One of the gems on the French Riviera, Nice France is high on the list for all travelers and is a premier destination in France.
But there are only a few hostels and budget hotels in Nice, which is exactly why we wrote this guide to the best hostels in Nice, France.
Due to few hostels and high backpacker volume, if you want to book a hostel in Nice, we highly recommend you book in advance to take advantage of the low hostel prices.
Written by travelers, for travelers, this guide will show you the best hostel options in Nice, so you can confidently book a hostel, and travel Nice like a boss!
By booking a hostel in advance in Nice, you’ll guarantee yourself to save some money, as well as meet fellow like-minded travelers!
So read our guide, find which of the best hostels in Nice is best for you, and book it!
Then you can worry about what matters – exploring Nice and it’s beautiful beaches and culture!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Nice, France
- Overall Best Hostel in Nice – Villa Saint Exupery Beach
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Nice – Antares Hostel
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Nice – Hostel Ozz by HappyCulture
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What to Expect from Hostels in Nice?
Hostels are generally known to be one of the cheapest forms of accommodation on the market. That doesn’t just go for Nice, but pretty much every place in the world. However, that’s not the only good reason for staying at a hostel. The unique vibe and social aspect is what makes hostels TRULY special. Head down to the common room, make new friends, share travel stories and tips, or just have a great time with like-minded travellers from all over the world – you won’t get that opportunity in any other accommodation.
Now, we’re not going to lie, the hostel scene in Nice is rather disappointing. There are a few really cool options, but we’d love to see even more. However, the ones that you can choose from offer some real bang for your buck. Most are located between the city centre and the beach, making it the ideal location to explore the city and the surrounding area.
One thing that all hostels in Nice are known for is the kind and helpful staff. If you’re in need of travel tips or simply have a question, don’t hesitate to reach out to them – they’ll be providing you with great tips and helpful local knowledge.
But let’s talk more about the important stuff – money and rooms! Nice’s hostels normally have three options: dorms, pods and private rooms (although pods are rare). Some hostels even offer large private rooms for a group of friends. The general rule here is: the more beds in a room, the cheaper the price. Obviously, you won’t have to pay as much for an 8-bed dorm as you would for a single bed private bedroom. To give you a rough overview of Nice’s prices, we’ve listed the average numbers below:
- Dorm room (mixed or female-only): $41-47 USD/night
- Private room: $82-112 USD/night
When looking for hostels, you’ll find the best options on HOSTELWORLD. This platform offers you a super safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs easily and find the perfect place for you.
Nice isn’t the biggest city, but it still pays off to do a bit of neighbourhood research before you start your travels. To help you out, we’ve listed our favorite areas below:
- Old Town – A dense labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, charming shops, quaint cafes and historic landmarks.
- Jean-Médecin – Home to grand avenues and tree-lined streets, this downtown neighbourhood is renowned for its high-end boutique and street shops as well as it’s world-class museums, top-notch restaurants, and cute cafes.
- Le Port – More than just a fun destination for the cool boat crowd, Le Port is a great place for everything, from an afternoon stroll to a night on the town.
Now that you know what to expect from hostels in Nice, let’s have a look at the best options…
The 5 Best Hostels in Nice
We’ve done tons of research to bring you the very best hostels to stay in in Nice.
Not only that; we’ve split them into different categories, making it easy to see at a glance which one would be the best fit for you and your travelling style. Whether you’re looking for the best hostel for couples in Nice for a romantic French vacation, the best Nice hostel for digital nomads to get your head down and focus on work, or the best Nice hostel for solo travelers, you’ll find them all here.
1. Overall Best Hostel in Nice – Villa Saint Exupery Beach
- $$
- Bar-Café
- Fitness Centre
- Laundry Facilities
Villa Saint Exupery Beach is our winner for the overall best hostel in Nice in 2021. It has a pumping bar with happy hours and parties each evening, and there are regular diverse events, including yoga classes and bar crawls on nice weekends. The gym is open around the clock and you can sweat it out in the sauna any time you like too.
Take a free walking tour of Nice, play ping pong, get tasty food from the café, use free computers and Wi-Fi, and get your laundry done. There are various dorms and private rooms and this top hostel in Nice is within easy reach of the old town and the beach.
Why you’ll love it here:
- Free Sauna
- Super affordable breakfast
- Daily activities
Alright, let’s have a look at the room details of this epic hostel. For the peeps that love their privacy, the hostel offers some cool private rooms. To be honest, they look pretty much like you’d expect a decent hotel room to look like – you get a double bed and an en-suite bathroom, a window with nice views and a locker. It’s ideal for couples or two travel buddies that want to keep the costs low.
Broke backpackers will absolutely love the comfy dorms. You can opt between a bunk or simple twin beds. Each one comes with its own reading lamp and a power socket so you can keep your electronics charged!
The social area is rather small but totally decent! That’s also where you can enjoy a cheap breakfast buffet in the morning with your fellow travel friends.
All in all, Villa Saint Exupery Beach is an epic hostel choice in Nice that’ll give plenty of bang for your buck while also putting you in the heart of the city’s action.
2. Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Nice – Antares Hostel
- $$
- 24-Hour Security
- Luggage Storage
- Key Card Access
Situated close to the main train station and within walking distance of the beach, Antares Hostel is a great base to explore Nice from. The sociable vibe also makes it our pick for the best hostel for solo travellers in Nice. There are mixed and female-only dorms in various sizes as well as private rooms.
There are regular parties in the summer months and you can meet other travellers in the leafy courtyard, kitchen, and dining area. All guests have a locker and Wi-Fi is free at this recommended hostel in Nice.
Why you’ll love it here:
- Super social atmosphere
- Epic location
- Cute courtyard
You’ll be happy to hear that all bedrooms are equipped with a strong AC, perfect for those hot summer nights. Insider tip: after spending all day in the sun, come back to your hostel, take a shower and then go for a nap – those are some real deep sleep naps that’ll give your body plenty of time to recover for the next day!
If you need to get some work done on your laptop, there are a few workspaces and even some computers available as well. Thanks to the high-speed Wifi, you’ll have no problems connecting with your friends and family back at home or checking in on your social media.
We’re not going to lie, it’s not the most modern or stylish place, but it really does the job, especially for solo travellers. Located right between the heart of the action and the beach, it’s the ideal spot to meet new people but still have some time to yourself to rewind!
3. Best Hostel with a Private room in Nice – Hostel Ozz by HappyCulture
- $$$
- Café-Bar
- 24-Hour Reception
- Luggage Storage
With a music theme, arty vibe, happy staff, and terrific facilities, Hostel Ozz by HappyCulture is the coolest hostel in Nice. There are mixed and female-only dorms and all beds have privacy curtains, a locker, a light, and a power socket for a comfortable rest.
Private rooms are also available if you and your buddies don’t fancy sharing with others. The onsite café-bar is a top spot to mingle and you can order breakfast to enjoy on the patio.
Why you’ll love it here:
- Cute outdoor patio
- Towel Rental
- Vending Machine with travel essentials
Now this place also deserves the title for most-stylish hostel in Nice. It’s got a super fancy-funky art design that makes you feel welcome as soon as you step through the door.
Each bed comes with linen and if you book into one of the charming private rooms, you’ll even get a towel for free. For all others, they can opt to rent a towel at the reception. Lockers are available as well, and if you’re in need of a padlock, the reception can hook you up with one too.
To start the day right, make sure you book the cheap breakfast the night before. It’s only 5 Euros but it’ll fill you up and keep you energized during the first hours of the day. If you have a lot of exploring planned, this can be a life(and wallet)-safer!
4. Best Cheap Hostel in Nice – Hostel Pastoral
- $
- Café
- Laundry Facilities
- Tour Desk
In a handy location close to the main train station and within walking distance of the beach and old town, Hostel Pastoral is the best cheap hostel in Nice.
It’s not only the pocket-friendly prices that make this a top Nice backpackers hostel, though; there’s a well-equipped kitchen, modern bathrooms, and a sunny terrace. With private singles and doubles and mixed dorms, everyone can sleep for cheap and in comfort here.
Why you’ll love it here:
- Most central location
- Lovely outdoor area
- Fridge in every room
Hostel Pastoral might not win the prize for the most stylish hostel in ice, but for the nightly price, you really do get a lot of bang for your buck. If you’re into cooking, you’ll be happy to hear that you can store all your goodies in your own fridge – each room has one! This comes in very handy if you want to keep your snacks and treat safe from potential hostel thieves!
The terrace is perfect for some socializing, soaking up the sun or simply enjoying a drink or two after a long day of exploring Nice. Thanks to the strong Wifi, you can post epic Instagram stories all day and keep your friends updated on your travels.
If you’re wondering what to do in Nice, simply head to the reception and ask the staff for a few recommendations on what to do and see in the city. They’re known to have the best insider information and can show you some real hidden gems!
5. Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Nice – Hostel Baccarat
- $$
- BBQ
- Pool Table
- Tour Desk
Hostel Baccarat has a calm chill-out room with several free-to-use computers, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of areas where you can bury yourself in work if needed. It’s our pick for the best hostel for digital nomads in Nice.
It can’t be all about work, though, which is why you’re sure to love relaxing in the sunny courtyard and cooking your favourite meals in the well-equipped kitchen. How about a game of pool to re-energise? There are dorms and private rooms, a tour desk, lockers, and cable TV.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great staff and hospitality
- Weekly parties
- Homely design
If you’re a “work during the day to have the evening off” digital nomad, you’ll love Hostel Baccarat. They host some epic parties during the weekends and occasionally on other days as well. Grab a few drinks with your friends and get the night going. Just keep in mind that there is a curfew from 3am to 6am!
If you’re getting bored of Nice, you can easily plan a day trip to nearby cities such as Cannes and Monaco. Smaller villages with a great deal of history and architecture such as Villefranche sur Mer, Beaulieu or Saint Jean Cap Ferrat are easily reached as well. Reach out to the helpful staff and they’ll be happy to help you plan an epic trip. They might even be able to arrange transport to get around.
Hostel Baccarat is one of our favourites in Nice 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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View on Osprey View on REIMore Epic Hostels in Nice
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, we’ve listed more epic hostels in Nice below.
Best Hostel for Couples in Nice – Hostel Meyerbeer Beach
- $$$
- Café
- Bike Hire
- Tour Desk
The award-winning Hostel Meyerbeer Beach is located close to Nice’s sunny sands, and the free use of beach mats and towels make it a hit with beach-loving travellers. The cosy en-suite double rooms make it our winner when it comes to the best hostel for couples in Nice. Whip up a storm together in the shared kitchen, send hunger packing in the café, chill out in the TV room, or grab a guidebook and rent a bike to explore Nice. CCTV and lockers keep things secure while housekeeping services make sure everywhere is clean and tidy.
Best Party Hostel in Nice – Open House Hostel
- $$
- Key Card Access
- Luggage Storage
- Book Exchange
Open House Hostel is the best party hostel in Nice, with regular pub crawls, dinner nights, and beach parties, not to mention the excellent location close to some of the hottest nightlife in Nice and the beautiful sandy beaches. The friendly staff members are always down to direct you to the best places for drinks, fun, and food, and they even join you for a few scoops. Other plus points at this awesome youth hostel in Nice include free Wi-Fi, lockers, luggage storage, and a kitchen.
Another Cheap Hostel in Nice – Backpacker’s Hostel Chez Patrick
- $
- Café
- Tour Desk
- Laundry Facilities
The peaceful Backpacker’s Hostel Chez Patrick is a great youth hostel in Nice for getting in some quality shuteye ready to explore the city and hit the beach. Dorms are small, with four or six beds. Sand in your clothes? Toss them in the washing machine. Lockers and key card entry keep things safe and secure. Wi-Fi is free at this top hostel in Nice and you’re just a short stroll from the train station and heaps of great restaurants and cafes.
Backpacker’s Hostel Chez Patrick is one of our favourites in Nice 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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Best Budget Hotels in Nice
While there may only be a few hostels in Nice, there are also plenty of great Nice hotels to suit every budget. Here are three of the best budget hotels in Nice, France.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Nice – Hotel Paganini
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Satellite TV
- Housekeeping
A chic and elegant hotel in the heart of Nice, Hotel Paganini has stylish single, double, twin, triple, and quadruple rooms. It’s a great Nice hotel for solo travellers, couples, families, and friends. All rooms come with a private bathroom, complete with a hairdryer and free toiletries, and rooms also have a desk, a wardrobe, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Breakfast is included in the prices, giving you more bang for your buck.
Best Budget Hotel in Nice – Nice Riviera Sweet Home
- $
- Laundry Facilities
- Cable TV
- Luggage Storage
Nice Riviera Sweet Homes has single and double rooms with shared bathrooms. Each room has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV, and the large bay windows are perfect for soaking up the views. You can buy breakfast at the hotel if you like, or there are plenty of places to eat in the nearby area. The train station is just a short walk away and the hotel is in a great location for discovering the best of Nice. Whether you want to spend your days sightseeing or soaking up the sun on the beach, it’s all close to hand.
Nice Riviera Sweet Home is one of our favourites in Nice but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Splurge Hotel in Nice – Hotel Le Petit Palais
- $$$
- Bar
- Swimming Pool
- Tour Desk
Hotel Le Petit Palais is a great Nice hotel if you’re looking to splash out and enjoy somewhere a bit fancy. Perhaps you’re thinking of somewhere for a romantic getaway or a little pampering and TLC? The outdoor swimming pool, large and leafy garden, sunbathing terrace, and onsite bar are sure to impress. Room service is available and all of the stylish rooms are en-suite with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar, ample storage space, and beautiful décor and furnishings.
Hotel Le Petit Palais is one of our favourites in Nice 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.
FAQ about Hostels in Nice
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Nice.
Travel Safety Tips for Nice
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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 Nice.
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
Nice, France is a dream destination for many people, and this guide is here to help you make it more affordable.
By utilizing this guide, you’ll know exactly which hostel or budget hotel in Nice, France is best for your travel style, meaning you can book quickly and focus on what matters – exploring this amazing city.
And if you are still having a hard time picking which of the best hostels in Nice, go with Villa Saint Exupery Beach – our pick for top hostel in Nice for 2021.
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Nice 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!
