Backpacker’s Guide to Hostel Etiquette: Do’s, Don’ts, and Must-Knows
If you’ve never stayed in a shared space before, figuring out proper hostel etiquette can feel like navigating an unmarked trail. You might know the basics, like not making a mess, but what about the other stuff– the unwritten rules? How do you navigate sharing space with strangers from all different cultures and who all have different expectations of etiquette?
Having stayed in nearly 60 hostels across Europe, the United States, and Asia over the last three years, I’ve seen it all. Naked guests, toenail clippings in the common room, someone using seven pots to make dinner…and more! What’s normal to you might be rude to someone else, and vice versa. If you want to make a good impression, it’s important to start with a set of standard expectations.
Some of the stuff in this post might seem obvious, but trust me—if I’ve written it, it’s because someone out there did it. Let’s dive into the unspoken (and spoken) rules of hostel life so you can avoid being that person.
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General Hostel Etiquette
The thing to keep in mind for all of this is:
Hostels are shared spaces, and a little consideration goes a long way.
When you arrive, take a moment to introduce yourself to your roommates or fellow guests. A simple ‘Hi, I’m [Name]!’ can set a friendly tone and help break the ice. And honestly, if you want to make friends while traveling, starting a conversation is the best way to do it!
Other things to keep in mind:
What’s polite also depends on where you are. In some cultures, chatting with strangers in the common room is friendly and expected. In others, people might value their personal space and quiet more.
You don’t need to be super worried about offending someone, as usually travelers tend to be open-minded and willing to talk things through. But paying attention to these little nuances helps keep things running smoothly for everyone.
Dorm Etiquette
Your dorm is your home away from home, but remember—you’re sharing it with others.
Keep your stuff on your own bed or in designated storage, and don’t spread out onto empty beds just because they’re unoccupied—that’s not your storage unit. You never know when a new guest will check in, and nobody wants to sleep on a bed that had somebody else’s backpack on the sheets.
If you’re moving around late at night or early in the morning, use a headlight or your phone light instead of turning on the main dorm lights. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference to your sleeping roommates.
The key to being cool in the dorms: Closed bed curtains mean “do not disturb.” Seriously, don’t peek in or try to strike up a conversation through them. It’s a bit like knocking on a locked bathroom door—just don’t.
While we’re at it, keep your clothes on in shared spaces. Nudity means different things to different people, and what’s cool to you might be highly shocking to someone else. Try to keep it to a swimsuit-level coverage when you’re out in “public,” okay?
Noise can be another issue: take calls and late-night YouTube binges to the common room, and use earbuds if you’re watching videos or listening to music. This is one of the things that people fight about a lot, because in some countries it’s not a big deal to have TikTok playing at full volume at all hours. But please, be kind to your roommates and take it outside the dorm.
Lastly, no guests or hookups in the dorm. Please please please get a private room! 😭
Bathroom Etiquette
Hostel bathrooms are one of the busiest shared spaces, so a little extra thoughtfulness goes a long way.
If you find a shower with great water pressure or a sink that’s usually free, share the tip with your fellow travelers—it’s the little things that make a big difference!
Do:
- Leave the bathroom as clean (or cleaner) as you found it.
- Rinse away hair in the shower or sink. Women are especially bad about this (me included).
- Flush the toilet and replace toilet paper if it runs out.
Don’t:
- Treat the bathroom like your personal sanctuary—it’s a shared space. Don’t stick your false eyelashes to the soap container (a thing that happened to me in a NYC hostel!!!).
- Bring others into the bathroom for non-bathroom-related activities.
- Leave your mess for someone else to deal with. Put your towel in the bin and wipe off your toothpaste from the mirror.
Kitchen Etiquette
The hostel kitchen is a great spot to whip up meals and meet fellow travelers, but it’s also a shared space where everyone needs to pitch in and be mindful of others.
Wash your dishes right after you’ve used them—don’t let them pile up for someone else to deal with.
Unless food is labeled as free or communal, don’t assume it’s fair game. If you’re unsure, just ask. On the flip side, if you’re leaving the hostel and can’t take your leftover food or spices with you, label them as free and leave them for others to use.
Cooking an elaborate meal with five different pots and all the burners? Try to plan your culinary adventure during off-peak hours so you’re not monopolizing the kitchen when others need it. A little courtesy here can make a big difference.
Common Room Etiquette
The common room is the social heart of most hostels—it’s where people come to relax, chat, and connect. If people seem open to it, suggest a group activity like a card game or movie night. It’s a great way to build community and make friends!
Loud conversations, card games, and friendly banter are all part of the vibe, but keep an eye on posted quiet hours and adjust your volume accordingly.
What to Do If Someone’s Being Rude (or Gross)
Sometimes, you’ll notice someone doing something that’s objectively rude—or at least gross by your standards. Maybe it’s a traveler leaving a mountain of dishes in the sink, or someone clipping their toenails in the common area.
It’s tempting to call them out, but remember: what you think is rude might actually be normal to them, and you don’t want to come across as bossy or rude in your own behavior. People don’t respond well to criticism about their personal habits, in my experience.
And if in doubt, ask yourself: “Am I reacting to something that’s genuinely a problem, or just different from what I’m used to?” Is it something that’s legit gross or is it just weird to you?
Once you’ve got that figure out, here’s how to handle it:
Start with a friendly nudge. For example, if someone’s hogging the kitchen, you might say, “Hey, would you mind if I use a burner? I’m trying to get dinner started.”
Often, people don’t realize they’re causing a problem until it’s pointed out politely.
If the issue affects the whole group or feels too awkward to address directly (like someone is walking naked around the hostel– happened to me!), talk to the hostel staff. They’re used to handling these situations and can address it without causing tension among guests.
And remember: it’s a hostel! Either you or that guest will be leaving soon. Just hang on for a few days and soon it’ll just be a funny memory you can write blog posts about.
All the Rules at a Glance
Here’s a quick list of hostel etiquette rules to keep in mind:
- Respect shared spaces by cleaning up after yourself and keeping noise levels reasonable.
- Keep your belongings confined to your own space in the dorm.
- Closed bed curtains mean “do not disturb.”
- Stay dressed in shared spaces and follow any hostel-specific clothing rules.
- Take phone calls and watch videos outside the dorm or with earbuds.
- Don’t bring non-hostel guests into the dorm.
- Avoid intimate activities in dorms, bathrooms, or common rooms.
- Rinse away hair in showers and sinks and replace toilet paper when needed.
- Wash dishes immediately after use and don’t take unmarked food without asking.
- Plan your cooking to avoid monopolizing the kitchen during busy times.
- Be mindful of quiet hours in common areas.
Final Thoughts: Hostel Etiquette
Hostels are one of the best ways to meet fellow travelers, save money, and experience new places, but they only work if everyone does their part. Take the opportunity to learn from the people you meet—sharing stories and experiences can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. Keep it clean, stay considerate, and remember: if you wouldn’t do it at home with roommates, don’t do it here.
What’s the most surprising or awkward hostel moment you’ve experienced? Share your story in the comments below!
