All eyes of the Hindu world are set on one city: Varanasi. This holy city built along the banks of the Ganges River has a history stretching back to the beginning of time. Just by wandering the chaotic narrow streets or sitting on the ghats overlooking the river, you can feel the rich culture and spirituality of this place. Even if you are not a follower of Hinduism, you can fully immerse yourself in the roots of the world’s most vibrant religion in Varanasi!
For adventure seekers, it won’t take much to inspire you to want to see all of the daily worships and ceremonies of Varanasi yourself. And being on the famous “hippie trail” you will find loads of budget hostels lining the Ganges River. But how can you be sure that these cheap backpacker’s hostels will also provide you with a quality stay?
We made this list just so you can rest at ease when choosing a hostel in India’s holiest city! Bringing together all the best hostels in Varanasi, you will be staying in only the top places the city has to offer!
Get your cameras ready and prepare to meditate in one of the world’s most spiritual destinations!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Varanasi
- Overall Best Hostel in Varanasi – Moustache Hostel Varanasi
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Varanasi – HosteLaVie
- Best Party Hostel in Varanasi – goStops Varanasi
- Best Cheap Hostel in Varanasi – Zostel Varanasi
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Varanasi – Wander Station Varanasi
- Best Hostel for Couples in Varanasi – Monu Family Guest House
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The Best Hostels in Varanasi
Varanasi is a definitive stop many India backpacking routes. But first, you will have to find yourself that perfect hostel. With each stay a little different from the next, keep your eyes open for the one that strikes your fancy!
Moustache Hostel Varanasi – Best Overall Hostel in Varanasi
To kick off our list of all the best hostels in Varanasi, let’s start by introducing the top of the line: Moustache Hostel! This youth hostel will have you staying just a few steps away from the famous Assi Ghat, but if you are feeling a bit lazy you don’t have to actually step outside your door to enjoy all the beauty of Varanasi. From the rooftop lounge, you can simply pull up a cushion and bask in the undefinable wonder of the city! Feeling a bit hungry? Moustache Hostel is also home to its very own cafe, hooking you up with a delicious meal whenever the mood should strike you!
HosteLaVie – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Varanasi
Get ready to up your small talk game because Hostel La Vie is all about kicking back and chatting with the other backpackers! This youth hostel doesn’t just have one lounge to relax in, you will find several couches and games spread out throughout the hostel making Hostel La Vie one of the best social hostels in India! Other than the chill vibes of the hostel, you will also find a shared kitchen and a cafe, giving you the choice of cooking your own meal or ordering one in! Top it all off with daily tours and events that will have you exploring all the best sites in Varanasi, there is no better place to kick off your adventure along the Ganges!
goStops Varanasi – Best Party Hostel in Varanasi
As you may have already guessed, Varanasi is not the proper place to get trashed in India. As one of the country’s holiest cities, alcohol is pretty hard to find. But just because you can’t find a beer doesn’t mean you can’t also find ways to have a great night out in Varanasi! goStops Varanasi will have you staying in one of the trendiest hostels in the entire city. It is not just the laid back vibes and artsy atmosphere that will blow you away, but this hostel will also point you in the right direction for all the best local music and art shows held in the city! With its cozy lounges and boutique decor, there are not many places on this list that can top goStops Varanasi in terms of style and atmosphere!
Zostel Varanasi – Best Cheap Hostel in Varanasi
Pull up a bean bag chair and get ready to stay in one of the cheapest hostels in Varanasi! Zostel Varanasi will not only have you saving rupees left and right, but they will also have you calling one of the most popular and laid back spots in the whole city home! With massive lounges sprinkled with games, instruments, and cushions, you just need to simply recline and enjoy all the comfort of feeling like you have found your long lost home away from home! Other than the social element, Zostel Varanasi will also keep your belly full of the delicious food served at their onsite cafe! Putting you right smack in between the river and the heart of the city, this is a hostel that will check all of the boxes!
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View on Osprey View on REIWander Station Varanasi – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Varanasi
Open up your laptop and get down to work writing that new article or editing a video in one of the most laid back hostels in all of Varanasi! Wander Station maybe a couple of rupees more than some of the other hostels along the Ganges, but you will be enjoying tons of space to spread out into work as well as some of the best views of the city and river from the rooftop terrace! With its colorful art and tastefully decorated lounges, you will feel right at home at Wander Station! Feeling a bit hungry? Wander Station also has its very own cafe, the perfect place to fill up before heading out to explore or getting down to work!
Monu Family Guest House – Best Hostel for Couples in Varanasi
No matter if you are a solo traveler looking for some much needed alone time or a couple wanting to find a place to cozy up for a few nights, Monu Family Guest House will hook you up with some brightly colored private rooms for just a few rupees more than a dorm bed in a hostel. Putting you just a short walk away from the very same ghat where the nightly Aarati ceremony is held, you couldn’t ask for a better location. Not wanting to wander the streets to find a place to eat? Monu Family Guest House is also home to its very own restaurant serving you breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Varanasi
La Vaca India
Wake up every morning by stepping out on to the rooftop terrace taking in views of the breathtaking Ganges River while chowing down on a delicious breakfast. Last but certainly not least on our list of best hostels in Varanasi is La Vaca India! With some of the cheapest dorm beds and private rooms in all of Varanasi, this hostel is perfect for all kinds of travelers! With its colorful and artsy atmosphere, La Vaca has everything you could ever want from a hostel! Putting you just a few steps away from the river, this backpackers hostel is one of the top places to base yourself out of in Varanasi!
What to Pack for your Varanasi 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Why you should travel to Varanasi
With a massive population and tourists coming from all over the globe, Varanasi is not short on laid back backpacker’s hostels and cheap guest houses. But knowing India, you typically get what you pay for. Lucky for you, we can help make sure you are both saving money and staying in only the top hostels in Varanasi!
If you are still scratching your head on where to stay in Varanasi, we can totally relate. Let us point you in the right direction by having you stay in Mustache Hostel Varanasi, our pick for the best backpacker’s hostel in Varanasi
FAQ about Hostels in Varanasi
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Varanasi.
How much does a hostel cost in Varanasi?
Staying in Varanasi is very cheap. For as low as $4 you can already book a hostel dorm and $8 for private rooms.
What are the best hostels in Varanasi for couples?
The most relaxing place to stay in Varanasi is Monu Family Guest House. It’s a great guesthouse with hospitable hosts. They also offer tour service, laundry service and airport transfer.
What are the best hostels in Varanasi near the airport?
Most hostels are just under an hour ride to-fro Varanasi airport. Here are my top hostels in the area which also offers an airport transfer service:
– Moustache Hostel Varanasi
– goStops Varanasi
Travel Safety Tips for Varanasi
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.
Over to you
Down the winding alleyways of Varanasi, you never will know what is hiding behind the next corner. Will you run into a vibrant, lively celebration in the streets or escaping all the noise of the city at a tranquil temple. The spirituality of Varanasi can be felt in every corner of this holy city. From the banks of the river to the lawless streets, traveling to Varanasi is an adventure in every sense of the word!
After taking a dive into all the culture and life of Varanasi, you will want to be sure you are surfacing in a relaxing hostel, acting as your island in the middle of this sprawling city. With everything from private quiet single rooms to social terraces, there are so many ways to explore and enjoy Varanasi.
Have you ever traveled to Varanasi and stayed in a great backpackers hostel? We would love to hear about your trip! Let us know if there are any great hostels we may have missed in the comments below!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in India for a wealth of info!
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for India to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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