From aspiring actors waiting to get their first shot into Bollywood to graduates seeking their first job, Mumbai is known by many as “The City of Dreams.” Apart from it being all about the hustle and bustle, Mumbai also has a certain charm interwoven into its monuments, places to eat, and nightlife. If you ask anyone down Marine Drive what Mumbai means to them, they would give either of the following responses: a city where memories are made, relationships are formed, and people are made.
Thinking about a vacation in one of India’s most iconic cities? Then you have come to the right place. Here are some of the best hostels in Mumbai you should know of.
You’ll find this well-known hostel located in the prime area of Vile Parle. The bustle of the area is something you’ll have to get used to since the property is just overlooking the marketplace. And to observe the chaos, you can easily take a peek into the bazaar from the hostel’s terrace.
With its location central to the airport and the railway station, Locomo Hostel gains a few brownie points in terms of travel. When it comes to accommodation, this hostel has a good selection of mixed dorms, female dorms, and private rooms. Their mixed dorms consist of 4-bed, 6-bed, and even 10-bed options while the female dorms have 6-bed and 8-bed dorms.
One main plus point about the hostel’s accommodation is that they’re fitted with the latest amenities and also have ensuite bathrooms. The common area offers a fridge from where you can buy drinks, and water cans from where you can fill your water bottles.
Food Availability: Locomo Hostel serves scrumptious vegetarian dishes to its guests. But if you prefer having something non-veg instead, the hostel allows you to order food from outside.
Accessibility: The Vile Parle Railway Station is the closest railhead to the homestay. You can then just walk the distance because the railway station is just 200 meters away. If you’re coming by air, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is around 5 km away from the hostel. Once you reach the airport, catch a taxi or an autorickshaw to reach the property. Many buses ply to Vile Parle too.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are allowed! The terrace has an artificial green turf suited for your furry friend to run around.
Rate: Prices start at INR 730 per night.
Ideal For: Backpackers, solo travelers, and travel groups.
Location: 2nd Floor, Krishna Villa, above Bank Of Maharashtra, Monghibai Rd, Vile Parle East, Mumbai, 400057.
Located in the heart of Bandra, Cohostel is a property known for its hip and vibrant vibe. Its location grants you access to Bandra’s vibrant nightlife and trendy shops, making living in the city convenient. Plus, the property is near Bandra Bandstand too!
Where staying is concerned, this hostel has mixed and female dorms that host a capacity of 6 people. Each bunk bed is equipped with reading lights, two sockets, and private lockers for storing valuables. Both dorms are fully air-conditioned and come with a healthy amount of amenities (including an attached washroom).
If you’re a social bee, then head over to the rooftop space where you’ll meet like-minded travelers to share stories, food, and maybe even a few tunes. And there are board games too, which will help you break the ice, and free WiFi to share updates with your family far away.
Food Availability: This hostel serves free breakfast only. However, many restaurants surround the hostel so you won’t have a problem searching for good places to eat. Also, Cohostel allows you to order outside food so you can do that if you’re too wrapped up in a blanket.
Accessibility: The nearest train station to this hostel is the Bandra station, which is approximately 5 km away; you can reach the hostel by catching a cab or an autorickshaw. From the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, you’ll have to take a rickshaw or a cab to the hostel because it’s at a distance of 12 km. Many buses travel to Bandra as well; the Bandra West BEST Bus Depot is approximately 2 km away from the hostel.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed.
Rate: Prices start at INR 900 per night.
Ideal For: Backpackers and solo travelers.
Location: 43 Chapel Road, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050.
With its location near the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, goSTOPS Mumbai is blessed to be in a prime neighborhood. It also rewards guests of the hostel with expansive sea views, making them feel connected and close to nature. If shopping is on your mind, then you have Crawford Market and Colaba Causeway, Mumbai’s prime marketplaces, just a short cab ride away from this hostel.
When it comes to visual appearance, goSTOPS Mumbai’s property is far from boring. With its interiors decorated with bright-colored furniture and aesthetic portraits, staying here will be any traveler’s paradise. The hostel's dorms come in various sizes, and they offer an immense choice to ardent travelers. You can choose among their 4-bed, 6-bed, 8-bed, 10-bed, 12-bed, and even 20-bed mixed dorms if you’re coming in with a large group.
If you prefer something private, goSTOPS does have private double rooms available too. To further better the quality, this hostel’s accommodation options are fully air-conditioned and fitted with good amenities.
Whenever you feel like having something light, head over to their kitchen and cook some Maggi for yourself. And for socializing, walk to the rooftop area and play a few indoor games with your fellow hostel mates.
Food Availability: This hostel doesn’t serve food but they do have a small pantry. If you want to truly experience Mumbai, then try out the street food stalls which are just a few meters from the hostel. Or else, you can walk to any of the many restaurants that surround the property.
Accessibility: If you’re coming by train, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is just a km away from the hostel. You can catch a cab to complete the rest of the journey to goSTOPS Mumbai. From the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the hostel is around 23 km away. Once you reach the airport, you can make the rest of the trip by train -Vile Parle station is the nearest railhead to the airport - or cover the distance entirely by taxi to the hostel.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed.
Rate: Prices start at INR 800 per night.
Ideal For: Backpackers, solo travelers, and travel groups.
Location: A Rawal house, 46, P D'Mello Road, Opposite Pujara Petrol Pump, Masjid Bandar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400009.
Also Read: Top 12 Things To Do In Mumbai
Hostel Mantra is among the highly-rated and reviewed hostels in Mumbai, and that’s why it deserves a spot on this list. With the owners' belief in forming a community of travelers where people enjoy each other’s company, the guests in Hostel Mantra tend to do things together such as cooking a meal, playing games, or just chilling together. In that regard, Hostel Mantra goes beyond just being a backpacker hostel.
Its accommodation options consist of 5 rooms but are cozy enough to make you feel warm; the property contains two private rooms, two mixed dorms, and a female dorm. All dorms and private rooms have ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi, and air conditioning. You could also use their washing machine for a small charge if you decided to extend your stay. If you fancy a cup of chai, head over to their rooftop cafeteria and enjoy thrilling views of the neighborhood.
Food Availability: The hostel offers complimentary breakfast and has a small cafeteria on the rooftop that serves freshly-brewed coffee, pasta, salads, sandwiches, etc. Many restaurants are near the hostel as well if you prefer eating outside.
Accessibility: From the Andheri Railway Station, the hostel is around 6 km away. You can then make the journey to the hostel by auto-rickshaw or by cab. If you’re coming by air, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is around 10 km from the hostel. Again, you can reach the property either by cab or auto-rickshaw. Many buses ply to Andheri West and the Andheri West bus stand is just 5 km away from the hostel.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed.
Rate: Prices start at INR 900 per night.
Ideal For: Solo travelers and backpackers.
Location: Bungalow no. 87, Janki Devi School Road, S.V.P Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053.
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Bandra (a pretty expensive area), then you should add Namastey Mumbai Backpackers to your list. The property is away from Juhu and a bit in the interiors of Bandra, suited best for those who need quietness to fall asleep.
The decor of this hostel is vibrant and chic; you’ll feel as if you’re entering a 5-star hotel. There’s a small sit-out at the entrance of the hostel for those who enjoy having breakfast with some breeze just touching their face and a common area with comfy sofas and wooden stools for long conversations with other travelers. The overall nature of this area is welcoming and loving.
Namastey Mumbai has a good set of accommodation options. They have a plethora of mixed dorms and a female dorm as well. Each dorm is fitted with good amenities such as free WiFi, spacious washrooms, and clean linens. In addition, the staff’s hospitality is just the cherry on the top that secures Namastey Mumbai as one of the best hostels in Mumbai.
Food Availability: Breakfast is on the house but for lunch and dinner, you’ll have to look for restaurants and food joints outside. Luckily, there are many just outside the hostel.
Accessibility: Bandra Station is just around 4 km from the hostel; you can use a taxi to reach the property. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is 10 km away from the hostel and you’ll find many auto rickshaws or taxis to take you to the property. If you prefer traveling by bus, many local buses commute to Bandra from the airport.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed.
Rate: Prices start at INR 800 per night.
Ideal For: Backpackers and solo travelers.
Location: Panjwani Cottage, 76, Pali Village, Pali Mala Road, Behind Janta Bar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050.
Also Read: Mumbai Travel Guide
If you’re looking for a hostel that offers more than just a place to stay, then you should plan your stay at Nap Manor Hostels. Apart from providing accommodation, this hostel hosts several tours such as slum tours, food tours, and city tours so that you can know what Mumbai is all about.
In addition, the hostel has a separate games room where you can interact with your fellow travelers. Plus, tea & coffee-making facilities are available to help you make your favorite warm beverage at any part of the day. When it comes to its rooms, the property has good options of mixed dorms, private rooms, and a female dorm. The dorms come with a cute wooden safe meant to store valuables whereas the private rooms come with spacious wooden cupboards for storage.
If you fancy a snack, then visit their pantry that offers delicious cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. The hostel also has a small area that’s lined with benches for peaceful book readings and indulging in all sorts of deep conversations.
Food Availability: A small complimentary breakfast is offered. Other than that, you’ll have to go outside for better food options. Fortunately, there are many good restaurants nearby.
Accessibility: If you’re coming by train, the Santacruz Railway Station is the nearest railhead to the hostel; it's just at a distance of 4 km. Once you reach the railway station, take a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach the hostel. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is just 10 km away from Nap Manor Hostels. And from the airport, you can easily reach the property by either taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed.
Rate: Prices start at INR 800 per night.
Ideal For: Backpackers, solo travelers, and travel groups.
Location: 18/137, Nap Manor Hostels, Govt Housing Scheme, Jawaharlal Nehru Road Near Vakola Police Station, Santacruz East, Mumbai 400055.
Summing Up
Mumbai has plenty of accommodation options and hostels are a great way to live in this city on a budget. These are some of the best hostels in Mumbai and we believe that these should help you in your selection process. Each hostel offers a different environment, vibe, and ambiance altogether, so take your time and decide which one appeals to you the most.
Also Read: Experience Mumbai: Sunsets and Sunrises
Which Are The Best Hostels In Mumbai?
Some of the best hostels in Mumbai are Locomo Hostel, Cohostel Backpackers, goSTOPS Mumbai, Hostel Mantra, Namaste Mumbai Backpackers, and Nap Manor Hostels.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Mumbai?
The winter months of Mumbai, which are generally between October to February, are the best time to visit Mumbai. The weather is pleasant and it makes sightseeing much more comfortable than in summer.
What Are Some Most Visited Places In Mumbai?
Some most-visited places in Mumbai are Marine Drive, Juhu beach, Gateway of India, Powai lake, and Elephanta Caves.
Which Places Are Famous For Street Food In Mumbai?
Some places you need to experience street food in Mumbai are Girgaum choChowpattyrawford market, Khau Galli, and Zaveri Bazaar street.
Are Mumbai People Friendly?
Generally, people in Mumbai are known to be extremely helpful and friendly. They are quite open-minded and welcoming towards newcomers.
Is Mumbai A World City?
Mumbai is a megacity and a World City. It has had tremendous growth since the 1950s due to the drastic urbanization centered in the city.
Is Mumbai A Safe Place To Live In?
Mumbai has consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in India. The city is known as a commercial and financial hub and is well-connected via a complex local train network. The city has an expansive job market catering to various job profiles. The city is known to never sleep and is comparatively safer for women.
What Is Mumbai Famous For?
Mumbai is famous for the striking contrast between its iconic old-world architecture and modern high rises. The city is a mix of numerous cultures and is one of the biggest commercial hubs of India. Mumbai is popular for art, history, culture, food, theatre, cinema, and nightlife.