The capital of the French Riviera and France’s fifth-largest city, tourists have flocked to Nice for centuries. Between its sweeping promenade, belle-epoque architecture and ritzy resorts, it’s little wonder why it’s beloved by everyone from Queen Victoria to Stevie Wonder, but it is possible to enjoy the city on a shoestring budget too.
Many of Nice’s best hostels capture the charm and history of this sunlit city (Photo: Booking.com)
While a cursory search on the internet might draw up hundreds of high-end hotels, those who dig a little deeper will find more than a dozen hostels to choose from. Like most cities, the hostel scene in Nice has moved on significantly since the traditional youth hostel model too. Today, you’ll find hostel-hotel hybrids and design-first spaces offering up private suites alongside dorm rooms, destination bars and hotel-worthy facilities, like saunas and swimming pools. With so many to choose from, we’ve scoured the internet for five of the best hostels in Nice, France.
1. Villa Saint Exupéry Beach
A hip hostel in the heart of Nice (Photo: Booking.com)
This hip hostel has won a string of accolades and awards, for good reason. A short and easy stroll to Nice’s public beach, it’s also one minute from the tram and ten seconds from Galeries Lafayette. Inside boasts the sorts of amenities and facilities you might better associate with a boujie hotel – a well-equipped gym, sauna, ping pong tables and ultra-high-speed WiFi. Guests can choose from mixed and single-sex dorms, twin and private double rooms. Those looking to meet other travellers can embark on a whole roster of organised activities too, from diving excursions to guided city walks.
6 Rue Sacha Guitry
2. Hostel Ozz by Happyculture
The stylish cafe at Hostel Ozz by Happyculture (Photo: Booking.com)
Just two minutes from Nice-Ville Train Station and 15 minutes from the beach, Hostel Ozz by Happyculture is one of the best-connected hostels in the city. Unlike your average youth hostels, interiors here are all sleek lines, duck egg blues and scandi-style woods guaranteed to perk up your Instagram feed. Guests can choose from a range of cosy 3-6 bed dorms and double bedrooms. Those looking for a slice of sunlit sophistication for a more pocket-friendly price can opt for the rooftop suite, which boasts its own 40 sq. metre terrace and ensuite bathroom. Prices include a complimentary continental breakfast too.
18 Rue Paganini
3. La Maïoun Guesthouse
A private terrace at the former temple (Photo: Booking.com)
Dating back to 1856, La Maioun Guesthouse was once a protestant temple. While the temple is long gone, there’s still a chapel on the ground floor that welcomes parishioners every Sunday morning. Today, the first floor (once the presbytery) houses a variety of dorm rooms, along with a cosy double bedroom for those looking for a little more privacy. As you might expect, the hostel is brimming with charm, but it’s far from old-fashioned. Rooms are kitted out with all the mod-cons you would expect from a new hotel, including air-conditioning, safes and WiFi. Prices include a free French breakfast too.
50 Rue Gioffredo
4. Meyerbeer Beach
The seaside-themed Hostel Meyerbeer (Photo: Booking.com)
This award-winning hostel combines an unbeatable beachside location with cheap and cheerful accommodation. Just three minutes walk from the beach and a heartbeat from the Promenade des Anglais, it’s an excellent option for those looking for a traditional seaside experience. Everything in the hostel nods to its location, from wall-sized murals of the ocean to its beach-themed bedrooms. The hostel also offers free towels and beach mats. Guests can choose from a range of 4,6 and 8-bed dorms or private single and double rooms. Prices include unlimited tea and coffee too.
15 Rue Meyerbeer
5. Hostel Baccarat
(Photo: Booking.com)
This cheap and cheerful hostel is an excellent option for digital nomads. All rooms feature air-conditioning and high-speed WiFi, and some have desk space too. A stone’s throw from the train station, Jean Medecin Tram Stop – which connects to the airport – is a five-minute walk away too. A myriad of restaurants, bars and cafes are right on the doorstep, but there is a well-equipped communal kitchen too, which is handy for saving pennies. Guests can choose from 6 or 8-bed dormitories or upgrade to a soundproofed double room for a better nights’ sleep. The latter includes a private outdoor dining area and dining table too.
39 Rue d’Angleterre
By Allie D’Almo