Multicultural Marseille is France’s second city, but it’s literally a world away from Paris. Without the glitz and glamour of St Tropez, this historic city on the French Riviera is centred around the Vieux-Port (old port), where boats and yachts sway in the sea breeze.
Museums and boutiques, as well as new developments, dot this place – which is actually France’s oldest city, settled by Greek traders 2,600 years ago. Now that’s some history!
But with any big city, it’s hard to know where exactly you should be staying. What areas are cool and lively? What places are nice for a more chilled out stay?
We’ve got you covered. Thanks to our handy list of the best hostels in Marseille, we’ve managed to make life easier for you by putting ’em into handy categories so you can choose the place that sounds most right to you. (Plus a few budget hotels thrown in, too).
Let’s have a look and see what Marseille’s got to offer you, eh?
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Marseille
- Best Overall Hostel in Marseille – Vertigo Vieux-Port
- Best Cheap Hostel in Marseille – The People Hostel
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Marseille – Pension Edelweiss
Best Hostels in Marseille
Choosing where to stay in Marseille? These top hostel picks will help!
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Best Overall Hostel in Marseille – Vertigo Vieux-Port
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Luggage Storage
- Cable TV
Newly renovated, set in a safe location in the centre of Marseille – just up the hill from the old port – from this top hostel in Marseille you can walk to some pretty cool parts of the city quite easily. It’s set in a big old house with wooden beams, complete with super comfy rooms and big windows.
You can get a free breakfast here (big bonus), plus there’s a well equipped communal kitchen to keep costs down. The whole place has been personally designed by local artists, so there’s a lot of charm at this place. Combined with a cosy atmosphere, and here’s the best overall hostel in Marseille.
Best Cheap Hostel in Marseille – The People Hostel
- $
- No Curfew
- Free Breakfast
- Cafe
You’re looking at a brand spanking new hostel in Marseille; that’s probably why it’s so cheap! It’s a good price for accommodation in Marseille, France, and, hell, even Western Europe. Being such a new opening, the hostel still – admittedly – lacks the backpacker flair, but that’s why it’s good to stay there!
This Marseille hostel is only a few minutes away from the main train station and both the Vieux Port and Panier district. It’s cheap, it’s well-located, and it’s well-facilitated. Plus it’s new, so the beds don’t creak yet!
…Probably.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether.
Want more deetz on why it’s so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Hostel with a Private Room in Marseille – Pension Edelweiss
- $$$
- Cable TV
- Free Breakfast
- Heritage Building
In the middle of the city, next to the old port, is this recommended hostel in Marseille. There are five private bedrooms on offer here, all designed and decorated in a kitschy, unique sorta style. Think French windows (duh), high ceiling, parquet floors.
So that’s why it’s our choice for the best hostel with a private room in Marseille. It’s like, well, feels like you’re staying in the past whilst actually settling into a boho kinda hostel atmosphere. Great for anybody looking for something a bit different.
Best Hostel for Couples in Marseille – Hello Marseille Hostel
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Bicycle Hire
- Board Games
Hello Marseille is a not-for-profit hostel and feels like a nice place to stay. But it’s also the best hostel for couples in Marseille because of some of the upmarket decor: marble floors, elegant (yep) fireplaces and high ceilings.
Other than feeling mildly classy, the breakfast is free, and there’s a balcony where you can look out into the street and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s run by volunteers so it’s pretty laid-back and there’s a ‘free box’ where you can leave unwanted items for future travellers. Nice.
Hello Marseille Hostel is one of our favourites in Marseille but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Budget Hotels in Marseille
Sometimes you really just DON’T feel like staying in a dorm. Maybe you don’t really like ’em, maybe you’ve just stayed in one too many. Maybe you’re travelling in a couple. Maybe… Well, you get the idea. So we’ve had a look over the best budget hotels in Marseille to give you some extra, more private choices in this cool French city.
Ibis Budget Marseille
- $
- Air Con
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Free Parking
Everyone knows Ibis and you basically know what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to this chain of affordable city hotels. This budget hotel in Marseille is located a little bit further out of the city, but the rooms are cheaper and you’re still close to a load of restos (French innit), bars and shops.
Even though it is a chain, the staff are surprisingly friendly and will tell you all sorts of useful info about Marseille. Unfortunately, you have to PAY for breakfast – terrible, we know – but it’s tasty and dang good value for money.
B&B Hotel Marseille La Valentine
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Pets Allowed
- Free Parking
Rooms at this budget hotel in Marseille are really tastefully decorated. Sure, it’s pretty much your standard budget hotel, so it’s good for a short stay. Close to the highway, it’s actually a decent place to bed down for a night or two if you’re on a French road trip.
Despite that there’s actually a load of restaurants close to the hotel, meaning you don’t have to trek into central every time you get hungry. But there’s also our favourite saviour of all to look forward to in the mornings: a FREE BUFFET BREAKFAST. So there.
Toyoko Inn Marseille
- $$
- Garden
- Daily Maid Service
- Coffee Machine
This Japanese chain of hotels has found their way to Marseille and this one is pretty much a solid place to stay. This budget hotel in Marseille is clean, affordable, and the staff are helpful. Lacks hostel vibes, obviously, but it’s a quiet, calm, comfy place to sleep.
Rooms at this branch of Toyoko Inn have air con, come with their own bathroom, have a lil’ fridge, and a TV. Breakfast is included (YES) at this Marseille hotel and as for the location? Right next to the train station, which is super useful.
Appartements Rue Pisancon
- $$
- Private Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Coffee Machine
This one is pretty cool because it’s an apartment. Yep, that’s right: this budget hotel in Marseille is actually a set of apartments complete with their own TVs, kitchens, lounges and bathrooms, meaning you’ll feel like you’re actually part of the city. Which is cool.
Literally in the middle of town, this cool hotel in Marseille is set in a nice old building that’s been renovated. The owners will help you out with stuff, like recommendations of what to do (and more importantly, where to eat) in the city and how to get around.
Appartements Rue Pisancon is one of our favourites in Marseille but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Maisons de Marseille
- $$
- Garden
- Soundproofing
- Private Bathroom
This is such a cute little typically French place to stay. If you’re a fan of that sorta thing then you’ll definitely love checking into this budget hotel in Marseille, that’s for sure. Choose to stay in a guest room OR a self-catering apartment that’s got its own kitchen and stuff.
Round the area, there are a load of restaurants to enjoy, and the beach is just a 15 min walk away. So, yeah, the location is pretty damn good. Travelling with a partner? This is probably the best budget hostel for couples in Marseille. It’s just so cute and convenient!
Maisons de Marseille is one of our favourites in Marseille but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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What to Pack for your Marseille Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Marseille
So those were the best hostels in Marseille. Now you know!
Surprisingly there are a couple of volunteer-based places, which always makes for a more relaxed hostel atmosphere.
Plus those budget hotels on our handy list… they’re a good mix of CLASSIC budget hotels, self catering apartments and more quirky typically French places that will make your trip (especially if you’re in a couple).
But if you can’t choose between any of the places on our list of the best hostels in Marseille…?
No sweat. We’d say book a bed at the best overall hostel in town, Vertigo Vieux-Port.
See you on the terrace for a cafe au lait!
FAQ about Hostels in Marseille
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Marseille.
Travel Safety Tips for Marseille
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More Epic Hostels in France and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Marseille.
Planning an epic trip all across France or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Marseille has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
