Short answer: Vertigo Vieux-Port is the go-to for most backpackers in Marseille — great location on the Old Port, free breakfast, and a genuinely social vibe. For couples or a gallery-meets-hostel experience, The People Hostel is the main alternative. Before you book either, run a quick check on Hostelz, which compares prices across booking platforms so you’re not paying more than you need to.
Marseille doesn’t try to be Paris. That’s actually the point. France’s oldest city is rough-edged, sea-salted, and one of the most genuinely interesting places to base yourself in the south. The Old Port sits right in the heart of things, with fishmongers selling the morning catch alongside a quay lined with boats. It’s a real city that happens to be very much worth visiting.
Below you’ll find the best hostels in Marseille: a social pick right on the Vieux Port, a gallery-hostel hybrid that genuinely delivers, and a quieter option for those who’d rather wake up 45 minutes away in the village of Cassis with the beach around the corner.
Your shortcut:
- Vertigo Vieux-Port – great for solo travelers
- The People Hostel – top pick for couples
- Mini Hostel Au Petit chez Soi (Cassis) – perfect for older travelers
Note: The #3 hostel is located in nearby Cassis, around 45 mins – 1 hour from Marseille. Cassis is also another pretty Mediterranean fishing port with pebbly beaches and limestone cliffs.
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This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Also along the southern coast of France you can discover the best hostels in Nice.
You can also have a look at all the best hostels in France here.
Best Hostels in Marseille Compared at a Glance
| Hostel | Best For | Vibe | Area | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertigo Vieux-Port | Solo travelers, female travelers | Warm, social, artsy | Old Port | Free breakfast, local murals, 4-bed female-only dorm |
| The People Hostel | Couples, families, art lovers | Lively, gallery-style | Near St-Charles station | Capsule bunks, on-site bar, 208 beds |
| Au Petit chez Soi (Cassis) | Older travelers, those wanting quiet | Laid-back, homey | Cassis village | Only 12 beds, beach 100m away, free breakfast |
- Introduction
- How to pick the right Marseille hostel
- 3 best hostels in detail
- Cheapest hostels in Marseille
- Best hostels in Marseille for solo travellers
- Fun party hostels in Marseille
- When to visit Marseille
- How many days in Marseille
- Getting to and around Marseille
- Is Marseille safe?
- Discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- All hostels and sights on a map
- Flights
- FAQ
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Marseille
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Marseille cost 20€ – 25€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 50€ up to 65€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the check-out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Budget: Check out our Marseille budget guide.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
How to Pick the Right Marseille Hostel
Three hostels, three very different vibes. Here’s the shortcut:
- Solo traveler: Vertigo Vieux-Port. The location is unbeatable, the social areas actually work, and the staff make introductions easy.
- Female solo traveler: Also Vertigo. There’s a 4-bed female-only dorm that keeps things comfortable without feeling isolated from the rest of the hostel.
- Couple: The People Hostel. Private room options, a proper bar downstairs, and enough going on that you won’t feel stuck inside.
- Family: The People Hostel again — they have family rooms for 3 to 6 people, which is genuinely useful and not that common in city hostels.
- Older traveler wanting something quieter: Au Petit chez Soi in Cassis. Only 12 beds, feels like someone’s home, beach around the corner.
- Backpacker on a tight budget: Run a search on Hostelz first — it pulls together rates from multiple platforms so you can see what’s actually cheapest on your dates before committing.
The 3 Best Hostels in Marseille
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Marseille.
We put all three accommodations on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Vertigo Vieux-Port |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | The People Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | The People Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | The People Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Vertigo Vieux-Port |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Au Petit chez Soi |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Au Petit chez Soi |
1. Vertigo Vieux-Port
Walk into Vertigo Vieux-Port and the murals hit you first. Floor-to-ceiling work by local artists, painted directly onto the walls. The kind of thing that makes you stop mid-roll with the suitcase and just look for a moment.
Peer around and you’ll see beautiful bright murals painted by local artists – they certainly have the wow factor!
The contrast against the white walls and wooden furniture is genuinely striking. But the murals are just the packaging.
So, why is Vertigo our #1? Honestly, it wasn’t a difficult call. The overall vibe is warm and welcoming, with staff that run the show — the kind who remember your name by the second morning and actually mean it when they ask how your day went.
There is also a:
- Spice-stocked kitchen
- Cosy TV lounge
- Free breakfast
- Book swap
The kitchen and dining room connect directly, which turns both into a communal space that actually gets used. People linger over coffee in the morning and are still there an hour later.
The rooms are also super spacious and comfortable. Each room is unique in shape, size, and design. Whilst the beds are basic, the space between them allows for great privacy.
Choose between 8 and 16-bed mixed dorms, or if you’re a lady, opt for the 4-bed female-only dorm.
The 16-bed dorm is one of the best we’ve seen for a room this size. It’s spread over two floors and comes with a private bathroom.
Little added perks include a 24/7 reception, great wifi, and free luggage storage.
Location: Inside the Old Port area, less than 10 minutes from the central market. Great bars, beaches, and clubs are just a short stroll away.
This is one of the best hostels in Marseille for:
- Solo travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. The People Hostel
Europe’s first gallery hostel. That’s the claim, and The People Hostel actually earns it.
The Marseille location opened in 2020 and has been a big hit with travelers from around the world ever since. There is also a sister hostel in Les Alpes which has been open a lot longer — part of our best hostels in France guide.
This is a large hostel with 208 beds spread over 5 levels.
Want to hear something cool?
Not only is it a hostel, but an Art Gallery, too. Here you’ll find different artworks created by local artists on display.
The basement is a dedicated area for hosting and promoting local and international artists. Once you’ve filled up on great art, head to the restaurant bar and indulge in cocktails and yummy food.
Yet we have to say — the rooms are certainly the highlight!
Let’s have a sneak peek at the room choices first:
- 4, 6, and 8-bed dorms (mixed & female-only)
- Basic/premium double private
- Family room (3 to 6 people)
It’s the dorm rooms that really rock it. Check out the amazing privacy-led capsule bunks! They’re made of sturdy wood and come with a privacy curtain, shelf, lamp, and charging sockets. For a hostel this size, the privacy situation is unusually good.
The 24-hour team is always at hand to check you in and help you out.
Location: Just 15 minutes from the St Charles train station, Vieux Port, and the Panier District where all the exciting things happen.
This is one of the best hostels in Marseille for:
- Couples
- Families
Compare prices and check availability at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Au Petit chez Soi (Cassis)
Not far from Marseille — about 45 minutes by bus or train — sits a small Mediterranean fishing village called Cassis. And in it, one of the most charming small hostels in the region: Au Petit chez Soi.
We wanted to include this as an option for those not too interested in staying in Marseille’s city center, but close enough for an easy day trip to see the sights. It’s a great backpacker hostel France has to offer. We also recommend it for older travelers.
It’s a ‘mini hostel’ in a lovely old house that feels very much like a home.
There are only 2 dorm rooms in the building, each with 6 beds — and each room has its own kitchen and bathroom. Twelve beds total. It’s a small operation run with real care.
Easily the best part about Au Petit is the outdoor courtyard area. This is where everyone comes together to share stories and enjoy a drink. Social in a laid-back, unhurried kind of way.
What else?
- Free breakfast
- No curfew
- Free Wifi
Situated in the heart of Cassis village, it’s easy to get around on foot. Getting to Marseille from here is easy by bus or train.
And guess what? The beach is less than 100 meters from the hostel doors.
Location: In a quiet area close to the harbor. Very close to lovely restaurants, bars and shops. It also offers easy access to Parc National des Calanques.
This is one of the best hostels in Marseille for:
- Older travellers
- Backpackers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Marseille for Solo Travellers
For solo travelers, Vertigo Vieux-Port is the clear answer, no matter what kind of solo traveler you are.
There is a small and cozy female-only dorm, plus a large 16-bed dorm for super sociable travelers. The social areas genuinely encourage people to come together rather than just existing as a waiting room. And the location is top-notch — exploring from here is easy whether you’re going it alone or have picked up some travel companions the night before.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Party Hostels in Marseille
Let’s be honest here: partying in Marseille isn’t really a thing. If you’re really keen to party during your time in France, you might prefer to visit Nice hostels further along the coast.
That said, The People Hostel does offer a great vibe worth checking out. There’s an on-site bar and restaurant with some genuinely good cocktails on the menu.
With 208 beds under one roof, there are always people around — and a decent chance of finding someone to head out with. It’s well located near bars and clubs, and there’s no curfew so you can come and go as you like.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
When to Visit Marseille
May, June, and September are the sweet spot. The weather is warm enough for beaches and Calanques hikes without the full crush of midsummer, and prices are noticeably more reasonable than in peak season.
July and August are the busiest months by some distance. Hot, lively, and popular — but hostel availability gets tight and prices reflect that. If you’re visiting in peak summer, book well ahead.
Winter (November to February) is mild by most European standards, but some Calanques trails are restricted due to fire risk or weather conditions. Still a perfectly good time to visit if the city itself is what you’re after, rather than the outdoor stuff.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Spring is genuinely lovely in Marseille. If you can travel in May, do it — the Calanques are accessible, the light is incredible, and the tourist crowds haven’t fully arrived yet.
How Many Days in Marseille?
Two full days covers the core comfortably: the Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Panier district, Château d’If. Add a third day if you want to hike in Parc National des Calanques or take a half-day trip to Cassis — both are worth it.
Marseille is one of those cities that rewards slowing down. Most people who rush through it in a day and a half leave with a slightly underwhelmed impression.
Give it time.
If you’re doing a southern France loop — Nice, Marseille, maybe Montpellier or onward to Barcelona — two nights here is usually the right call.
Getting To and Around Marseille
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) sits about 25 km northwest of the city centre. The Navette shuttle bus runs directly to Gare Saint-Charles (the main train station) in around 25 minutes. It runs regularly and is by far the easiest option from the airport.
By train from Paris, Marseille is roughly 3 hours on the TGV — fast enough to be a real alternative to flying once you factor in airport faff on both ends.
Within the city, the metro and tram cover most of what you need. The Old Port and Panier district are walkable from the central station. Ferries run from the Vieux Port out to Château d’If and the Frioul islands — worth doing if the weather cooperates.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Some Calanques trailheads have access restrictions in summer due to fire risk. Check conditions on the Parc National des Calanques website before you go — it’s regularly updated and will save you a wasted trip.
Is Marseille Safe?
Marseille has a reputation that’s somewhat out of proportion with the reality for travelers. The tourist areas — Old Port, Panier, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the main beaches — are all fine to walk around, including in the evenings.
Like any large port city, there are neighborhoods worth being aware of, particularly some areas north of the centre. Nothing unusual for a city this size, but standard awareness applies: keep your phone in your pocket on crowded streets, don’t leave bags unattended, the usual stuff.
Solo female travelers consistently report positive experiences in Marseille. Common-sense city awareness applies, especially late at night in quieter areas — same as anywhere, really.
What about the cheapest hostels in Marseille?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Marseille.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Marseille
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Marseille best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Marseille?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile shops. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Marseille put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below we list all three best Marseille hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all the sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map would help you with planning your trip too.
Looking for fun things to do in Marseille?
We also included the main tourist attractions you need to know in this list:
- Old Port of Marseille – Marseille Vieux Port
- Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
- Château d’If
- Cathédrale La Major
- Palais Longchamp
- Parc national des Calanques
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Marseille?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
FAQ: Best Hostels in Marseille
What is the best hostel in Marseille?
Vertigo Vieux-Port is the top pick for most travelers: great location right on the Old Port, free breakfast, genuinely social common areas, and staff who make solo travelers feel welcome from day one. For a larger, gallery-style experience, The People Hostel is the main alternative.
How much does a hostel in Marseille cost per night?
Dorm beds in Marseille typically run around 20€-25€ per night as a rough average, with private rooms starting from around 50€-65€. Prices shift with the season — summer pushes them higher. Always check current rates on Hostelz or Hostelworld before booking.
What is the best area to stay in Marseille?
The Old Port (Vieux Port) area is the most central and convenient for first-time visitors — Vertigo Vieux-Port sits right here. The Panier district, just above the port, is Marseille’s oldest neighborhood and great for exploring on foot. Both are walking distance from the main sights.
Are hostels in Marseille safe?
Yes. The hostels in this guide are in the central, tourist-friendly parts of the city. Marseille has a mixed reputation in general, but the areas around the Old Port and Panier district are safe for travelers. Standard city awareness applies.
What is the best hostel in Marseille for solo travelers?
Vertigo Vieux-Port, without much competition. The social setup — communal kitchen, TV lounge, free breakfast — makes it easy to meet people, and the Old Port location is ideal for exploring independently or with whoever you’ve picked up at breakfast.
What is the best hostel in Marseille for female solo travelers?
Vertigo Vieux-Port offers a 4-bed female-only dorm, which is a good option if you want a bit more privacy and comfort. The hostel overall has a safe, welcoming atmosphere that solo female travelers consistently highlight in reviews.
What is the best party hostel in Marseille?
Marseille isn’t really known as a party destination. The People Hostel comes closest — on-site bar, 208 beds, no curfew, and decent nightlife nearby. If a full-on party scene is the priority, Nice is probably a better base.
What is the best hostel in Marseille for couples?
The People Hostel. Private double room options (basic and premium), a proper bar on-site, and a lively enough atmosphere without being overwhelming. The art gallery element makes it genuinely interesting to spend time in, which helps.
How many days should I spend in Marseille?
Two full days covers the main highlights comfortably: Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Panier district, Château d’If. Add a third day if you want to hike the Calanques or take a day trip to Cassis — both are worth the extra time.
When is the best time to visit Marseille?
May, June, and September are the best months: warm, not overcrowded, and with good access to the Calanques. July and August are the busiest and most expensive. Winter is mild but some outdoor activities are restricted.
How do I get from the airport to Marseille city center?
The Navette airport shuttle runs from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) directly to Gare Saint-Charles in about 25 minutes. It runs regularly and is the easiest, most affordable option. Taxis and ride-shares are available but cost considerably more.
Is Marseille worth visiting?
Yes — more than many travelers expect. It’s a genuinely characterful city with a great coastline, good food, and real history. Not as polished as Paris or as glamorous as Nice, but that’s part of the appeal. Give it two proper days and it’ll probably surprise you.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Marseille.
We did the leg work for you and brought you more hostel guides to destinations:
- Best Hostels in France
- Best Surf Hostels in France
- Best Hostels in Paris
- Hostels in Paris near the Eiffel Tower
- Backpacker Hostels in Paris
- Best Party Hostels in Paris
- Best Hostels in Nice
- Best Hostels in Lyon
- Best Hostels in Bordeaux + Bordeaux Budget Travel Guide
- Best Surf Hostels in Biarritz
And nearby countries:
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Marseille guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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