Lyon serves up a whole dollop of French charm along its riversides, littered with bridges, cafes, restaurants, and big ol’ monumental historical sights. A visit to the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is certainly gonna help fuel any view of France as an impossibly romantic place.
Like any city, Lyon is made up of lots of different areas, so which of these is going to be right for you? And then once you’ve decided, is a hostel or a Lyon hotel something that will be the best choice?
I’m here to help! I’ve made a list of the best hostels in Lyon which is extensive and comprehensive, thinking up the types of stay you might need. All of this is to make your life easier when it comes to choosing the right place for you.
Lyon hostels are usually in a great location to enjoy being within walking distance of all Lyon has to offer… But not all of them are so make sure you find the one that’s right for you – I’ve made this easy in my top five. Whether you’re here for a solo trip, to party yo’ ass off or working your way through that digital nomad lifestyle, I got you!
Let’s go, Lyon!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Lyon
- Best Overall Hostel in Lyon – Slo Lyon les Pentes
- Best Hostel in Lyon for Solo Travelers – Alter Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Lyon – Le Flaneur Guesthouse
- Best Party Hostel in Lyon – Yasi Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Lyon – Ho36 Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Lyon
Need help deciding where to stay in Lyon? I’ve handpicked these hostels, which I think will be perfect for you if you have a certain travel style and are looking for something specific.
1. Slo Lyon les Pentes – Best Overall Hostel in Lyon
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $94
- Address: 21, Rue Alsace Lorraine, Lyon, France
Is this the most stylish hostel in France? Slo Lyon les Pents has its very own coffee shop and is located in a cool old building in the middle of the city. Pretty nice, huh? It prides itself on high quality and you can see that in action: the whole place is like something from a Pinterest board, seriously.
Slo Lyon les Pentes is a cool hostel in Lyon. It is super stylish, really clean, and a chill place to hang out. Sure, it isn’t a massive party or social place, but it is SO nice that you won’t want to leave. It is definitely the best overall hostel in Lyon.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Sustainable Ethos
- On site Cafe
Slo Lyon les Pents has an events manager – if that doesn’t speak to a good time then maybe we aren’t speaking the same language. Sure, doing your own thing is fun and you’re totally free to do so but with someone leading the pack it’s easy to meet people. Plus, they do fun shit too – not just pub crawls – there are trips to gastronomic experiences, art exhibitions and live music around Lyon.
The staff at this Lyon hostel are all super friendly, mostly Lyon-born and raised, so they know this city inside out. The rooms are comfy, with the option of a private room or dorms, with capsule-style beds so you’ll feel secure and private. The dorm rooms sleep between four and 12 people with the option to have breakfast included or you can book a private room with four beds.
2. Alter Hostel – Best Hostel in Lyon for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $38
- Address: 32 Quai Arloing, Lyon, France
Travelling solo in Lyon? Then I’d really recommend this friendly Lyon backpackers hostel, it’s really easy to meet fellow travellers here. Definitely helped by the cultural and social events that they organise and again, big ol’ glasses of beer at their bar help a bunch!
So yeah, this is my top pick for the best hostel for solo travellers in Lyon. It’s a lot of fun and you’ll feel safe staying here, thanks to the security lockers, good-natured staff and the 24-hour reception. This Lyon hostel even has bicycle hire which is epic for roaming around the city solo or with your new hostel mates.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Air Conditioning
- Self Catering Facilities
- Lots of Social Space
A Lyon hostel that’s got an OG vibe, with lots of spots to be social and guests staying that enjoy mixing and mingling. There’s an epic communal kitchen for coming together over food and nooks to sit together and enjoy your meal. You are about a half-hour walk away from town so make sure you stock up on goodies from the market while you’re there.
The staff speak perfect English which is great if you’re a native English speaker and out in the world on your own. They’re kind and helpful too, whether you need some advice on how to get to the Saone or which bed is yours. There are a variety of rooms to choose from, with dorms sleeping six to eighteen people and the option of female-only dorms.
3. Le Flaneur Guesthouse – Best Hostel Cheap Hostel in Lyon
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Address: 56, Rue Sébastien Gryphe, Lyon, France
Le Flaneur Guesthouse is the cheapest of all the Lyon hostels and it’s a pretty sweet place to stay. Cheap hostels are few and far between in Lyon and this is undoubtedly where you want to book if you’re backpacking on a budget.
At this hostel, they love people to get along and hang out with each other and I’m down with that, especially over a couply beers! Then there’s a cheap (not free, but still) breakfast on offer to help you get over your hangover. And the atmosphere is chilled all the time, with music playing and laid-back vibes – it’s lovely here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Air Conditioning
- Female Only Dorms
- Great Location
This Lyon hostel is the perfect location to discover things within walking distance of Le Flaneur Guesthouse. 15 minutes walk and you’ll be in the city centre, 10 minutes will find you on the banks of the river Rhone. You can pick up some picnic bits from the supermarket nearby and enjoy a (hopefully) sunny day alongside this historic river.
Or, you can use the communal kitchen, cooking at your hostel is undoubtedly one of the best ways to stick to your budget. With the dorm rooms sleeping four to 16 people, you’re sure to make a friend to share a meal with too.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Yasi Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Lyon
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Private Room: From $135
- Address: 99 rue Baraban, Lyon, France
Yasi Hostel is without a doubt the place you want to be if you like to party. With an Onsite bar that’s popular with backpackers and locals alike, this is the door between visiting Lyon and getting into the local scene. Yasi Hostel is bright and clean and has a welcoming, hospitable staff at the front desk 24/7 so you’ll always be looked after.
While there’s an epic on-site bar, this isn’t technically a party hostel and there is quiet time from 10 pm, but that’s perfect! Make the most of Yasi Hostel’s Bike rentals, hop on your bike and make your way into town to hit Lyon’s club scene. Or start with a pub crawl in Vieux Lyon?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bike Rentals
- Lively atmosphere
- Enjoy Free Wi Fi
The average prices are a bit higher, that happens in big cities and there’s a range in the cost of dorm beds at Yasi Hostel. The dorm rooms range between four to 10 people in capsule-style bunk beds with blackout privacy curtains, perfect for sleeping off a hangover! There’s the option to book female-only or mixed dorms at Yasi Hostel, so choose what suits you best.
Yasi Hostel is just a five-minute walk from Part-Dieu Train Station so if biking’s not your thing and you’re not road-tripping, all good! If you’re in France for a festival, Yasi Hostel is a great place to start your trip to warm into the culture. Lyon hostels have a lively atmosphere and are a bit of a melting pot for fun young locals and backpackers wanting an authentic French experience.
5. Ho36 Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Lyon
- Dorm (mixed): From $40
- Private Room: From $102
- Address: 36 Rue Montesquieu, Lyon, France
I have literally no idea what Ho36 is even supposed to mean, but I’ll go with it (actually I do, it’s just not witty). It’s located in Lyon’s 7th district, which means you’ll be surrounded by the multicultural side of the city. That often means a lot of tasty food on offer – and here is no different!
Ho36 is a Lyon hostel that proclaims itself as more than a hosting solution, more a community of like-minded people. This is a friendly place where locals and travellers alike hang out, so it’s an epic opportunity to meet people if you’re travelling solo.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Meeting Rooms
- Housekeeping
Hop on the tram into town from the nearby stop and see all the sights there are to see in Lyon when you’ve finished working. The hostel itself has a bar and cafe, meaning you can eat without having to spend money on transport. Remember though, the food in the surrounding area is soooo worth tasting, the beauty of digital nomadding is that you’re nomadic, make the most of it!
This Lyon hostel is also a bangin’ way to beat the big ol’ Lyon cost with some of the cheapest rates in the city. There’s daily housekeeping too which is a sexy bonus, especially if you’re staying here for more than a couple of days. Staying somewhere with beautiful, clean common areas and rooms is a must when you’re living on the road.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Stays in Lyon
There are also a lot of budget hotels in Lyon that you might want to check out. So I’ve gone through the BEST budget hotels in Lyon so you can find a private room with a bit more space. There’s less, like, y’know, having to share dorms with randoms, but I’ve got a few more of those setups too.
Eklo Lyon
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $25
- Private Room: From $61
- Address: 2 rue Simone Veil, Venissieux, Lyon, France
The perfect Lyon hostel to hang out in, whether you’re travelling solo, travelling as a couple or travelling as a family. There are 111 rooms so if your chosen Lyon hostel above is booked out, come through to Eklo Hotel Lyon. Despite the name, there are dorm rooms which sleep up to six people or you can hire the whole thing as a private room. Each dorm has a private bathroom with its own shower, double sinks and a separate toilet as well as toilet amenities like shower gel – winning!
If you love Eklo Lyon, this Lyon hostel is part of a chain that runs throughout France so you can keep the Eklo life alive. This Lyon hostel is located outside of town but right next to tram stops and metro stations so you can be in the city centre stat. The staff at Eklo are lovely and considerate and at the desk 24/7 so reach out if you need help with anything.
Hostel Lyon Centre
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Address: 45 Montee du Chemin Neuf, Lyon, France
Located in the heart of Lyon, Hostel Lyon Centre is a 10-minute walk from the old town and offers panoramic city views. This is a wonderful place to base yourself if you like to get to know a new city by hitting the streets and eating croissants. And enjoying views – honestly, I can’t stress enough how magical they are from here.
The bathrooms leave a bit to be desired, and there’s a bit of climbing involved in this hilly city, but that’s backpacking, eh?! The decor is bright and the windows are huge and there’s a lovely outdoor terrace to hang in when you’re at home in this Lyon hostel. If you are having a night in there’s a bar onsite to grab a drink at and there are meals available too.
Slo Lyon Saxe
- Dorm (mixed): From $37
- Private Room: From $156
- Address: 5 rue Bonnefoi, Lyon, France
As you might be able to tell from the name of this top hostel in Lyon, you’ll really be able to take a break here. It’s very chilled out and it’s really got a lot of stylish decor going on. The private rooms, for example, are like something from a design magazine, or a model room from Ikea.
The best Lyon hostel for couples, Slo Lyon Saxe is not just a place with some fancy private rooms, but also a calm atmosphere. This is definitely a Lyon hostel that you will really love if you’re looking for a quiet getaway whilst travelling around France.
Ibis Budget Lyon
- Private Room: From $76
- Address: 24, Quai Perrache, 2nd arr., 69002 Lyon, France
Like a business hotel, it’s modern, a little bit soulless, but you know what you’re getting yourself into with a big well-known chain like Ibis. Clean sheets, maid service, air con, your own bathroom – these are all part of this budget hotel in Lyon.
As for location, this one’s near a tram stop. That means being able to get around the city pretty smoothly, which is great for getting to see the sights. Plus it’s a 10 min walk to the train station, so onward travel to your next destination is pretty much a breeze.
Premiere Classe Lyon Centre
- Private Room: From $72
- Address: 75 Boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, 3rd arr., 69003 Lyon, France
Looking for a (little) bit more style? Well, this place in the centre of Lyon will really deliver. Just a 10 min walk to the train station, you can also walk to the river and the old town from here. Well, it IS in the name.
The surrounding area is interesting, set between a multicultural area and the business district, you can get a load of good food around here. Plus rooms come with views of the city, the staff are friendly, and this Lyon hostel is the epitome of cheap and cheerful.
Ho36 Opera
It’s another Ho36. Maybe it’s the area? Dunno. But anyway, here’s another recommended hostel in Lyon for you to check out. It’s well located – four minutes walk from the famous opera house, a load of other sights, plus plenty of restaurants and bars.
There’s a chill courtyard at this place, complete with tables and chairs just perfect for a remote worker. There’s also an indoor lounge with sofas that’s great for when you need to hide away and get laptopping. Private room or dorm room options give you a stylish, diverse choice and a refreshing break from ‘typical’ hostels.
Hotel de Bretagne
A friendly place to stay in a great location in the centre of the city. Yep, staying here means being within walking distance of a load of cafes, restaurants and bars – always a good shout. Visit the Flower Tree while you’re here – it’s surprisingly stunning!
This budget hotel in Lyon is small, and the rooms are kinda basic but in a, y’know, budget hotel way. It does the job and the best thing about Hotel de Bretagne is its location. Plus it’s cheap and cheap hostels are few and far between – the Lyon cost can be great!
Staycity Aparthotel Rue Garibali
Is it an apartment? Is it a hotel? It’s a little bit of both, which really makes this budget hotel in Lyon quite a cool place to stay. Basically, you get the perks of both, a little bit of service whilst you get to stay in your own apartment.
The decor at this place is pretty decent too, modern and with a calm colour palette complete with pops of yellow. It has everything you need to make your stay in Lyon comfy and enjoyable. A solid option, that helps you to feel part of the city, I’d say.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Lyon
Everyone needs good hostel travel insurance, what if you choke on a frog’s leg?! Cliche jokes aside, geddit.
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.
FAQ about Hostels in Lyon
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Lyon.
What to Pack for Your Lyon 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
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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 Lyon?
On average, you can get a dorm bed for $26 and a private room starts at $33. The Lyon cost is pretty achievable and you can always save costs by buying your food at supermarkets etc.
What are the best hostels in Lyon for couples?
Couples will love the fancy private room options and calm atmosphere of SLO Lyon Saxe. You’re also in the perfect position to be within walking distance of everything you want to see holding hands with your boo.
What is the best hostel in Lyon near the airport?
The airport is quite far from the city centre, so it is better to find the best place in a great location. I recommend Yasi Hostel, just a 27-minute drive from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.
Final Thoughts on Lyon’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Lyon has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure. As you’ve probably gathered by now, Lyon is not a place you want to miss. Between the food, history and culture – Lyon sure does pack a punch!
This wonderful city will forever hold a little piece of my heart. My favourite place to stay as a backpacker was easily Ho36 Hostel, in Guillotière. It really does become your home away from home, and has an epic balance of convenience and culture.
Le Flaneur Guesthouse is another epic option if you’re looking for something a bit cheaper. As far as cheap hostels go, this is luxurious and still in an epic location, you’ll be within walking distance of the city centre.
I hope you found this guide useful and that it helps you to plan an unforgettable holiday. A final tip I’d leave you with is to book your accommodation in advance, this is a popular spot with tourists – places fill up fast. I’m sure that wherever you stay in Lyon, you’ll find something to fall in love with – this city is magical.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments, I love to chat!
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 Lyon 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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