3 Best Hostels in Delhi, India – Safe, Fun and Stylish Hostels you may not expect

Best Hostels in Delhi the complete guide and overview for backpackers
Photo by Jeet Khatri

So you’re planning your Indian adventure. To make things easier, we’ve put together this awesome guide to the 3 best hostels in Delhi.

The capital of India sure is hectic. So planning ahead will surely save you a lot of time, energy and stress.

Our favorite hostels in Delhi are:

  1. Zostel Delhi - best for Couples
  2. The Hosteller Delhi - best for Solo Travellers
  3. Joey's Hostel - best for Backpacker

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

We’ve got all bases covered including the best hostels in Delhi for travellers of all types, whether you’re a solo traveller or a couple.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

  • are tired of crappy hostels!
  • want a social Hostel to actually meet people
  • are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

We condensed it all to the 3 seriously coolest hostels in Delhi.

At the moment there is no 5 star hostel in Delhi. In fact, this is our very first hostel guide for India, full stop!

You should also add Jaipur to your India Bucketlist. Here’s our guide to 3 best hostels in Jaipur (for female solo-traveller). North of New Delhi you find as well the famous backpacker hot spot Rishikesh. Here you can find a guide to hostels in Rishikesh.

Quick Introduction to Delhi Hostels

Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 10€ up to 18€ per night. This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

Student hostels in India: It is quite common for Indian students to live in a hostel during their studies. Be aware that these are usually not the nicest ones because they are cheap and awkwardly located.

Plus the fact that students aren’t always the most sociable… they have work to get done!

On the plus side; there are tons of cool backpacker hostels in Delhi. As a traveller, you should opt for the backpacker hostels, including the great hostels included in this article.

So, please, make sure you check if your hostel is for students or actually travellers. It is a huge difference in India.

1 Day in Delhi: Got limited time? Read this simple and cool guide to spend 1 day in Delhi with exploring historic sights.

India Visa: Make sure you have your India visa ready with iVisa.com. Read our full review on iVisa, the  shortcut for your visa around the world. Here you can check if you actually need one and how much it would be. It is our go-to website to get visas.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

The 3 Best Hostels in Delhi are …

Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Delhi.

  1. Zostel Delhi – best for Couples
  2. The Hosteller Delhi – best for Solo Travellers
  3. Joey's Hostel – best for Backpacker

These are our favorite hostels in Delhi. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler: The Hosteller Delhi
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: Zostel Delhi
🎒 for Backpacker:Joey's Hostel
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel: Zostel Delhi
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel: The Hosteller Delhi
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads: The Hosteller Delhi
🧘 Cozy Hostel: Joey's Hostel

1. Zostel Delhi (experience central city life)

Next up is the most centrally located hostel in Delhi; Zostel Delhi. It is just 3 minutes away from New Delhi Railway Station Flyover.

It’s actually one of the oldest hostels in Delhi and has served over 50,000 backpackers to date. Surely they know what they’re doing by now, right?!

Right.

When all of the room types include the word ‘superior’ or ‘deluxe’, it’s a sign of only good things to come.

Choose between:

Book Zostel Delhi here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Zostel Delhi

Zostel Delhi Billard Space

Did you know? Zostel is a chain of hostels covering 27 cities across India and Nepal. If you’re backpacking for some time, consider getting a Zostel Passport for great discounts in Zostel destinations.

This is the perfect option for those wanting to experience the true chaos of Delhi, with a relaxing oasis to retreat to.

Quickly feel at home here with:

  • Ample common areas
  • Rooftop seating
  • A game of pool

Zostel is our best hostel in Dehli for female solo-travellers. Here’s a guide on how to stay safe as a female solo-traveller in India.

The reception is open 24/7 which means security and a warm welcome around the clock. This is great for those with unsociable flight times!

Note: party people are discouraged from staying here.

Remember that Zostel Delhi is situated in the heart of the Paharganj area, which means you’ll be surrounded by the everyday chaos of the city.

Zostel Delhi is the best hostel in Delhi for:

  • Couples
  • Female solo travellers
Book Zostel Delhi here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Zostel Delhi Common Space

Zostel Delhi Single Room

2. The Hosteller Delhi

The Hosteller Delhi is the perfect accommodation option for backpackers and travelers seeking a relaxing and immersive experience. With an unwavering commitment to hospitality, they prioritize cleanliness, hygiene, safety, and security to ensure their guests have a memorable stay. Situated in south Delhi, just a short stroll from Ashram Metro station, this hostel offers convenient access to renowned landmarks such as the Lotus Temple and Akshardham.

The Hosteller Delhi focuses on providing clean and comfortable beds, each accompanied by private bathrooms equipped with round-the-clock hot water. They understand the importance of staying connected, which is why complimentary WiFi is available throughout the premises. Guests can also enjoy the well-designed common spaces, where they can socialize and make new connections.

Book The Hosteller Delhi here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

The Hosteller Delhi

The Hosteller Delhi Dorm

The hostel staff, fluent in both English and Hindi, provide friendly and helpful guidance at the reception desk. Whether guests need recommendations for local attractions or assistance with their travel plans, the staff is readily available to help.

For dining options, The Hosteller Delhi has an in-house restaurant that offers a delightful selection of à la carte dishes and vegetarian choices. Guests can start their day with a satisfying breakfast before exploring the vibrant city of Delhi.

In summary, The Hosteller Delhi offers an exceptional hostel experience for backpackers and travelers. With their commitment to cleanliness, safety, and hospitality, guests can enjoy comfortable accommodation, helpful staff, and convenient access to popular attractions.

Location: The Hosteller Delhi is conveniently situated 7.1 km from Pragati Maidan, a major exhibition and conference center, and 7.6 km from Lodhi Gardens, known for its beautiful landscaped gardens and historical tombs.

A great choice for

  • Solo Travelers
Book The Hosteller Delhi here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

The Hosteller Delhi Single Room

The Hosteller Delhi Common Space

3. Joey's Hostel

Joey's Hostel is a backpacker’s haven, offering an authentic experience in the vibrant city.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcoming atmosphere. The friendly and helpful staff at Joey’s Hostel ensure that visitors have a memorable stay. The hostel offers essential amenities, including free WiFi, Xbox, TV, lockers, and complimentary linen.

Book Joey's Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Joey's Hostel Dorm Room

In addition to the basics, Joey’s Hostel provides extra features to enhance the guests’ experience. The rooftop terrace offers a relaxing space with panoramic views of the city. The hostel is equipped with desktops, a fully equipped kitchen, and washing machines. Clean bathrooms with hot showers, purified water, and on-site snacks contribute to a comfortable stay.

The lively common area at Joey’s Hostel serves as a hub for travelers to meet and connect with one another. The dedicated staff is always available to assist guests in navigating the sensory overload that Delhi can bring.

Guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with shared bathrooms.

The hostel features a terrace, a shared kitchen, a shared lounge, a ticket service, and a tour desk. Free parking is also available for guests with their own vehicles.

Joey’s Hostel in New Delhi offers more than just a place to stay. It creates a vibrant community where travelers can connect, explore Delhi’s charm, and forge lasting memories. With its prime location, friendly staff, and range of amenities, Joey’s Hostel provides an ideal haven for backpackers seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of India’s capital.

Location: Situated near the Yamuna River and just 200 meters from Laxmi Nagar metro station, it provides a convenient base for exploring the city. Travelers can easily reach Joey’s Hostel by taking the Delhi metro and walking from the station. It is approximately 7 kilometers from New Delhi Railway Station and 20 kilometers from the airport by car.

This is one of the best hostels in Delhi for

  • Backpackers
Book Joey's Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Joey's Hostel Dorm

Joey's Hostel Socializing People

Safe and best Hostels in Delhi (for Female Solo-Travelers)

We know safety might be an issue for female solo-travellers.

We had a look, and the best hostels in Delhi for female solo-travellers are:

  1. LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites
  2. Zostel Delhi

Both hostels are great, safe, clean, social. The difference between is the location and style.

Zostel Delhi is the most central hostel; perfect location.

LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites is the cooler hostel option due to its interior design; more luxury and stylish!

The dorms at LetsBunk come with privacy curtains for instance. We consider this always a big plus.

Read: Long-Term Travel Insurance? A step-by-step Guide

Best Party Hostels in Delhi?

If you’re looking for the party scene then you’ll love The Hosteller.

It’s located very close to the party hub of Delhi and there’s the option to join one of their famous pub crawls.

End the day by collapsing in your premium dorm and get up fresh with a coffee from the spacious in-house cafe.

Oh, and reception is open 24-hours so forget fretting about late night arrivals into a hectic city such as this.

Book The Hosteller here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

The Hosteller Delhi

More Delhi hostels worth a mention

Still not decided where to stay in New Delhi India?

There is always a good place right there for you. Hostel accommodation in Delhi is worth a try.

Forget about hotels and embrace the Delhi new hostels that we have for you. We want to provide you a Delhi accommodation cheap and budget friendly without sacrificing the quality of your stay.

There are plenty of hostels Delhi has to offer and we are giving you the best of the best! Well, you only need to choose one, right?

  • LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites 
  • goStops Delhi Hostel
  • AmigosIndia
  • New Delhi YMCA Tourist Hostel

Come and experience the best of Delhi. You can visit Delhi main places, and try out bar and restaurant in South Delhi with your new found friends. Backpackers Delhi has a lot of activities in stored for you.

LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites (bright, spacious dorms)

It’s time for a bit of luxury in this Scandinavian minimalist designed hostel.

Wait no sorry, not a hostel; LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites.

Important update: LetsBunk no longer offers shared dorms, only private rooms and suites. 

This fusion of boutique hotel and funky hostel is the perfect place to wind down in a state of luxury.

It’s located in the picturesque Hauz Khas Village – the New Delhi – boasting art galleries, cafes and wonderful restaurants.

Lets Bunk is the best hostel in Delhi for solo travellers. It is also a popular choice for female solo-travellers!

Book LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com

LetsBunk Poshtel one of the best hostels in Delhi, India LetsBunk Poshtel one of the best hostels in Delhi, India

Here is another original review about Lets Bunk Poshtel. Click and lean back.

The standard of rooms here will no doubt surprise you. In a good way, of course!

Forget cramped and dingy and expect bright, spacious and clean accommodation across all private rooms.

Enticing inclusions:

  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Coffee table in the room
  • Reading lamp
  • Air-conditioning
  • Linen + towel

And of course the all-important free WiFi works throughout the property – woo!

Other nice places to chillax include the lobby of buzzing life and a rooftop with a stunning forest view that will keep calling your name.

Note: breakfast is available for an extra fee.

If you’re looking to stay long-term in Delhi then ask about the special weekly rate that’s offered here. Great option for the digital nomad!

Occasional gigs and talks take place here and guests have free access to all events.

LetsBunk Poshtel is the best hostel in Delhi for:

  • Solo travellers
  • Friends
  • Female Solo-Travellers
  • Families
Book LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com

LetsBunk Poshtel one of the best hostels in Delhi, India LetsBunk Poshtel one of the best hostels in Delhi, India

goStops Delhi Hostel

If you want to be in the midst of Old Delhi, goStops Delhi is the place for you!

Their private rooms and dorm rooms are clean, comfortable and very spacious. The common rooms is a great place to meet and hang out with people from all over the world.

The staff are very helpful and friendly. They also organise old Delhi City tour for a low price that guests will surely enjoy.

Hostel Highlights:

  • Airport shuttle
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Good breakfast

Location: The goStops Delhi hostel is 1 km away from the famous Jama Masjid, 1.5 km away from the historic Red Fort, 2 km away from India Gate and 2.5 km away from Connaught Place. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is 16 km away, but easily accessible by the Airport Express metro station located 1.5 km from the hostel. The Delhi Gate Subway Station is just 5 m away from the hostel.

Book goStops Delhi Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

goStops Delhi Hostel

AmigosIndia

AmigosIndia is one of the best youth hostels in Delhi. It’s home away from home.

If you really want to enjoy your vacation this is the place where you should stay. If you talk about money its worth and value for money.

Atmosphere surrounding facility and specially people they are amazing. We would recommend this place to all fun-loving people and yes for those who want to explore India and get some peace and happiness.

So, check availability right away.

Hostel Highlights:

  • Airport shuttle
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness centre
  • Free parking
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Very good breakfast

Location: Lodhi Gardens is 12 km from Amigos India, while Lotus Temple is 12 km away. The nearest airport is Delhi International, 13 km from the hostel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Book AmigosIndia here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Amigos India

New Delhi YMCA Tourist Hostel

New Delhi YMCA Tourist Hostel is one of the New Delhi hostels in Connaught Place Delhi. This is worth a try.

This New Delhi hostel doesn’t have dorm rooms but it has plenty of private rooms that makes it perfect for families and small group of friends.

It is quiet at night so you can really sleep well for more energy the next day.

Hostel Highlights:

  • Swimming pool
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Free parking
  • Breakfast

Location: The popular Connaught Place is 980 m and the Shivaji Stadium Metro Station is 850 m. The hostel is 780 m from the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, 2.3 km from Jantar Mantar and 3.4 km from the India Gate. The Rajiv Chowk Metro Station is 2.5 km and the New Delhi Railway Station is 2.1 km. It is 10 km away from Soul Stay Delhi. The Delhi International Airport is 13.3 km away.

Book New Delhi YMCA Tourist Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

New Delhi YMCA Tourist Hostel

Any Discounts?

Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Delhi. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.

You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.

We also do have a 35€ discount for Airbnb here.

Our Favorite Hostels in Delhi put on a map + sights

If you’re anything like me, you love a good map. Below you’ll see all of the mentioned hostels in Delhi pinpointed as well as top sights including:

  • The Red Fort
  • Qutub Minar
  • India Gate
  • Jama Masjid
  • Old Delhi
  • Humayun’s Tomb
  • Akshardham Temple
  • Lodhi Gardens

For those of you looking to do a bit of activity planning in advance check out these fun options:

Avoid the hassle of finding your hostel when you’re jet-lagged and book a trustworthy private transfer from the airport.

Any questions about hostels in Delhi? 🤔

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FAQ

Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.

Visa to India

Wanna know if you need a visa to India in a fast and simple way? Read our full review on iVisa, the  shortcut for your visa around the world. Ivisa.com is our go-to website for solving visa issues.

Flights to Delhi?

We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Skyscanner

review of Skyscanner flight searches

More Hostels and Destinations

When in India, you might consider travelling as well to Sri Lanka.

We spent here a full month and fell in love with the culture, the food, and incredible nature – and of course their hostels.

Check more of our handwritten guides here:

Also, watch out for our article talking about backpacker hostel in Noida.

Find all the best hostels in Asia here.

Best Hostels in Sri Lanka

Over to you

So here you go, we just gave you the 3 best hostels in Delhi, India.

Do you have any questions, doubts?

Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Delhi hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.

Your question(s) will help me to understand what I have missed to mention. You will have your questions answered as well as help me and fellow travellers with an improved, useful article.

Therefore, do not be shy, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!

Last note: Our commitment

This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.

We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!

Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.

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Best Hostels in Delhi, India

CLOSED: The Madpackers Hostel (safe and social)

Update: This hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.

Let’s start by introducing The Madpackers Hostel, voted India’s best hostel in 2016.

That’s right; best hostel in India, not just Delhi! And India is huuuuuuge. Therefore, start your whole India adventure on the right foot and with the right hostel. For the rest of your trip, read this blog on the best recommended India backpacking route.

This is a place for community, stories and friendship. A real backpacker haven.

It’s pretty obvious the staff here will take care of all your needs when they say things like:

We have an obsessive affair with travel and a soft spot for everything that moves with a backpack.

The Madpackers Hostel one of the best hostels in Delhi, India

The Madpackers Hostel one of the best hostels in Delhi, India

When looking for the best backpackers hostels in Delhi, you will come across Madpackers.

There’s a wonderful selection of rooms here ranging from 8-14 bed dorms and private superior doubles.

Even though they are basic, retro-style rooms, you won’t miss out on comfort or social vibes.

Besides, this hostel has so much more to offer that we doubt you’ll want to spend much time hiding behind the bunk bed curtain (if there was one)!

Stay here if you love:

  • A safe, accessible location
  • A free breakfast for champions
  • A good old rooftop + garden
  • Arranged activities

Their Delhi Belly Food Tour has become quite well-known and is seemingly a highlight of most people’s stay here.

If you’re not much of a foodie consider joining the ‘Agra day trip hustle’ and ‘The Madpackers sundowner’ aka pub crawl.

Want to explore like a local? Ask the staff anything – they know this city like the back of their hand.

The Madpackers is one of the best hostels in New Delhi that is set away from central Delhi, but the yellow line connection is a 5-minute walk away.

The Madpackers Hostel New Delhi is the best hostel in Delhi for:

  • Backpackers
  • Social butterflies

The Madpackers Hostel one of the best hostels in Delhi, India

The Madpackers Hostel one of the best hostels in Delhi, India

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