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Rome Toolkit Cheap hostels in Paris for backpackers
Budget youth hostels and rooms in Montmartre and Gare du Nord
Cheap Paris hostels of the backpacker type are plentiful in Paris. You won't find any that are cheap near places like the Louvre or Notre Dame in the centre of Paris though. To keep prices down the hostels are found in the inner suburbs.
Many of the cheap hostels in Paris are clustered around the foot of Montmartre Hill, a landmark to the north of Paris city centre with the Sacre-Coeur perched up on top of the hill, a major Paris tourist attraction.
Another cluster are found nearby around the Gare du Nord railway station, the terminus for trains to the UK, Belgium and Netherlands.
What to expect from budget hostels in Paris?
Districts
In the Gare du Nord area costs are relatively low. There is a thriving working class community and with the continual stream of tourists to the area there is a good mix of local markets, restaurants and shops for basic commodities to suit the budget traveller.
The Montmartre district is a strange mix where the environment changes quickly. On the hill itself it feels quite exclusive with a village feel and little commercial activity. At the foot of the hill it's a hectic, crowded scene.
In places like around the famous Moulin Rouge theatre it can get quite seedy, while just along the road it may give a feeling of Parisian authenticity with old fashioned shops like the butchers. Then perhaps a further few hundred metres and the area has a high density of immigrants with thrift stores abounding.
Facilities
All the hostels here are broadly aimed at the 18-35 backpacker market with no curfews at night like some youth movement hostels.
Most hostels have female only dormitories available and most offer free breakfasts which may vary from a traditional French light breakfast of rolls and coffee to a buffet.
Many will offer free Wi-Fi or other internet access. Most hostels also offer private rooms with en suite facilities in addition to the shared dormitories.
Our selection of backpacker hostels in Paris:
Le Montclair Montmartre by Hiphophostels
With easy access into Paris, just a 2-min walk to Jules Joffrin Metro, this hostel with games room, bar and evening entertainment is also just a 9-min walk to Montmartre. A Parisian breakfast with croissants and baguettes is served each morning, for a supplement. There are several restaurants and grocery stores around the hostel. There are mixed dorms with shared bathrooms with shower and also rooms with private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi.
Rooms: 3/4/6/8 Bed Mixed Dorms, 4 Bed Female dorms. Double & Quad Private Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Jules Joffrin 150m (Line 12)
The Loft Boutique Hostel
With friendly staff, outdoor terrace serving drinks, happy hour and movie nights, this hostel located just a 6-min walk from Belleville Metro has a lot to offer. There's a shared lounge, shared kitchen and bar, an affordable breakfast and a library. Some of the guest rooms also have a balcony. Vending machine, 24-hr front desk, tickets service, free Wi-Fi, board games and snack bar.
Rooms: 4/5/6/8 Bed Mixed Dorms, 4 Bed Female dorms. Double & Quad Private Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Belleville 550m (Line 2, 11)
St Christopher's Inn Paris - Canal
Relax on the terrace at this award-winning hostel, overlooking the famous Canal Saint Martin. Located on Paris Bassin de la Villette, with easy access into Paris, just a 5-min walk from Crime Metro. Enjoy great discounted food at Belushi's bar and restaurant. From mid-June to mid-September there are activities such as water sports and cruises in the local area. Communal lounge, free Wi-Fi and affordable breakfast.
Rooms: 6/8/10 Bed Mixed Dorms, 6/8/10 Bed Female dorms. Private Rooms For 2,4,6 & 8
Location/ Nearest Metro: Crimee 400m (Line 7)
Young and Happy Latin Quarter by Hiphophostels
A best-selling hostel, in a great location, on the Left Bank, just an 8-min walk to the Natural History Museum, 8-min to Pantheon and 16-min to Notre-Dame. A good breakfast with pastries, coffee and fruit juice is available for a supplement. Dormitory rooms feature a desk and city views as well as shared bathroom. Live sports are broadcast at the bar, and there's movie nights and pub crawls. Shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, tickets service, 24-hr front desk, airport shuttle and vending machine.
Rooms: 2/3/6/8/10 Bed Mixed Dorms, 5 Bed Female dorms.
Location/ Nearest Metro: Place Monge 300m (Line 7)
Generator Paris
This best-selling, designer hostel with fantastic terrace and views of Paris, is just a 5-min walk from Canal St Martin, with many bars, restaurants and vintage shops. Relax in the African inspired lounge area with games room, listen to DJs music while having a drink from the bar, and enjoy locally inspired dishes at the on-site Café Fabien. Some private rooms have their own private terrace. Free Wi-Fi, evening entertainment, walking tours, 24-hr front desk and vending machine.
Rooms: 4/ 6/ 8/ 10 Bed Mixed Dorms, 8 Bed Female dorms. Double, Quad Private Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Colonel Fabien 100m (Line 2)
St Christopher's Inn Paris - Gare du Nord
With relaxing terrace and city views, just a 5-min walk to Gare du Nord train station, this friendly hostel has a choice of 2 bars, a chill-out room with a football table and an internet cafe. Enjoy a continental breakfast for a small supplement, and also a discount at Belushi's bar/restaurant. Walking tours, evening entertainment and nightclub are all available to make you make the most of your time here. 24-hr front desk, free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, lockers, vending machine, and parking.
Rooms: 4/6/8/10 Bed Mixed Dorms, 4/6/8 Bed Female dorms. Double & Quad Private
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gare Du Nord 400m (Line 4, 5, 7) & RER Line B, D
Vintage Paris Gare du Nord by Hiphophostels
With free fitness centre on-site, this air-conditioned hostel is just a 7-min walk from Gare du Nord train station. Guests rooms have private bathrooms while dormitories have access to a shared bathroom. There is a communal kitchen equipped with a microwave, fridge and kettle. A continental breakfast with croissants and hot drinks is served every morning in the lounge, with TV, 2 computers, and table football. 24-hr reception, free Wi-Fi. Bar and board games.
Rooms: 4/10 Bed Mixed Dorms, 4 Bed Female dorms. Single & Quad Private Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gare du Nord 500m (Line 4, 5, 7) & RER Line B, D
Le Regent Montmartre by Hiphophostels
A colourful well decorated hostel, located in the heart of the Montmartre district next to Anvers Metro Station and just a 8-min walk to the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Private rooms can be with or without private bathroom depending on rate. Shared dormitories have private bathroom facilities within the dormitory. There is a communal kitchen and a game room with football table. Free Wi-Fi in all areas. Continental breakfast for a supplement.
Rooms: 4/6/10 Bed Mixed Dorms, 4 Bed Female dorms. Double/Twin Private Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Anvers 50m (Line 2)
Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels
With an attractive terrace, this hotel has a great atmosphere; On The Road Pub is open every evening until late with live music, DJs and painting and picture exhibits. Just a 10-min walk from Sacre-Coeur Basilica and the Montmartre district. The 24-hr front desk offers guide books, maps and tourist information to help you around Paris. Breakfast is served daily in the dining room. Fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
Rooms: 4/8/10 Bed Mixed Dorms, 4 Bed Female dorms. Single, Double & Quad Private
Location/ Nearest Metro: Anvers 200m (Line 2)
Smart Place Gare du Nord by Hiphophostels
Located just a 2-min walk from Gare du Nord, this popular hostel offers a shared 24-hr kitchen and a 24-hr front desk, as well as bar and evening entertainment. Helpful staff will organise trips and activities. Choose between rooms with private bathroom or dormitory accommodation with shared bathroom. Some rooms have a flat-screen TV and a safe. An affordable breakfast is available. Free Wi-Fi and 24-hr front desk.
Rooms: 4/6/10 Bed Mixed Dorms, 4 Bed Female dorms. Double & Quad Private Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gare Du Nord 100m (Line 4, 5, 7) & RER Line B, D
Other budget hotel alternatives in Paris
Other budget hotel chains in Paris
