Is There Age Limit For Hostels In Europe? (2024)
If you want to save money while traveling around Europe, you might be wondering if is there an age limit for hostels in Europe.
That is a completely valid question!
I recently turned 30, and as I was checking into a hostel the receptionist proudly exclaimed that I could stay there while returning my passport!
I was confused as to why was that even a question, to begin with.
Turns out, some European hostels have minimum and maximum age requirements, meaning you can’t check in if you’re too young or too old.
However, don’t panic just yet!
Most European hostels don’t have age limits, and to be quite honest, you probably don’t want to stay in those that do!
Let’s jump right into everything you need to know about the hostel age limit!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
Hostel Age Limit In Europe
First things first, there is no general age limit for hostels in Europe.
However, each hostel is allowed to have its own rules and age requirements for staying there.
European hostels have all types of age requirements and rules:
- Hostels with no age limit at all
- Hostels where all guests need to be older than 18
- Hostels where families with kids can stay in private rooms
- Hostels where the maximum age is 35, 40, or 45
- Hostels where guests older than 35 must stay in private rooms
- Hostels where rules are the combination of all of the above
As you can see, hostel age limit rules are all over the place!
However, the most common type of hostel in Europe is the one where guests need to be older than 18, but without an upper age limit.
A youth hostel is usually just a name, which doesn’t mean that you necessarily need to be a certain age to stay there.
When backpacking in Greece, I noticed several hostels on the islands had an age limit of 40 or 45. However, these were clearly stated in the hostel description.
Am I Too Old To Stay In Hostels?
If you’re in your late twenties or older, you probably caught yourself asking how old is too old for hostels.
I’ve been staying in hostels for over 10 years now, and I met plenty of people in their 30es, 40es, and even 50es staying in hostels!
So, if you’re worried that you’re too old to stay in hostels, don’t be! It has nothing to do with age.
The only reason you could be too old to stay in a hostel is if the hostel has an age limit.
While I wholeheartedly believe you’re never too old for hostels, several European hostels don’t agree with me and enforce age requirements for guests.
This includes the minimum and maximum age required to stay there, and you don’t want to be denied check-in after a long day of travel.
How To Pick The Right Hostel For Your
Staying in a party hostel in my late twenties, I caught myself wondering: Am I too old for hostels?
Turns out I’m not. But I am no longer in the mood to be woken up at 1 AM with a bottle of tequila – if I ever was!
That’s why it is crucial to pick the right type of hostel for you!
Read Hostel Rules
My best advice is to read the hostel rules before booking a hostel.
I always browse hostels on Hostelworld, and the age requirement is almost always one of the first sentences in the hotel description, usually written in all caps.
If a hostel has an age limit, and the great majority doesn’t, it will be 35 or 40. If you’re under 30 you don’t have to worry about this.
Despite what your friends or family might think, your late 20es are not too old for backpacking!
Regarding the minimum age requirement, most hostels don’t allow minors in dorm rooms.
That requirement is kind of “general knowledge” so it is not emphasized as the upper age limit and you’ll have to read house rules.
Pick More Expensive Hostels
I’m not saying that the price is the only indicator of the hostel’s quality, but it is usually a pretty reliable sign.
The best way to avoid young and loud party backpackers in your room is to stay in an accommodation they can’t afford.
Be careful though, party hostels in the most popular places to party in Europe can be expensive too!
The cheapest hostels are usually just places to sleep with basic bunk beds and one bathroom per floor.
On the other hand, more expensive boutique hotels are the ones you want to pick if you want more comfort.
If a hostel in Santorini is 10€ per night and the average hotel room is 100€ per night, you know you can’t expect luxury.
I’ve stayed in many hostels that were more comfortable than budget hotels!
Stay In Single Sex Rooms With Curtains
Whenever I need to wake up for an early flight or I stay in a party hostel, I pick female-only dorms.
I stayed in many female-only dorms throughout the years, and I’ve never had a bad experience!
These dorm rooms are usually slightly more expensive than regular mixed dorms, so whoever decides to stay here stays for the same reason – they want a peaceful night’s sleep.
Put Your Valuables In The Lockers
I won’t stay in hostels without lockers, and neither should you.
Hostels that don’t provide at least lockers are usually the most basic and not the ones where you’ll feel comfortable as somebody backpacking in their 30es or older.
I’m a firm believer that most people staying in hostels are well-meaning travelers, but it doesn’t hurt to be careful.
Stay In Private Rooms
If you’re worried about the age limit for hostels in Europe, you can almost always stay in private rooms regardless of your age.
By staying in private rooms you can enjoy the benefits of staying in a hostel, without worrying about the age of your roommates in the dorm.
Benefits Of Staying In A Hostel
The lack of privacy and sleeping in a room with several strangers is the main disadvantage of staying in hostels.
Still, I think you’re never too old for hostels as there are so many advantages of hostels over hotels.
But let’s look at some benefits and see if the pros outweigh the cons!
1. Hostels are cheaper than hotels
Most of Europe is expensive, especially if you visit in peak summer months. This one is quite obvious, but hostels are significantly cheaper than hotels.
If you’re traveling on a budget, staying in hostels is a great way to save money and spend it on experiences that are more important to you!
2. Great location
Another perk that you might not have expected is that hostels are usually in the best locations in the city.
If you’re browsing accommodation in one of the most expensive European countries, you know that hotels in central areas are the most expensive.
At the same time, you can stay in a hostel in the heart of the city center for a fraction of the price!
I love staying in the city center close to all tourist attractions when traveling.
If I have to choose between staying in a hostel in the city center or a hotel 10km from the city center for the same price, the choice is pretty easy for me.
Also, that remote hotel will probably still be more expensive than the hostel!
3. Meet other travelers
I said this times and times again, hostels are the best place to make friends while traveling.
Making friends in hostels is almost as easy as making friends in school – you’re crammed in the same space and you kind of have to talk to each other.
It is easy to start a conversation with people in your dorm and ask them about what they already visited in the city to get first-hand advice.
4. Safety
For some reason, people who don’t stay in hostels tend to think hostels are dangerous.
Honestly, I feel safer in a hostel than staying alone in a hotel or Airbnb!
Of course, you should always put your valuables in the lockers because you don’t know people who are staying in the room.
If the idea of sharing a room with a group full of men as a solo female traveler doesn’t sound too appealing, you can always stay in female-only dorms!
5. Cook your meals
Most European hostels have a kitchen and a fridge you can use to cook meals.
I almost always have breakfast in the hostel before venturing out for the day, and with the prices in Europe rising I assembled quite a few dinners in my hostel too!
Some people I met even cook a quick pasta dish and put it in a plastic container to have for lunch while they’re out and about.
Of course, you probably won’t be whipping up a gourmet dish in a hostel. However, a simple pasta dish or a wrap works like a charm!
Also, it is not uncommon for hostels to organize family dinners or breakfasts for free where you can meet other travelers and enjoy a communal meal.
6. Boutique Hostels
One thing people who don’t stay in hostels don’t know is that some hostels can be more comfortable than budget hotels!
Yes, you would still share a room with several strangers, but hear me out.
Boutique hotels and coliving hostels are the new big thing, especially in the most popular countries to backpack in Europe.
These hostels are beautifully decorated and have a pool, large communal space, co-working space, and many other perks.
7. Organized events
Many hostels organize free and paid events you can join.
It is a great way to socialize, whether you’re already traveling with friends or you’re solo!
These can be party events, like pub crawls, or simple game nights and walking tours.
Going for a night out with your hostel roommates is my favorite way to discover nightlife when traveling solo.
8. Round-the-clock check-in
Most European hostels are open 24/7, and you can check in round-the-clock.
If you have a late flight, you know how useful that can be!
I’ve had a private host cancel my booking when my bus was late despite letting them know I’d be late. As if I could do anything about that!
However, I came to hostels at any time of the night for check-in and they were open.
Of course, you’ll have to make sure that your hostel has a 24-hour check-in, but most do!
9. You can stay in a private room
Finally, if you like the idea of community and safety of staying in a hostel, but don’t want to stay in a dorm, you can always stay in a private room!
Private rooms in hostels are a fantastic compromise between staying in a hotel and a hostel.
You get to take advantage of all the perks of staying in a hostel, without the hassle of sleeping in a dorm room and sharing the bathroom.
Also, many hostels that enforce age limits allow guests over the age limit to stay in private rooms.
Final Thoughts: Age Limit For Hostels In Europe
Most hostels in Europe don’t allow unaccompanied minors to stay in dorms but don’t have an upper age restriction.
The only types of hostels that could enforce age limits are youth hostels and party hostels, the limit is usually 35 or 40.
However, you probably don’t even want to stay in those with so many different hostels to choose from!
Staying in hostels is a fantastic way to save money while backpacking Europe, and there are hostels for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re in your 20es, 30es, 40es,50es, or older, you’re not too old for hostels!
