Paris offers up an abundance of choice to the shoestring traveller when it comes to finding good quality, affordable accommodation. The big question to work out an answer to is which region of the city you’d like to use as your base. You could choose Montmartre for the views, Republique for the arts or Le Marais for the museums and galleries. Failing that, an excellent metro system operates across Paris, making it easy to get around and see as much as possible during your stay.
We have scanned the city looking for the best Parisian hostels in order to narrow down your choice to these top seven. Among other things we have taken into account facilities, price, location and previous guest reviews over the last six months for each hostel.
Les Piaules
Dorms from €29/ night. Privates from €85/ night
Situated in the bohemian and upcoming Belleville region of Paris, Les Piaules is a great choice for anybody looking to meet other travellers. There is a lovely sun terrace at the hostel, along with a library, games room and on-site bar, rounding out the numerous places to kick back and relax within the hostel. Although breakfast is not included in the price, it can be purchased in the morning for a small additional fee. Free wifi is available throughout the hostel.
Le Village Montmartre
Dorms from €25/ night. Privates from €65/ night
As the name suggests, this hostel is located in Montmartre, just minutes from the Sacre Coeur at the bottom of the hill. Le Village has a good range of lower-occupancy dorms – no more than eight people – and competitively priced private rooms. Privates come with the bonus of the hostel’s various common spaces, including a shared kitchen, terrace and bar. All rooms are air conditioned and have hairdryers. Family rooms are also available at this site.
Vintage Gare du Nord
Dorms from €28/ night. Privates from €73/ night
Hostel Vintage Gare du Nord offers some of the best communal facilities of any hostel in Paris. Besides the shared kitchen, library and shared lounge there is a modest fitness centre available to all guests. The private rooms are small on space but offer comfortable accommodation and the benefit of a private bathroom. Shared rooms are either mixed or female-only dorms of between four and ten people. Gare du Nord is roughly five minutes from the hostel on foot.
Beautiful Belleville Hôtel & Hostel
Dorms from €44/ night. Privates from €76/ night
Beautiful Belleville indeed. The exciting neighbourhood has spawned this colourfully designed hostel, housed in a wedge-shaped corner building. The furnishings are bright, modern and make this choice instantly likeable. Although the price may seem a little higher that is because breakfast is included. All of the dorms have no more than four bunks each and all have their own bathroom. That means more cleanliness and less chance of having to wait. There’s a shared kitchen and on-site coffee bar here too.
Generator Paris
Dorms from €32/ night. Privates from €94/ night
Generator is a fantastic, modern hostel with a large number of dorms. Having said that, it rarely feels crowded. The décor breathes vivacity into the surroundings and dorms are capped at ten bunks maximum. Each dorm has its own personal bathroom with a shower and toilet. Breakfast is not included in the price but can be purchased on the day for a small additional fee. There are plenty of communal areas, including a terrace, nightclub and an à la carte restaurant on-site.
The Loft Boutique Hostel
Dorms from €35/ night. Privates from €78/ night
The Loft Boutique is a suave hostel in the heart of Belleville. There are good facilities here for disabled guests and plenty of good common areas in which to mingle with other guests; a shared kitchen, library and bar are some of the best spots in the hostel. During nicer weather, an outdoor patio and terrace add to the hostel’s usable space. There are vending machines for if you get snacky and hairdryers are available here.
St. Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord
Dorms from €27/ night. Privates from €99/ night
This branch of St. Christopher’s Inn is ideal for anybody arriving or leaving Paris by train. Gare du Nord is right across the road from the station. There is a good bar on the ground floor of the hostel where breakfast, which is available for an additional fee, is served. This is a large hostel and there are a large number of private room and dorm options, including dorms with either private or shared bathrooms. Wifi is available throughout and there are family rooms also available at this hostel.