HI Hostels Blog

5 hostels with jaw-dropping views

We all travel to see the world, its magnificent beauty and hidden jewels, so why not feast your eyes on some of the most breathtaking views from your hostel. Hostelling International has many hostels that can give you just that, so we’ve picked a few of the best ones to give you a taste of what it’s like to stay in a place with a perfect photo shot directly outside your window.

Lake Tekapo YHA, New Zealand

What’s a better way to wake up than with a stunning view of the lake and clear views to the mountains? This million-dollar view can be seen from Lake Tekapo YHA hostel set in the middle of New Zealand’s magnificent scenery. Come and enjoy a relaxing retreat, sit outside on a terrace or stay cosy inside in front of the roaring log fire. Catch the sun setting through the mountains, below the lake, igniting the sky with different shades of pink and purple and reflected in the water – it’s a truly mesmerising moment.

Lake Tekapo YHA

Away with the Fairies Backpackers, South Africa

Visit the fairytale-like land of the Hogsback mountains, part of the Amatola range in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. Here you’ll find Away with the Fairies Backpackers Hostel perching right on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the majestic hills and lush, green forests. Watch the views and soak up the atmosphere of this mystical place, while taking a dip in the hot tub. And if that isn’t your thing (we know, that’s hardly ever true, isn’t it), try climbing the 15m treehouse and see the valley from above.

Away with the Fairies Backpackers Bathtub

YHA Lizard Point, UK

Cliff-side YHA Lizard Point Hostel offers unrivalled awe-inspiring sea views and is an ideal location for your seaside holiday or a perfect activity break in Cornwall. Explore the historic peninsula, walk along the scenic coastline, take in the white sand beaches and turquoise sea of Kynance Cove and taste a freshly caught Cadgwith Crab – it’s simply delicious.

YHA Lizard Point View of the Ocean

This Old Place International YH, China

Our list of jaw-dropping hostels takes us to the culturally-rich China and a small town of Xingping which is surrounded by stunning scenery and riverside vistas which are out of this world. This place is so special that it even made its way on the back of a Chinese 20 Yuan note! It’s home to a friendly HI hostel – This Old Place International YH. Sit back and relax at the hostel’s rooftop bar while enjoying a beautiful sunset – the view will definitely add a whole new meaning to your trip.

This Old Place International YH

Sydney – Sydney Harbour YHA, Australia

How would you feel about sipping your morning coffee while looking at a superb view of the iconic Sydney Opera House and harbour? You can have it all and much more at the state-of-the-art Sydney Harbour YHA hostel right in the city’s historic harbourside area. Come and experience a perfect city break, explore Sydney’s history, visit the major sights, indulge your taste buds at the Rocks Market, take a jet boating tour, climb the Harbour Bridge or party your night away at nearby nightclubs.

Sydney Harbour YHA Terrace view with couple

Has the travel bug gripped you already? Than pack your camera and go see the world.

What’s the best view you’ve ever seen from the hostel? We’d love to hear your story! Leave us a comment in the box below or email us at socialmedia@hihostels.com.


If you are true nature and scenery lover, you may also like our blog about wildlife spotting here.

Group watching Penguin Parade ©Phillip Island Nature Park
Group watching Penguin Parade ©Phillip Island Nature Park

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