Zostel Delhi is part of one of India’s best-known hostel brands, which built its name on bright, social, well-designed budget stays for backpackers and young travellers. It sits in the Paharganj area beside New Delhi railway station, the busiest and most colourful transport hub in the capital, with the main bazaar, street food stalls and countless small shops outside the door. Inside, the style is simple and cheerful, with murals and quirky decor, a common area for meeting other guests, and a choice of shared dorms and private rooms. For solo travellers in particular, it is a way to find company, share tips and join a group for a day trip or a street food walk. Staff organise social evenings, walking tours and travel advice, and the hostel is a good place to compare plans for the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan or the hills. Beds are clean and basic, with lockers and reading lights, and private rooms offer a bit more peace for couples and light sleepers. The rooftop or common space is where most guests gather, and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal. If you want a quiet luxury stay, look elsewhere, but if you value price, company and location, it is among the best options in the budget range.
Location and getting around
The hostel is close to New Delhi railway station, with the New Delhi metro station nearby, which gives direct links on the Yellow line to Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place and the Qutub Minar, and on the Airport Express line to the airport. Connaught Place is a short taxi or rickshaw ride away, and the Red Fort and Jama Masjid can be reached by metro in a few stops. The area around the station is busy, noisy and full of life, so arrive in daylight if you can.
Rooms
Choose between mixed or female-only dorms and private rooms with simple furnishings. Dorm beds have curtains or lockers, charging points and air-conditioning or fans depending on the room. Bring a padlock for your locker and earplugs for the street noise. Bathrooms are usually shared, with hot showers.
Who it suits
Backpackers, solo travellers, students and groups of friends on a budget, as well as travellers on tight schedules who need an easy base near the train station for onward trips to Agra, Jaipur or Varanasi.
Good to know
The surrounding lanes can be hectic, and touts around the station may try to steer you to other hotels, so go straight to the entrance and ignore offers of help. Check the cancellation policy for dorm beds and arrival times for late check-in. Breakfast and tours may be sold separately, so ask at the desk.
Why stay here
- ✓Shared and private rooms
- ✓Social common area
- ✓Lockers for each bed
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Tour and travel desk
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Communal kitchen or café
Good questions
Is Zostel Delhi good for solo travellers?+
Yes. The social common area and organised activities make it easy to meet other guests and share plans.
How far is Zostel from the metro?+
The New Delhi metro station is close, and it links to the Airport Express line and the Yellow line.
Are private rooms available?+
Yes, there are private rooms as well as mixed and female-only dorms. Availability changes, so check when you book.
