Staying in a hostel can feel like stepping into a big, bustling house party where everyone already knows each other—but don’t worry, you’ll fit right in! Hostels are social hubs for travellers, and making friends is part of the magic. Whether you’re an extrovert ready to dive into a bar crawl or a non-drinker wondering how to break the ice, here’s your ultimate guide to making friends in hostels.
1. Join Hostel-Organised Activities: It’s Friendship on a Platter
Hostels are masters at creating opportunities for travellers to mingle. These activities aren’t just fun—they’re instant friend-makers!
Happy Hour
The hostel bar is your new best friend (literally). Cheap drinks and communal seating are the perfect recipe for sparking conversations. Sit down with your drink (or mocktail!) and introduce yourself with a simple, ‘Where are you traveling from?’
Pub Quizzes
Even if your general knowledge is limited to TikTok trends, pub quizzes are fantastic for team bonding. Laugh over wrong answers, cheer over correct ones, and you might just walk away with lifelong friends (and maybe a free drink if your team wins).
Bar Crawls
These legendary hostel activities involve hopping from bar to bar with a group. Even if you don’t drink, tag along! It’s less about the alcohol and more about exploring the local nightlife with a bunch of fun-loving strangers.
Free Walking Tours
For daytime explorers, free walking tours are a goldmine. You’ll bond over shared amazement at the local sights and maybe even grab lunch with your group afterward.
2. Non-Drinkers, Unite! Making Friends Without Booze
If bars and pub crawls aren’t your thing, fear not—there are plenty of other ways to connect with fellow travellers.
The Smoking Area (Even If You Don’t Smoke)
Let me clarify: you don’t have to light up to hang out here. Smoking areas often double as unofficial social hubs where people chat, share stories, and make plans. Just pop by, strike up a conversation, and enjoy the camaraderie.
Pool and Other Games
If your hostel has a pool table (most do), consider it your friendship battlefield. Ask someone for a game, even if you’re terrible- I could barely hold a cue stick properly when I started backpacking but months later and I was calling myself a pro. Point is, don’t feel embarrassed most of the people you meet will be happy to teach you.
Pro tip: Being bad at pool can be a great conversation starter.
Food Tours
Many hostels offer food tours, and honestly, what better way to bond than over delicious local cuisine? Sharing a plate of tapas or trying out street food with someone new creates instant connections.
Free Walking Tours
Yep, these are making the list again. They’re that good! Perfect for non-drinkers, early risers, or anyone who loves a good history lesson with a side of socialising.
3. Strike Up a Conversation Like a Pro
Starting a conversation in a hostel is easier than you think. Everyone’s in the same boat—new city, new people, and looking for adventure.
Easy Openers
- “Where are you traveling from?”
- “How long are you thinking of staying?”
- “What’s been your favorite part of this city so far?”
- “Any good places for food around here?”
Golden Rule: Share Snacks
Nothing says “let’s be friends” like offering someone a bite of your Pringles. Food is the ultimate icebreaker.
4. The Common Area Is Your Playground
Hostel common areas are social hotspots. Grab a book, game, or just sit with your coffee, and you’ll naturally end up in a conversation. Pro tip: Avoid wearing headphones—they’re basically a “do not disturb” sign.
5. Cook (Or Pretend to Cook) in the Shared Kitchen
The hostel kitchen isn’t just for meal prep; it’s a stage for culinary camaraderie. Whether you’re whipping up gourmet pasta or struggling to figure out how the toaster works, someone will probably strike up a conversation. A smile and a simple “hey” or “what are you making?” will take you far.
6. Say Yes to Spontaneity
Hostels are full of spontaneous plans. Someone might ask, “Want to check out this cool café?” or “We’re heading to the beach; wanna come?” Say yes! Some of the best friendships and stories happen on the fly.
7. Don’t Forget to Be Approachable
A smile goes a long way. Hostels are filled with people looking to connect, so be open and approachable. If you sit with your arms crossed and stare at your phone, people might assume you don’t want to chat.
8. The “I’m New Here” Magic Line
If you’re feeling shy, simply admitting, “I just got here and don’t know anyone yet” is an instant icebreaker. Hostel-goers love welcoming new people, and you’ll probably have dinner plans within the hour.
9. Keep It Chill: Friendships Should Be Organic
Lastly, don’t force it. Not every interaction will lead to lifelong friendships, and that’s okay. Hostels are filled with a revolving door of amazing people—be yourself, enjoy the moment, do what feels comfortable and let connections happen naturally.
Final Thoughts: The Hostel Social Scene Is Yours to Conquer
Making friends in a hostel is one of the most rewarding parts of travel. Whether you’re bonding over beers at happy hour, laughing at wrong answers during a pub quiz, or sharing a street food adventure, these connections will make your trip unforgettable.
So, get out there, be open, and remember—every stranger you meet could simply become a memory or turn into a travel buddy, a confidant or even a lifelong friend.
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