You'll find Europe's quirkiest hostels tucked away in unexpected corners, from converted prisons to grounded airplanes. Instead of booking another cookie-cutter hotel room, you can drift off to sleep in a former jail cell adorned with local art or wake up in the cockpit of a Boeing 747. These eight unconventional stays won't just save you money – they'll give you stories worth telling for years to come. Let's explore where creativity meets comfort in Europe's most unusual budget accommodations.
Key Points
- Celica Art Hostel in Ljubljana offers prison cells transformed by artists, complete with gallery spaces and traditional Slovenian breakfast.
- Jumbostay transforms a Boeing 747 into unique accommodation at Stockholm's Arlanda Airport, featuring cockpit suites and wing observation deck.
- Kex Reykjavík preserves a former biscuit factory's charm with WWII bunker lights and an old-school barber shop.
- Sir Toby's Underground Pub Hostel in Prague combines Czech beer culture with live music and karaoke nights.
- Fat Margaret's Hostel provides unique tower accommodations in Tallinn's Old Town, featuring a free sauna and pool.
The Prison-Turned-Art Haven: Celica Art Hostel, Ljubljana
While many historic prisons leave visitors with an eerie chill, Ljubljana's Celica Art Hostel transforms confinement into creativity. Built in 1882 as an Austro-Hungarian military prison, this unique space now stands as Slovenia's most awarded hostel, thanks to the vision of local artists who saved it from demolition in the 1990s. Discover Paris Beyond the Tourist Trail offers insights into the city's hidden neighborhoods, local markets, and lesser-known cultural attractions.
You'll sleep in former prison cells, each reimagined by different artists into one-of-a-kind rooms. Located in the alternative Metelkova Mesto neighborhood, you're surrounded by vibrant street art and buzzing nightlife. The 24-hour reception desk ensures a seamless check-in experience for travelers arriving at any time.
Don't miss the hostel's gallery showcasing monthly exhibitions or the thought-provoking museum housed in old solitary confinement cells. After exploring, recharge with a traditional Slovenian breakfast or find your zen in the Point of Peace meditation room.
Sleep in the Sky: Jumbostay Stockholm's Boeing 747
Ever dreamed of sleeping in a real jumbo jet without the cramped economy seats? At Stockholm's Arlanda Airport, you'll find a decommissioned Boeing 747 that's been transformed into one of Europe's most unique hostels.
This former Singapore Airlines jet now offers everything from affordable dorm beds to luxurious cockpit suites. The aircraft underwent a $3 million renovation to transform it from passenger plane to comfortable accommodation. You can snag a dorm bed starting at 450 SEK or splurge on the Black Box Suite for 1895 SEK. Historical sites and cultural venues in Edinburgh provide visitors with opportunities to explore the city's rich heritage and vibrant arts scene.
The first-class cabin's been converted into a cozy café, and you'll find modern bathrooms and showers throughout. For the ultimate aviation geek experience, book the cockpit suite or an engine room.
There's even an observation deck on the wing for plane spotting. Catch the free shuttle from the terminal, and don't miss the early breakfast service starting at 3 AM for those dawn flights.
Vintage Brews and Bunks: Sir Toby's Underground Pub Hostel
Deep in Prague's edgy Holešovice district, Sir Toby's Underground Pub Hostel serves up a perfect blend of Czech beer culture and backpacker vibes.
You'll find yourself just 2.5km from Old Town Square, with the Vltavsa metro station a quick 10-minute stroll away. The hostel consistently delivers a memorable experience for travelers, with an impressive 8.2 guest rating.
After dropping your bags in your cozy room (complete with mini-kitchen if you're lucky), head down to the pub where live music and karaoke nights keep the energy flowing.
When you're not shooting darts or swapping travel tales at happy hour, you can whip up a feast in the shared kitchen or catch some fresh air on the summer terrace. Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast before exploring nearby markets or catching a show at the industrial Cross Club – you're perfectly positioned for Prague's grittier, authentic side.
The Royal Mile's Hidden Gem: Edinburgh's Quirkiest Bunkhouse
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, this offbeat bunkhouse puts you right between the city's iconic castle and majestic Holyrood Palace.
You'll crash in film-themed dorms that won't break your backpacker budget, with cozy common spaces perfect for swapping travel tales over free hot drinks. London's best hostels provide similar social atmospheres and budget-friendly accommodation.
By night, you're just steps from Edinburgh's wildest pub crawls and live music scenes, with exclusive discounts at local haunts.
When you're ready to explore, venture through mysterious closes (hidden alleyways) or join a Highland adventure with Macbackpackers. Start your day with a hearty Scottish breakfast for £2.50 before heading out.
The friendly staff will point you toward secret gardens and off-the-beaten-path treasures you won't find in guidebooks.
Don't forget your £10 key deposit – then you're all set to discover why this quirky spot is the Royal Mile's best-kept secret.
From Fat Margaret to Cozy Nights: Tallinn's Maritime Marvel
Standing guard at the entrance to Tallinn's enchanting Old Town, Fat Margaret's Hostel welcomes wanderers with the same bold spirit as its namesake 16th-century tower.
You'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore Estonia's maritime heritage, with the Baltic Sea and bustling port just steps away. The tower's thick defensive walls remain an impressive sight to this day. Evaluating hostel amenities is an important consideration when choosing the perfect hostel.
After starting your day in the free sauna and pool, you can wander through the cobblestone streets or venture into the hip Kalamaja district for coffee and local eats.
Start your morning with wellness and wander – from steamy saunas to trendy cafes, Tallinn's charm unfolds at your doorstep.
The hostel's fully equipped kitchen helps you stay on budget, while the common room's table tennis keeps the social vibes flowing.
You're never far from adventure here – whether you're exploring the maritime museum in Fat Margaret tower, strolling along the seaside, or getting lost among Old Town's iconic red rooftops.
Modern Capsule Living in Madrid's Art District
While Madrid's central districts buzz with travelers, the working-class neighborhood of Carabanchel beckons with an innovative twist on budget lodging.
Taking cues from Tokyo's capsule hotels, this ground-floor haven transforms a once-vacant space into a modern sleeping sanctuary. The 48 sleeping pods welcome guests in a compact 1,600 square foot space.
You'll find yourself nestled in a cozy pod measuring six-and-a-half feet long, complete with a mattress, mirror, and mood-setting color lights. At just $452 monthly, it's a steal for budget travelers and locals alike. This modern capsule hotel offers exceptional amenities and a unique social atmosphere, rivaling traditional hotels.
You'll share seven pristine showers and mingle with fellow adventurers in art-filled common spaces.
Though it's a 30-minute subway ride from Puerta del Sol, you're getting more than just a bed – you're experiencing Madrid's creative response to urban housing challenges.
It's where practicality meets industrial-chic design in the heart of the city's emerging art district.
Iceland's Hip Factory-Turned-Hostel: Kex Reykjavík
Ever wondered what it's like to sleep in a converted biscuit factory? At Kex Hostel in downtown Reykjavik, you'll discover a masterclass in industrial-chic transformation. This former cookie factory now welcomes 132 travelers with a mix of dorm-style and private rooms, all while preserving its vintage factory charm.
What makes the lobby truly special is its collection of vintage American furniture, carefully sourced from cities like Pittsburgh and Leipzig.
You'll find yourself surrounded by fascinating relics: WWII German bunker lights illuminate your path, while fairground horses and pinball memorabilia create an eccentric atmosphere.
The gastropub, a favorite among locals, serves up hearty Icelandic dishes. Don't miss the old-school barber shop, open Thursdays and Fridays, or the events at Gym and Tonic, the hostel's dedicated party space.
With Mount Esja views and prime downtown location, Kex offers the perfect blend of history, quirkiness, and modern comfort.
Berlin's Street Art Paradise: Wallyard's Creative Haven
As Berlin's urban art scene continues to flourish, Wallyard Concept Hostel in Moabit captures the city's creative spirit with its street art-inspired design and laid-back vibe.
You'll find yourself in the heart of Berlin's artistic pulse, just steps from Turmstrasse tube station and the charming Kleiner Tiergarten. Savoring Berlin: A Food Lover's Guide to Local Delights offers essential recommendations for experiencing the city's culinary delights.
Whether you're crashing in a dorm or treating yourself to a private room, you'll love the hostel's urban jungle aesthetic, complete with living plants and local artwork in the art salon. The first concept hostel in Berlin delivers a unique blend of comfort and adventure for every type of traveler.
Vibrant greenery and local art transform this Berlin crash pad into an urban oasis, whether you're bunking down or going solo.
The on-site cafe and bar make it easy to fuel up and socialize, while the bike rental service lets you explore nearby attractions like Alexanderplatz and Brandenburg Gate.
With free Wi-Fi, city maps, and a helpful travel desk, you've got everything you need for an authentic Berlin adventure.
The Sum Up
You'll find that nearly 70% of these converted spaces maintain original architectural elements while adding modern comforts. Whether you're sleeping in a former prison cell or cozying up in an airplane's cockpit, these quirky European hostels offer unforgettable experiences at a fraction of hotel prices. Pack your sense of adventure and join the growing community of travelers who choose character over conventional – your wallet and Instagram feed will thank you.