Multicultural Marseille is France’s second city, the capital of the south, but it’s a world away from Paris. 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, boutiques, and new developments dot this place, which is 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. The hostel life in Marseille is not pumping to be completely honest but the few hostels that are around do it for the love. There’s a really friendly vibe at my top three best hostels in Marseille and I’ve given you the full rundown on each of them.
The eternal backpacker search! Worry not amigo, I’ve got you covered. Thanks to my handy list of the best hostels in Marseille, you can choose the place that sounds most right to you. What areas are cool and lively? What places are nice for a more chilled-out stay?
It’s all here for you so pour up some pastis and settle in.
Let’s have a look and see what Marseille’s got to offer you, eh?
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Marseille
- Best Overall Hostel in Marseille – Vertigo Vieux-Port
- Best Hostel in Marseille for Solo Travelers – The People Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Marseille – Auberge de Jeunesse HI Marselle Bois-Luzy
The 3 Best Hostels in Marseille
There aren’t many hostel options in Marseille but here are the creme de la creme! I’ve got more budget stay options below to help you on your search for budget friendly accommodation options as you backpack through France.
1. Vertigo Vieux-Port – Best Overall Hostel in Marseille
- Dorm (mixed): From $43
- Private Room: From $108
- Address: 75 rue Sainte, Marseille, France
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 (a 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, this is the best overall hostel in Marseille.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Metro within walking distance
- Free wifi
- Private Bathroom Option
The dorms here sleep between four and 16 people and there are twin private rooms too, a right variety of rooms to choose from! Linen is included (except towels) in the rooms and they each have air conditioning plus the option of a private bathroom ensuite. There are security lockers if you need to stash your shit and there’s even laundry facilities if you need to refresh and reset your luggage.
There’s 24 hour reception, staffed with a friendly polyglot team who are happy to answer any questions you may have and even store your luggage. There is a bar attached, so if you need a quick bite they’re equipped, as well as there being cafes and a supermarket nearby. You’re placed in a fabulous location to visit Notre Dame de la Garde and the port staying in this hostel in southern France.
2. The People Hostel – Best Hostel in Marseille for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $47
- Private Room: From $229
- Address: 12 rue Jean Trinquet, Marseille, France
You’re looking at a brand new hostel in Marseille; that’s probably why it’s so cheap (2021 brand new)! 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 fun things to do and both the Vieux Port and Panier districts. It’s cheap, it’s well-located, and it’s well-facilitated. Plus it’s new, so the beds don’t creak (yet)!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Friendly Staff
- Clean Facilities
- Brand New Hostel
The staff are friendly and helpful and love their city and want you to enjoy it so make the most of them and ask for tips. The main train station is just around the corner so it’s easy to get to, especially if you don’t have much time in Marseille. Being in the city centre, there’s lots within walking distance, but I recommend travelling out to hike around Calamque d’en vau if you have time!
Budget backpackers (solo or not) will appreciate the value for money this hostel delivers. From 24 hour reception and security making you feel safe in a big bad city like Marseilles to the air con to keep you cool. This place is hot property and there’s a big common area to hang out in and meet fellow travellers if you want some buddies.
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View on Osprey View on REI3. Auberge de Jeunesse HI Marselle Bois-Luzy – Best Cheap Hostel in Marseille
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $26
- Private Room: From $49
- Address: 58 Allée des Primevères, Château de Bois Luzy, Marseille, France
Auberge de jeunesse is the creme de la creme of cheap hostels pour moi! It’s the cheapest of the few hostels Marseille has and is also in a great location where everything’s within walking distance. If you want to travel further afield, or to the city centre, the nearest bus stop is 200m away – ça marche!
So, oui, it’s practical, but then there’s the sweetest touches that make you feel like you’re living in the luxury of Marseille hotels… Fresh, free breakfast with homemade honey and organic eggs from the chooks on the land… Sign me up, this place is a budget travellers dream!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Self Catering Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
- Hot Showers
This is a cute, country-style boutique hostel where you can enjoy eating outdoors on the picnic tables, with the grass between your toes. So make yourself a nourishing meal, save that cash, and feel like you’re living in the 19th century.
If you’re concerned about security, the property is fully fenced and you’re out of the touristic hotspots. The bathrooms are communal though – just something to be aware of, especially if you’re a solo female traveller. And if you’re not a solo female traveller – here’s looking at the dudes – be respectful of the ladies whose paths you cross.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Marseille Budget Stays
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 and let’s be honest, I’ve exhausted the hostels in my top three but there are plenty more places to stay in Marseille. So, I’ve had a look over the best budget accommodation and Marseille hotels to give you some extra choices in this cool French city.
Pension Edelweiss
- Private Room: From $125
- Address: 6, Rue Lafayette, Marseille, France
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 my 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.
Toyoko Inn Marseille
- Private Room: From $76
- Address: 25 Avenue du General Leclerc, Belle de Mai – Saint-Lazare, 13003 Marseille, France
This Japanese chain of hotels has found its way to Marseille and this one is pretty much a solid place to stay. This budget hotel in Marseille is clean, and 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.
Pitchounette and Olives
- Private Room: From $71
- Address: 11 Bvd Tellene, Marseille, France
Pitchounette and Olives is the sweetest homestay you’ll find in Marseille, the hosts are absolutely wonderful. Eager to share their home, they’ll serve you a wonderful breakfast and coffee in the morning and give you any tips you want on Marseille. True locals who love their city, Cati and her husband are super accommodating and speak great English too.
This homestay is in a really great location for walking around Marseille and seeing the sights or there’s a bus stop nearby too. When you’re at home, enjoy the oasis of calm that is in the garden and maybe even use the kitchen to make a picnic. Cati’s place is eclectic and clean and she has heaps of stories to share.
Hotel Azur
- Private Room: From $110
- Address: 24 cours Franklin Roosevelt, Marseille, France
Marseille hotels are chic, to say the least, and Hotel Azur is no exception. A family-run hotel that’s been award-winning for three generations, this hotel has exceptional service in a great location. This boutique hostel is on a quiet street just a five-minute walk from St Charles Station and even closer to the Old Port and Canebire.
All rooms have a private bathroom ensuite and sleep up to four – a great option if you’re travelling with a crew. Sharing a room with the homies is a great way to bring down the average price of your accommodation.
A Sweet Room in Delphine’s Home
- Private Room: From $51
- Address: Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
Stay with Delphine, this private stay is as cheap as Marseilles hostels and a great alternative option. The main city centre and Cours Julien and La Plaine are within easy walking distance. Delphine is friendly, responsive and accommodating, the perfect host!
You can use the kitchen if you want to save money and cater for yourself and there’s a supermarket around the corner. There are also fabulous restaurants nearby if you want to try the local cuisine. Marseille is notorious for Bouillabaisse and seafood in general – highly recommend getting around it!
The Blue Home of Massilia
- Private Room: From $153 (2-night stay)
- Address: Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
Stay at Fred’s apartment near the Old Port in this private apartment in Marseille. This studio is on the top floor and catches UNBELIEVABLE afternoon light so if you’re in Marseille for the ‘gram, this is the spot to be. You’ll be sleeping gon a real mattress on the sofa which folds out to a bed.
There’s everything you need for a comfortable stay in this studio, laundry facilities, a fully equipped kitchen and even a TV and free wifi. There’s linen supplied, including towels and bathroom supplements like shower gel and a hair drier are provided too. The best bit? The area feels really safe so you can wander around comfortably.
Hello Marseille Hostel
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 to 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. All in all a nice place to stay with your lover in Marseille.
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, I 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 my favourite saviour of all to look forward to in the mornings: a FREE BUFFET BREAKFAST. So there.
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 getting around, what to do and where to eat in the city.
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-minute walk away. So, yeah, the location is pretty damn good, check out Notre Dame de la Garde. This is probably the best budget hostel for couples in Marseille – it’s just so cute and convenient!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Marseille
Everyone needs good hostel insurance – even somewhere like Marseille – get yours and stay stress-free!
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Marseille
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Marseille.
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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Marseille?
The average price of a Dorm bed is about $35 and a private spot starts at about $45. Marseille hostels aren’t prolific but there are plenty of accommodation options.
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. The perfect place to base yourself to stroll the streets holding hands with your boo.
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.
Final Thoughts on Marseille’s Hostels
Et Voila! By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Marseille has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure. From the auberge de jeunesse (youth hostel) to Marseille hotels, that’s the best round-up of budget accommodation in Marseille you’ll find.
The average price of a stay in Marseille isn’t petit, but also much cheaper than staying somewhere like St Tropez, so pick your battles. The city centre is a hub of typical French activity in this ancient city and everything’s just a short walk from most Marseille hostels. This makes the average price easier to stomach in my opinion and you’re in the south of France!
Lap up the luxury. On that note, you might be a bit on the fence about where to stay… Vertigo Vieux-Port is my all-time favourite for a reason. It’s not a brand new hostel, there are a few stories in the walls and it’s in a pretty great location.
As I said, the pickings are slim, Marseille hostels are wonderful but not plentiful. If you’re travelling with a crew and can split the cost of a private room, Hotel Hermes is lush and right on the vieux-port.
Wherever you stay in Marseille, I hope you enjoy your time, people either love or hate this city – it has a certain underground appeal. Which isn’t for everyone eh?
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- 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.
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