Your budget doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying a comfortable getaway. All you have to do is to secure a cheap flight and pick a good hostel. All booked? You’re good to go.
Of course, you cannot just pick the first place that comes up when you search hostels near me. Where you stay is actually the most important part of travel planning.
Thankfully, you don’t have to figure out how to choose the best hostel on your own—I’m here to help! As a seasoned traveler and backpacker, I’ve stayed in many hostels and know what truly matters.
Below are 12 essential things to look for in a hostel. Let’s dive in!
Most wayfarers stay at hostels to save on accommodation. These budget-friendly places allow you to spare money for other experiences. And while it’s not ideal to go for the cheapest hostels for obvious reasons (i.e. comfort, security, and so on), you can still find decent ones at affordable prices. Let’s see how.
#1 – Set your budget in advance
Knowing how much you’re willing to spend on accommodation is essential for a smooth travel-planning. I usually start by budgeting in Excel or Notion to estimate costs before booking anything. My typical budget plan includes all sorts of expenses, such as transportation, food, souvenirs, and, most importantly, accommodation.
If you don’t want to write down everything, just check hostels on Booking and try to figure out the ideal price range. For example, if most hostels are around €15 per night, an ideal range would be between €12 and €18. This method can help you manage your resources effectively without sacrificing quality.
#2 – Compare hostel prices with hotels and Airbnb
Hostels are more affordable than hotels – that’s a fact. A couple of months ago, I stayed at a Prague hostel for €7 per night. There was – and is – basically no chance to find a good hotel that cheap. Still, the price gap is different everywhere. In some destinations, especially very touristy ones, hostels can cost about the same as other alternatives.
This is basically why I always compare hostels with hotels to see whether I can find a better deal. I’m usually OK with paying €5-10 extra per night for a single room at a decent hotel.
That being said, if your budget is tighter, a hostel will allow you save that extra €5-10 for a good breakfast. So, consider your budget (tip #1) and compare all options before making a choice.
#3 – Book from the hostel’s website
Hostel search tools and online travel agencies might be great for finding accommodation. They allow you to book everything in one place, which is very helpful for multi-destination trips, and give you special discounts. But you can still secure better deals booking directly from a hostel’s website.
I usually use search tools to find decent hostels and check their ratings. When I find a hostel I like, I look for a website or app before booking. If the hostel has a website and it’s cheaper there, I go for it.
The main concern when staying at a hostel is security – especially the security of your belongings. You can find some essential tips for choosing a good, and safe, hostel.
#4 – Read the reviews
The easiest way to check a hostel’s safety – and quality – is by reading reviews. And not only on one platform. You should check several sources, such as Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, for a better idea.
It’s true that everybody’s experience will be different, but if a place has predominantly negative reviews regarding security, it’s definitely a red flag. Yes, a broken shower head might not affect you that much, but when everyone says the place is sketchy or the owners make them uncomfortable, it’s best to skip that venue.
So, always take a few minutes to read reviews and steer clear of a place with mostly negative ones.
#5 – Check the location
A hostel might have the best facilities, excellent reviews and an affordable price, but if its location is bad, look for a better alternative. Location matters—it impacts safety, convenience, and your overall experience.
If a hostel isn’t very central, that’s still OK, as long as there’s public transportation nearby. But if the area is dangerous, that place should be off your list; safety isn’t something you should ever sacrifice. Your hostel must be in an area where you can walk at night without feeling unsafe.
There are a few tools and platforms to learn more about a location. I usually use Google Maps to check the area and see the nearby public transportation options. Also, I often seek real-world advice about the area on online forums and Facebook groups. In fact, even a quick Google search might be helpful.
#6 – Pick a hostel with lockers (and bring your own padlock)
Lockers are your best friend at a hostel—especially if, like me, you’re also traveling with electronics.
Surprisingly, not all hostels provide lockers. I’ve stayed in a few without them, and it was an uncomfortable experience. My advice? Check the hostel’s amenities and pics to see if they have lockers. If you really liked the hostel but cannot find any information online, do not hesitate to contact them.
Also, an extra tip: bring your own padlock. Some hostels give you padlocks, but some don’t.
Affordability and security are essential for a smooth journey; but comfort is the key. Staying at a hostel that doesn’t provide you with a restful experience always equals to a trip ruined. So, let’s find out how to pick a hostel that guarantees your convenience.
#7 – Pick rooms with fewer beds
Crowded hostel rooms are typically more affordable, but they come with several disadvantages. The biggest one is the concern about the security of your belongings. Even if you use lockers to secure your valuables, it still isn’t a guarantee that someone won’t take your shirt or slippers. I’ve had friends who lost their belts, gloves and even hats at hostels. Most often, it’s because people mistakenly take things, believing they’re theirs.
That’s not all, though. Crowded rooms are usually noisy. While most hostels have quiet time after 10 pm, even someone entering or leaving the room is enough distraction for a light sleeper. Likewise, in rooms with lots of beds, there’ll be people lugging bags early in the morning or arriving late at night.
Everything considered, I recommend rooms with fewer beds. For me, a four-bed room is ideal, it’s enough people to socialize without spending a sleepless night.
That being said, if you still have to stay in a crowded room for any reasons, don’t forget to bring earplugs and never leave your things out in the open.
Ideally, every hostel must have power sockets next to each bed — but some don’t. When I first started backpacking, I stayed in several places without power points for the top bunk, and some didn’t even provide extension cords.
To avoid such inconveniences, check the hostel’s images to see if all the beds have sockets and, most importantly, carry an extension cord just in case.
#9 – Check for bed bugs
Bed bugs are a real, and very uncomfortable, issue that can infest any type of accommodation. If there are any comments about bed bugs, steer clear of that establishment as it shows a serious lack of care and cleanliness.
Also, don’t stop there. Check the bed linen once you arrive at the establishment. If there are any sign of bed bugs, let someone know and don’t sleep in that room—if possible, change your hostel.
A hostel is more than a place to sleep; it’ where you can socialize with people, relax, and enjoy a home-like experience. So, carefully pick your hostel and make sure that it has all the key facilities that might help you in any scenario. Let’s dive into some tips and see how.
#10 – A good breakfast is everything
A good breakfast at a hostel allows you to start your day full of energy and pay less for food. Here I want to highlight the “good” part. Some hostels basically give you a few snacks or a toast and call it a breakfast. As you can guess, this definitely isn’t worth the extra money you pay.
Don’t forget to check out the hostel’s reviews to find out what kind of breakfast they serve and if there are any bonuses, such as free snacks or coffee, before booking.
The lack of a bar and a common area is definitely not a deal-breaker for me. However, if your hostel has these, it might be a good idea to take advantage of them.
At the bar, you can get to know new people and even find someone to explore the city together with. Since some hostel bars are usually more affordable than regular places, it might also be a great way to save on food.
The common area is great for travelers who work remotely—like myself. It’s also another place you can meet with people and even form new friendships.
#12 – Choose a hostel with a kitchen
When you’re in a new place, you should try the local food to immerse in the culture better. However, on long trips, eating out every day might be too costly for budget-travelers.
Thankfully, cooking your own food is always an option. Choosing a hostel with a kitchen allows you to cut costs and avoid going over your budget. You can shop for ingredients at a local market for even more savings.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing a hostel, don’t forget to check its location and facilities. Remember that affordability doesn’t require you to sacrifice quality; so, try to pick a place that offers both a friendly atmosphere and quality amenities.
There’s no better way than art to immortalize emotions, moments, and ideas. Even the most abstract concepts materialize through the inspirational creations of skillful artists. Therefore, exploring these creations is, in a way, exploring different worlds hidden within our own. And I believe the path to get to know a place and its culture goes through discovering its artistic side. That’s why I always seek new art travel destinations to add to my travel bucket list.
If you’re also an arty pilgrim, like me, this post is perfect for you. Below, you can find some of the best art travel destinations — with a slight focus on classical and contemporary works.
I must note before beginning that I’ll try not to mention too obvious ones, like Paris or Rome, yet there will inevitably be some popular destinations on this list.
So, let’s discover the best holiday destinations for your next art trip..
With the world’s most famous cities and museums, Europe is a veritable paradise for art enthusiasts. Especially countries like the UK, France, Italy, and Austria have a reputation for their vibrant art scenes.
Join me in discovering five European destinations that every creative wayfarer must visit.
If you’re an art lover, Austrian capital, Vienna, is one of the best places you can be. The city proudly displays its imperial past in every corner, from historic structures scattered across the land to its myriad of museums.
Vienna is home to many museums where you can view the works of world-famous artists, both contemporary and classical ones. The most prominent of these is clearly the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. At KHM, you can explore pieces from different epochs of world history, along with awe-inspiring exhibitions focusing on unique artists and themes. Besides its rich selections of artworks, the museum itself is a genuine architectural wonder, housed in a resplendent palace at the heart of Vienna, on the city’s Ring Street (Ringstraße).
The rich collection of KHM houses many famous paintings, including “Tower of Babel” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Another art museum you shouldn’t miss on is Albertina. One of the most visited museums in the world, Albertina houses over 65,000 drawings and around a million prints. Besides its rich collection, the museum holds temporary exhibitions with various themes.
The Albertina Museum, in addition to its principal building, has two additional branches: Albertina Modern and Albertina Klosterneuburg. For further exploration of art, I recommend these locations as well.
Of course, there are many other art museums and galleries in Vienna. Some of them are:
In addition, Vienna’s abundance of creative murals provides a unique open-air museum experience for those interested in graffiti and street art. You can particularly visit the Donaukanal to see graffiti art along the river bank.
London is among the most popular holiday destinations in Europe for a variety of good reasons. Being the capital of the empire on which the sun never sets, London was a notable center of commerce, art and culture for the most of the last millennium. As a result, the city is home to many famous landmarks, museums and structures today.
If you’re seeking to explore art and culture in London, your itinerary must include the world-renowned British Museum. The institution, with its permanent collection of over six million artifacts, allows you to explore human history and culture from its dawn. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions with unique themes.
While the British Museum is a museum that mostly focuses on historical artifacts, Tate Modern is the perfect venue for those who want to bask in art in particular. Tate Modern houses the national collection of international modern art and is one of the largest contemporary art museums. The best thing about this museum is that it’s completely free to visit permanent the collection. However, this doesn’t apply to exhibitions, as they’re offered at affordable rates.
Besides these two, there are many other museums in London that you can consider visiting:
While Paris is the first city that comes to mind when thinking about art travel destinations in France, Lyon certainly deserves more recognition. Yes, as the second largest city in the nation, Lyon is by no means an obscure gem, but I think its art scene still goes underappreciated.
An art trip in Lyon basically starts on the street. Exploring Vieux Lyon, the old town area, you cannot help but bask in the magnificent Renaissance atmosphere with most of the structures in the area dating back hundreds of years. the Tour Métallique de Fourvière — a small yet proud doppelgänger of the Eiffel Tower — rises in the skyline, offering visitors countless Instagrammable views.
While you can find many art stores in Vieux Lyon, you must head to the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon for a more formal art expedition. The institution is home to a wealth of unique pieces, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary artworks. It also hosts the second largest collection of impressionist works in France.
Afterwards, you can continue your trip at the Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon*. The museum has a unique approach to contemporary art, exhibiting pieces created directly on the site. Admission to the museum is very affordable and definitely worth it. The 140-meter-long painting of a river odyssey is basically one of my favorite artworks of all time.
A view of MAC Lyon from the Parc de la Tête d’Or.
Besides these two, I also recommend Musée Cinéma et Miniature, which boasts a very inspiring collection of movie props and miniature art. There are also several other art galleries and museums in Lyon worth a visit:
Colorful streets along its canals, delicious pastries, and spectacular nature make Amsterdam one of the best vacation destinations in Europe. With its tranquil nature, the Dutch capital is a perfect getaway for a rejuvenating experience. But what makes Amsterdam truly unique is its rich artistic heritage. In this city, you can explore the great masters of the Renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age through awe-inspiring exhibitions.
The myriad of museums in Amsterdam makes it a great destination for all art lovers. Among my favorites is Stedelijk Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Design, with over 100,000 pieces of artwork. It allows you to explore the currents of contemporary art and design through the perspectives of different world-renowned artists. The museum also holds highly creative temporary exhibitions that all art enthusiasts must see.
The distinct STRAAT Museum is another place I highly recommend, especially to those who are interested in street art. The museum displays the artworks of over 150 artists on an artificial street of canvases. Yes, capturing it in a closed-area might seem a bit against the very nature of street art. However, STRAAT is a great example of the institutionalization of street art, with a carefully planned layout and a unique approach to the medium. In fact, the museum’s blog features a great 2021 article focusing on this topic that I highly recommend.
I would also like to mention the world’s first microbe museum, ARTIS-Micropia, that displays microbes in a very unique, and arty, way. While there are more established museums focusing on the Netherlands’ artistic history and the Dutch Golden Age artists, what ARTIS-Micropia does is truly exceptional.
You can see some of the other museums and galleries here:
The capital of Belgium and, practically, the European Union, is another art travel destination that never ceases to amaze me. With its charming streets cornered by glamorous buildings and heady collection of cultural institutions, Brussels is truly a grand city of art.
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts, a group of institutions, each focusing on different aspects of Belgian and international art, is a must-visit. There are six museums in the group:
* These museums of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts are currently inaccessible (last updated in January 2025).
While I especially favor the Magritte Museum and the Old Masters Museum from this group, each one has unique exhibitions and is worth visiting.
Of course, these museums are perfect to explore more mainstream and popular pieces of art. If you’re seeking outsider art, Brussel has the Art et Marges Museum with a collection of 4,500 artworks produced outside of the conventional contemporary art. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also holds various temporary exhibitions with creations of international artists.
Magritte Museum is among Brussels’ most famous museums.
Also, as a street art enthusiast, I really like the Banksy Museum in Brussels. While the artworks in the collection are recreations, the exhibition gives inspiring insights into the artist’s creative world.
Following is a list of some of the other popular museums in Brussels that you might find interesting:
European destinations are popular and well-known. However, there are plenty of gems beyond Europe for art travelers, especially for the enthusiasts of street and contemporary art scenes. Let’s see which non-European destinations I think are the best places for art lovers in 2025.
6. Lima, Peru
Lima’s streets are full of creative urban art pieces.
A gorgeous metropolitan with its bohemian style and sensational atmosphere, the Peruvian capital Lima is another unusual art travel destination that deserves more love than it currently receives.
Known as the “City of Kings,” Lima has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. A walk through the historic city center, with its blend of architectural styles, gives you a genuine sense of the city’s atmosphere.
While a quick walk is all it takes to bask in Lima’s art, you can further explore the creative side of the city through various galleries and museums. The most prominent of them is the Lima Art Museum (MALI), housed in the gorgeous 19th-century Palacio de la Exposición. Thanks to the museum’s extensive collection, which is the largest in the region, you can explore the art history of Peru in its glory.
In addition to its rich artistic history, Lima is also home to a vibrant contemporary art scene. Barranco district, one of the city’s most Bohemian spots, is a great place to discover the inspirational side of the city. The district is filled with breathtaking structures and colorful street art. Museum of Contemporary Art of Lima (MAC Lima), another must-see spot for art enthusiasts, is also found in this district.
Despite its smaller size and a relatively limited permanent collection, MAC Lima offers truly unique temporary exhibitions. So, if you’re interested in contemporary art, this humble museum might be a pleasant visit — especially considering the very affordable ticket price, which is currently 12 soles (around $3.20) for adults.
Here are some of the other museums and galleries in Peru that might interest you:
One of the best winter sun destinations, Cape Town, the “Mother City” of South Africa, is the continent’s art capital. Laden with art galleries and museums, the city is a genuine art travel destination brimming with endless potentials.
On a trip to Cape Town, you can bask in the distinct culture and complicated history of one of the most outstanding lands on earth. There are truly a lot of reasons why Cape Town, and South Africa in general, is a must-visit spot. However, here I must focus on the vibrant art scene of this lesser-known gem.
The most prominent art travel destination in Cape Town, for me, is the Iziko South African National Gallery. A relatively underappreciated institution, the gallery’s stunning collection spans centuries, showcasing South African artworks from the 17th to 20th century. Meanwhile, the contemporary art section vibrantly captures the voices of diverse communities through rich mediums to address social and political narratives.
While Iziko is great to explore how South African social and political history reflects on its art scene, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is perfect to explore the modern art currents in South Africa, and other parts of the world, more in-depth. MOCAA mostly focuses on contemporary art from Africa and her diaspora, with many artworks crafted either in Africa or by Africans. The globally acclaimed museum has a very rich permanent collection, as well as regular temporary exhibitions that focus on a diverse selection of themes and artists.
If you seek a more intimate experience, Clementina Ceramics Studio is an excellent place that deserves to be on your itinerary. Established by the famous South African potter Clementina van der Walt, this production studio allows visitors to explore the reflections of African urban and rural landscapes on pottery, creating a breathtaking aesthetic along with a nearly spiritual journey. In fact, all of the handcrafted pieces at the studio provide “a sense of the individuality of the human spirit.” If you want to visit the studio, don’t forget to make an appointment.
Of course, these venues are only a small sample of what Cape Town offers. There are many other places in the city that you can visit for an unforgettable art expedition:
Defined by its diverse community and creative culture, São Paulo has been one of the rising stars of the art world. Especially with the influx of new contemporary art pieces produced within the context of the city’s intricate social landscape, this art travel destination offers a rousing experience for creative minds.
If you wonder where to find São Paulo art, you can start by exploring the city’s streets. The Brazilian metropolis is one of the best places to check out street art, with colorful murals and graffiti scattered across the city. Minhocão, Pinheiros and Beco do Batman are three of the many areas you can visit to see the best pieces of public art.
While streets of São Paulo are open-air galleries, you can check some of the city’s museums and art galleries for more mainstream artworks. São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), renowned for its distinct architecture and rich collection, is one of the most popular art travel destinations in the region.
With a collection of over 8,000 pieces, MASP hosts the largest collection of Western art in Latin America. Besides, the museum also boasts a comprehensive collection of Brazilian art, allowing visitors to explore art history from a highly nuanced perspective.
Once you uncover history at MASP, you can head to the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (MAM) to explore contemporary art. Although its collection is only half as big as the MASP’s, MAM manages to amaze its visitors with artworks exploring society and human nature through unique techniques. Plus, along with its permanent collection, MAM also holds temporary exhibitions with inspiring themes throughout the year.
Consider visiting MAM in São Paulo for a taste of true modern art.
I know that only a couple of venues aren’t enough to discover what São Paulo truly holds. Here are some other establishments where you can find all about the Brazilian art:
Buenos Aires, the breathtaking capital of Argentina, is another popular art travel destination favored by those seeking an unforgettable holiday abroad. As a prominent global city, Buenos Aires is where you can have all kinds of experiences. Its spectacular urban landscape, lively nightlife, and paradisiacal Atlantic coast beaches make this city among the most popular winter sun destinations.
Of course, what makes Buenos Aires really special for this post is its vibrant Latin American art scene. Along with other countries mentioned above, the Argentinian capital has many distinguished institutions and unexplored gems where you can uncover the inspirational nature of both local and international art.
Consider adding Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) to your itinerary for a true art expedition. Housing the artworks of some of the most famous Latin American artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, MALBA is where you can bask in the true spirit of Latin American culture. Thanks to its extensive collection and regular exhibitions, MALBA allows you to uncover the continent’s diverse socio-political contexts in the light of art.
If you seek to explore further, Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA) might help you check out the finest pieces of artists who force the limits of creativity. The museum has over 7,000 artworks, most created by famous Argentinian and international artists, including Xul Solar, Pablo Picasso, and Wassily Kandinsky. MAMBA also holds exciting temporary exhibitions focusing on diverse themes, allowing visitors to explore different currents in contemporary art.
But that isn’t all. In Buenos Aires, there are many other venues where you can find impressive artworks. Here is a brief list of some:
Mexico City, a popular holiday destination and the capital city of Mexico, is among the largest cities in the world. Thanks to its rich history and cultural importance, Mexico City is also a prominent capital of art, making it another brilliant choice for your arty pilgrimage.
Mexico City’s streets display a beautiful mix of colonial and modern architecture. Murals and graffiti art in various parts of the capital allow you to explore the city’s creative side non-stop. And when you want to pick a museum, a gallery, or a culture center to explore the local art scene, Mexico City gives you countless options.
When it’s about Mexican art scene, however, one artist comes to mind immediately: Frida Kahlo. One of the most prominent artists of the 20th century, Kahlo’s influence on the art world is definitely indisputable. And there’s no better place to explore her life, influences, and art, than Mexico City’s Frida Kahlo Museum.
The museum resides in the historical house where Frida Kahlo grew up and spent the last years of her life. Exploring the rooms of the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to take a glimpse into the lives of Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, another famous Mexican artist.
After visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum, make sure to visit the Anahuacalli Museum, just a 10-minute drive away, with free entry using the same ticket as the Frida Kahlo Museum. A temple of arts designed by Diego Rivera, the Anahuacalli, is a true center of culture where you can explore the various aspects of the Mexican culture.
You must visit the Anahuacalli Museum after Frida Kahlo Museum for a true glimpse of the Mexican art scene.
The central space of the Anahuacalli focuses on Rivera’s sketches. The museum also boasts a spectacular collection of pre-Columbian Mexican artifacts. Besides its permanent collection, the Anahuacalli also holds various contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.
Of course, these two aren’t the only art travel destinations in Mexico. The city is home to a myriad of galleries and museums focusing on different aspects of Mexican art. Among these museums are National Museum of Art (MUNAL) and Palace of Fine Arts must be on your Mexico itinerary.
You can find below a list of other venues in Mexico that are worth visiting:
