Simply put, Mexico City is awesome. Some media outlets would have you believe that it’s a dangerous place and you will surely be kidnapped if you merely step foot in the city. However, that’s just not true. Over the last few years, Mexico City has really cleaned up its act and cracked down on the drug wars. My husband and I have been there twice now and the worst thing that happened was some guy grabbed my butt on the metro. So I started travelling in the women’s only car. Problem solved!

Mexico City has become a cultural hub and it’s a great place to start your backpacking trip through Mexico. From concerts to museums to beautiful parks and a delectable culinary scene, there are plenty of things to do in Mexico City. Speaking of museums, did you know it has the most museums in the world? Visiting The Anthropology Museum is the #1 thing to do on TripAdvisor.

Although it’s perfectly safe to visit Mexico City, there are still some neighborhoods you should stay away from. It’s always best to stay in places with lots of tourists. The best areas to stay in Mexico City are the Zocalo (historic center), Zona Rosa, and La Condesa. All but one of these hostels are located in one of those places.

If nightlife is important to you, you should choose a place in Zona Roma or La Condesa. The Zocalo is great for convenient access to some of the most popular attractions but it completely shuts down at night. Like any big city, you tend to find some less than stellar characters in the city center after dark. All the hostels reviewed here are in very safe parts of this incredible city.

a girl walking up to a archaeology exhibit museum in mexico city
Vamos!
Photo: @amandaadraper

Quick answer: The best hostels in Mexico City

What to look for to find the best hostels in Mexico City

  1. Location – Mexico City is huge! Not to worry, the public transportation is great. There are plenty of metro lines to get you anywhere you want to go. Just be wary of taking it during rush hour. There is also an expansive bus system. If neither of those is yourthing, Uber is readily available and it’s quite cheap. As I mentioned above, the best neighborhoods for gringos are Zona Rosa and La Condesa. That’s where you’ll find the best bars and restaurants.
  2. Price – By backpacking standards, Mexico City is cheap. You can stretch your budget pretty far by eating tacos from taco stands (omg, so good) for about $1-2 and beers aren’t much more expensive. You can also find hostel beds for as low as $8 per night. If you’re sticking with the budget hostels, you backpacking Mexico City adventure will be very affordable!
  3. Amenities – Most of the hostels have at least a continental breakfast included. Many of them have kitchens free for guests to use. Some of the reviews of some of these hostels complain of a lack of water pressure and hot water. Good wifi is also hard to find in Mexico City hostels. You have to understand that Mexico City wasn’t a popular travel destination until recently. Most of the hostels are old or located in older buildings. Perhaps now that more people are travelling there, they’ll start to improve them.

The 14 Best Hostels in Mexico City

Looking for the right hostel and actually finding one are two very different things. To make it easier for you, we’ve listed our absolute favorite hostels in Mexico City down below.

And as a side note: If you want to find even more epic hostels, have a look at HOSTELWORLD. You can also filter all of your personal travel needs and find the perfect place for you.

Hostel Home – Best Overall Hostel in Mexico City

Hostel Home best hostel in Mexico City
A great location and staff make Hostel Home the best hostel in Mexico City in 2021

With a great location, staff, and overall welcoming and friendly vibe, it’s no wonder Hostel Home is the best hostel in Mexico City. I mean, what more could you want from a hostel? It has a great atmosphere for socializing and making new friends and you’re still able to get a good night’s sleep thanks to the noise rules the hostel has in place. Hostel Home is in an old house so you truly feel like you’re staying in someone’s home. It’s also located in Zona Roma, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Mexico City, so there are plenty of awesome bars and restaurants around the corner. This hostel simply can’t be beaten!

Suites DF Hostel – Best Hostels for Solo Travellers in Mexico City

Suites DF Hostel best hostel in Mexico City
The best youth hostel in Mexico City

This super social hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Mexico City. Although the wifi isn’t that good, it’s very centrally located near Av. Reforma and the Monumento a la Revolucion.

They have a ton of activities such as a Lucha Libre tour every Tuesday and Friday. Breakfast, towels, and a locker are all included. When you’re travelling solo and trying to socialize, you don’t want to be glued to your phone anyway!

Massiosare El Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Mexico City

Massiosare El Hostel best hostel in Mexico City
Awesome rooftop views and cheap beds make Massiosarse El Hostel the best budget hostel in Mexico City

Massiosarse El Hostel has so many perks. The dorm beds start at a very cheap price and there’s not one, but two kitchens! One of the kitchens is vegetarian only. Even better! Cooking definitely helps you save some dough. This is why Massiosarse is the best cheap hostel in Mexico City. Be aware that it’s located on the 4th floor with no elevator. However, there is an awesome rooftop with amazing views.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

Metro Hostal Boutique – Best Hostel for Couples in Mexico City

Metro Hostal Boutique best hostel in Mexico City
I think this is one of the coolest hostels in Mexico City – look at that bed!

Located in Zona Rosa, this new boutique hostel is the best hostel for couples in Mexico City. With a nice rooftop terrace, beautiful decor, and free towels, it feels more like a hotel than a hostel. The staff is awesome and they can organize tours for you from the front desk. The wifi doesn’t reach the rooms so you’ll just have to go out in the brightly lit common areas to do your interneting!

Hostel Amigo Suites Downtown – Best Party Hostel in Mexico City

Hostel Amigo Suites Downtown best hostels in Mexico City
Hostel Amigo Suites Downtown is our pick for best party hostel in Mexico City

If you’re looking to have a good time, this is the best party hostel in Mexico City. With an amazing rooftop bar and terrace and the best bartender in town, Hostel Amigo Suites Downtown certainly won’t disappoint. They have rooms of all types from dorm beds to suites with kitchenettes. It’s conveniently located near the Zocalo – the historic center which is where you’ll find a lot of Mexico City’s hotspots. Staying here will help you save even more money thanks to the free breakfast and dinner. A solid choice in the Mexican capital.

Gael Condesa – Best Digital Nomad Hostel in Mexico City

Gael Condesa best hostel in Mexico City
With a rooftop like that, no wonder Gael Condesa is a recommended hostel in Mexico City!

Gael Condesa is the best hostel for digital nomads in Mexico City. Located in La Condesa, lots of creative types come to work here thanks to the fast wifi and big table in the common area. The dorm beds have curtains creating more privacy for a better night’s sleep and the outdoor terrace is a great place to chat with other guest. There is also a desk in every room. Guests can use the small kitchen, further helping you save some cash. Some of the private rooms even have a balcony!  You’ll be getting work done in style.

Punto DF – Best Hostel Near the Airport in Mexico City

Punto DF best hostel in Mexico City
Mexico Citys’s best hostel near the airport

Located less than 700 meters from the International Airport, this is the best hostel near the airport in Mexico City. Not only that, it’s also an Artistic Residency hosting travelers from all over the world. All four of their common areas were decorated by their first resident artists. The surrounding neighborhood has restaurants with food from all over the world. They’ll even lend you a towel and a padlock for your stay. For a long layover or the traveller needing to catch an early flight out, this hostel can’t be beaten!

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

More of the Best Hostels in Mexico City

Still not quite satisfied with the options? Don’t worry, we’ve got even more epic hostels in Mexico city for you!

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral
Cheap prices and great location make for a perfect Mexico City backpackers hostel

Hostel Mundo Joven translates to “young world” which is why this is one of the coolest hostels in Mexico City. The rooftop terrace offers incredible views of the Cathedral and Zocalo. They have free breakfast as well as a restaurant downstairs ensuring you don’t have to go far for a good meal. Although the staff doesn’t get rave reviews, it’s a great place to stay if you only have a short amount of time and want easy access to all the historic sites.

Mexiqui Zocalo

Mexiqui Zocalo best hostel in Mexico City
With a rooftop bar like this, no wonder this is the best hostel in Mexico City in 2021

Mexiqui Hostel has the highest rated rooftop bar and terrace that hosts a DJ on Sundays. Not only that, it’s in a really cool renovated building from the 1950s. The location is great – in Zocalo right across from the Templo Mayor. They have a delicious restaurant downstairs. The price is totally worth the view and location.

Hostel Zocalo

Hostel Zocalo best hostel in Mexico City
Great staff and location make this a great budget hostel in Mexico City

Hostel Zocalo is in a great location nearby all the attractions in the city center. However, it may be a little hard to find. The front door is always locked which helps with security but if you’re returning late at night, you may have to ring the bell and wait for someone to let you in. The outdoor terrace has a nice view as it’s up on the 6th floor of the building. The internet room is great for people travelling without a computer.

Capsule Hostel Mexico City

Capsule Hostel Mexico City best hostel in Mexico City
Those private bunk beds make Capsule Hostel a top hostel in Mexico City

Although there isn’t a great area for socializing at Capsule Hostel Mexico City, the dorm beds are very private thanks to the solid wall between them. They offer a simple breakfast and the wifi has been reported as decent, a step up from many hostels in Mexico City. The location is very central and they have a pizza restaurant on site.

Mexico City Hostel

Mexico City Hostel best hostel in Mexico City
The cheap price and central location make this one of the best budget hostels in Mexico City

This is the cheapest hostel near the Zocalo (historic center of Mexico City). They have free breakfast and towels. One of the downsides is that there are many floors in the hostel and the bathrooms are only on one, so if you’re not staying on that floor, you’ll have to go up and down stairs. However, the building itself is really cool and the murals on the walls are beautiful.

Hostel St Llorenc Inn

Hostel St Llorenc best hostel in Mexico City
Cheap dorm beds make this one of the top budget hostels in Mexico City

Hostel St Llorenc has a great staff that will go out of their way to make sure you have a good stay. Conveniently located between Chapultepec Park and the Zocalo, seeing all the sites is quite easy. Although the hostel has an odd setup, they do have several freebies, helping you stick to your budget.

Hostel Amigo

Hostal Amigo best hostels in Mexico City
Because this is one of the oldest hostels, it is also one of the best hostels in Mexico

Hostel Amigo is one of the oldest backpacker hostels in Mexico City. There’s a nice bar and sitting areas where you can socialize with other guests. They can also arrange tours to different locations around the city. It’s also a gay-friendly location. There are mixed reviews on the cleanliness and staff but overall the location and price are quite good.

What to Pack for your Mexico City Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I 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.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

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

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

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

Why you should travel to Mexico City

So, what’s the best hostel in Mexcio City? Hostel Home has it all. Located in a great neighborhood with a fun atmosphere and social vibe, your stay is sure to be nothing short of amazing here!

And remember, if you are having a tough time deciding which hostel to book, our highest recommendation is Hostel Home.

a group of friends in a group picture
Travel friends!
Photo: @amandaadraper

FAQ about Hostels in Mexico City

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Mexico City.

How much does a hostel cost in Mexico City?

Mexico City hostel’s average price range is around $8-$14 for a dorm bed, while private rooms start at $21 per night.

What are the best hostels in Mexico City for couples?

Metro Hostal Boutique is our best hostel for couples in Mexico City. It has a rooftop terrace and is in an excellent location.

What are the best hostels in Mexico City near the airport?

Punto DF, our best hostel near the airport in Mexico City, is less than 700 meters from Mexico City International Airport.

Travel Safety Tips for Mexico City

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.


Want to know how safe to travel in Mexico? Read out insider’s safety guide here if you need any convincing.

More Epic Hostels in Mexico and North America

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Mexico City.

Planning an epic trip all across Mexico or even North America itself?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around North America, check out:

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Mexico City has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

Two girls holding hands under the vibrant Mexican flags that line the streets of Sayulita.
Enjoy Mexico!
Photo: @audyscala

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

Looking for more info on travelling to Mexico City and Mexico?

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!