Where's the best place to see the dolomites?
 

What's the best city/town to explore the dolomites? I'm interested in beautiful scenery, the cable cars, easy hiking, and nightlife. I'm a 20 something woman, traveling solo, staying in hostels most of the time.

That is open to discussion depending on season and cost. I like the Val Gardena area and the villages of Castelrotto and Ortisei.

I'd second Bob's suggestions. (But then I often do ...)
Will you have a car?

ORTISEI makes a good base for Val Gardena - which has lots of lifts up to excellent hiking country. It's probably your best choice if you don't have a car.

If you have a car I'd recommend CORVARA as a base as it's more central for touring.

I don't think there are hostels in any of the Dolomite villages - but there are B&B's/zimmers in the budget range.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

I have heard good things about a place called Vitilius ( not sure of spelling) which is at moderate altitude at the end of a cable car ? Does anyone know about it ?

I'll be there in early September, with no car. Thanks for the advice!

It is Vigilius that I read about in Conde Nast recently. www.vigilius.it