The Best Hostels in Delhi, India

This cheery, on-the-ball backpacker base makes the most of its South Delhi location, with a convenient metro (Ashram). The fun here is the lively social scene – from pub crawls to live-music nights and tips from the chatty team to guided tours of the 17th-century Mughal Red Fort, Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid (mosque) and more. The punchy-coloured, contemporary dorms sleep four to 10 (including female-only rooms), with individual lockers, curtains, charging points and lights; plus, there are private en-suite rooms, too. Leafy courtyards and a café are among the buzzy communal spaces.

With branches across India, this super-social, homegrown chain has made a name for itself with comfy, fuss-free rooms, activity-packed itineraries and thoughtful extras, like free water refills. The capital’s outpost, in the residential New Friends Colony area of South Delhi, hosts Bollywood film nights, Old Delhi food walks, gatherings on the rooftop terrace and guided city-sight tours, and there’s a direct metro to the airport and fashionable Hauz Khas, too. Rooms swing from budget-loving, air-conditioned bunk dorms to private doubles; every bed has a locker, reading light and charging point.

Get to know leafy South Delhi from an arty, up-to-date neighbourhood base overlooking the 400-acre (162ha) Jahanpanah City Forest, within easy reach of trendy Hauz Khas (with its galleries, boutiques and Deer Park), the Unesco-listed Qutub Minar Complex (ruins of the Delhi Sultanate) and the 20th-century Lotus Temple (completed in 1986 and shaped like the flower). Hand-painted murals fill the communal lounge, kitchen and reading space, and there’s yoga on the fairy light-illuminated terrace. The social calendar bursts with live music, bar crawls, festivals and expert-guided tours, while the air-conditioned rooms (from eight-bed dorms to balcony-equipped doubles) are freshly contemporary, with personal lockers, lights, fans and charging points.

Conveniently situated just 7km (4mi) from the airport and 9km (5.6mi) from Qutub Minar, this bright, clean hostel has impressive, mural-heavy decor and a great à la carte continental breakfast. The rooftop garden restaurant is a relaxing place to mingle with other travellers, and solo female travellers can opt to stay on Pink Lane, the hostel’s dedicated women-only floor with its own private terrace. The friendly staff have plenty of local recommendations and can help with anything from booking tickets to renting motorbikes. All rooms, including dorms, have their own bathrooms.

Delhi Tales wants to build a base for a fun travel community in the often overwhelming city of Delhi. Located in New Delhi, just under 4km (2.5mi) from Qutub Minar, its rooms overlook a beautiful garden, plus there is free wifi and each room has its own bathroom. It is within 10-13km (6-8mi) of other must-see places in Delhi, including the President’s Palace and the Tughlaqabad Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate, and its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff will make you feel at home after a day exploring them.

Jugaad wants to show an alternative side to the Indian capital, and has won multiple awards for its efforts. If you’re looking to explore the city away from the tourist hotspots of the Main Bazaar or Paharganj, Jugaad sits in a village-like suburb of South Delhi, within walking distance of Hauz Khas and just a 20-minute metro journey from attractions such as Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb and popular shopping districts like Sarojini Nagar and Dilli Haat. Its huge rooftop comes with peaceful views over the neighbourhood, where you can chat to other travellers around a bonfire in the evenings. There’s a kitchen so you can cook for yourself, but you should save a few meals for the hostel’s delicious food, too, before heading out on one of the walking tours or pub crawls.

As the name suggests, this hostel feels closer to a boutique hotel, especially in the private rooms, which have minimalist, of-the-moment decor with contemporary black and white furnishings. Located in Hauz Khas Village – the city’s artiest enclave – it also has a pretty deck that looks out onto Deer Park. It’s a great place to stay if you’re in town during major festivals, as the hostel often organises its own events, and an even better place to stay if you’re eco-conscious since the hostel has recently become plastic-free.

Located in the central backpacker neighbourhood of Paharganj, the bright, mural-covered Zostel has six- and eight-bed dormitories, including one reserved exclusively for female guests. If you want privacy, then Zostel also offers a deluxe room with two single beds, plus there is an ultra-spacious designer suite for backpackers who want to treat themselves. It’s right in the heart of India’s busy capital, so there’s plenty around to explore, plus you can sign up for a Zostel passport, a loyalty programme that will get you discounts across all Zostels and partner properties.

A real home away from home, Joey’s Hostel sets itself apart from others thanks to its friendly atmosphere and dedication to helping guests have an authentic experience in Delhi. Get involved with its tours around the city (the Heritage Walk takes you to the historic bylanes of Old Delhi, while the Food Walk takes you on a fun street food tour of the capital), and take advantage of the free breakfast and purified water. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet other guests if you’re travelling solo. The extra-friendly staff are happy to help you plan your visit, book tickets and organise onward travel.

This hostel, in bustling Old Delhi, offers its guests some unique experiences. Learn to cook delicious Indian breads and curries or explore less-discovered spots on a food tour around vibrant Chandni Chowk before relaxing in the evening at the hostel’s own cinema (don’t miss the weekly Bollywood movie night with free popcorn). The common area has plenty of games, including foosball and pool, and there’s an open-air courtyard where you can relax in a hammock with a book. Rooms are clean and comfortable and come with air conditioning and high-speed wifi.

AmigosIndia is a popular hostel choice for backpackers in the city. The place is very cosy, and guests are made to feel like family. It has an in-house restaurant that serves some delicious food and a common area fondly referred to as the Amigo Station. The decor is quite vibrant and quirky but without going over the top. If you want to dine out while staying in the hostel, try the restaurants at the Garden of Five Senses.