“When you get to Brugge, you just HAVE to go to this hostel my brother’s flatmate’s girlfriend stayed at.”

“Geez don’t stay at that hostel when you are in Budapest, the night manager was SO RUDE to me when I stayed there in 1993.”

“There’s this hostel kind of near the old town… close to that big statue… there’s no sign on it… you can’t miss it!”

All helpful advice from your mates aside, it’s not hard to find a bed in Europe. There are more than 100 hostels in London alone. Some European hostels are like palaces - some actually ARE palaces - and some look (and smell) like a teenage boy’s bedroom.

So here it is - the definitive list of the Top 10 Hostels in Europe - well my top ten favourites anyway.

10. FORESTERIA VALDESE, Venice, Italy

Boasting 18th century architecture right down to the Bevilacquan frescos in the ceiling, this place is the old guest lodgings of the Waldensian and Methodist Church in Venice. Centrally situated to all of Venice’s beautiful attractions, it has some of the best value accommodation in this very expensive city with dorm beds starting at 24 euros including breakfast.

9. CARDIFF BACKPACKERS HOSTEL, Cardiff, Wales

To say this is a fun kind of place is a massive understatement. It is the only hostel located in central Cardiff and they offer big discounts for guests to attractions like Cardiff Castle and Millennium Stadium. The whole vibe of the place makes you feel welcome and with a great bar, no curfew on weekends, and beds from 25 euros, it’s easy to see why this one makes the list.

8. FLYING PIG HOSTEL, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

There are actually three Flying Pig’s in Holland but my pick is the Flying Pig Downtown. Situated in the heart of the red light district and right next to Amsterdam Central Station, it is very central and close to the city’s main attractions including the Royal Palace and the Waterlooplein Markets. They have a comprehensive website complete with forums and dorm beds start at 14 euros.

7. KABUL HOSTEL, Barcelona, Spain

In a city where there are maybe 100 places to stay in its heaving main street, La Rambla, this hostel manages to retain 100% occupancy for almost every night of the year. With no single or double rooms and dorms with up to 20 beds starting at 17 euros, Kabul is not for the faint hearted (or those wanting a solid night’s sleep) but let’s face it, that’s not what you go to Barcelona for!

6. 3 DUCKS HOSTEL, Paris, France

With my Mum’s words, “If you’ve got nothing to say, say nothing at all” ringing in my ears I am going to say nothing about the most touristed city on Earth. However, if you find yourself in the city and want to find a bed that won’t cost the chemise off your back, then the 3 Ducks is the answer. Dorm beds start at just 19 euros and its location can’t be beaten.

(To read the rest of this list, check out the entry at Nick Bowditch Travel)