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Writer's pictureReema Tahiliani

Hostel Adventures: 7 Quirky Hostels Around the World

If you’re an adventurer at heart and looking for more than just a bed for the night, you’re in luck! There are hostels around the world that are anything but ordinary, offering some of the most unique and unforgettable experiences imaginable. From converted planes to treehouses and even old prisons, these quirky hostels around the world will give you stories to share long after your trip ends.



Hostel Celica, Slovenia. 19th century building.

Sleep in the Sky

747 Jumbo Hostel, Sweden

Ever dreamt of sleeping in a jumbo jet without ever leaving the ground? At Stockholm's Arlanda Airport, the 747 Jumbo Hostel turns that dream into reality. This 1970s Boeing 747 has been transformed into a hostel with 27 rooms and 76 beds, allowing aviation lovers to spend the night inside a cockpit! With plane spotting and views of the airport right from your window, this stay is a must for travelers who want a truly high-flying experience.

A view of Jumbo Stay, Sweden.


Underground Adventures

Caveland, Greece

On the stunning island of Santorini, you’ll find Caveland, a hostel unlike any other. Housed in a former 18th-century winery, this cave-like accommodation offers guests a cozy and completely unique stay. The underground rooms are a nod to Santorini’s rich history, where locals once carved their homes into the rock. Caveland brings together traditional charm and modern comforts, giving you a chance to experience Santorini in a whole new way.


A dorm of Caveland hostel.

All Aboard for Nostalgia

Sydney Railway Square YHA, Australia

If you’ve ever fantasized about sleeping on a train, the Sydney Railway Square YHA is where you need to be. Right in the heart of Sydney, this hostel features rooms inside converted train carriages. Perfect for city explorers, this quirky stay keeps you close to Sydney’s vibrant nightlife, cultural spots, and main attractions while offering the nostalgic fun of sleeping on a train.

The YHA Railway Square Hostel.


Literary Dreams Come True

Book and Bed, Tokyo, Japan

Book lovers, this one’s for you! Book and Bed in Tokyo combines a bookstore with a hostel, so you can actually sleep surrounded by books. With cozy bunk beds built into the bookshelves, you’ll have a personal reading light and the ultimate literary retreat. Browse the shelves and fall asleep with your nose in a book—literally!

A double bed accomodation at Book and Bed, Tokyo.

Eco-Friendly Treehouse Getaway

Kadir’s Treehouse, Turkey

Unleash your inner child with a stay at Kadir's Treehouse in Turkey. Nestled among the trees, this wooden hostel gives you a blend of rustic vibes and modern amenities. It’s not your average treehouse either, with an in-house nightclub, bars, and a pizza place right on site! Whether you're seeking adventure in the great outdoors or a place to unwind, Kadir’s Treehouse is perfect for nature lovers and party-goers alike.

Award-winning  Kadir’s Top Tree Houses.


A Royal Night’s Sleep

Bambuda Castle, Panama

Feel like royalty at Bambuda Castle in Panama. Overlooking lush coffee fields, this castle-like hostel offers some serious luxury on a budget. With a pool, hot tub, and even a rock climbing wall, Bambuda Castle is the ideal spot for adventurous travelers who also want a touch of indulgence. It’s the perfect place to channel your inner king or queen on a backpacker’s budget!

Bambuda Castle, perfect base for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Behind Bars (Voluntarily!)

HI Ottawa Jail, Canada

Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep in a jail cell? At HI Ottawa Jail in Canada, you can experience just that—minus the criminal record! This 150-year-old former prison is now a hostel, with real prison cells for rooms. For the brave at heart, you can even spend a night in solitary confinement. With its spooky history and rumored hauntings, this stay promises to be both thrilling and unforgettable.



HI Ottawa Jail Hostel, located in downtown Ottawa

These unusual hostels prove that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure or excitement. From sleeping in planes and trains to spending the night in treehouses and castles, these quirky stays offer one-of-a-kind experiences that will turn a simple night’s rest into the highlight of your journey. So, on your next adventure, why not choose a hostel that’s a little out of the ordinary? After all, travel is all about making new memories—and these hostels guarantee some pretty unforgettable ones!



Ottawa City Hall, Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

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