The “Big Easy” as it’s known is famous for jazz, Cajun food, and being a huge melting pot of cultures, all wrapped up in a ghostly, grisly, and mysterious past. And if world-famous Mardi Gras is on during your visit, you certainly won’t forget it!
With everything going on in New Orleans, it can be very difficult to choose where to stay. Furthermore, the Big Easy can be pretty pricey, so hostels are a brilliant idea. If you’re expecting to be somewhere dirty and grubby, think again!
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best hostels in New Orleans, taking into account your itinerary and most importantly, your budget.
Thankfully, there’s lots to choose from, including some jazzy backpackers’ hostels and colonial inspired townhouses. So, without further ado, let’s jump straight in and see the best that New Orleans has to offer!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in New Orleans
#1 Best overall hostel in New Orleans: Auberge NOLA Hostel
#2 Best party hostel in New Orleans: India House Backpackers Hostel
#3 Best hostel for solo travellers in New Orleans: City House Hostel New Orleans
#4 Best hostel in the French Quarter: Madame Isabelle’s House in New Orleans
#5 Best hostel near Louis Armstrong Park: IHSP French Quarter House
#6 Best hostel in Mid – City: Site 61 Hostel
#7 Best hostel near Union Passenger Terminal: New Orleans Hostel – Marquette House
#8 Best high-end hostel in New Orleans: The Quisby
#9 Best budget hostel in New Orleans: Nola Jazz House
#10 Best hostel with private rooms in New Orleans: Atlas House
#1 – Auberge NOLA Hostel
Best overall hostel in New Orleans
Auberge NOLA Hostel is the best overall hostel in New Orleans
Auberge NOLA Hostel is the best overall hostel in New Orleans
Auberge NOLA Hostel is the best overall hostel in New Orleans- Cost – $$$
- Location – 1628 Carondelet Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Auberge NOLA Hostel…
This award-winning hostel was given the best hostel in the USA in both 2016 and 2018, and the 2nd best in North America in 2018 so it’s quite clearly the best hostel in New Orleans! There are plenty of reasons for that, one of the key ones being the free social events that happen every evening!
Auberge NOLA Hostel is perfect for…
You don’t just have to take our word for it, the awards back it up. Auberge NOLA Hostel is perfect for pretty much everyone! As well as free social events, there’s a free breakfast, parties, and plenty of places to chill with fellow travellers – including a cinema, an outdoor BBQ with a courtyard, and several indoor common areas!
#2 – India House Backpackers Hostel
Best party hostel in New Orleans
India House Backpackers Hostel is the best party hostel in New Orleans
India House Backpackers Hostel is the best party hostel in New Orleans
India House Backpackers Hostel is the best party hostel in New Orleans- Cost – $$
- Location – 124 South Lopez St
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like India House Backpackers Hostel…
This centrally located hostel is close to some great bars and there are plenty of spaces to meet other travellers and have a good time, so it’s the best party hostel in New Orleans! Within a stone’s throw, there’s Finn McCool’s Irish Bar, Bayou Beer Garden, and many others!
India House Backpackers Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re looking to party and mix with other travellers on your trip to New Orleans, then India House Backpackers Hostel is the perfect place to stay! It’s also the only hostel in New Orleans that has a pool, so it’s a great place to cool off and get refreshed if you end up with a hangover after a few too many drinks nearby!
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#3 – City House Hostel New Orleans
Best hostel for solo travellers in New Orleans
Why we like City House Hostel New Orleans…
This modern, cool, and vibrant hostel has big common rooms, games rooms, and a bar, so it’s easily the best place for solo travellers as it’s so easy to meet other people to share stories and have a great time with! There’s a huge communal kitchen too, so you can save some cash and cook meals together.
City House Hostel New Orleans is perfect for…
If you’re a solo traveller in New Orleans and you want to make new friends, then City House Hostel should be right near the top of your list. Get competitive with a game of foosball, or one of the others in the games room, or simply just chill in front of a movie. There are so many different ways you can hang out here!
Don’t worry! We have more hostels in our article on the best party hostels in New Orleans!
#4 – Madame Isabelle’s House in New Orleans
Best hostel in the French Quarter
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1021 Kerlerec St
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Madame Isabelle’s House in New Orleans…
This tastefully furnished and ornamented family house cum hostel is right in the centre of New Orleans’ French Quarter so it’s the best place to stay if you want to be in one of the most popular areas in the city! We love that the outdoor garden comes complete with a terrace and a jacuzzi!
Madame Isabelle’s House in New Orleans is perfect for…
If you want to stay in a beautiful and historical house with some friendly family hospitality thrown in right in the French Quarter of New Orleans, then Madame Isabelle’s House is your best option! Although it’s in a quiet area, it’s within a short stroll from bars, restaurants, and some great nightlife!
#5 – Site 61 Hostel
Best hostel in Mid – City
- Cost – $$
- Location – 3701 Tulane Avenue
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Site 61 Hostel…
This is more than just a hostel, it’s a boutique boarding hostel with a sci-fi fantasy twist! Interested? We thought so. It also happens to be the best place to stay in the popular area of Mid – City. We love that the kitchen is stocked with crockpots, so you can prepare something in the morning, spend the day sightseeing, then come back to a tasty dinner!
Site 61 Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to stay in Mid – City, then this is a great option. If you’re not sure where you want to stay but you’re into sci-fi and fantasy, then even better! The hostel offers reasonably priced rooms which will keep budget travellers happy, and they’ll love the free breakfast too! There are 2 balconies and porches for catching the sun too.
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#6 – IHSP French Quarter House
Best hostel near Louis Armstrong Park
- Cost – $$
- Location – 914 N. Rampart
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like IHSP French Quarter House…
This warm and welcoming hostel is just over the road from one of the city’s most popular green spaces, so it’s the best hostel near Louis Armstrong Park. The famous Southern hospitality is quite evident in this historic house and we love having a drink or playing cards in the outdoor courtyard!
IHSP French Quarter House is perfect for…
Travellers who want to experience true Southern hospitality over the road from Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans’ French Quarter will find that IHSP French Quarter House is the perfect place for them to stay! There are plenty of activities if you’re looking to meet other travellers too.
#7 – New Orleans Hostel – Marquette House
Best hostel near Union Passenger Terminal
- Cost – $$
- Location – 2249 Carondelet Street, LA 70130
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like New Orleans Hostel – Marquette House…
With both trains and buses making their way to Union Passenger Terminal, it’s the most likely way you’ll arrive in New Orleans other than their international airport. This stylish hostel isn’t far away at all, so it’s the best hostel near to Union Passenger Terminal! We love the outdoor BBQ area!
New Orleans Hostel – Marquette House is perfect for…
Travellers who have an early departure or a late arrival either by bus or train will want to stay close to Union Passenger Terminal, so this place is a good bet. The ‘Original New Orleans Hostel’ comes complete with a garden and patio, and it’s also close to the nightlife, restaurants, and bars too!
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#8 – The Quisby
Best high-end hostel in New Orleans
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 1225 St. Charles Ave
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Quisby…
This opulent and comfortable hostel is set in a historic building from 1929 and it’s the best high-end hostel in New Orleans. We love that instead of the usual pub crawl, you have a ‘bar strut’ where you’ll be taking in plenty of jazz music and enjoying some great cocktails! We love the free breakfast too.
The Quisby is perfect for…
If you’re happy to splash out a bit of extra cash during your stay in New Orleans to stay somewhere that will leave you with a lasting memory, then The Quisby is perfect for that. As well as having great bars and restaurants nearby, there are a number of museums where you can learn about the city’s history, including the WWII Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center!
Still haven’t booked for New Orleans? Find out where to stay in New Orleans for any type of trip!
#9 – Nola Jazz House
Best budget hostel in New Orleans
- Cost – $$
- Location – 3414 Canal St, Downtown
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Nola Jazz House…
This lively, vibrant, and sociable hostel offers some of the lowest priced beds in the whole of the city, so it’s easily the best budget hostel in New Orleans. You don’t have to compromise though, and lots come included in the price such as complimentary breakfast, WiFi, street parking, and towels! There’s also a beautiful outdoor patio.
Nola Jazz House is perfect for…
Budget travellers who are trying to keep their costs down will be chuffed to bits with Nola Jazz Hostel. All the free stuff just makes it even easier to save yourself a few dollars to spend in the jazz bars and restaurants. And they’re not far away! From the hostel, it’s just an 8-minute ride on the street car to the French Quarter!
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#10 – Atlas House
Best hostel with private rooms in New Orleans
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1354 Magazine Street, Greyhound Amtrack Station
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Atlas House…
This comfortable and sociable guest house comes with twins, doubles, triples, and quadruples rooms which you can have all to yourself, so it’s the best hostel with private rooms in New Orleans! We love the events organised by the hostel, which include game nights, music nights, pub crawls, and free dinners!
Atlas House is perfect for…
If you’re travelling as a couple or a small group of friends (families may find this a little noisy and boisterous) then Atlas House is the perfect place to stay. It will certainly offer you a break from sharing noisy dorms with strangers! The guest house is in a great location too – only 3 blocks from downtown, and within walking distance of the famous Bourbon Street!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in New Orleans?
Budget dorm rooms can be found for around $20, but in generally you'll need to spend $30 to $40. For a private room, expect to pay about $100 per night.
What are Hostels in New Orleans Like?
Think fun, party-filled, and brimming with 'Big Easy' energy! New Orleans is one of the most popular tourist cities in the southern United States, and there are a variety of distinct neighborhoods. You can have your pick from the peaceful Garden District to the historic French Quarter!
How Safe are Hostels in New Orleans?
Since it's a big city, you should be on your guard in New Orleans, though incidents are rare. Most hostels have great security features and you can ask about if there are any places to avoid walking to stay safe.
How to Find Hostels in New Orleans?
Start out by looking on HostelWorld to see your options! You can read references from other travelers and refine your search to fit your budget, travel dates, and preferences.
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Best overall hostel in New Orleans
Auberge NOLA Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best party hostel in New Orleans
India House Backpackers Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
|
Best hostel for solo travellers in New Orleans
City House Hostel New Orleans
|
Check for Best Price |
 |
Best hostel in the French Quarter
Madame Isabelle’s House in New Orleans
|
Check for Best Price |
|
Best hostel in Mid – City
Site 61 Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
|
Best hostel near Louis Armstrong Park
IHSP French Quarter House
|
Check for Best Price |
 |
Best hostel near Union Passenger Terminal
New Orleans Hostel – Marquette House
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Check for Best Price |
|
Best high-end hostel in New Orleans
The Quisby
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Check for Best Price |
|
Best budget hostel in New Orleans
Nola Jazz House
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Check for Best Price |
|
Best hostel with private rooms in New Orleans
Atlas House
|
Check for Best Price |
Conclusion
So, there we go. We’ve been looking at the best hostels in New Orleans and we’re sure that there’ll be something on our extensive list that matches your taste, but most importantly, your bank account.
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on one of the coolest cities in the United States now, would we?!
Hostels are an important way to travel, especially in an expensive city like New Orleans. So, we hope that you’ll have some budget left over to explore the rest of Louisiana and the States when you check out of whichever cool hostel you pick.
And don’t forget our number one hostel in New Orleans, Auberge NOLA Hostel. Whichever one you choose, we hope you have a fabulous stay!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
