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!
Vertigo Vieux-Port – Best Overall Hostel in Marseille
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.
The People Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Marseille
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.
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View on Osprey View on REIPension Edelweiss – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Marseille
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.
Hello Marseille Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Marseille
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
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
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
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
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
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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Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Marseille Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
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.
How much does a hostel cost in Marseille?
On average, you can get a Dorm bed for $26 and a Private room starts at $35.
What are the best hostels in Marseille for couples?
A great location and the rooftop with a breathtaking view of the harbor make Hotel Hermes an ideal hostel for couples in Marseille.
What is the best hostel in Marseille near the airport?
The city center is quite far from the airport, so it is better to find the best place in a great location. I highly recommend Meninger Marseille Centre la Joliette, just 23 minutes by car from Marseille Provence Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Marseille
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
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!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in France for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Marseille before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for France to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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!
