks to its central location and proximity to some of the most vibrant nightlife in town. The hostel can be found right next to tons of cafes, restaurants and top sights such as the House of Terror Museum and the elegant Opera House. Pal’s Mini Hostel is a small hostel offering comfortable dorm beds and privates, which have their own privacy curtain, meaning you can get a good night’s sleep. This is the place to be for those wanting to make the most of their time exploring the city, not in party accommodation.
4. Grandio Party Hostel
As the name describes, Grandio Party Hostel is a lively, social hostel known for its raucous parties. The hostel serves up drink deals all day long and it’s easy to forget you’re in Budapest to actually explore the city, not just to party. The hostel features a courtyard that’s been kitted out to look like a forest, and is a great place to hang out and socialize. The hostel says that it is “one of the only true party places on this earth that welcomes alcoholics, lost souls and party people with talent but no direction”. So if you fit into this category (and can handle a joke!) this is the hostel for you. The rooms are simple and clean, and it has speedy WiFi.
5. Maverick Hostel
If you’re looking for something with a bit more culture than the party hostels, Maverick Hostel is your best bet. The hostel is set within a stunning, historic building that is a fully-renovated royal mansion built by the Hapsburg dynasty. It boasts a great location, right by some of the city’s top attractions, and you can sip free Hungarian wine in this opulent setting (without the price tag).
If you prefer more of a local experience, why not think about renting an Airbnb in Hungary? It’s a great way to get a flavor of the country.