Are you looking for the best hostels in London for an upcoming trip?
If yes, then you have come to the right place! In this article, we have listed some of the top hostels in London that you should check.
From riding the London Eye to visiting Buckingham Palace, there are a lot of fun and unusual things to do in London.
London is a popular tourist spot and attracts travelers from all over the world.
Planning your trip to London last minute?
Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for London!
Top Experiences and Tours In London:
- The London Eye Entry Ticket (Save time and book in advance!)
- Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour (Skip the line.)
- Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibit (Likely to sell out.)
- High Tea Thames River Cruise (Book ahead to save time.)
Best London Hotels:
- Sanderson London (Close to the subway!)
- The Montague On The Greens (Private and close to the subway)
- The Exhibitionist Hotel (In the heart of South Kensington)
- The Corner London City (Close to all subway connections.)
With a rich and colorful history, beautiful architecture, and lots of pubs to explore, London is a dream city to visit.
However, this is an expensive city to visit which is why finding cheap accommodation in London is not an easy task.
Thankfully, there are lots of hostels in London that offer cheap stays to visitors.
Whether you are on a luxury or backpacking trip, you will easily be able to find the best London hostels to suit your needs.
From historic hostels to premium hostels, to budget hostels, you can find a hostel that fits your price range and itinerary place.
If you are still unsure about where to stay in London, then read our article on the 12 best hostels in London you should consider for your London trip.
12 Best Hostels in London To Stay On A Budget
Wombats City Hostel London
Wombats City Hostel London is located in Whitechapel which is quite close to the city’s historic center.
This is one of the top hostels in central London and most tourist attractions are easily accessible by public transport.
From Tower Bridge to City Hall to the Tower of London, you can explore lots of attractions located in the city center of London.
That’s not all, the hostel features an on-site bar and offers lots of board games so that no one ever gets bored.
With weekly activities like karaoke and walking tours, you can meet like-minded travelers and make new friends while exploring the city of London.
If you are looking for cheap accommodation in London, then this is a great choice as it’s one of the cheapest hostels in London and has won multiple awards for its amazing hospitality and cleanliness.
At Wombats London hostel, you will find not only dorms but private double and single rooms as well. Moreover, each room comes with a private bathroom.
They also provide a fully-equipped kitchen where guests can cook food for themselves or you can opt for the paid breakfast buffet.
The pricing depends upon the dates you choose, it is particularly higher on the weekends so plan accordingly.
Trust me, if you are looking for cheap London rooms in one of the best hostels in London, then Wombats City Hostel London is the right choice.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
YHA London Central
If you are looking for hostels in central London, then one of the best London hostels to consider is YHA London Central.
One of the best YHA hostels in London, YHA London Central is located in the city center of London
It is within 9 minutes of walking from Oxford Street and 6 minutes of walking from Regent Street.
Moreover, you can easily access Covent Garden, Baker Street, Leicester Square, and other beautiful places in London from the hostel.
This youth hostel in London is a 5-minute walk from Great Portland Street Tune Station and features a bar and a snack bar along with a luggage storage facility.
The cafe and bar at the hostel offer a range of breakfast and lunch options including pastries, croissants, paninis, and more.
Each dormitory at the YHA London Central features bunk beds and lockers that guests can use. You have shared bathroom facilities, a few of them en-suite as well.
Overall, this is one of the best hostels in central London that you must try!
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
Barmy Badger Backpackers
Are you looking for cheap hostels in London?
If the answer is yes, then Barmy Badger Backpackers is one of the cheapest hostels in London England that you should consider.
This is one of the highest-rated London hostels where you can get all the amenities including free WiFi and free breakfast.
The hostel also includes a full kitchen that can be used by guests and has excellent reviews on both Booking.com and Hostelworld.
It is also the best backpackers hostel in London for digital nomads and offers extremely comfortable beds for a restful sleep.
Each bed has two USB sockets and two power sockets that allow you to work uninterrupted. Plus, there is a laptop safe available in the dorm room for each guest.
There is an outdoor terrace as well to work at and you get free coffee and tea throughout the day to help with work.
The hostel is also easily accessible via public transport and is located close to a subway station.
So, if you are looking for a stay in London for cheap where you can work as well, then Barmy Badger Backpackers is the perfect choice for you!
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
Clink261 Hostel
If you are looking for cheap hostels in London, then one of the top choices to consider is Clink261 Hostel.
Located in a former Soviet Union building in central London, Clink 261 Hostel gives fun and relaxed vibes to the guests.
Opened for over 15 years, this is a good and cheap London hostel that is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Depending on your budget, you can choose from a range of available rooms here. There is an 18-bed dorm, 10-bed room, girls-only dormitories, private rooms, and more to choose from.
Each bed comes with a reading light, a USB port, a power outlet, and a locker to store small luggage items.
Whether you wish to meet and explore with like-minded travelers or are looking for some privacy, this London hostel is a great choice.
The hostel is also a 5-minute walk from King’s Cross Underground and close to most attractions. Plus, you can enjoy free walking tours conducted by the hostel as well.
If you are looking for cheap London hostels to stay at, then Clink261 Hostel is definitely the perfect choice.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
YHA London St Pancras Hostel
Located in central London, YHA London St Pancras Hostel is one of the top YHA hostels in London to stay at.
YHA London St Pancras Hostel offers easy access to Euston and Kings Cross.
It is also near many fun attractions such as Oxford Street, London Eye, the British Museum, and more.
This Youth hostel in London offers a 24-hour reception and free WiFi facilities. You will find dormitory-style rooms here with en-suite or shared bathrooms.
Apart from that, guests can also enjoy other facilities here such as laundry services and a fully-equipped bar with drinks and snacks.
If you are on a budget trip to London and wish to meet other like-minded travelers, then you should book your stay at YHA London St Pancras Hostel.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
Generator London
Are you visiting London for the first time ever? If so, then Generator London is the best backpackers hostel in London for you to stay at.
Generator London is one of the top cheap hostels in Covent Garden and is located inside an old London police station.
The first hostel of the chain, Generator London features a bar and a restaurant. Plus, it acts as a mini-nightclub too where you can join in the game nights, nightly events, and more.
This is one of the few London cheap accommodations where you get plush beds for sleeping and easy access to the tube.
The hostel is located close to King’s Cross Station and is a short walk from the British Museum, Regent Park, Covent Garden, and more.
So, if you are looking for the best hostels in London for partying and making new friends, then Generator London is the perfect hostel for you.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
Hostelle London Is One Of The Inexpensive Hostels In London
Are you a female traveler visiting London? If yes, then Hostelle London is the best cheap London hostel to consider.
The first and the only all-female hostel in London, Hostelle offers a safe and fun environment for women who are traveling to London for sightseeing and entertainment.
It is one of the cheapest hostels in London England and is close to several attractions such as Brick Lane, Tower Bridge, and more.
This female-only hostel offers a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and a terrace where you can meet other female travelers and relax.
Guests also have access to a shared kitchen and the hostel features karaoke nights to entertain the guests. Plus, there is free WiFi available for use.
Trust me, if you are looking for a safe hostel in London for girls, then Hostelle London is perfect.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
Astor Museum Hostel
Are you looking for cheap hostels in Covent Garden? Well, then check out the award-winning Astor Museum Hostel that is located in front of the British Museum.
Due to its strategic location, this hostel is perfect for sightseeing as you are close to several tourist attractions such as Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and more.
The rooms are clean and basic with a shared bathroom and guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the property.
You also can enjoy the shared lounge and kitchen area during your stay in the hostel.
Overall, if you are looking for London cheap accommodations to choose from, then Astor Museum Hostel is one of the best London hostels to check out.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
Hostel One Notting Hill Is One Of The Popular London Hostels For Solo Travelers
Are you looking for a London hostel ideal for solo travelers? Well, then you should check out Hostel One Notting Hill.
Located in the Notting Hill neighborhood, this cheap London hostel offers easy access to several tourist spots such as Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, and more.
However, the best thing about this hostel is that it is run by backpackers and has a fun and welcoming vibe.
The hostel organizes daytime activities and nightly drink games, pub hopping tours, etc. to allow travelers to meet and mingle with each other.
That’s not all, you also enjoy a complimentary dinner on your stay here every night.
You also get other amenities such as free tourist maps, WiFi, lockers, information, luggage storage, and more at this hostel.
So, if you are looking for cheap places to stay in London as a solo traveler, then Hostel One Notting Hill is one of the best hostels in London for you!
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
St Christopher’s Inn Village – London Bridge
One of the best hostels in London for partying, St Christopher Hostel Inn Village – London Bridge is a great hostel to stay in London.
St. Christopher Hostel London has several branches in London but this branch is considered one of the best due to the amazing facilities.
There is a bar, restaurant, common room, nightclub, and a rooftop area where guests can chill. If you love partying, then this is the place for you.
This hostel features a capsule bed formula so guests get their own mood lighting, outlets, and locker. Plus, you get better privacy than standard dorms too.
Guests can head to the dugout downstairs to enjoy some delicious burgers while watching live sports. You can also prepare your own food but it is not a proper kitchen.
From board games to free WiFi, you get all the basic amenities here. This is why St. Christopher’s Inn Village is one of the top hostels in London for booking a stay.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
The Walrus Bar and Hostel Is One Of The Best Hostels In London
Located close to the Big Ben and the Parliament, The Walrus Bar and Hostel is one of the top cheap London hostels to consider.
The best thing about this hostel is that it features a pub downstairs where guests can get a discount. You can work during the day and then party at night here, making it ideal for digital nomads.
This hostel has an Old-English feel with antique furnishings and wallpapered rooms. Plus, there is no elevator here so if climbing the stairs is an issue, then request for a lower-level room.
The dorms are bright and spacious and some of the cleanest in the city. On top of that, you enjoy complimentary breakfast here as well.
Trust me, if you are looking to stay in London for cheap, then the Walrus Hostel is one of the best hostels in London.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
Urbany Hostel London
One of the top cheap places to stay in London, Urbany Hostel London is located in Notting Hill and is a perfect choice for backpackers.
This social youth hostel in London is close to many popular attractions such as Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, National History Museum, and so on.
It is one of the best cheap London hostels that features a shared lounge, free WiFi, a garden, and a terrace.
The hostel features dorm rooms that can fit up to 8 guests at a time, making it ideal for solo travelers. But if you need some alone time, there are private rooms available as well.
Guests can check in at the 24-hour reception and cook their own meals in the shared kitchen while socializing with other travelers.
Overall, Urbany Hostel London is one of the best hostels in London for solo travelers and backpackers.
Click here to check prices on Booking.com
Packing List When Staying A Hostel In London
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to London, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when staying in a London hostel.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc… No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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As you can see, staying in London does not have to break the bank!
These affordable London hostels are perfect examples of that!!