Hostels aren’t all the stuff of nightmares, of rock star-wannabes strumming Wonderwall on repeat, roommates banging lockers at 5am or food mysteriously disappearing from the communal fridge. There’s a growing crop of modern, unique and downright quirky hostels across Europe. Whether you want to stay in a former jail, step into a real-life sketchbook or join hostel-led free events, these glam pads are ideal for solo travellers and more – and they’re affordable too (prices correct at the time of writing).

Overlooking Edinburgh’s most famous street, this homely hostel is a fab place to hunker down, complete with a crackling fireplace in the lounge area. There are multi-sized mixed and female-only dorms and the hostel runs free daily walking tours, so it’s a great option for those wanting to tick off the city’s top sights. Located between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the hostel also has two sister sites at Castle Rock Hostel and High Street Hostel. A bed in a dorm costs from £17 ($20) per night.

This Italian hostel has over 110 beds in more than 20 rooms, which are all en suite. There are private (pets welcome) and family rooms as well as multi-sized dormitories. The space includes a movie room, musical instruments and much more, but the highlight here has to be its outdoor terrace. Not only does it have a barbecue but it’s also a decent-sized area to spend a balmy summer evening – or a chilled-out spot to enjoy your free welcome drink on arrival. A bed in a dorm costs from £45 ($55) per night.

Spend the night in a former military prison which has now been redesigned into a hostel, complete with private rooms and dormitories. Each ‘cell’ tells its own artistic story, which you can chat about with fellow guests in one of two cafés, the restaurant or summer garden, or at one of the hostel’s organised evening meals. The ground floor has a four-bed (en suite) room which is wheelchair accessible. A bed in a dorm costs from £18 ($22) per night.

Book a stay at this futuristic hostel for a night’s sleep that’s out of this world. These sci-fi-themed capsule pods are a wacky take on typical hostel dormitories and are ideal for travellers looking for unique experiences. The single or double capsules come with control panel lighting, air circulation ventilation and a smart door lock, with prices averaging around £25 ($31) per night.

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A 10-minute walk from Tower Hill station, this central London hostel offers male- and female-only dorms, mixed dorms and private rooms. Its modern style makes it feel more like a hotel but with all the sociable hostel trimmings, including a bar, kitchen, dining space and organised events like rooftop yoga. The ground floor common area (pictured) includes a long desk bank ideal for remote workers. One night in a six-bed mixed dorm costs around £30 ($37).

A roster of freebies make this hostel ideal for first-time solo travellers thanks to its barbecues, walking tours, games evenings and mulled wine nights to mingle with others at. Or why not loan one of the provided bicycles to explore the trendy district this hostel sits in and beyond? Its art-filled decor stretches into the double rooms, dormitories, family apartment (also great for small groups) and building exterior. A bed in a dorm costs from £13 ($16) per night.

Self-described as an oasis, this dreamy hostel is ideal for those connected (or wanting to connect) with spiritualism. In-house programmes like meditation and yoga are included in the already affordable room rates. A bed in a dorm costs roughly £12 ($15) per night, with discounts applied the longer you stay (and if you return).

Located in an 18th-century building, this funky hostel brings the fun with its ball pit, prompting you to release your inner child. The outdoor terrace features a wall of amazing sea-themed artwork while inside you can play board games, foosball or watch a movie. There are private, multi-sized mixed and female-only dormitories and apartments to book, and a bed in a mixed dorm costs from £20 ($24) per night.

Travelling with the family? This child- and dog-friendly hostel is in the heart of Snowdonia National Park in Wales. It’s a great base for walks and guests also receive discounts on fun attractions like Zip World. There’s an adorable selection of private rooms along with a communal kitchen and bathroom. There’s a two-night minimum stay over weekends and a four-bed private room costs around £300 ($365) for two nights.

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Looking for a party? Ironically, Chillout Hostel offers exactly that. There’s a DJ at the bar and the outdoor terrace is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening – once you’ve taken advantage of the hostel's free tours, of course. This award-winning place has en suite rooms and there are lockers beneath the beds in the colourful and exposed-brick dorms. There are regular pub crawls organised by the hostel, plus it serves traditional Croatian food and is pet-friendly in the common areas and private rooms. A bed in a dorm costs from £24 ($29) per night.

This hostel doesn’t require you to join the circus but you can unleash your inner clown in its photo booth, complete with fancy dress options. The common room’s large table is an easy way to chat to fellow guests about your trek to the top of the Acropolis and back, and the restaurant (where breakfast is also served) offers creative takes on Greek fare. Choose from multi-bed dorms and doubles, twins and quadruple private rooms, all equipped with air-con. A bed in a dorm costs from £22 ($27) per night.

This Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet masquerades as a budget-friendly hostel. Stay grounded at Arlanda Airport and sleep in dorms (mixed, male- and female-only) or private rooms, or upgrade yourself to the luxury suite in the converted cockpit, offering panoramic views of the airport. ‘In-flight’ services include a café and there’s even a balcony on the wing. A bed in a dorm costs from £36 ($44) per night.

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Ideal for eco-minded travellers, this plant-filled hostel features a glass roof letting the sunshine stream through. You can rent kayaks or bikes or even volunteer at local organisations while you’re here, so it’s great for longer stays of up to a week. The multi-sized mixed and female-only dorms include individual curtains on each bunk which is perfect for privacy. A bed in a mixed dorm costs from £16 ($19) per night.

With wooden floorboards, airy rooms flooded with natural light and an overall vintage feel, this hostel in Prague is one of the coolest in Europe. There’s a terrace garden, kitchen and pub (including a free drink for guests – win!) to chill in before exploring the rest of this medieval city. Choose from multi-sized mixed, male- and female-only dorms or opt for private rooms which can sleep up to four guests. One night in a six-bed mixed dorm starts at £16 ($19).

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Those seeking minimalist, elegant Scandi-cool abodes should opt for this design-led hostel in Copenhagen. Set in the heart of the capital, near Kongens Nytorv (the main square), it’s also home to the largest shuffleboard centre in the city. There’s also a pétanque court, so competitive types will reign victorious here. As for where you’ll sleep, there are private rooms and multi-sized dormitories (including female-only) with under-bed lockers. A bed in a mixed dorm costs from £31 ($38) per night.

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If you’re looking for a base to explore the narrow streets of Tallinn, opt for Fat Margaret’s. This cool hostel is straightforward in design with exposed brick walls and offers private rooms, mixed and female-only dorms. There’s a spacious common room complete with table tennis and a fully equipped kitchen. A dorm room for the night costs from £9 ($11).

Iceland is often viewed as an expensive place to visit but staying at this hostel will help keep costs down, where you can make use of the heated outdoor patio and pop-up bar/restaurant. Private rooms come with ocean and mountain views. There are also family rooms, plus a ‘tiny room’ (perfect for loved-up couples) and a range of multi-sized dormitories (including female-only) with a whopping 42-bed dorm. A bed in a mixed dorm costs from £28 ($34) a night.

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Whether you’re visiting Berlin for art or nightlife, this hostel is a great combination of the two. As the German capital’s only concept hostel, its casual interior is stylishly spartan, with private rooms, multi-bed (and female-only) dorms and even an art salon. Start the day with coffee at the on-site café and end it with a drink at the bar. A bed in a dorm costs from £10 ($12) per night.

Set in an old brewery building, this modern hostel-hotel isn’t far from all the main sights in Brussels. On the walls are original artworks by graffiti artists, giving the hostel a unique flair. While all are welcome here, its functionality and location make it a returning spot for remote workers and businesspeople, with free Wi-Fi throughout and a handy terrace bar to work from. There are private rooms, mixed- and female-only dormitories and a bed in a dorm costs from £35 ($42) per night.

You can see the Northern Lights from outside this hostel in Finnish Lapland, or get stuck in with a roster of winter and summer sports like skiing, hiking and kayaking. This intimate space is better suited for non-solo travellers and outdoorsy types but you’ll still easily chat with others in the shared kitchen or cosy lounge. Included in some of the rates (both private and dormitory) is breakfast and use of the communal sauna. A bed in a dorm costs from £29 ($35) per night.

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As the first boutique hostel in Malta, Two Pillows feels more like stepping into a luxury hotel. Located in a traditional Maltese townhouse, it’s been refurbished with individually planned rooms and silent air-con and even a spa equipped with a Jacuzzi and sauna. There’s an outside terrace and communal areas inside. Dormitories (mixed and female-only) have amenities like hair dryers included in the price, while privates (all en suite) also receive free toiletries. Or why not treat yourself to the Penthouse Suite? A bed in a dorm costs from £30 ($36) per night.

Couples should book a stay at this great-value hostel with games, a garden and outdoor area ideal for an impromptu date night. Among the 18 rooms are mixed- and female-only dorms with shared bathrooms and private rooms with en suites. Guests can cook together in the shared kitchen or get the night started in the dedicated party room. Note there’s no reception and few staff here, so you’ll have to be pretty self-sufficient. A bed in a dorm costs from £14 ($17) a night.

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This award-winning hostel is great craic for those looking to party. Offering mixed- and female-only dormitories, it's ideal for solo travellers looking to make friends with loads of attractions and pubs nearby. Breakfast is included in the rates and with staff as vibrant as the decor, the reception team can assist with booking tours and excursions. A bed in a dorm costs from £32 ($39) per night.

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Located in a former brothel, a stay at Cocomama Boutique Hostel now feels like a home away from home. It’s a great option for backpackers looking for somewhere stylish as you’re spoilt for choice with swish private rooms and four- and six-bed dorms. Each room is named after its individual style; art lovers can’t go wrong in the Van Gogh Double Room. A bed in a six-person dorm costs from £46 ($56) per night.

Step into a real-life sketchbook with the staff’s artwork making up pretty much most of the decor in this hostel. There are private rooms and apartments spread over two locations in Budapest, with some requiring a minimum two-night stay. It’s a marvellous place for those looking to recharge their batteries or those who need to reconnect with their creativity. A private room costs from £60 ($73) per night.

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