Let's Meet at the Hostel Bar

This article first appeared in the September 16, 2023 issue of Dinogo’s Travel newsletter, where Dinogo’s editors and writers share their insights on exploring the world's most delightful destinations. Subscribe today.

When I say, “meet me at my favorite spot,” I’m referring to the hostel bar. And no, I’m not your typical 21-year-old traveler with a heavy backpack navigating cobblestone streets — I’m a 32-year-old wanderer who loves the hostel bar scene. And yes, I’d love a Kingston Negroni, please.

I've never been a fan of sterile hotels. My first chaotic adventure in Germany and the Czech Republic right after college (where I stumbled into eerie bars in Prague, experienced a breakup with my long-distance boyfriend, and enjoyed countless mulled wine strolls with some Brazilian friends who welcomed me) solidified my love for hostels as my go-to for any trip... or the kickoff to a night out.

For locals seeking a budget-friendly post-work drink, hostel bars are a staple, whether in Bruges, Belgium, or Austin, Texas. These vibrant spots capture the dynamic essence of a city, whether you’re after a speakeasy vibe, a quiet place to enjoy a pint, or a bustling Florentine rooftop pool bar. Hostels, known for their economical dorm-style lodging, foster a sense of community: shared rooms, meals, and happy hours. Like hotels, they can range from calm and quiet (and sometimes lacking a bar) to lively and reminiscent of Soho House. Many hostels offer public access to their bars (Hostelworld and Google Travel are great for finding them). Interestingly, this concept has also attracted upscale hotel brands, such as Freehand, which blend hostel-style shared accommodations with traditional suites to tap into the energetic vibe that hostel-goers bring to its James Beard-award winning bars.

The signs of a great hostel bar are quite similar to those of a typical bar: cheerful patrons spilling out onto sidewalks and patios, a chalkboard filled to the brim with the night’s events, and an atmosphere I can only describe as “new school orientation,” where everyone is keen to mingle and share tables with new acquaintances. These hidden gems aren’t widely known, yet I don’t worry about revealing my favorites, fearing they’ll be overrun or commercialized. That’s because hostels have a scrappy charm and change constantly (almost hourly) with each new guest and local move-in.

In Amsterdam, families and Erasmus students gather for Saturday afternoon pints at the Generator’s Oosterpark. Located in a renovated zoological university building, you can savor a refreshing Brouwerij ‘t Ij beer or a crisp Grolsch in its auditorium bar or the former boiler room-turned-club.

Paris has its own stories, but if I can add to them, I recommend the bar at 3 Ducks Hostel. Nestled in the quiet 15th arrondissement, the crowd is predominantly locals (about 70%) unwinding after work, with hostel guests making up the rest. The glasses of Burgundy are also a steal for Paris, and the lovely hidden terrace is perfect for people-watching while enjoying a roll-up cigarette.

The People’s Strasbourg location reinforces my belief that the best cheeseburgers are surprisingly crafted in France (thanks to that delicious Comté cheese), best enjoyed with a glass of local Alsatian Crémant. The Yellow Hostel in Rome feels like a vibrant community all within a single Roman block; you can get a haircut, indulge in stracciatella gelato, or sip a top-notch Campari spritz without ever leaving the via Palestro hostel.

Unlike hotel bars, hostel bars provide an authentic opportunity to connect with locals in lesser-known neighborhoods. My recent experience at Austin’s Firehouse Hostel, located just off East 6th, featured a speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf in the lobby. In less than 10 minutes, I found myself absorbed into a lively group of locals who consider Firehouse their own and enjoyed a Jungle Bird cocktail that briefly erased the sticky Texas humidity from my memory.

If you haven't yet rethought what a hostel (and its bar) can truly offer, I encourage you to do so now. The old stereotypes of hostels being filled with sketchy individuals and lacking decent amenities, or being solely for the “youth,” no longer hold true for many places. I look forward to seeing you there.

Mackenzie Filson is a food and beverage writer based in Los Angeles, with work featured in TASTE, Delish, PUNCH, Kitchn, and EatingWell, among others. Having previously worked as a cheesemonger, barista, and bartender, she often explores topics like restaurant culture, quirky TikTok trends, and the connection between food and mental health.