New Orleans hotels can bleed a travel budget dry — especially during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. The fix? The city’s hostels. The best hostels in New Orleans put you in historic Creole townhouses and Garden District mansions, steps from the streetcar, with pools, pub crawls, and nightly events. Every pick below is verified against current Hostelworld listings and 2026 travel roundups.
TL;DR: The 8 best hostels in New Orleans, Louisiana for 2026 are HI New Orleans, Auberge NOLA Travelers Hostel, Madame Isabelle’s House, India House Backpackers Hostel, The Quisby, Atlas House, City House Hostel, and Selina Catahoula. Dorms typically list from around $19–$26 per night on Hostelworld — far below French Quarter hotel rates.
The 8 best hostels in New Orleans for 2026
1. HI New Orleans
The heavyweight. HI New Orleans holds a 9.3 Superb rating from more than 1,670 reviews and was ranked among Hostelworld’s best large hostels. Its location — 0.24 km from the city centre, right by the St. Charles streetcar line — keeps the French Quarter an easy ride away. Expect a polished, well-run operation with dorms and privates listed from around $21.
2. Auberge NOLA Travelers Hostel
The ratings champion: a 9.7 Superb score across more than 2,800 reviews makes this the highest-rated hostel in the city. Set at 1628 Carondelet St, it runs a packed events calendar and draws a friendly international crowd. Dorms list from around $18.84 on Hostelworld — the cheapest verified bunk on this list.
3. Madame Isabelle’s House
History you can sleep in. This guesthouse-style hostel at 1021 Kerlerec St occupies a building dating to 1831. With an 8.7 Fabulous rating from 1,300+ reviews, it suits travelers who want character over chaos. Dorms from around $25.65, privates from $28.50.
4. India House Backpackers Hostel
The party pick. At 124 S Lopez St in Mid-City, India House pairs an outdoor pool and huge courtyard with band nights, pool parties, and organized pub crawls — plus discounted swamp, cemetery, and plantation tours that pick up at the front door. It sits on the Canal streetcar line and the Endymion Mardi Gras parade route. Note the house rules: guests must be 18+, and dorm beds require an out-of-state student ID or foreign passport. Rated 8.6 from 8,586 reviews; dorms from around $26.
5. The Quisby
An upscale hostel in a Garden District mansion at 1225 St Charles Ave, The Quisby trades bunk-room basics for boutique style — “ridiculously comfortable” beds are the selling point. It currently lists private rooms only (no dorms available), from around $17.57 on Hostelworld.
6. Atlas House New Orleans
A social all-rounder within walking distance of the Convention Center and the French Quarter. Nomadic Anna’s 2026 roundup highlights its free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, and daily programming — game nights, music nights, and pub crawls run by a notably friendly staff. A solid middle ground between the party hostels and the quiet ones.
7. City House Hostel New Orleans
Another regular on 2026 best-of lists, City House earns its spot with a sociable common area and a location that keeps the French Quarter within easy reach. It is a dependable fallback when the top-rated beds sell out during festival season.
8. Selina Catahoula New Orleans
The boutique hybrid. This 1845 Creole townhouse at 914 Union St scores 9.7 with programming you will not find elsewhere: morning yoga, swamp tours, and Creole cooking experiences. Hostelworld files it under hotels, but its communal vibe and privates from around $32.25 earn it a spot here.
How to choose the right New Orleans hostel
Party travelers should default to India House; solo travelers chasing the best reviews should book Auberge NOLA or HI New Orleans. If you want quiet character, Madame Isabelle’s wins. And whatever you pick, book early for Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest — the best beds sell out months ahead. For another city’s budget scene, see our best hostels in San Antonio guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hostel in New Orleans?
By ratings, Auberge NOLA Travelers Hostel (9.7 Superb, 2,800+ reviews) and HI New Orleans (9.3, ranked among Hostelworld’s best large hostels) lead the pack. For a party atmosphere, India House Backpackers is the favorite.
How much does a hostel in New Orleans cost per night?
Hostelworld puts the average around £28 (roughly $35) per night in non-peak periods in 2026. Dorms at top-rated properties list from around $19–$26, while private rooms start in the low $20s — always check live prices, as festival dates spike rates.
Which New Orleans hostel is best for partying?
India House Backpackers Hostel — pool parties, pub crawls, band nights, and no curfew, all a short streetcar ride from Bourbon Street.
Are there hostels near the French Quarter?
Yes. HI New Orleans sits 0.24 km from the city centre by the St. Charles streetcar, Atlas House is within walking distance of the Quarter, and the Canal streetcar connects Mid-City’s India House to the French Quarter in minutes.
Do New Orleans hostels have age or ID restrictions?
It varies. India House requires guests to be 18+ and asks dorm guests for an out-of-state student ID or foreign passport; private rooms there are open to all out-of-state travelers. Always check the specific property’s policy before booking.
Is it safe to stay in a hostel in New Orleans?
Hostels in the main tourist corridors are generally safe — use the provided lockers and stick to well-lit streets at night, the same as anywhere in the city.
When should I book a New Orleans hostel?
As early as possible for Mardi Gras (February/March) and Jazz Fest (late April/early May) — popular hostels sell out months ahead. Shoulder-season dates are easier and cheaper.
Do New Orleans hostels offer private rooms?
Yes — every property on this list offers private rooms alongside (or instead of) dorms, with privates listed from around $18–$32 on Hostelworld. The Quisby and Selina Catahoula currently list privates only.
