Best Hostels in Nice: top picks

Nice is a backpackers’ hot-spot with an impressive array of affordable hostels. Travelers on a budget can still enjoy comfort when knowing the right spots: today’s top hostels in central Nice feature clean, modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and friendly social spaces. Our guide covers the best cheap hostels in Nice center with prime locations, great reviews and links to book and enjoy the top picks from the best hostels in Nice. These hostels can be booked via https://www.hostelworld.com/fr/

Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel – Lively Social Hub Near Old Town

This award-winning hostel is a legend in Nice’s backpacker scene. Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel sits in the heart of Nice, about 50 meters from Place Masséna, the beachfront, and the Old Town. It’s famous for its buzzing social atmosphere – there’s a huge on-site bar/café with daily happy hours, plus activities like free walking tours, yoga classes, and pub crawls. Despite the party vibes, it doesn’t skimp on comforts: guests enjoy a 24/7 gym and sauna, free Wi-Fi, and lockers in every room. Dorms and private rooms are available (all air-conditioned), making it ideal for both solo travelers and groups.

Price: Dorm beds from ~€17 per night (privates also available)
Location: 0.16 km from city center (Old Town); <5-minute walk to the beach
Key Perks: On-site bar & daily events (happy hour, pub crawls), 24-hour gym and sauna (free for guests), communal lounge with free computers and TV, air-conditioned rooms, and free walking tours of Nice. It’s a social and stylish hostel that truly lives up to its “top pick” status among the best hostels in Nice.

Hostel Meyerbeer Beach – Beachside Comfort with Free Extras

Just steps from the famous Promenade des Anglais, Hostel Meyerbeer Beach is the top pick for beach lovers. Located only about 50 meters from the shore, it offers cozy mixed dorms and privates – each with its own bathroom, air conditioning, fridge, and safe. Despite the premium location, it remains budget-friendly and earns superb ratings from travelers. Guests get free beach mats and towels to borrow, so you can lounge on Nice’s beaches without a worry. Every morning starts with a simple free breakfast (coffee, pastries, etc.), and the friendly staff can hook you up with discounts on local tours and activities. The vibe here is a bit more relaxed and intimate, perfect if you want a good night’s sleep after a day of sun and sightseeing.

Price: Dorm beds around €30–€38 per night (season dependent); private rooms from ~€33 per person
Location: 0.96 km from city center; 50 m from the beach and near the Negresco Hotel, about 10 minutes’ walk to Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Key Perks: Free breakfast and free coffee/tea, free beach gear (mats & towels) for guest use, in-room mini-fridges and safes, 24-hour security (surveillance) and key-card access, plus a guest kitchen and strong Wi-Fi. It’s an award-winning hostel known for cleanliness and an unbeatable beachside location.

Hostel Ozz by HappyCulture – Modern Amenities for Digital Nomads

Hôtel Ozz by HappyCulture is a stylish design hostel that combines a trendy hotel feel with a sociable hostel vibe. Set about 700m from Place Masséna, near the main train station, Ozz is one of the Best Hostels in Nice: Top picks for travelers who appreciate modern comforts. The interior sports an artsy, music-themed décor, and the facilities are top-notch: fast free Wi-Fi throughout, a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and even a funky outdoor patio for hanging out. Dorms (mixed or female-only) are thoughtfully designed with privacy curtains, personal reading lights, and power outlets at each bed – perfect for digital nomads and light sleepers. There’s an on-site café/bar where you can socialize, and an optional €5 breakfast to enjoy on the patio each morning.

Price: Dorm beds from ~€19–€20 per night; privates from ~€50 (double room)
Location: 0.73 km from city center; in the Jean-Médecin area close to the train station (easy access to airport tram and day trips)
Key Perks: Contemporary, air-conditioned rooms with ultra-modern bunks (curtains & outlets), a sociable common area and game room, outdoor terrace for mingling, 24/7 security (CCTV) and reception, and a convenient location for exploring Nice or catching trains. This hostel’s blend of comfort and community makes it a top pick for solo travelers and couples alike.

Antares Hostel – Budget-Friendly Base with Courtyard Community

Antares Hostel is a long-time favorite for travelers arriving by train – it’s located right across from Nice-Ville station and about a 10-minute walk from the beach. This hostel is proof that “affordable” doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Dorm beds are cheap (usually around €20) but you still get air conditioning in all rooms, free Wi-Fi, and your own locker – crucial for those hot Riviera summers and peace of mind. Antares has a charming leafy courtyard and garden area where guests meet up, making it a very social spot especially for solo travelers. In summer, the staff even organize group activities and occasional parties, so it’s easy to make friends. A communal kitchen and dining space are available to cook your own meals and save more cash.

Price: Dorm beds from ~€21 per night; privates from ~€33 per night
Location: 0.8 km from city center; across the street from Gare de Nice-Ville (main train station) and about 10 minutes by foot to the beach
Key Perks: Strong air-conditioning in every room (a huge plus in summer), a social courtyard and common garden to relax or mingle, fully equipped kitchen for guest use, 24-hour key card access and security, and luggage storage. With its convenient location and friendly vibe, Antares Hostel is an awesome budget pick for backpackers looking to explore Nice and beyond.

La Maïoun Guesthouse – Cozy Home-Style Hostel with Free Breakfast

For those who prefer a quieter, homey atmosphere, La Maïoun Guesthouse is the top choice. Housed in a charming 19th-century building (once an old temple from 1855), this small hostel offers a unique cosy and friendly atmosphere. It’s close to everything – roughly 500m from the beach and a short stroll to Nice’s Old Town, with a tram stop right outside for easy transport. La Maïoun has just two dorms (one female-only 6-bed and one mixed 6-bed) and one private double, so it never feels crowded. Each room even has its own private bathroom, and the custom bunk beds come with privacy curtains, reading lights, and plug sockets for a comfortable stay. Every morning, the hosts provide a free breakfast in the communal kitchen – a great way to start the day and meet fellow travelers. You can also relax with free tea and coffee on the balcony overlooking a little garden. It’s an excellent pick for solo travelers (especially female travelers) or couples who want a peaceful, boutique hostel experience on a budget.

Price: Dorm beds approximately €35 per night (includes breakfast and linens)
Location: In central Nice (Old Town area); ~500 m from the beach and promenade, with bus & tram stops at the doorstep
Key Perks: Free daily breakfast (plus free coffee/tea all day) in a fully equipped kitchen, small dorms with privacy curtains and en-suite bathrooms, a relaxing common area with books and games, no curfew (key code access), and a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. La Maïoun truly feels like a home away from home, making it one of the Best Hostels in Nice: Top picks for a tranquil stay.

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