Say yes to the Yes!, because as far as hostels go, this one’s pretty darn good.
The air-conditioned rooms are clean, the bathrooms are modern, the beds are comfy, and all hail the elevator so you don’t need to lug that backpack up any stairs. Most of the rooms are dorms, but there are also private rooms with shared bathrooms if you prefer. The kind and caring staff will give you the warm and fuzzies, and their friendly demeanor adds to the hostel’s amiable atmosphere. The all-in homemade dinners are a great way to meet people, and once satiated, you can shift your tribe to the bar. Come morning, throw in €2 for breakfast, then join one of the hostel’s walking tours or day tours. The colourful lounge area is primed for relaxation. Here you can kick back in a beanbag with a book, take your fellow hostellers on with a board game, or numb your mind in front of the television. Or you can just chat, of course (preferably with wine). To top it all off, you could almost throw a stone out the window and have it land in the main square. Sold.
Location: The hostel’s location near Praça do Comércio means one of Lisbon’s key attractions is on your doorstep, and in this square you’ll also find a metro station and an Aerobus stop to zip you to the airport when it’s (disappointingly) time to leave.
Nearby:
Praça do Comércio: This is where Lisbon welcomes you to the city. Happy yellow buildings filled with shops and restaurants border the square where former king José I takes centre stage on horseback. Behind him, the magnificent Rua Augusta arch serves as the gateway to Lisbon’s downtown precinct, and in front is the mighty Tagus River.
Pink Street: The area surrounding Pink Street’s candy-coloured pavement in Cais do Sodré was once Lisbon’s red light district. Its clubs are now the place to migrate at the tail end of the night for a last-ditch hack on the dance floor.
Montana Lisboa Café: Sit absolute riverfront with a coffee and a rainbow bagel (yep, it’s a thing) at this funky street art gallery-cum- café.
Good for: The hostel is perfect for those who want to travel on a budget but still feel comfortable. Friends and solo travellers will enjoy the social atmosphere of the hostel.
Amenities: free Wi-Fi; bar; laundry service
Time Out tip: If you’re a history buff you should politely introduce yourself to the lovely staff at the Pousada de Lisboa hotel, two blocks from the Yes!, and ask to see the original mock-up of the Dom João I statue that now stands proudly in Praça da Figueira.