8 best hostels in New Orleans

Founded by French Colonists in 1718, New Orleans is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Louisiana and is known for its colorful history and rich cultural heritage. Situated along the Mississippi River, the city serves as a major port as well as a commercial and economic hub for the country’s South Coast region. Moreover, New Orleans is one of the country’s most popular destinations, welcoming an average of 20 million tourists annually.

Renowned all over the world for its Creole cuisine, distinctive music, epic nightlife scene and vibrant festivals, New Orleans draws people from all walks of life. Whether you’re visiting the city for business or pleasure (or both!), you have numerous options on where to stay; accommodation in New Orleans range from luxury hotels and historic houses to B&Bs and affordable motels. Hostels are also a solid choice, especially if you want to save money. They are typically cheap and have common areas where you can easily meet new people and make friends.

As a famous travel destination, New Orleans has no shortage of hostels that cater to all budgets. Below are some of the top hostels in the city that you may want to consider for your upcoming trip to the Big Easy. In case you didn’t know, Bounce has teamed up with some New Orleans hostels to offer their luggage storage services to guests. If you end up choosing a different hostel, don’t fret; you can still use one of the many luggage lockers located across New Orleans.

Selina Catahoula New Orleans

Selina Catahoula New Orleans is nestled in the Warehouse District, in the heart of downtown New Orleans, and is one of the top hostels that you’ll find in the Big Easy. Part of the Selina hospitality chain, which has over 100 locations around the world, this modern hostel is just a short distance from the St. Charles streetcar line and the famous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.

This hostel allows guests to enjoy all the perks of having a private room while still paying hostel prices. Selina is also a proud Bounce partner, which means you can safely store your luggage here while you explore New Orleans.

What makes Selina Catahoula New Orleans unique

Selina Catahoula New Orleans offers travelers a more sophisticated and upscale experience compared to other hostels. They only offer private rooms that can fit anywhere from two to four people at a time. The hostel also has a range of on site features such as a rooftop terrace, a restaurant, a convenience store and an outdoor courtyard; they also regularly host activities such as a yoga session and walking tours.

Selina Catahoula New Orleans pricing

Selina offer private rooms only — starting from standard up to family size and can accommodate at least 2 people per room — with an average nightly price of $120.50.

Auberge NOLA Hostel

Auberge NOLA Hostel (also known as Auberge Nouvelle Orleans Hostel) is a party hostel and is arguably the best hostel in New Orleans for budget travelers and solo travelers that are looking to socialize and make new friends.

Found in the center of downtown New Orleans, this popular hostel is known for its friendly atmosphere and features both dorm rooms and private rooms; they also offer a range of amenities, including free WiFi throughout the hostel, free breakfast and free parking on the street.

What makes Auberge NOLA Hostel unique

Apart from its central location, Auberge NOLA Hostel is an extremely popular accommodation choice in the city because of the overall experience that it offers; the hostel has three main areas where you can play video or board games, read and do work. There’s also an outdoor courtyard where guests can barbecue and just hang out. Additionally, the hostel hosts regular events in the evening so that guests can meet fellow travelers.

Auberge NOLA Hostel pricing

The hostel offers dorm rooms, both mixed and female-only, as well as private rooms; bunk beds start at $30.00 per night while private rooms start at $45.25 per night.

Madame Isabelle's House

One of the best cheap hostels in New Orleans, Madame Isabelle’s House is a charming accommodation nestled inside a Louisiana-style house built in 1831.

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood not too far from the French Quarter, the hostel offers both private and dorm rooms with basic amenities such as free breakfast, free WiFi, towels and linens.

What makes Madame Isabelle’s House unique

Aside from the authentic New Orleans vibe that this historic home-turned-hostel gives, Madame Isabelle’s House is also beloved because of its cool features. Guests rave about the lovely “hidden” courtyard where you can dine as well as the hot tub and deck that can be used by all guests. The hostel also has an incredibly friendly staff that can help you book tours and tell you about hidden gems in the area.

Madame Isabelle’s House pricing

As one of the cheapest hostels on this list, Madame Isabelle’s House is a popular choice among travelers who are on a budget. Bunk beds in a dorm room start at $30.00 a night while private rooms start at $35.00 per night.

City House New Orleans

Another cheap hostel that’s popular among solo travelers and those on a budget is City House New Orleans. Strategically located between the Central Business District and French Quarter, it features clean and comfortable dorm and private rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi and towels.

The hostel has a variety of common areas where guests can hang out and socialize as well as other amenities like a shared kitchen, games room with a pool table, an on site bar and laundry facilities.

What makes City House New Orleans unique

City House New Orleans is a great base for travelers who want to stay in the heart of the action without breaking the bank. The hostel also has a range of amenities that can be enjoyed by guests and serves as an ideal spot for meeting other travelers. Moreover, City House offers unique tours such as jazz explorations and even a free burlesque show.

City House New Orleans pricing

City House offers both dorm and private rooms; the price of a bunk bed starts at $24.25 a night while a private room starts at $65.00 a night.

India House Hostel

Operating for nearly three decades, India House Hostel is a cheap hostel that’s located right in the heart of the New Orleans nightlife scene, making it one of the best party hostels in the city. A former historic home, it was converted into a hostel that offers both private and dorm rooms with air conditioning; they also have a wide range of amenities such as a common room, an on site café, an outdoor pool and deck, and a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own food.

What makes India House Hostel unique

India House Hostel’s main draw is its central location; it's the closest accommodation to the city’s biggest events, such as the Voodoo Fest and the Jazz Fest. Additionally, the hostel holds numerous organized events, including pub crawls, movie nights, game nights, pool parties and more. It's arguably the best party hostel in New Orleans and the perfect hostel for solo travelers as well as groups that want to befriend new people.

India House Hostel pricing

The hostel offers female-only and mixed dorm rooms with shared bathrooms that start at $30.00 a night. They also have private rooms with en suite bathrooms with an average nightly price of $50.00.

HI New Orleans Hostel

Found in the Central Business District, just a stone’s throw away from the famous Canal Street, is HI New Orleans Hostel. Opened in 2019, the hostel has clean dorm and private rooms with modern amenities, such as charging and light stations, free WiFi, free towels and linens, privacy curtains for bunk beds and storage space.

What makes HI New Orleans Hostel unique

The hostel’s location makes it a great base for travelers who want to experience the vibrant nightlife that New Orleans is known for. Furthermore, the hostel has other amenities that guests can enjoy, including a spacious common lounge, a game room, an on site café and laundry facilities. They also offer an array of self-guided tours for those who want to explore all that New Orleans has to offer.

HI New Orleans Hostel pricing

HI New Orleans Hostel has 4, 6 and 8 bedroom dorm rooms; the price of bunk beds starts at $35.00 a night. They also have private rooms with en suite bathrooms that start at $150.00 a night.

The Quisby

Often regarded as the best hostel in New Orleans, The Quisby is in the famous Garden District and is an excellent accommodation choice for guests of all types — from solo female travelers to digital nomads. Originally built in 1929 as a hotel, it went through a total overhaul in 2016 and was transformed into a high-end hostel.

Guests get to enjoy free high-speed WiFi connections as well as free breakfast; they can also use the hostel’s amenities, such as its well-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.

What makes The Quisby unique

More than just an accommodation for travelers and those coming from out of town, The Quisby has become a popular hangout spot in the Garden District for both guests and locals. This is because of the hostel’s lively bar, which is open 24 hours and is a great spot to drink and socialize. As a party hostel, The Quisby also organizes pub crawls every Tuesday night; they also host regular events such as game nights, film showings and even other unique activities such as tarot card readings.

The Quisby pricing

The Quisby offers both mixed and female-only dorms with private bathrooms; a bunk bed starts at $40.00 a night. There are also private rooms with en suite bathrooms, starting at $135.50 a night.

Site 61 Hostel

Located in Mid-City, just a short distance from Canal Street and the Central Business District, Site 61 Hostel is a sci-fi themed boutique hostel that welcomes travelers of all ages.

They offer shared and private rooms and guests get access to free WiFi in all areas and free street parking. Those who stay in this popular lodging option also get to use the hostel’s laundry facilities, communal area, outdoor patio, two balconies and a well-equipped common kitchen and dining room.

What makes Site 61 Hostel unique

While its unique fantasy/science fiction theme already sets it apart, Site 61 Hostel is highly-rated because of its amenities. The hostel has two lounges equipped with a television and games; they also have an in-house library, where they encourage their guests to read and even hold book exchanges. In addition, Site 61 Hostel regularly organizes events and community activities as a way to encourage their guests to socialize and make friends with each other. The hostel is committed to being as green as possible, which is why they used filtered water and eco-friendly toiletries and cleaning supplies.

Site 61 Hostel pricing

Site 61 Hostel hostel has dorm-style accommodations with shared bathrooms as well as private rooms; prices start at $45.00 a night and a minimum of 2 days booking is required.

Best hostels in New Orleans for all budgets

No matter what budget you may have, you can surely find a hostel in New Orleans that fits your needs. Once you've decided where to stay, head out to see sights like the Orleans French Quarter, St Louis Cathedral and Nola Jazz House.

Before your upcoming trip to the Big Easy, check out our guide on how to see the terrific city of New Orleans on a budget.