Of all the major cities in Germany I visited on this trip, I’d argue that Munich was my favorite. It wasn’t as sketchy as Frankfurt and seemed to have more character than Berlin. Ironically, it was also the only place where I experienced an actual rainfall (a rarity for this part of Europe).

The train from Füssen to Munich was roughly two hours. After arriving, I went to the hotel where my parents were staying so we could explore together and I’d have somewhere to store my luggage until I could check into my hostel. 

We made our way over to Karlsplatz, an area full of shops (and occasional churches) that eventually led to the well-known historic square, Marienplatz.

For 7 euros each, my dad and I got to go up to the top of the Munich Frauenkirche, a famous cathedral there. The journey to the top of the tower began with climbing stairs, followed by an elevator ride the rest of the way. I definitely recommend doing this; you get great city views and there are also displays that explain different areas of the city. If you’re not sure what to see and where everything is, this gives you an idea of the city's layout and what to do during your stay.

After all that, it was time to go to my hostel to check in and get settled. The Euro Youth Hostel was conventionally located near the central station and reminded me of a college building inside. This was a great hostel, and the service was fantastic; the man at the front desk didn’t even ask for a towel deposit. I especially liked their bar and lounge area. There was plenty of space to work and just hang out. They even give you a free welcome drink ticket. I ordered a 'toastie' sandwich, and it solidified that I’ve been experiencing grilled cheese sandwiches wrong my entire life. During my time at this hostel, I met fellow travelers from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Canada – all of whom were absolutely fantastic. 

Day 2

My second day in Munich was the rainy day. The plan was that we’d go to Schloss Nyphemburg, a famous palace in the area.

To get there, we took the 16 bus from Hbf Nord heading toward Romanplatz. After getting off at Romanplatz, it was about a 20-minute walk to the bridge, where you’ll see the palace on your left. 

Schloss Nyphemburg is insanely huge! I can’t imagine being a German royal back in the 18th and 19th centuries with access to that. As much as we got to see inside, it was probably a tenth of the entire palace. An audio guide tour costs 10 euros. 

Security is also tight here. I’m still not convinced half the people working here weren’t former spy operatives by the way they operated. 

Madrid is the capital city in Spain, and for many travelers, it’s one of those European bucket list locations. I recently stayed at the Ok Hostel in Madrid and will share my honest experience while I was there to help you decide if this sounds like a place you might stay at during your Spain vacation.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay at the Ok Hostel Madrid?
The Ok Hostel Madrid was one of the cheaper stays on my Spain trip, with a nightly rate of 29 euros for a 6-person room. For reference, this was in April just after Easter in a six-person dorm-style room. Prices will vary depending on the type of room you book and the time of year.

Why Are Hostel So Much Cheaper?
Hostels are generally cheaper than hotels, with nightly rates at a fraction of the price you’d pay for a hotel stay. When you’re traveling around Europe, the price of hotels can quickly add up, so hostels are a fantastic way to help cut down costs. 

Of course, the reason why hostels cost so much less than hotels is because you don’t have a room to yourself, but if you’re out exploring most of the time, this isn’t a dealbreaker. That said, if you're traveling with a friend or partner, you have the option to book a private room, though this will cost you more than dorm-style rooms.

What Time is Check-In at the Ok Hostel?
Check-in for the Ok Hostel in Madrid is at 3:00pm (or 15:00 hours).

How Do I Get to the Ok Hostel from Madrid Airport?
If you plan to take public transit, the trip is about an hour, whereas a car ride is roughly 30 minutes. If you're taking public transportation, the easiest way is to catch the 203 bus at the airport ('T2 Aeropuerto') that's heading to Estación Atocha. Stay on that bus for about 45 minutes and get off at the Estación de Atocha. From there, take Bus 1 going to Pinar De Chamartin. Stay on Bus 1 for three stops (roughly 5 minutes) and get off at Tirso de Molina. Then, it's just a short 5-minute walk to the Ok Hostel.
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What I Liked About the Ok Hostel Madrid

• The location - As with most hostels I’ve experienced, the Ok Hostel is in a central area of Madrid, walking distance to major city sights as well as the primary train station. The hostel is even located at the beginning of the Madrid's famous El Rastro Market.
• Friendly service - I thought the people at the front desk were really nice and helpful.

What I Didn’t Like About the Ok Hostel Madrid

• More busy and loud - This hostel was definitely one of the busier ones I’ve stayed at and had more of a party-hostel vibe to it. That's fine if you're going for that, but if you want something more low-key, it's probably not the best fit.
• Bad washing machines - Don’t do your laundry here! While they have a washing machine and dryer, they ended up making my clothes smell awful. I then had to re-wash my clothes at a nearby laundromat. 
• Bathroom setup - The mirror and sink were outside of the room where the shower and toilet were, which meant you had to get ready in the regular dorm room where everyone was sleeping. This isn’t a big issue during the day, but if you’re up early, it can be awkward trying not to wake other people.

Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.