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The party city of the USA is calling your name. A trip to New Orleans is perfect — from the authentic Cajun food to the jazz music from every corner, plus the bars and parties in the French Quarter and the rest of the city are not to be missed. The only problem is getting a place to stay. As such a popular city, it can be hard to find a place you can afford while still feeling comfortable about your choice. Fortunately, a trip to NOLA doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out our list of the top affordable hostels in New Orleans for a fun, clean, and budget-friendly place to stay.
1. IHSP French Quarter House
This beautiful hostel in the heart of New Orleans is ideal for your days in the city. Charming southern hospitality radiates from every inch of the hostel, with friendly and accommodating staff. The historic house has a porch and terrace for guests to use, relax, and take in views of the streets below, as well as common rooms, a courtyard, and a communal kitchen. The hostel offers free breakfast, free WiFi, air conditioning, 24-hour reception, and 24-hour security. Plus, with easy access to the parties, jazz music, and authentic food all around, what could be better? Guests can choose from private and shared rooms for their stay.
2. Site 61 Hostel
Transport yourself to another planet in the whimsical, outer space-themed hostel located in Mid City New Orleans. The hostel is small, but full of character, letting you have a great stay in a welcoming, friendly environment. Rooms come equipped with bunk beds, sleeping anywhere between two to six guests depending on the room, and private bathrooms. Start your day with the free continental breakfast, stay connected with the free WiFi and cable tv, and relax at night with games and entertainment in the common room. Of course, we can’t forget to mention the prime location leaving you close to everything the city has to offer.
3. Garden District House
Head into your own secret garden in the lively Garden District House. The home is located in New Orleans’ leafy, cozy Garden District, where streets are lined with historic southern homes and large shady trees — the hostel itself is one of those beautiful, charming homes. Step inside and find mix dorms and private rooms to choose from, each offering free WiFi, free breakfast, free towels, lockers, and events planned with the guests in mind. Enjoy the home’s courtyard and spacious kitchen, as well as the common rooms inside. The dorms are only available with a valid non-US passport or a valid student ID, while private rooms are available to those with a valid out of state license. The hostel does not accept Louisiana visitors.
4. City House Hostel New Orleans
Set right in the heart of the French Quarter, City House Hostel is an affordable option just a block from the famous Bourbon Street. City house is the only hostel in the French Quarter, giving guests a truly unique experience. Step outside your door and hear jazz music from every corner and explore the bars and shops of Bourbon Street or the street cars of Canal Street. The hostel’s mixed dorm style rooms can hold anywhere from four to twelve guests depending on the room, or you can check out the private rooms and private suites. The hostel also provides free WiFi, a spacious common room, computer lounge, and communal kitchen.
5. Madame Isabelle’s House
Located just outside the historic French Quarter, Madame Isabelle’s is a fun, vibrant hostel in the city. The bright pink building welcomes guests off the street, offering cozy mix dorms and private rooms, as well as a charming courtyard and deck perfect for your nights in the New Orleans’ heat. Did we mention the deck comes with a jacuzzi? Outside the hostel, the neighborhood is full of local bars and restaurants, quaint cafes and shops, and all the liveliness of New Orleans, with music from every corner and people crowding the streets.
6. Auberge NOLA Hostel
Ranked one of the best hostels in New Orleans, Auberge NOLA is perfect for your stay in the Big Easy. Just a block away from the St Charles Ave streetcars and in between the Garden District and the French Quarter, this hostel gives you prime access to everything New Orleans has to offer. Step out the front door, hop on the streetcar, and in minutes you’ll be in downtown New Orleans, enjoying the music and food. The hostel has private rooms and shared dorms, free breakfast, free WiFi, free nightly events including hostel parties, free parking, and many more amenities making your stay nothing short of brilliant. Check out the outdoor courtyard and barbecue area, as well as the common spaces and Netflix equipped TVs.
While in town, check out Hidden Adventure Tours to explore the famous swamps and plantations in New Orleans and get up-close-and-personal with the local alligator residents!