Last Updated: 03/21/22 | March 21st, 2022
Paris is 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 can’t imagine a year in which I don’t go even for a little bit. To me, Paris has it all: music, history, food, culture, and beautiful architecture. It’s got that special something. I even moved to Paris to live out that writer cliché…if only for a while!
As a visitor to Paris, knowing where to stay can be difficult. There are lots of arrondissements (neighborhoods). Which is the best?
For a tourist, there’s really no bad neighborhood. Nowhere you stay is going to be too far or unsafe (forget what you hear about in the news). Paris’s metro goes everywhere and stays open late.
However, that said, Paris has hundreds and hundreds of hostels. How do you know which are the best ones? The city is expensive, and as someone who has stayed in some less-than-stellar accommodations for way too much money, I know the price of making the wrong decision.
I’ve been visiting Paris for a decade and have stayed in dozens upon dozens of places. There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four when picking the best hostel in Paris are:
- Location – Paris is huge and, while the metro does go everywhere, it can take some time to get around. 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 – In Paris, you really get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap one, 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 Wi-Fi, and most have a free breakfast, but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets 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 end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in Paris that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:
Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: St. Christopher’s Canal
Best Hostel for Families: Generator Hostel
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: 3 Ducks Hostel
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: Les Piaules
Best Hostel for Partying: St. Christopher’s Canal or The Loft
Best Overall Hostel: Les Piaules
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Paris:
Price Legend (per night)
- $ = Under 30 EUR
- $$ = 30-40 EUR
- $$$ = Over 40 EUR
1. St. Christopher’s Canal
I love the St. Christopher’s chain. It has two hostels in Paris (see below for the other one). This location has Wi-Fi, comfy beds, lockers, clean showers, 5 EUR breakfast, and a lively bar. It’s in a relaxing and beautiful part of the city and is very popular among backpackers. The view of the canal is incredible, and during the summer months, the terrace is hopping! This is one of my favorite hostels in Paris.
St. Christopher’s Canal at a glance:
- $
- Great for meeting people
- Organizes lots of events
- Lots of free perks (like free drinks and free walking tours)
Beds from 28 EUR, private rooms from 97 EUR.
2. The Loft Boutique Hostel & Hotel
The Loft is located in the diverse and historic neighborhood of Belleville, 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, a bar, and a cute cat, Espiga. It’s small and cozy, with friendly staff too!
The Loft Boutique Hostel & Hotel at a glance:
- $
- Laid-back outdoor patio makes it easy to meet people
- Bar on-site for hanging out and mingling
- Awesome location with lots of great food options nearby
Beds from 26 EUR, private rooms from 75 EUR.
3. Les Piaules
Also located in Belleville, this hostel is in a beautifully renovated art deco building. It has a fantastic chimney lounge, a rooftop terrace, and a cool bar/restaurant on the ground floor that’s popular with locals too (I saw a paint-and-drink club here). The rooms are super modern, the beds are comfy, and you can pay extra for either a basic breakfast (3 EUR) or a “badass” breakfast (7 EUR). It’s my favorite hostel in Paris and one of the best places to meet people! I can’t recommend it enough!
Les Piaules at a glance:
- $$$
- Cool rooftop for hanging out
- Bar on-site to make meeting people easy
- Organizes lots of events and activities
Beds from 41 EUR.
4. Generator Hostel
Located in the 10th Arrondissement, an emerging district close to the Canal St. Martin, this Generator Hostel has a chic array of stylish rooms with comfortable beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, and friendly staff. Its private rooms even have terraces! There is also a lively bar, an epic rooftop terrace, an indoor common area, and female-only dorms. This is one of my favorite chains in Europe.
Generator Hostel at a glance:
- $$$
- Lively bar makes it easy to meet people and mingle
- Female-only dorms for extra privacy and security
- Social rooftop lounge for hanging out
Beds from 47 EUR, private rooms from 150 EUR.
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 town. It has Wi-Fi, comfy beds, clean showers, 5 EUR breakfast, and a bar that features live music too. It’s really popular with many of the backpacker tours that come through Paris. Try to get a room facing the street, as the interior courtyard rooms get loud with all the noise from the downstairs bar.
St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord at a glance:
- $$$
- Fun bar with live music and cheap drinks
- Convenient location
- Social atmosphere makes it easy to meet people
Beds from 45 EUR, private rooms from 107 EUR.
6. Enjoy Hostel
This basic and affordable hostel is in the residential/business neighborhood of Montparnasse in the south part of the city. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and supermarkets in the area, and it’s much more “local” than other neighborhoods in town. The hostel provides a free basic breakfast and there’s also a large, newly renovated kitchen for guests to use. If you get there early, try to get a top bunk, as the bottom ones have very little headspace. This also is a great choice if you have an early or late train, as it is close to the Montparnasse station.
Enjoy Hostel at a glance:
- $
- Quiet atmosphere
- Convenient location (near the train station, bars, and a supermarket)
- Free breakfast
Beds from 29 EUR.
7. Woodstock Montmartre
This 1970s-themed hostel has been around for more than 20 years. It’s a much more old-school hostel experience! It offers free breakfast and an in-house bar. This is a great option for couples and singles, as the private rooms are pretty inexpensive when compared to other hostels. You’ll never lack for something to do, as it is near Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre, one of Paris’s best neighborhoods. It’s action-packed and fun! If you’re looking for a good time, stay here.
Woodstock Montmartre at a glance:
- $
- Great for meeting people
- Good choice for couples (cheap private rooms)
- Convenient location near Sacré-Coeur
Beds from 24 EUR, privates from 49 EUR.
8. Le Montclair Montmartre
Also located in Montmartre, Montclair is a fun hostel with soft beds, group activities, and a spacious common room. The staff is super friendly, and the hostel is pretty big, with lots of beds. Breakfast is 6 EUR and there’s also a large kitchen for guest use as well. This is the most popular hostel in the area.
Le Montclair Montmartre at a glance:
- $$
- Organizes lots of activities
- Lots of common areas so it’s easy to meet people
- Central location in the heart of Montmartre
Beds from 35 EUR, private rooms from 130 EUR.
9. FIAP Jean Monnet
This hostel is huge, modern, and filled with fun activities. Breakfast is included, and there is a cafeteria where you can get other meals. But it’s not a party hostel: it’s in a quiet neighborhood. This is somewhere else you can stay if you’re looking for something quiet and relaxing. There are often school groups here, and dorms are available only for 18-to-30-year-olds.
FIAP Jean Monnet at a glance:
- $$$
- Free breakfast
- Dorms for travelers under 30
- Quiet and laid back vibe
Private rooms from 85 EUR.
10. 3 Ducks Hostel
A 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, 3 Ducks has one of the best locations in town. The staff is friendly, the rooms are small but comfortable, and the showers are clean. It has one of the cheapest bars in Paris (which slightly offsets the expensive dorm prices). This is a more upscale hostel, with a recently revamped décor. It’s my second-favorite hostel in the city!
3 Ducks Hostel at a glance:
- $$
- Amazing central location
- Super cheap and social bar
- Great place to meet people
Beds from 39 EUR, private rooms from 125 EUR.
11. Oops Hostel
Located in a former 18th-century inn, 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 town! Dorms are small and cozy but feature great amenities like ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and individual reading lamps. There’s a cool hostel bar that’s great for meeting other travelers.
Oops Hostel at a glance:
- $$$
- Great for meeting people
- Convenient location with lots of clubs and shopping nearby
- Free breakfast
Beds from 39 EUR, private rooms from 125 EUR.
12. Caulaincourt Montmartre
Caulaincourt is a design-forward hostel and hotel located in the heart of artsy Montmartre. The focus is mostly on private rooms, with a few smaller dorms (maximum 3 beds per room).
The common spaces and kitchen are filled beautifully designed and cozy, making for nice places to hang out when you need a break from exploring. However, without organized social activities or an on-site bar/café, it’s harder to meet people if that’s your goal. But if you’re looking for a quiet hostel in a central location, Caulcaincourt is great!
Caulaincourt Montmartre at a glance:
- $$
- Free breakfast
- Guest kitchen
- Quiet hostel with only a few beds per dorm room
Beds from 37 EUR, private rooms from 65 EUR.
13. JO&JOE (Nation + Gentilly locations)
Jo&Joe is a small hostel chain that started in France, with two great hostels in Paris to choose from: Paris – Gentilly, and Paris – Nation. Both locations are modern hostels with a lot of common areas, including a huge outdoor yard at Gentilly and a rooftop terrace at Nation.
Both hostels also have an on-site bar/restaurant, serving food and drinks (including an extensive cocktail list). If you’re looking to meet people, Gentilly is the more established and more social hostel, with a stage for performances and organized weekly events.
Jo&Joe at a glance:
- $$
- Continental breakfast available
- Lots of common spaces (including outdoor areas)
- On-site bar/restaurant
Jo&Joe Paris – Gentilly: Beds from 31 EUR, private rooms from 128 EUR.
Jo&Joe Paris – Nation: Beds from 38 EUR, private rooms from 120 EUR.
Whichever one of these hostels you choose, you’re going to meet a lot of people and friendly staff, and have a good night’s sleep in a clean room. You just need to pick the hostel that matches your personality. These are all easy to get to using public transportation, and several offer airport transportation (for a fee). These are the best places hostels in Paris (remember Les Piaules is my number one pick), and you won’t go wrong with any of them.
Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!
For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. 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, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!
Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine 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 as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city!
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. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Need a guide?
Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
If you want a bike tour, use Fat Tire Tours. They have the best and most affordable bike tours in the city.
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’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Paris?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Paris for even more planning tips!
