Welcome to our complete guide to the 3 best hostels in Mumbai. It’s the only one you’re going to need!
Before you take on the crazy streets of Mumbai, you should know exactly where to stay in Mumbai backpackers hostels. So, we’ve made this guide to make your planning even easier.
Good To Know: We have a detailed guide to the best hostels in India.
Our favorite hostels in Mumbai are:
- Backpacker Cowies - best for backpackers
- Hostel Mantra - best for female solo travelers
- Zostel Mumbai - best for solo travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Backpacker Cowies
2. Hostel Mantra
3. Zostel Mumbai
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
We’ve found homely pockets amongst alien culture so you can relax, make friends and well, feel at home in Mumbai.
Quick Introduction to Mumbai Hostels
Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 0.73€ up to 10€ per night. A private room in Mumbai is between 12€ and 30€.
India backpackers hostel can be really, really cheap, yet we do not recommend the cheapest option. See our cheapest hostels section to find out why.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Areas in Mumbai: Colaba is certainly the place to be if you want to be close-by the touristy sights and city mayhem.
Choose a hostel in Andheri East if you prefer a quieter, more local experience. There is still an option for nightlife if that’s your thing.
Student hostels in India: It is quite common for Indian students to live in a hostel during their studies. Be aware that these are usually not the nicest ones because they are cheap and awkwardly located. The best hostels in Mumbai for students are not necessarily so for backpackers!
On the plus side; there are tons of cool backpackers hostels in Mumbai. As a traveler, you should opt for the backpackers hostels in Mumbai, including the great hostels included in this article. You can also check for hotels in Mumbai if you have more to spend.
Don’t forget to make sure you check if your hostel is for students or actual travelers. There’s a huge difference between the two in India.
There are good student hostels such as the Beehive Hostel Mumbai but it doesn’t cater to travelers.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Mumbai are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Mumbai .
- Backpacker Cowies – best for backpackers
- Hostel Mantra – best for female solo travelers
- Zostel Mumbai – best for solo travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Mumbai . We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Backpacker Cowies
2. Hostel Mantra
3. Zostel Mumbai
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Hostel Mantra |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Hostel Mantra |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Zostel Mumbai |
| 🎒 Backpackers Hostel: | Backpacker Panda Colaba |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Hostel Mantra |
| 👫 Best Hostel for socializing: | Backpacker Panda Colaba |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Backpacker Panda Colaba |
1. Backpacker Cowies (great location + security)
To kick start this hostel Mumbai guide, we bring you a new, modern hostel in the heart of one of the most vibrant parts of the city. Welcome to Backpacker Cowies.
It has all the makings of a social, spacious, and familiar hostel.
Good to know: This hostel was previously named Backpacker Panda Colaba. It is the same hostel.
We really like the random artwork on the walls – it really adds color and character to the place.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Standard dorms come in all sizes, from 4-8 beds. This includes a female dorm with en suite. Beds are big and lockers generous!
Of course private options are also available. You’ll be spoilt with air-con and private bathroom. Spend a bit extra and opt for the ‘premium’ private room.
Read: Hostel Room Types: What are the Differences?
The kitchen station has everything needed to rustle up a feast if you don’t fancy going out to look for food. No worries if you’re arriving at an unsociable hour; reception is open 24 hours. Always a relief, right?
It’s the location of Backpacker Panda that really gives it the edge. Colaba is where it’s all happening, and a perfect spot to soak up all of the main attractions.
Backpacker Panda Colaba is the best hostel in Mumbai for:
- Backpackers
- Friends
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Hostel Mantra (rooftop chill, anyone?)
Hostel Mantra has it all summed up perfectly in one sentence:
Our SPACE is not created just for LIVING but for an exhilarating EXPERIENCE.
If you’re looking for caring staff that offer free hugs, you’ll love it here. It’s the ultimate backpacker hostel Mumbai experience that you’ll love in this place.
Honestly? This very much has a European feel to it, rather than an Indian one. So it’s perfect for those feeling a little overwhelmed by it all.
There’s even free WiFi that you can use to update all your social media platforms and stay a digitally active nomad even when traveling.
wake up to a beautiful morning and a free breakfast laid for you by the friendly staff. Really, what could go wrong?
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
It’s also located in a less-touristy area called Andheri, so although it takes a bit longer to get to places, you’ll experience more of a local feel here. It’s a lot more peaceful.
What about the common room or spaces? You’ll love the:
- Rooftop chill zone
- Outdoor common area
- Coconut tree in the backyard
Enjoy a simple breakfast to start your day, and feel free to use the kitchen for lunch and dinner.
We have to say, the rooms look great! They’re bright, colorful, and sociable thanks to the lack of curtains. Each room is designed with one specific element in mind.
Note: just be aware that there are not windows in every room type.
Choose between mixed and female only dorms and standard double and twin rooms.
Hostel Mantra is the best hostel in Mumbai for:
- Female solo travelers
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Zostel Mumbai (play games, drink coffee)
This claims to be the biggest and liveliest hostel in Mumbai, and we’re certainly not going to dispute that.
Hostel Mantra is just 4km away from the airport, and located in the Andheri district, close to the famous nightlife.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Being bored is not really an option here when you have…
- Bollywood themed rooftop
- Common area w/ games
- Cafe w/ great coffee
Go on, get sociable! The rooms are a nice size, too. The maximum amount of beds in a dorm is 8, with a 6-bed just for the ladies. There’s even a triple room for the third wheelers out there!
The WiFi and travel assistance is free, and no doubt you’ll appreciate the hot showers after a long day in the city.
Zostel Mumbai is the best hostel in Mumbai for:
- Solo travelers
- Social butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Mumbai for Solo Travelers
As a female solo traveler, safety is sometimes a concern.
But never fear; we found two great options for you:
There are of course a couple of differences between the two.
Hostel Mantra is in a quiet, safe neighborhood and has many similarities to a home.
It has a nice rooftop cafe where you can chill by the end of the day. If you want some privacy, they have private rooms you can stay in.
Zostel Mumbai is part of a big chain across India, so their security and style has been modified to a high standard.
It’s the biggest hostel in Mumbai and it’s very close to the airport. It’s never a hassle and you don’t have to wake up early for your flight. The airport is practically its neighbor. The social spaces at Hostel Mantra are superior, so it’s a wonderful place to meet other travel buddies.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Party Hostel in Mumbai
So we had a good look and honestly, we did not find a party hostel in Mumbai. Yet that doesn’t mean there aren’t options for having a good time!
Not classed as a party hostel, Zostel Mumbai has everything to set you up for a good night in the city.
At the hostel you have a rooftop to chat and a common area with games to get the social vibes rolling.
Nearby is a large nightlife scene. This is perfect if you want to continue the party without disturbing other hostel peeps. It also means you can go back and enjoy a good nights sleep once you’re done.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Other Cool Hostels Worth a Mention
Mumbai is a bustling city of culture and almost everywhere is noisy of the good kind.
There are street foods, Indian cuisines, colorful dresses, and more. Backpackers will are ultimately going to love it here.
We have listed more hostels you can check because there’s just so many options you can choose from. We want you to have a list of all the best hostels so here are more:
- Backpackers Villa Mumbai
Backpackers Villa Mumbai
Then known as Backpacker Panda Appetite, this hostel is another gem.
Sit by the terrace and enjoy the warm air of Mumbai.
Even when it’s in the middle of the busy city, once you get inside, you’d never feel like it. It’s calm inside so you can just lounge, read a book, and chill.
Make new friends with the other backpackers or the with the friendly staff. This is a good hostel when you are traveling with fellow backpackers. It has safe rooms for couples in Mumbai looking for a comfortable place to stay.
If you want a better WiFi reception, hit the rooftop and everything will be fine.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the cheapest hostels in Mumbai ?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Mumbai .
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Mumbai
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Mumbai best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Mumbai for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Now it’s time to pinpoint all of the Mumbai hostels on a map!
Alongside this, you’ll spot some great sights worth checking out whilst you’re in the city:
- Gateway of India
- Elephanta Caves
- Marine Drive
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
- Haji Ali Dargah
- Siddhivinayak Temple
- Hanging Garden
More cool activities to consider in Mumbai:
- Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour
- Mumbai Night Tour
- Bollywood Tour of Mumbai (plus dance show)
FAQs
We’re sure you have some questions. You don’t need to open up Google and search. We have here few of the frequently asked questions – ready with answers all for you.
Where are the best hostels in Mumbai?
The hostels we’ve listed above are by far the best hostels in the bunch. All of the hostels will surely make your stay in Mumbai more memorable.
Are there coed hostels in Mumbai?
For travelers and backpackers, coed hostels isn’t really something they are looking for. Students however, often look for these coed hostels where they can stay in while they’re studying here in Mumbai. They are everywhere in Mumbai.
How are the hostels in Mumbai?
The hostels are comfortable and safe. The people are friendly and depending on where you are, you pretty much get what you paid for.
Which are the good hostels in Andheri Mumbai for girls?
There are great hostels for female travelers all around Andheri. The newest is the Happinest Backpackers Hostel.
Which are some good but less expensive backpackers hostels in Mumbai around Gateway of India?
Mumbai is filled with backpacker hostels. The number one hostel in our list, the Backpacker Panda Hostel is right around the Gateway of India too!
More Hostels and Destinations
When in India, you might consider traveling as well to Sri Lanka. We spent here a full month and fell in love with the culture, the food, and incredible nature – and of course their hostels.
Also, we have more guides for hostels in India. Check out our guides in:
- best hostels in Delhi
- best hostels in Jaipur
- best hostels in Goa
- best hostels in Dharamshala
- best hostels in Chennai
- best hostels in Rishikesh
- best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal
- best hostels in Pokhara, Nepal
- best hostels in Yangon, Myanmar
- best hostels in Darjeeling
Check our guide here to the best hostels in Sri Lanka. Find all the best hostels in Asia here.
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Closed: Arma Hostel
Arma Hostel is also close to the airport so it’s perfect for backpackers who plan to just rest the night and go to the central the next day. It’s also near the railway station.
The staff are all friendly and helpful. You get to experience the real Mumbai backpackers experience here since it’s near the busy market and budget restaurants.
The beds are decent too and every bed has privacy curtains so that you get to have your own space.
Closed: The Social Space Hostel Mumbai
The Social Space has a currency exchange, so that’s a major plus! You don’t need to go looking for currency exchange store anymore.
The hostel also has great staff who just make you feel at home. It has the family vibe going on so you don’t feel an outside in Mumbai at all.
It’s just far from the other hostels in Mumbai Central and other sights so you may have to travel to do some sight seeing in the city.
It’s one of the more famous backpackers hostel in Mumbai so you won’t have time to be lonely, you’ll have lots of people to socialize with.
