How to Choose a Hostel in Paris in 2025 (What to Expect)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Paris

Ah, Paris. The city of romance, timeless art, and more crêpes than you can shake a baguette at. When I first arrived as a wide-eyed backpacker, I genuinely thought I’d have to blow my entire budget just to survive one night in a shoebox room.

Everything I’d heard—glamorous fashion shows, overpriced cafés, designer boutiques—made Paris sound like a no-go for budget travelers. But here’s the twist: *there are* decent, wallet-friendly hostels tucked between all the sparkle.

After hopping between several dorms (some delightful, others… let’s just say “character-building”), I figured out a few things about the hostel scene here. First things first: Paris does have good hostels—just not a huge number of them.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Paris

Best for Hostel Newbies

FRATERNiTY-HOTEL9.1

from $27.76 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

The People Hostel - Par...9.1

from $26.42 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Beau M8.7

from $20.78 | More Details

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What to Expect from Hostels in Paris

Paris is often painted as this highbrow city where you’re either staying in a five-star hotel or you’re out of luck. Thankfully, that’s not the case. While some hostels are on the small side (it’s Paris, after all—space is premium!), many still manage to create a friendly, social setting. You’ll find:

• Mix of social and chill atmospheres: Some hostels organize nightly activities or bar crawls, while others focus on being cozy and quiet. It pays to do a bit of research to figure out which you prefer.
• Compact common areas: Because buildings are often old and space is limited, the common rooms can be snug. If a big communal lounge is a priority, double-check the hostel’s photos and reviews.
• Basic but important amenities: Most Paris hostels offer free Wi-Fi, but kitchens can be hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll find only a microwave or kettle. And don’t expect every place to serve free breakfast—though some do.
• Occasional quirks: Because of historic building rules, you might find smaller elevators or none at all. Pack light if you can, because lugging a giant suitcase up a narrow spiral staircase is no joke.

Choosing the Right Hostel for Your Needs

Before you even begin clicking around booking sites, ask yourself what matters most to you. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Social vs. quiet: Are you the kind of traveler who wants to meet new people over late-night chats, or do you just need a solid night’s sleep? Look for hostels that describe themselves as “social” if you’re after new friends, or “chill” and “low-key” if you’re craving downtime.
• Location priorities: If you plan on hitting the major museums and attractions, staying central (near the Louvre or Notre-Dame) will save on transport time. But if you’d rather soak up the local feel, consider areas like Montmartre or Canal Saint-Martin. They’re a bit more laid-back, yet still easily connected by the Metro.
• Room types: Parisian hostels typically offer dorms that range from 4 to 12 beds, plus a handful of private rooms. The bigger the dorm, the cheaper your stay (generally), but also the busier it gets. Weigh your budget against your tolerance for midnight door slams.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Paris

1. MIJE Hostel - Fauconnier
2. Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels - best for Older travelers (+50)
3. Woodstock Montmartre by Hiphophostels - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
4. Caulaincourt Montmartre by Hiphophostels - best for Couples
5. Madrigal - best for Couples, Female Solo Traveller

MIJE Hostel - Fauconnier

8.7

4è - Marais

MIJE Hostel Fauconnier is part of 3 hostels in the Marais District. All three hostels date back to more

Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels

8.2

18è - Montmartre Area

Start your day on the sunny terrace with jaw-dropping views of the Sacré Coeur, while more

from

$23.61

Woodstock Montmartre by Hiphophostels

8.1

9è - Opéra Area

Colourful decor, a cute hostel cat and an onsite bar open until 2am - all to be found at Woodstock, more

Caulaincourt Montmartre by Hiphophostels

8.6

18è - Montmartre Area

Stay at Caulaincourt Montmartre and you might think you accidentally booked a hotel. It’s more

from

$25.69

Madrigal

9.0

14è - Montparnasse Area

This stylish boutique hostel is your modern home-away-from-home. The gorgeous hostel dog will make a more

from

$29.56

The Best (and Worst) Areas to Stay in Paris

Paris is split into arrondissements (districts), spiraling out from the city center. Each area has its own character:

• Montmartre (18th Arr.): Known for its artistic history and stunning views from Sacré-Cœur. Great for travelers who want a Bohemian feel and don’t mind winding streets and hills.
• Latin Quarter (5th Arr.): A student-friendly area with cheap eats and lively bars. Not too far from major sights like the Pantheon and Notre-Dame.
• Le Marais (3rd/4th Arr.): Trendy, with lots of shops, cafés, and a good mix of locals and travelers. A bit pricier than some other areas, but wonderfully central.
• Bastille (11th Arr.): More local and residential, but still offers a decent nightlife scene. Often a good place to find budget-friendly hostels.

Areas to be cautious about are generally those far from Metro lines or on the city’s very outskirts, simply because getting around can become a hassle. Also, like any major city, some pockets might feel a bit seedy at night—but stick to well-lit streets, and you’ll usually be fine.

Cost Breakdown

Paris hostel prices can fluctuate depending on the season, holidays, and local events. Here’s a rough estimate to give you an idea:

Some hostels include breakfast in the price, while others charge around €5–€8 for a simple spread (think croissants, jam, and coffee). Towels may or may not be free, so check the listing before you end up drip-drying in your dorm.

Tips for Booking Without Overpaying

• Compare platforms: Checking multiple booking sites can sometimes reveal hidden deals. Also, some hostels offer a small discount if you book directly through their website.
• Book in advance for high season: Paris is always popular, but especially around summer and major holidays. If you’re traveling in July or August, lock in your place early.
• Off-peak steals: If you’re flexible, consider visiting in late fall or early spring. You might snag a dorm bed for considerably cheaper, and the city is less crowded.
• Look out for package deals: Some hostels partner with walking tour companies or offer discounted tickets to local attractions, which can sweeten the deal.

Hostel Safety and What to Watch Out For

Paris is relatively safe, but as in any big city, keep your eyes peeled. Pickpockets tend to hover around major tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. In terms of hostel safety:

• Opt for places with lockers: Make sure every guest has a secure locker to store valuables. Bring your own padlock just in case.
• Check for 24/7 reception: A hostel that’s staffed around the clock is reassuring if you get in late or have any issues.
• Read reviews carefully: Skim through for comments on neighborhood safety or incidents of theft. If something comes up repeatedly, that’s a red flag.

Social Hostels in Paris

If you’re eager to meet fellow travelers, look for hostels that host events like walking tours, communal dinners, or pub crawls. Some even organize day trips to places like Versailles. That said, if you wind up in a more low-key place, you can still meet people by:

• Hanging out in the common area or shared kitchen, if available.
• Joining free city tours offered by local guides (handy for friendly chatter on the walk).
• Striking up a conversation with someone at breakfast—everyone has an interesting story if you give them a chance!

What to Pack for Your Hostel Stay

• Padlock: As mentioned, a personal lock is a must for those hostel lockers.
• Flip-flops: Communal showers can be a bit grotty at times, so keep your feet covered.
• Earplugs or headphones: Let’s face it: dorms can get noisy. Having earplugs might be the difference between a full night’s rest and a 3 a.m. serenade by the snorer across the bunk.
• Travel towel: Quick-dry towels are a lifesaver, especially if the hostel charges extra or doesn’t provide them.
• Small pad of paper or phone notes: Jot down Metro directions, must-see boulangeries, or your new friend’s email address without relying on data or battery life.

Before you book, also check the hostel’s amenities. Some offer free towels or hairdryers at reception, so you can save precious space in your backpack.

11 Hidden Gemz in Paris (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Finally: My Honest Take

Despite the city’s pricey reputation, backpacking through Paris can be both fun and affordable—if you know how to pick the right hostel.

From dorm size to neighborhood, there’s a lot to consider, but it’s well worth the effort.

No, Paris won’t be as cheap as some spots in Eastern Europe, but with a bit of planning, you can find social (or peaceful) dorms, enjoy the city’s iconic sights, and still have cash left for your next croissant run.

Bonne chance and happy travels!

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About the author: Matt Kiefer

Hey, I’m Matt, the founder behind Hostelgeeks.com. My team and I are collecting the absolute best hostels in the world for you. We share the coolest hostels so you can focus on your travels, rather than spending your time trying to pick a good hostel.

Personally, I’ve bunked in over 600 hostels and stamped my passport in more than 70 countries. My heart beats for Vietnam, Spain, and France, and so many more destinations. I’m a Foosball champ but a beer pong amateur.

Last but not least: Hostelgeeks is a proud ambassador of Hostelz.com.