Famed for its tequila and mariachi music, Guadalajara is an exciting place to be. It’s Mexico’s second-largest city, and full to the brim with art, culture, colonial architecture, and modern-day buildings. It’s enough to keep you entertained for weeks.

This modern, global city also contains a number of hostels, giving comfortable accommodation to travelers on even the smallest budgets. They’re not all equal though, which is why we’ve created this list of the very best hostels in Guadalajara.

These places will let you meet other travelers, hook you up with events and point you to the coolest spots in the city. Most importantly, they’ll give you a chilled place to hang out after a day of exploring.

Sound good to you? Then read on and check out our list of the best hostels in Guadalajara!

Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Guadalajara

Guadalajara Best Hostel

The Best Hostels in Guadalajara

Zapopan, Guadalajara 1

Overall Best Hostel in Guadalajara – Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec

Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec Guadalajara
This is the best base for exploring Guadalajara
  • $$
  • Free bicycle rental
  • Free breakfast
  • Rooftop terrace

Our favorite overall hostel in Guadalajara tops the list, thanks to its epic location and fantastic freebies. First off, Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec is run by an awesome bunch of people, making it a great place to hang out when you’re not exploring the city.

It’s located in the city’s cultural quarter, with bars, cafes, and attractions right on the doorstep. Back at the hostel, it’s all about barbecues in the garden or chilling out on the rooftop with views of the city. Or you could have a few drinks at the bar. You get the best of everything here!

Best Cheap Hostel in Guadalajara – The Roof Backpackers

The Roof Backpackers Guadalajara
This place has all the basics, and then some!
  • $
  • Free breakfast
  • Games room
  • Laundry facilities

Run by travelers for travelers, this backpackers hangout is ideal for those visiting Mexico on a budget. The staff are helpful and friendly, and regularly organize social events where you can get to know other guests staying at the hostel. Overall, the atmosphere is pretty chilled and relaxing though.

It offers great value for money, which is why it’s our top pick for the best cheap hostel in Guadalajara. Dorm rooms are clean and cozy, while social spaces range from the amazing rooftop (hence the name of the hostel) to the lounge, complete with hammocks. With a free breakfast and awesome location, it’s hard to beat!

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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Guadalajara – Hostel Hospedarte Guadalajara Centro

Hostel Hospedarte Guadalajara Centro Guadalajara
You won’t want to leave here!
  • 24-hour security
  • Free breakfast
  • Communal kitchen

This hostel makes traveling solo a breeze. Situated in the heart of the city and just a five-minute walk from major attractions, it’s easy to get around from here. The staff can also arrange tours and onward travel for you, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

The common area here is big enough to gather all the guests together, while the helpful, fun-loving staff members make sure everyone’s having a good time. Female-only dorms are available here, as well as mixed and private rooms.

Top Party Hostel in Guadalajara – Blue Pepper Hostel & Bar

Blue Pepper Hostel and Bar Guadalajara
  • $$ 
  • Super fast Wi-Fi
  • Free bicycle hire
  • Hostel bar

If you’re in Guadalajara for good times, look no further than this party hostel. It’s primed for partying, with bright colours throughout and funky decor as well as that all-important hostel bar. It’s the best place for starting a night out, or just getting to know other travelers.

Amentieis include fitness equipment, a cinema lounge, and a games room. Location-wise, you’ll be just two minutes from the main boulevard, which is full of bars and restaurants.

Best Hostel for Couples in Guadalajara – Hostal Bohostel Chapultepec

Hostal Bohostel Chapultepec Guadalajara
  • $$
  • Bicycle hire
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Bar

This is a great option for couples in Guadalajara, thanks to its stunning hangout spaces comfortable room options. From the immaculate dorms, complete with pod-style beds, to the high-quality private rooms, there’s sure to be something to suit you and your partner.

The hostel is clean and modern, and includes a plant-filled lounge and a relaxing rooftop terrace. When you’re not out exploring Guadalajara, the hostel offers activities and yoga classes. Alternatively, you could simply enjoy a few drinks as the sun sets over the city.

Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Guadalajara – Casa Vilasanta

Casa Vilasanta Guadalajara
  • $$$ 
  • Free breakfast
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air conditioning

Located in the heart of the city, this is easily the best hostel for digital nomads in Guadalajara. There are plenty of cafes on the doorstep, as well as ample space to get some work done throughout the hostel itself. 

Quiet and peaceful, not only is this a great place to concentrate on your work, but also a great place to get a good night’s sleep. The dorms here are very spacious and comfortable. It may not be the most social place going, but there’s still a warm atmosphere, and the welcoming owners will help you get acquainted with the city.

Best Hostel with a Private Room in Guadalajara – La Casa de Garces

La Casa de Garces Guadalajara
Enjoy a boutique stay for a fraction of the price
  • Outdoor terrace
  • Laundry facilities
  • Cafe-restaurant

This elegant hostel in Guadalajara offers up a boutique-style stay, combining historic architecture and period features with stylish furnishings and funky colours. The private rooms here are cozy and clean, giving you a good night’s sleep in comfort.

Elsewhere, there’s a wealth of shared spaces and excellent facilities, including a chilled cafe and a secret garden-like outdoor terrace. As well as offering the best private rooms in Guadalajara, the location is also pretty great – just a two-minute stroll from the historic centre.

La Casa de Garces is one of our favourites in Guadalajara but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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More Best Hostels in Guadalajara

Hostal Hidalgo

Best Hostel Guadalajara Hostal Hidalgo
A great all-rounder
  • $$ 
  • Bar
  • Outdoor terrace
  • Free breakfast

This is a newly opened hostel in Guadalajara. Fresh and fashionable, it’s situated in the city center with plenty of restaurants, bars, and sights close at hand. Inside, the interiors are decorated with eye-catching colours and bold geometric tiles.

The dorms are clean and modern, and private rooms are also available. Communal areas include a sun-filled outdoor terrace and a cool pizza bar that also serves up craft beer (and sometimes live music too).

Hostal Casa Colores

Hostal Casa Colores Guadalajara
  • $$
  • Laundry facilities
  • Games room
  • Luggage storage

An all-round great hostel in Guadalajara, Hostal Casa Colores boasts interiors filled with colourful illustrations and creative artwork. Private rooms here are bright and quirky, while the dorms are equally as cool. Altogether, it’s pretty cute and kitsch throughout. In fact, we’d say it’s actually one of the coolest hostels in Guadalajara.

The communal areas are decked out in vintage furnishings and artsy decorations, with plenty of indoor plants and even some retro arcade machines. It’s the perfect hipster hangout, and in a great location too – it’s in a quiet neighborhood, but not too far from the best things to explore in Guadalajara.

Hostal Nacional – Bar, Terrace & Hostel

Hostal Nacional Bar Terrace and Hostel Guadalajara
  • $$$ 
  • Hostel bar
  • Co-working area
  • Ping pong table

Offering up a whole range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, this top hostel in Mexico ensures there’s something for everyone. There’s a hostel bar, the outdoor terrace, the co-working space, a shared kitchen, and events to get involved with.

The location is pretty great too. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to Chapultepec Avenue from the hostel, where you’ll find restaurants, nightclubs, museums and galleries. Rooms back at the hostel range from spacious dorms to cozy, stylish private rooms.

Hostal Nacional – Bar, Terrace & Hostel is one of our favourites in Guadalajara but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

What to Pack for your Guadalajara

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

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Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

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Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

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Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

Travel Safety Tips for Guadalajara

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is often overlooked in favor of Mexico’s popular travel hotspots, but we’re not entirely sure why. For the moment though, it’s great for a budget-friendly trip.

This cosmopolitan state capital has a ton of stuff on offer that even veteran budget backpackers will find something to explore. Think weekend street markets, spacious plazas, modern malls, museums, and free concerts.

If you’re still unsure, Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec is a safe option. Let us know in the comments below if you stay in this one, or any if of the other awesome hostels made the cut!

Over to You


And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!