Posted: 11/9/2018 | November 9th, 2018
Paris. It’s a city on everyone’s bucket list. I’ve been dozens of times and my love for the city is well known to you all. I love visiting Paris and can’t imagine a year in which I don’t go even for a bit. To me, Paris has it all – music, history, food, culture, and beautiful architecture. It’s got that special something. I dream of moving to Paris to live out that writer cliche…if just for a bit!
As a visitor to Paris, knowing where to stay in Paris can be difficult. There are lots of androssiments (neighborhoods). What’s the best place to stay in the city? What’s the best neighboorhood?
For a tourist, there’s really no bad neighboorhood to stay in. No where you stay is going to be too far or unsafe (forget what you hear about in the news). Paris’ metro goes everywhere, stays open late, and has stops throughout the city.
However, that said, Paris has thousands of hotels and hostels. How do you know the best ones to pick? The city is expensive and as someone who has stayed in some less than stellar places for way too much money, I know the price of making the wrong decision.
That’s why I wrote this post on the best hostels in Paris so you know my the best places to say. This short, to the point list will make choosing a hostel in Paris easy. I’ve been visiting Paris for a decade and have stayed in dozens upon dozens of places to stay. This short list will make knowing where to go stay easy.
Before you go: Things to Consider When Picking a Hostel in Paris
I’ve stayed in thousands of hostels in my life. There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top three things you want to consider when picking the best hostel in Paris are:
- Location – Paris is huge and, while the metro goes everywhere, it can take some time to get places. Pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see! All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
- Price – Paris is not an expensive city. Its hostels aren’t either. In Paris, you really get what you pay for so if you go with a really cheap place, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
- Amenities – Every hostel in the city offers free wifi and most have a free breakfast but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the best hostel for your needs!
- Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews to ensure you get a place where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!
15 Best hostels in Paris
So where should you stay in Paris? Well, without further ado, here are my favorite hostels in the city:
1. St. Christopher’s Canal
I love the St. Christopher’s chain. They have two hostels in Paris (see below for the other one). This location has Wi-Fi, comfy beds, lockers, clean showers, free breakfast, and a lively bar. It’s very popular among backpackers and is in a relaxing and beautiful part of the city. The view on the canal is incredible and, during the summer months, the terrace is hoping! This is one of my favorite hostels in Paris.
Beds from 18 EUR/20.50 USD.
—-> Book your stay at St. Christopher’s Canal!
2. The Loft Boutique Hostel & Hotel
The Loft is located in the diverse and historical neighborhood of Belleville. It’s an up and coming immigrant neighborhood that is super fun to hang out in. The area has a lot to offer, including many ethnic food options. The hostel itself has an awesome outdoor patio, bar, and a cute cat, Espiga. It’s small and cozy with friendly staff too!
Beds from 18.95 EUR/22 USD, privates from 74.95 EUR/86 USD.
—-> Book your stay at The Loft Boutique Hostel & Hotel!
3. Les Piaules
This hostel has a fantastic chimney lounge, cool bar, and a rooftop space. The bar/restaurant on the ground floor is popular with locals too (I saw a paint and drink club here). The rooms are super modern and the beds comfy. It’s my favorite hostel in Paris and one of the best places to meet people! I can’t recommend it enough!
Beds from 19 EUR/22 USD, double rooms from 100 EUR/114 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Les Piaules!
4. Generator Hostel
In this emerging district, the Generator Hostel has a chic array of stylish rooms with comfortable beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, and friendly staff. Its private rooms even have terraces! There is also a lively bar, a common area, and female-only dorms. This is one of my favorite chains in Europe.
Beds from 30 EUR/34 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Generator Hostel!
5. St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord
This backpacker base opened in 2013 and is close to the Gare du Nord train station, making it easy to get to the airport. It’s the most convenient hostel in the city. It has Wi-Fi, comfy beds, clean showers, free breakfast, and a bar that features live music too. It’s really popular with many of the backpacker tours that come through the city! Try to get a room facing the street, as the interior courtyard rooms are loud from the downstairs bar.
Beds from 24 EUR/27 USD.
—-> Book your stay at St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord!
6. Enjoy Hostel
This hostel is in the residential/business neighborhood of Montparnasse in the south of the city. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and supermarkets in the area. It’s much more “local” than other neighborhoods in the city. The hostel provides a free basic breakfast. If you get there early, try to get a top bunk, as the bottom ones have very little headspace. This also is a great choice if you have an early or late train as it is close to the Montparnasse station.
Beds from 24 EUR/27 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Enjoy Hostel!
7. Woodstock Montmartre
This 1970s themed hostel has been around for more than 20 years. It’s a much more old school hostel experience! The hostel offers free breakfast and an in-house bar. This is a great option for couples and singles as the private rooms are pretty inexpensive when compared to other hostels. You’ll never lack for something to do as it is near Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre, one of the best neighborhoods in the city. It’s action packed and fun! If you’re looking for a good time, come here.
Beds from 24.30 EUR/27.75 USD, privates from 48.60 EUR/55.47 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Woodstock Montmartre!
8. Le Montclair Montmartre
Also located in Montmartre, Montclair is a fun hostel with soft beds, group activities, and a spacious common room. The staff is super friendly and the hostel is pretty big with lots of beds! This is the most popular hostel in the area.
Beds from 25 EUR/28.53 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Le Montclair Montmartre!
9. Yves Robert Hostel (Hostelling International)
This eco-friendly hostel is in an old warehouse and boasts a bar, restaurant, and theater. There is a garden, free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals/storage, a kitchen, and a book swap. Very low-key and quiet, this hostel is perfect for families, groups, and seniors (or those not looking for the noise of the other youth hostels).
Beds from 27 EUR/31 USD, double rooms from 68 EUR/77.60 USD. Discounts for HI members.
—-> Book your stay at the Yves Robert Hostel!
10. Arty Hostel Paris
Located in Montparnasse, a historical artists’ area, this out-of-the-way hostel is near many theaters and restaurants. It’s small, but the artistic décor is lovely. The beds are pretty average but the pillows are really great! If you’re looking for a small, queit place to stay, this hostel is it!
Beds from 33 EUR/38 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Arty Hostel Paris!
11. Perfect Hostel
This “old Paris”-themed hostel is in the lively Montmartre neighborhood and has something that is hard to find in hostels – an elevator. If you get a private room, ask for one with a balcony and enjoy the great views of Paris. While the toilets and showers are small, sinks are in your room. There’s free breakfast too!
Beds from 34 EUR/39 USD, privates from 64 EUR/73 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Perfect Hostel!
12. FIAP Jean Monnet
This hostel is huge and modern and filled with fun activities. Breakfast is included, and there is a cafeteria where you can get other meals. This is not a party hostel – there are often school groups here. It’s in a quiet neighborhood too. This is another place to stay if you’re looking for something quiet and relaxing. Dorms are available only for 18 to 30 year-olds.
Beds from 36 EUR/41 USD, privates from 77 EUR/88 USD.
—-> Book your stay at FIAP Jean Monnet!
13. Hotel Angleterre Etoile
This family-friendly hotel is only a few minutes walk from Place de l’Etoile, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées. There are a couple of great restaurants and bars nearby, as well as museums like Muse d’Art Moderne. All rooms are super quiet and have private bathrooms.
Rooms from 87 EUR/100 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Hotel Angleterre Etoile!
14. 3 Ducks Hostel
A 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, 3 Ducks has one of the best locations in town. The staff is friendly, the rooms are small but comfortable, and the showers are clean. It has one of the cheapest bars in Paris (which slightly offsets the expensive dorm prices). This is a more upscale hostel, with a recently revamped decor. It’s my second favorite hostel in the city!
Beds from 31 EUR/35 USD, privates from 109.50 EUR/124 USD (sleeps two).
—-> Book your stay at 3 Ducks Hostel!
15. Oops Hostel
Oops Hostel is right next to Paris’s Latin Quarter, one of the city’s best hubs for nightlife, dining, and shopping options. It’s actually my favorite part of the city! Dorms are small and cozy but feature great amenities like ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi, and individual reading lamps.
Beds from 27 EUR/31 USD, privates from 70 EUR/80 USD.
—-> Book your stay at Oops Hostel!
Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!
For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!! Click here to learn more and get started.
Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Get Your Guidebook to Paris!!
Check out my detailed guidebook to planning a visit to Paris with suggested itineraries, places to stay, things to do, where to eat, and how to get around. It has all my secrets to having a fun and inexpensive trip there! Just click here to get the guide and continue planning today!
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16