Can kids stay in hostels in Europe?

Hostels have been around for a very long time and they are a great way to travel because it allows you to save on accommodation. I have stayed in several hostels with kids in the United States as well as in Europe and Asia and we have had a good experience each time.



Yes, children can stay in hostels in Europe, but the rules vary significantly between individual establishments and "Hostelling International" networks. Many modern European hostels have evolved into "Boutique Hostels" or "Poshtels" that specifically cater to families by offering private en-suite rooms rather than just dormitories. However, most hostels have strict age restrictions for shared dorms, often prohibiting children under 16 or 18 from staying in communal sleeping areas for safety and privacy reasons. In 2026, family-friendly chains like Meininger or Generator are popular choices because they provide the social vibe of a hostel with the privacy of a family hotel room. It is vital to check the hostel's specific "Family Policy" before booking, as some may require an adult to book the entire dormitory if children are present. For budget-conscious families, hostels offer a great way to access central city locations and communal kitchens, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of a European vacation.

People Also Ask

Can you stay in a hostel with kids? Yes, you can, many hostels today have private family rooms but a few “party” hostels do still only take guests over 18 years old.

MORE DETAILS

Across the YHA network, we have over 700 youth hostels in around 600 cities.

MORE DETAILS

The original type of hostel, the Youth Hostel, is aimed at younger travellers and large school groups, and many often have an age limit – you have to be under-25 to stay in one. Most Youth Hostels offer basic, shared accommodation, with large dorms, shared bathrooms and lockers to keep your belongings in.

MORE DETAILS

Unaccompanied minors are generally not accepted in youth hostels. Nevertheless, some establishments may allow unaccompanied minors between the ages of 16 and 18 to stay alone in their Youth Hostel provided they have a parental permission along with a copy of the legal guardian's valid ID or passport.

MORE DETAILS

The answer is yes! Many hostels offer private rooms with double beds or twin beds that can be pushed together to create a double bed. Couples can enjoy a private space while still being able to take advantage of the social atmosphere of a hostel.

MORE DETAILS

While most properties do not impose any age restriction, this is not always the case, particularly in those which have a bar on the premises or are specifically tailored for the 'youth' market.

MORE DETAILS

Is it safe to stay in hostels with kids? Staying in a hostel with kids is just as safe as staying in a hotel. As mentioned previously most hostels, and I would say the good and responsible ones, won't let you share a dorm with strangers if you travel with kids. So you will most likely have to book a private room.

MORE DETAILS

The typical hostel-goer tends to skew on the younger side. The average age is probably somewhere between 18 and 25, although you'll definitely find travelers much older than that as well! I have even witnessed full families with young children staying in hostels.

MORE DETAILS

Technically, no. The legal age to go clubbing in Spain is 18. Most clubs and venues require guests to be 18 or older to enter and enjoy nightlife activities. However, many Spanish teenagers are able to go clubbing as early as 16 or 17 depending on how well it is enforced.

MORE DETAILS