‘Hipster’ may have become the latest buzzword but for decades hipsters have been rejecting mainstream consumer trends in favour of unknown bands, progressive politics and quirky fashion. The invention of social media means that the masses are now able to follow the hipster path. Here at Hostelling International we’ve put together a list of the best cities for urban bohemian cool – this is your chance to see these non-conformists in their natural habitats (just don’t tell the hipsters!)
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has a diverse art scene and is known for its funky vibe. Stay at Metro YHA and visit Collingwood (Inner North), a well-known hip hangout, offering an edgy, rough-around-the-edges atmosphere with plenty to see and do from modern art exhibits to organic cafes. Stay at Central Melbourne – in the heart of the city, this area is bursting with indie hotspots and vintage shops; you’re guaranteed to nab a bargain retro item that would make the likes of Macklemore jealous.
Berlin, Germany
It doesn’t get more ‘urban cool’ than Berlin. This is a city that refuses to be pigeon-holed; a sprawling mass of concrete, unusual boutiques, underground clubs, cycle trails and stimulating street art. The nightlife in Berlin is so achingly cool that nightclubs are notoriously difficult to get into. Book a stay at the modern Berlin International Youth Hostel and reinvent yourself as a ‘Berliner’.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Nobody will admit to being a hipster in Portland, as that’s not cool, but it doesn’t get more trendy-but-not-trendy than this exciting and unusual city. Stay at the eco-friendly, HI-Portland Hawthorne Hostel and have fun discovering quaint restaurants, coffee shops and retro shops. If you want to be close to the vibrant Northwest/Nob Hill district then you’re best to stay at HI-Portland Northwest – here you are only a short walk away from Chinatown and local markets.
The only label we’re interested in here at HI is ‘blogger’ – so whatever you write about, the Big Blog Exchange could send you on an experience of a lifetime! Find out how to enter the competition here.
