The 5 Best Hostels in Mexico City

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Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned CDMX traveller or a first timer to the Mexican capital, you’ll want to stay in a solid neighbourhood with few security concerns and a ton of cool things to see and do. Not to mention, a nice selection of cafes, restaurants and bars to hop between when you have a little downtime. Here are our top picks.

1) La Condesa

Probably the best starter spot in Mexico City. I love La Condesa because it’s safe and walkable. In fact, Mexico City was my first ever stop in Latin America, a region I know like the back of my hand now, and La Condesa was a great spot to ease myself into an unfamiliar region.

It has a ton of taquerias, and several bars and restaurants which make this neighbourhood a popular choice amongst backpackers, digital nomads and everything in between.

La Condesa also has a ton of cafes and green spots, so you can sit back and enjoy the chilled out vibes as you get to know your way around CDMX.

2) Roma Norte

La Condesa’s neighbour has so much in common that people often lump the two places in together. To be honest, there’s little that differentiates the two.

Both have several good hostels, decent bars and restaurants, and the majority of tourists coming to explore CDMX.

Roma Norte has a bohemian feel to it, and you can sense a lot of European influence here.

In my opinion, both places have just as much to offer. I wouldn’t bother specifically choosing one over the other. If you find that hostel you really like, regardless of whether it’s a wild party pad, or a solid work spot, then don’t worry about which neighbourhood it’s in.

3) El Centro

If you wanna stay at the heart of the action, then this is the place to be. Centro is home to the bulk of CDMX’s main attractions (yeah, we use the local acronym here). This also means there’s no shortage of accommodation nearby.

El Centro is mostly safe, I’d advise caution walking around at night though. It’s not exactly a warzone, but your phone might make a sudden disappearance instead.

You won’t get bored in Centro. Where La Condesa and Roma Norte are mainly centred around amenities, Centro throws in attractions too, which makes it the most well-rounded neighbourhood if you want the best of everything (amenities, attractions, safety, costs) all at once.

4) Polanco

Gonna keep this brief, because Polanco doesn’t have good hostels. But it’s probably the poshest part of Mexico City, so Polanco is the place to be if you’re feeling flashy.

Hopefully one day it will add some solid hostel options. As this would put Polanco as a top choice for all you fellow broke backpackers out there!

Here it is – the ultimate roundup of Mexico City’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into city adventures without wasting time.

1. Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Mexico City

• Dorm (mixed): $12/night
• Private room: $66/night
• Location: San Ildefonso 38, Mexico City, Mexico

This hostel’s all about good vibes and even better company. With daily events, tours, and happy hours, there’s always something happening, and the staff go out of their way to make sure you’re having a blast. It’s got that perfect mix of cosy and social, and after a few days here, you’re bound to leave with a whole new crew of mates backpacking Mexico City.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Great Tours Every Day
2. Happy Hours
3. Clean and Modern Amenities

If Mexican culture, history, and art are your jam, Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel nails it. Located right in front of the old Colegio de San Ildefonso, you’re a short stroll from all the top spots in your Mexico City itinerary: Palacio de Bellas Artes, Zócalo, the Cathedral, Templo Mayor, and La Alameda Park.

After a day of exploring, the hostel bar’s there to welcome you with a well-deserved cocktail, and the on-site restaurant has surprisingly solid plant-based options – a rarity in Mexico City hostels and perfect for mingling with locals and fellow travellers over a good meal.

Get involved with the events they hold every night, there’s always something going on with a great social scene to match. I love how there’s a good social vibe here, but it’s not a crazy party hostel either, so you don’t have to worry about Larry Loudmouth singing football chants in your dorm at 3am when you’re getting some kip after a long day of museum hopping.

The dorms come well-equipped, with comfy beds, plenty of space, towel hooks, and tables to help you settle in. From tours to events, they’ve got everything lined up to make sure your stay is epic – take full advantage!

2. Massiosare El Hostel –  Best Hostel in Mexico City for Solo Travellers

• Dorm (mixed): $16/night
• Private room: $40/night
• Location: 47 Revillagigedo PH, 06000 Mexico City, Mexico

If you’re a solo traveller in Mexico looking for a laid-back, low-key vibe, Massiosare El Hostel’s got you covered. Right near Alameda Central, the metro, and the Zocalo, the location couldn’t be better. With plenty of chill communal spaces and a crowd that’s more “relaxed traveller” than “party animal,” it’s a spot to unwind and feel at home in a more local part of the city.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Chill but Social
2. Central Location
3. Great Free Breakfast

The hostel’s got not one but two kitchens, with one totally dedicated to veggie-only cooking – ideal for saving cash on meals so you can splurge on exploring. Plus, loads of metro and bus stops are nearby, making it easy to get around to the best places to visit in the city.

You also get a free vegetarian breakfast thrown in. Mine consisted of rice and beans with a bread roll and orange juice. It wasn’t the most filling, but I can’t complain when it’s literally free.

Heads up: it’s on the fourth floor with no elevator, so get ready for a bit of a workout with your backpack. But the rooftop’s got some killer views that make the climb worth it!

3. Suites DF Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Mexico City

• Dorm (mixed): $14/night
• Private room: $41/night
• Location: Jesus Teran 38, Colonia Tabacalera, Mexico City

Sure, you could go rock-bottom cheap with a hostel in Mexico City, but trust me—you don’t want to. The bargain-basement spots here can be downright bleak. Suites DF Hostel, on the other hand, strikes that sweet balance of budget-friendly with solid amenities.

It’s clean, cheap and cheerful, and social. You’ll actually get a decent night’s sleep without those itchy sheets and that nagging “maybe I went too cheap” feeling.

I liked it because it’s not a party hostel, and I’m too old to down spirits until the sun comes up now, so I love places like Suites DF Hostel which strike that social/chilled balance perfectly.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Lucha Libre Tours
2. Lots of Freebies
3. Social Vibe

This place brings the fun, too, with activities like Lucha Libre tours every Tuesday and Friday. Plus, breakfast, towels, and a locker are included, so you’re getting serious value here. When you’re flying solo and in the mood to make friends, a social setup like this is golden – no hiding behind screens needed.

While the Wi-Fi’s nothing to write home about, the location makes up for it. Right in the heart of CDMX, it’s the perfect base to start exploring the city as most things are within walking distance.

4. Apapacho – Best Party Hostel in Mexico City

• Dorm (mixed): $15/night
• Private room: $87/night
• Location: Calle 5 de Febrero 41, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, Mexico

This spot is an absolute blast. Think karaoke nights, beer pong tournaments, $2 beers, lucha libre outings, and enough social events to keep the good times rolling. Everything here runs like clockwork – super helpful staff, great facilities, and a prime location smack bang in the heart of the historic district.

It’s got a buzzing, social vibe with a crowd that’s just as fun as the activities on offer. The staff and volunteers are all legends, making sure you’re in for a top stay.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Daily Events Held
2. Cheap Beer
3. Rooftop Bar

The building’s got style in spades, and the rooftop terrace and bar is a total standout. Expect killer sunsets, cocktails that don’t break the bank, and a social vibe that gets everyone talking. The crew here really go all out to make sure you have a great time, and their events are not to be missed.

They also have some solid tours on offer here including a local food tour where you can line your stomach with typical Mexican street snacks, whilst the awesome Teotihuacan pyramids are also on offer.

When you’re ready to kick back, this place has it all—a fully kitted-out kitchen, co-working space, and a chill zone to unwind and catch a show. Dorms are decked out with pod-style beds, personal outlets, and privacy curtains, plus lockers that actually fit all your gear, so you can relax knowing your stuff’s secure while you’re living it up.

This was one of my favourite hostels in Mexico during my trip, and it’s not hard to see why.

5. Hostal Juarez – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Mexico City

• Dorm (mixed): $28/night
• Private room: $52/night
• Location: Liverpool 28, Mexico City, Mexico

Hostal Juarez is all about art, creativity, and good vibes. Their terrace doubles as an open-air gallery, decked out with vibrant murals and artwork from local and international artists – a perfect spot to chill, soak up the inspiration, and meet other artsy souls.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Chill Vibes
2. Central Location
3. Daily Events Held

By day, the terrace can double as a co-working haven with fast Wi-Fi, ideal for digital nomads in Mexico. I loved staying here as it was a chilled environment where I could just write fresh Broke Backpacker content in peace, to keep you guys up to date with the latest top travel intel.

The location is bang-on, with tons of cafes, restaurants, and co-working spots nearby, and a 7-Eleven right on the corner for any last-minute snack runs. There’s even an in-house laundry service, perfect if you’re sticking around for a bit.

The guest kitchen setup here might just be the best you’ll find in a Mexican hostel, and the spacious beds and cosy dorms are a bonus. The common area is a prime hangout spot, and the staff are legends, especially Daniel, who’s always down to make your stay a blast with his famous Lucha Libre nights.

Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Mexico City below.

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral

• Dorm (mixed): $11/night
• Private room: $51/night
• Location: República de Guatemala No 4 Colonia Centro, 06020 Mexico City, Mexico 

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral nails it for location – right near the city’s top historic sites, so you’re within walking distance of the city’s most iconic spots. The rooftop bar here is a serious vibe check, with views of the Cathedral and Zocalo. I loved watching the sun set over these iconic buildings, that alone was worth the price I paid to stay here.

Security is tight, so you’ll feel safe stashing your bags for a last round of sightseeing post-checkout.

There’s a solid complimentary breakfast every morning consisting of eggs, watermelon, bread and cereal. As with any budget hostel, it’s hardly gourmet quality, but still decent value overall.

 Daily activities make it easy to jump in and meet fellow travellers. Plus, a fully-equipped kitchen lets you DIY meals when you’re feeling thrifty. Perfect if you’re short on time and want quick access to all the culture-packed stops in the city.

Hostel Home

• Dorm (mixed): $19/night
• Private room: $47/night
• Location: Tabasco 303, 06700 Mexico City, Mexico

With a great location, staff, and overall welcoming and friendly vibe, it’s no wonder Hostel Home is a favourite amongst backpackers in Mexico. 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. They even arranged dinners for us in the lounge area, which was an unexpected but welcome touch.

It’s also located in Zona Roma, one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Mexico City, so there are many cool bars and restaurants around the corner. Cheap markets including Mercado Roma and Mercado Medellin are both under 15 minutes away. This hostel simply can’t be beaten!

Metro Hostal Boutique

• Dorm (mixed): $14/night
• Private room: $48/night
• Location: 84 Guanajuato Col. Roma Norte, 06700 Mexico City, Mexico

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Mexico? Mexico City’s got to be at the top of your list, and Zona Rosa is where the action’s at. Right in the heart of it, this boutique hostel has nailed the vibe of a hip Mexico City hideout, with funky common spaces and private rooms alike.

With a stylish rooftop terrace, sleek decor, and little extras like free towels, it feels more like a trendy hotel than your average hostel. The staff here are rockstars, always ready with a local tip or two to help you explore like a pro. And for me, great staff really boosts the value of a place.

While the Wi-Fi doesn’t stretch into the rooms, the vibrant common areas make the perfect spot to check your messages and meet other travellers. And this location is absolute gold – right in the heart of Roma, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and all the buzz of the city.

The volunteers often set up yoga and dance classes, along with tours to Teotihuacan and other must-sees. Plus, the rooftop terrace offers epic sunset views that make this hostel a seriously sweet spot to call home.

Casa Pepe

• Dorm (mixed): $21/night
• Private room: $87/night
• Location: 86 Avenida Uruguay 86 col Centro, 06060, Mexico City, Mexico

Located just 5 minutes from the Zocalo, Casa Pepe is one of my favourite Mexico City hostels for sheer convenience. It’s comfortable with privacy curtains on the beds, and free earplugs included. Two things that instantly make me love a hostel, where I can relax in peace without splashing on a private room.

I also loved the staff here who greeted me with the warmth I’ve come to expect from Mexico, whilst they offer a ton of awesome tours, including lucha libre and CDMX walking tours.

Casa Amelio Roma Norte

• Dorm (mixed): $15/night
• Private room: N/A
• Location: Avenida Alvaro Obregon 110, 06700 Mexico City, Mexico

Not the most sociable hostel around, but if you wanna relax then this is a fantastic place to put your head down for the night. Dorm beds have curtains for maximum privacy, and I found a ton of quiet spots with charging sockets nearby to get some work done.

I won’t lie, the breakfast sucks. They just gave us bread and that was it. You’re best off going to the Oxxo store a couple of blocks away for some cheap snacks. But if you want a chilled spot where you can get some work done in a popular part of CDMX, this is a cracking option.

And hey, they have got a games room, so you may be able to make some buddies after all, and terrorise them at table tennis or give them a good bashing at billiards.

Mexico City Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): $16/night
• Private room: $33/night
• Location: Republica de Brasil, 11, 06010 Mexico City, Mexico

One of the most budget-friendly hostels near the Zocalo, this youth hostel packs in a lot of character. Free breakfast and towels are part of the deal, and the building’s got that classic charm, with beautiful murals all over the walls. I also loved the big lockers to keep my stuff safe.

Rooms come with a bit of a bonus: snag a balcony, and you’ll get a front-row seat to the lively sounds of the street and main square vendors below. It’s noisy, sure, but it’s all part of the Mexico City experience – chaotic, charming, and endlessly vibrant.

Hostel Amigo

• Dorm (mixed): $6/night
• Private room: $27/night
• Location: Isabel la Catolica 61-A, 06000 Mexico City, Mexico

Hostel Amigo is one of the oldest Mexico City hostels. There’s a nice bar and sitting area 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.

Casa Pancha

• Dorm (mixed): $39/night
• Private room: $146/night
• Location: 190 Avenida Mazatlan Hipodromo Condesa, 06170, Mexico City, Mexico

Hostel life and luxury rarely go hand-in-hand, but Casa Pancha combines the two in style. Okay, that’s kinda reflected in the price, but you get what you pay for, which in this case means great value.

There is a breakfast included. Going with the hostel’s stylish theme, it’s great for Instagram, but not so great if you’re looking for some filling scran to keep you going until the afternoon. I had some toast and granola with fruit alongside orange juice. Simple, but for this price you’d expect a tad more variety.

Casa Pancha also hits that sweet spot between social and laid back, but definitely isn’t a party pad, so forget about tanking back tequilas whilst you’re here.

U-CO Live Roma

• Dorm (mixed): $27/night
• Private room: $62/night
• Location: 75 Calle Queretaro, 06700 Mexico City, Mexico

This hostel is fantastic for digital nomads. You have quiet co-working areas, and the internet is great here. I wouldn’t call it a social hostel really. You can meet others, but many people who were here when I was just wanted to focus on work.

Located in the popular Roma Norte neighbourhood, it’s bang in the middle of all the amenities you need. I found some of the people here were staying for longer periods, and they told me about great gyms, supermarkets and restaurants nearby. A solid work spot for sure.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Mexico City

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Mexico City. Insurance has covered me several times in the past, even in “safe” spots like Singapore where you expect everything to go smoothly.

Accidents do happen, and you don’t want to be stung with a fat medical bill when disaster strikes.

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.

Mexico City serves up way more than just the basics, from buzzing streets packed with history to those midnight taco runs you never knew you needed.

Whether you’re diving into the art, the food, the nightlife, or just people-watching in one of the city’s countless plazas, there’s a hostel here to fit your vibe. Staying somewhere social puts you in the heart of the action, right where you can soak up all that character and chaos Mexico City does best.

My favourite? Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel. It ticks all the boxes I look for in a hostel in the city: social, central, and that all-important rooftop bar. A city this vibrant just DEMANDS a cocktail and city views in the evening, duh.

This city is intense, addictive, and, frankly, hard to leave once you’re in its rhythm. Enjoy every minute amigos!