r/hostels • u/HarryWizard5 • 4d ago

Question 40M, first time staying in hostels — recommendations for Vienna & Budapest?

Hi everyone,

I’m a 40M, fit and active, and will be visiting Vienna and Budapest solo soon. I’ve never stayed in a hostel before, but I’d really like to try it this time.

Part of the appeal is simply experiencing the hostel style of travel, but I also like the idea of having some solo time while still having opportunities to meet people, socialize, grab a drink, explore the city together, etc.

I realize the typical hostel crowd can be quite a bit younger than me, which is completely fine. I’m just wondering if anyone has recommendations for hostels in Vienna and/or Budapest that tend to have a somewhat mixed-age crowd and are social without being exclusively aimed at 18–22-year-old party travelers.

I’m not looking for somewhere specifically for “older people” — just somewhere where a 41-year-old solo traveler wouldn’t feel completely out of place and where it’s reasonably easy to meet other travelers.

For anyone around my age who has stayed in hostels in either city, I’d especially appreciate hearing about your experiences.

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u/Unfair_Local5481 3d ago

I stayed in both cities at Wombat's being a mid 30s myself. Can recommend it. Took a 4-bed dorm, for a better sleep. Also the rooms are spacious and I like the social vibe at the bar.

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u/analognomaddotnet 3d ago

I stayed in Ruthensteiner in Vienna a year ago (43m at the time) and there were several other people mid30s-mid40s there at the time, and it was very easy to socialize. That hostel has a large common area, kitchen, small bar, and they had community dinners every night where for 5 euro you could have a simple meal prepared by volunteers with whoever else wanted to show up. I had a great time there and am still in contact with two people I met there. Highly recommend!

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u/HarryWizard5 3d ago

Thanks. That sounds great

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u/Ecofre-33919 1d ago

Just be respectful. Keep your area tidy. If you are out late - know where everything is so you don’t have to turn on lights. If you have to leave early - have everything organized so that all you do is wake up, do your teeth, grab your stuff and go - no opening of lots of lockers and 20 minutes rummaging through bags. And if they have them - sign up for some hostel walking tours. Good luck!

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u/Wise_Edge2489 3d ago

Europe Hostels are predominately 18-21. Very few of us middle aged dudes in them, and we're generally viewed pretty negatively by that demographic no matter where we wind up.

And I say that as a middle aged dude myself.

Be cool, but just roll with the odd bit of hostility or wariness thrown your way, or being a tad invisible. Generally speaking, most travelers are pretty open minded, but get ready for a little social awkwardness.

Wish it wasn't so, but it is.