HI Hostels Blog

Huangshan Mountains

China’s most beautiful places and where to find them

China is a big, beautiful country. 1. Li River, Yangshuo 2. Jiuzhaigou 3. Fenghuang 4. Longsheng Rice Terraces 5. Huangshan Mountain Range 6. Great Wall of China 7. Three Gorges, Yangtze River 8. Sanqing Mountain 9. Zhangye National Geopark 10. Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Shanghai by night

6 great things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s biggest city with an area of over 6,000km² and a population of more than 24 million, which means you can safely bet there there are plenty of things to do and sights to see. 1. Take in

A local’s guide to San Francisco

San Francisco, aka “The City by the Bay”, is small — about 49 square miles — but it packs an abundance of goodness into its limited space. Like most popular destinations, there are lots of tourist traps hotspots like Fisherman’s Wharf, the very windy Lombard Street, and

The Royal Palace Madrid

Food and culture in Madrid

Planning a trip to Spain’s capital city? Keep reading for tips on where to go to get your budget-friendly dose of culture and food! Culture If you’re looking for free entry into some of the city’s most popular museums, the secret

The colourful homes of Girona

5 Spanish cities to visit that aren’t Madrid or Barcelona

Madrid and Barcelona are both excellent cities with an abundance of things to see and do, and are must-visits for travellers to Spain. But what other beautiful towns and cities should you visit? We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite

A budget-friendly guide to Copenhagen

Why visitors Fall in Love with Wonderful Copenhagen “Don’t think you are better than or know more than others,” advises Aksel Sandemose, founder of the law of Jante. Danes stay true to the concept that everyone has the same rights,

Open Face Sandwiches

10 foods you should try when you visit Denmark

Every country has its special cuisine. Denmark is no different. From appetizers to desserts, you can find a choice of delicious foods and specialties. Most people know about Danish butter cookies (småkager), and liquorice (lakrids), but what about other meals

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Scotland Bucket List

If you’re thinking of hostelling in Scotland, then we have the ultimate bucket list for you to make your trip to Scotland one to remember forever. Here are 5 top places to visit: 1. Experience the Glenfinnan Viaduct The Glenfinnan

Craigievar Castle

Aberdeenshire Castle Trail

You may be very surprised to find out that there are some magnificent castles all less than an hour’s drive from our Aberdeen Youth Hostel. Yes, it’s true! Dunnottar Castle How long will it take: 25 minutes’ drive from Aberdeen Youth Hostel.

Our most unique hostels

Our hostels are a lot like our guests – they’re based in every corner of the world, every one is unique, and each has its own story to share. From bare bones to elaborate setups, from refurbished old castles to modern and purpose-built, our thousands of

Brighton Pier

The best of Brighton

Leisure and pleasure are Brighton’s raisons d’être. Ever since the profligate Prince Regent swaggered down here in 1783 with his motley entourage, Brighton’s reputation as a good-time town has only continued to grow. Throughout its history, from the arrival of

Is this Norway’s most amazing place to take a picture?

So you have decided to go to Norway and are looking for the best place for a spectacular picture? If you’re not afraid of hights, we might have found it for you… Every summer, Norwegians and foreigners alike travel to

Hovedøya

The best summertime swimming spots in Oslo

Norway might sound like a cold and arctic travel destination. This might be true for some (northern) regions of the country, but during summer, capital city Oslo turns into a vibrant and surprisingly warm city. During hot days, there’s nothing