Where to Stay in Paris as a Solo Traveler (Hostel, Safety, Areas)

This guide is part of our main page where you can compare all hostels in Paris. Instantly find the best-rated hostels and real-time prices from Hostelworld and Booking.com. Compare prices side-by-side and save money every time. Learn how we compare prices.

Find your Perfect Hostel in Paris

They call Paris the city of love, but trust me, your wallet won’t be feeling the romance if you don’t plan ahead.

My first solo trip in Paris was equal parts croissants, caffeine, and crippling confusion about which neighborhood wouldn’t completely wreck my budget.

But hey, I survived—so now I’m here to spare you the midnight wanderings and questionable lodging choices.

I also ended up living in Paris for a year... so I kind of know what I'm talking about, but that's a story for another time. For now, let’s find your perfect Parisian corner, shall we?

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Paris

Best for Hostel Newbies

FRATERNiTY-HOTEL9.0

from $27.76 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

The People Hostel - Par...9.1

from $26.89 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Beau M8.7

from $20.89 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Why Paris is a Must-Visit Destination

Ah, Paris. A place where the hundred-years-old cathedrals stand proud beside hipster coffee spots and avant-garde galleries.

One moment, you’re pondering the mysteries of medieval architecture; the next, you’re elbow-deep in a trendy thrift shop, praying that vintage beret truly suits you (it probably doesn't).

That’s the beauty of solo travel in Paris: each arrondissement charms you in a new and slightly outrageous way.

From breezy boulevards lined with ornate buildings to tiny bistros serving melt-in-your-mouth pastries, Paris effortlessly blends the regal with the real.

Sure, there’s beauty everywhere you turn, but if you keep your eyes open, you’ll discover the city’s more playful side—like street performers dancing under the shadow of world-famous monuments.

It’s these whimsical contradictions that make any [City] travel guide feel incomplete without mentioning the local quirks, and Paris has plenty of them.

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

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris

Figuring out where to stay in Paris can feel a bit like speed-dating: you’ve got to find an arrondissement that suits your vibe (and budget) before committing.

Here are some popular districts I’ve roamed, each offering a distinct flavor of the city.

Le Marais

If you’re a sucker for narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and boutiques brimming with way-too-expensive-but-gorgeous clothes, welcome to Le Marais, a perfect place to stay for solo travelers in Paris - that aren't really on a budget. I’ve been known to lose track of time sipping espressos here, watching equally caffeinated Parisians zip by.

• Pros: Central, stylish, packed with eye-catching shops and eateries.
• Cons: Crowds can be intense, and the trendy factor means higher prices (and more tourists).
• Best for: Fashion-forward travelers, café connoisseurs, anyone who thinks “Instagram” is a lifestyle.

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter feels like stepping into a college campus—except everyone’s drinking wine instead of energy drinks. It’s home to the Sorbonne and a lot of other academic places, so expect cheap(ish)  food and a quirky, intellectual buzz.

• Pros: Wallet-friendly, cool nightlife, close to major historical sites.
• Cons: Tour groups flood the area; some bars can get rowdy.
• Best for: History nerds, students, and thrifty travelers seeking conversation as much as culture.

Montmartre

Montmartre sits on a hill, looking down on the rest of Paris like a dreamy, bohemian cousin who always seems to be painting at sunset. The cobbled lanes and vintage flair are straight out of an old French film.

• Pros: Stunning views, artistic heritage, postcard-worthy streets.
• Cons: Prepare to walk uphill (a lot), plus it’s super popular with tourists.
• Best for: Romantics, art lovers, and anyone seeking a picturesque break from modern city life.

Belleville

Belleville doesn’t always make the top tourist lists, but if you love street art, diverse cuisines, and a slightly edgy feel, it’s worth a look. Think of it as Paris’s not-so-polished gem.

• Pros: Affordable, multicultural dining scene, intriguing street art.
• Cons: Some areas can be gritty, less centrally located.
• Best for: Adventurous backpackers, creative types, or anyone who wants to dodge the classic tourist path.

The Best (and Worst) Areas to Stay in Paris

Here’s a rapid-fire take on which spots might fit you like a glove—and which could leave you feeling slightly out of place.

• For the Party Lover: Bastille’s got enough bars and clubs to keep you dancing till dawn. The vibe is energetic, if not a tad chaotic on weekends. Just don’t blame me if you miss your morning alarm.
• For the History Buff: The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés practically drip with stories of intellectuals and revolutionaries. You might end up feeling like you’re in a living history book—complete with quiet bookstores and centuries-old architecture.
• For the Budget Traveler: Belleville or the 19th arrondissement often cost less and see fewer tourists. Be prepared for a more local experience: fewer shiny monuments, more authentic markets, and the occasional graffiti masterpiece.
• Areas to Be Cautious: The neighborhoods surrounding major train stations (like Gare du Nord) can feel dodgy late at night. I’m not saying avoid them entirely, but keep your wits about you and your phone tucked away.

Safest Area to Stay in Paris as a Solo Traveler

When I need that cozy sense of security, I gravitate toward Saint-Germain-des-Prés or the Latin Quarter.

They’re busy enough at almost all hours, have decent lighting, and plenty of places to duck into if you need directions or a late-night pastry (a legitimate necessity, in my opinion).

Le Marais also ranks up there on the safe-meter—there’s something comforting about its chic, bustling streets.

Simple tips: keep your valuables zipped up, try not to act like a lost puppy, and practice a confident stroll. Paris might be a big city, but it rarely bites if you show a little street smarts.

11 Hidden Gemz in Paris (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Tips for Booking Social Hostels in Paris without Overpaying

Trust me, if you’re a solo traveler, hostels can be a magical realm of new friends, spontaneous outings, and great spontaneous conversations in the common area.

Look for places advertising large communal spaces or group activities; free walking tours are a fast track to bonding with fellow explorers.

For an easy price comparison, check out hostelz—it scans Booking.com and Hostelworld so you don’t have to.

Plus, you can sort for women-only rooms, top-rated solo stays, or even raucous party hostels if that’s your scene. It’s like having your own personal search engine that actually gets you—and that is a rare and wondrous thing.

Backpacking Paris? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

Must-Read

How to Pick a Hostel in Paris

What to Expect (and what not!)

Backpacking Paris

All those cool and unique experiences we are looking for!

I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Paris

My experience and what you can expect

Solo Travel Paris

My experience and what you can expect

Where to stay in Paris for First Time

My experience and what you can expect

About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab

A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.