Top Five Cities When Hostelling in Europe

Hostelling in Europe is a fantastic way to travel the continent and experience all you want without spending a huge amount on accommodation. Excellent hostels are found all over Europe and make the ideal choice for those looking for a comfortable, safe place to stay, without the price tag of luxury, high-end. They are also an excellent place to meet like-minded travellers, who you may even end up travelling on with.

When hostelling in Europe it is a good idea to have a plan of all the places you really want to include on your itinerary. That said, be prepared to ‘go with the flow’ and change your itinerary along the way. Here are some top cities to visit when hostelling in Europe.

Top 5 Cities

Rome is the perfect place for anyone who loves history. And even for those who don’t, the city holds much appeal. The Romans made their mark on modern civilization in many different parts of the world, but nowhere is their influence more prevalent than in Rome. While here, you must visit the Colosseum, Vatican City, The Pantheon and the Spanish Steps, don’t forget to take time out to enjoy the wonderful food, wine and ice-cream, too.

Paris is a truly romantic destination, made more so by the huge coverage in movies and involvement in pop culture. This city is a magical fusion of history, fashion and food. Home to some of the most famous museums in the world, many of which are free to enter, Paris is always high on the itinerary for those hostelling in Europe. Of course you'll visit the Eiffel Tower, but if you are looking for something different to do on a Friday night, book on to Pari Roller, for a roller skating trip around the city.

Barcelona is a sun-drenched city in northern Spain, bursting with fabulous architecture, boasting a vibrant nightlife and home to a lovely beach. Apart from the Gaudi Park and the Sagrada Familia, the markets are another 'must' in this city. A feast for every sense, the market stalls offer a range of local and seasonal foods with plenty of opportunity for tasting.

London has been referred to as the New York of Europe, but really it is a city that stands alone in its grandeur. It is a cultural and business hub that has hosted many a significant world event and is considered somewhat of a superpower in Europe. London needs more than a couple of days, but even if that is all you have you will be able to scratch the surface of this incredibly cosmopolitan city. Make a beeline to the London Eye, visit Buckingham Palace, stroll down Portobello Road, and get lost in Borough Market and you will feel like you have seen plenty of what the city has to offer.

Amsterdam is a stunning city, full of history and beautiful scenery. Famous for the Red Light District, the city is also home to Anne Frank's House and the wonderful Van Gogh Museum. This laid back city has some great hostels and should definitely be on the itinerary of any hostelling in Europe trip.

There are, of course, plenty of other cities in between, but see these five and you'll have had a pretty good taste of Europe.

Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide. For the best Paris hostels or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world.