The Best Backpacker Hostels in Poland

Hostel Cycle On is a popular, bicycle-themed hostel just across the bridge from the Długi Targ in Gdańsk. Bikes are available to rent, WiFi is available for free and breakfast is complementary. The hostel is run by two locals, Piotr and Pawel, who employ friendly staff member that speak Polish, English and Ukrainian. The hostel is on a quiet street, but it is not far away from the action. A good night out at the bars of Gdańsk with new friends is nearly guaranteed at Hostel Cycle On.

A fantastic budget option in Gdynia is the Green House Hostel, situated on a quiet residential street just a one minute walk from the famous Kamienna Gora, one of Gdynia’s top attractions. It is a cosy family-run hostel with dorm rooms. It is very popular for group bookings and solo backpackers on a budget. Included in the price is a breakfast, free WiFi and a towel. The hostel is made even better with parking available, a lovely garden, a comfortable lounge and clean bathrooms.

The cheap, budget option in Opole is the colourful Event Hostel, which has cosy shared dorms. It is one of the cheapest places to stay in the city. But the coolest thing about Event Hostel is that the rooms all have their own theme; for example, there is a ‘music room’, a ‘fun lab room’ and an ‘active room’. The hostel has a self catering kitchen, and it organises events on a regular basis. Event Hotel also has a cool ‘Bookcrossing’ library, where visitors can leave, take and exchange books.

The city of Kraków is drenched with hostels; new ones crop up all the time, so it can be tough to choose. For a clean, cosy hostel near the centre with free breakfast, fast WiFi and tours to Auschwitz and the Wielieczka Salt Mines, Mosquito Hostel is a winner. When you see its bright orange interior, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Here there are nightly events, a real social vibe and warm comfortable dorm rooms. This is a great hostel for solo travellers too, as you will easily make new friends here; you might even find yourself having a drink with the staff on a night out.

With a name that translates to ‘a little crazy’ (Spanish), the Poco Loco Hostel is situated halfway between the main train station and Poznań’s old town. The hostel is on a quiet residential street, near to a few of the coolest bars in Poznań. The hostel has a warm and welcoming reception, a cool kitchen and comfortable basic dorm rooms. WiFi is available throughout the building. This is a great place to get your bearings, organise tours and meet fellow backpackers. The hostel has free breakfast every day and the staff speaks Polish, English and Russian.

Situated in the beautiful Tatra mountains of Poland is the quirky Goodbye Lenin Hostel. All guests rave about this place and the incredible scenery around it. The hostel itself is located on the way to the picturesque Morskie Oko lake, which is a tourist hotspot, and one of the most stunning sights in Poland. The hostel has warm dorms in a century-old wooden house (recently renovated with modern facilities), located at the foot of Tatra National Park. The hostel is perfect for budget backpackers and keen hikers. Winter equipment like skis, jackets and snowboards can be rented, and the staff can speak a range of languages, including Polish, German, Russian and English.