List of the Best Hostels in London – For Backpackers & Budget Travelers
In this article, we present you with the ultimate list of THE BEST HOSTELS IN LONDON to help you out when considering England’s (and the entire United Kingdom’s) largest city as your next travel destination.
The sights and sounds of London are frenetically enticing thus travelers are drawn to stay longer periods, even those on a shoe-string budget. And with so many to choose from, all you need is a backpacker’s haven carefully selected for your comfort and your money’s worth.
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- 5 Reasons Why You Should Start Your Holiday From an Airport Hotel in London Heathrow
- 10 Cool Things to do in London with your Parents
Read all the way down for the full list of the best hostels in London, or just skip straight to the top 5 London Hostels below!
Hostel | About this Hostel | Price |
---|---|---|
![]() | Wombats City Hostel London is home to 112 bedrooms. All are tastefully furnished and many even provide such comforts as linens, locker, mirror, towels, closet. The hotel offers an excellent variety of recreational facilities, including a billiards and garden. | ![]() |
![]() | At Safestay Holland Park you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden, and a terrace. Guests will benefit from a large garden with a pond and free WiFi access is available. | ![]() |
![]() | Travel Joy Hostel London provides guests with an ideal base when in London. The various facilities this luxury hostel features include luggage storage, a tour desk, and a safe. | ![]() |
![]() | Palmers Lodge: Swiss Cottage is located in an exclusive area of London near Hampstead and Camden Town. The hostel has a 24-hour reception, a restaurant, a lounge, and a conservatory where guests can watch a film or get to know other travelers. | ![]() |
![]() | The Generator has an internet cafe, a lounge and a games room with pool tables. It has dormitory-style shared and private rooms with an en suite bathroom. There is a friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere. | ![]() |
![]() | YHA London Central offers many facilities to enrich your stay in London. Guests of the hotel can enjoy on-site features like free Wi-Fi in all rooms, grocery deliveries, taxi service, ticket service, 24-hour front desk. | ![]() |
![]() | St Christopher's Inn Village offers dormitory rooms with 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a lounge with TV and DVD player, a roof terrace, a bar, and a restaurant. Each dormitory room has bed linen and shared bathroom facilities. | ![]() |
Table of Contents
The Best Hostels in London
Wombats City Hostel London
Price: Dorm bed from $23.82
Check the latest price on Hostelworld
Compare the cheapest rates online, here (for FREE).
You can also read the recent reviews, here.
Located at: 7 Dock Street, Tower Hamlets, London, E1 8LL, United Kingdom
Why is it one of the best hostels in London?
FAMOUS FOR: As part of the award-winning largest hostel chain worldwide, Wombats City Hostel is a backpacker hostel providing comfortable and convenient accommodation in central London.
The rooms: From double rooms to mixed dormitory rooms, the rooms are tastefully furnished. Bathrooms facilities with shower are private or shared.
Amenities: Free-wifi access throughout, lockers are provided in the rooms, vending machine, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and elevators. A terrace, a bar, and a shared kitchen are among the amenities. There are billiards and a garden for recreation.
Accessibility: Conveniently located in Towel Hamlets, Wombats City Hostel is a great choice for travelers interested in food, sightseeing, and monuments. It is a walking distance of Tower Bridge. Near Gallions Reach, Cyprus, and Tower Gateway Stations.
Reviews: Guests generally give Wombats City Hostel London a superb rating for value for money, location, staff performance, cleanliness, and room comfort. Comments are highly positive.
Safestay Holland Park
Located at: Holland Walk, London, Kensington and Chelsea, London, W8 7QU, United Kingdom
Price: Dorm bed from $20.35
Check the latest price on Hostelworld
Compare the cheapest rates online, here (for FREE).
You can also read the recent reviews, here.
Located at: Holland Walk, London, Kensington and Chelsea, London, W8 7QU, United Kingdom
Why is it one of the best hostels in London?
FAMOUS FOR: Safestay is a brand of award-winning luxury hostels offering affordable, comfortable, and stylish accommodation in landmark buildings and superb city-center locations.
The rooms: The double rooms and mixed dormitory rooms are furnished. Bathrooms facilities with shower are private or shared.
Amenities: Free-wifi access throughout, lockers are provided in the rooms, vending machine, 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. A terrace, coffee shop, bar, and shared lounge are among the amenities. There are a games room and a garden for recreation.
Accessibility: Provides easy access to central London, it is near Holland Park Station. Kensington and Chelsea is a great choice for travelers interested in museums, parks, and culture.
Reviews: Guests generally give Safestay a superb rating for value for money, location, staff performance, cleanliness, and room comfort. Comments are highly positive.
Travel Joy Hostel
Price: Dorm bed from $27.74
Compare the cheapest rates online, here (for FREE).
Located at: 111 Grosvenor Road, Westminster, London, SW1V 3LG, United Kingdom
Why is it one of the best hostels in London?
FAMOUS FOR: The only London hostel overlooking the River Thames, Travel Joy Hostels is a relaxing accommodation centrally located between Chelsea and The Houses of Parliament.
The rooms: A private twin ensuite room and mixed dormitory rooms are furnished, some with balconies overlooking the river. Bathrooms facilities with shower.
Amenities: Free-wifi access throughout, lockers are provided in the rooms, secure lockers at reception for laptops, vending machines, 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Set above a pub, the hostel has a social atmosphere with a lounge. You can enjoy a free continental breakfast. The restaurant serves Thai and European cuisine.
Accessibility: Provides easy access to central London, it is near Pimlico Tube Station. Westminster is a great choice for travelers interested in shopping, theatre, and monuments.
Reviews: Guests generally give Travel Joy Hostels a superb rating for value for money, location, staff performance. Comments are highly positive.
Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage Hostel
Price: Dorm bed from $14.00
Check the latest price on Hostelworld
Compare the cheapest rates online, here (for FREE).
You can also read the recent reviews, here.
Located at: 40 College Crescent, Camden, London, NW3 5LB, United Kingdom
Why is it one of the best hostels in London?
FAMOUS FOR: Multiple award-winning boutique backpacker hostels set in a charming 1881 Victorian Grade II listed building.
The rooms: The dormitory and individual guest rooms have quality furnishings and are immaculately clean. Bathrooms facilities with shower.
Amenities: Free-wifi access throughout, lockers are provided in the rooms, vending machines, 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. A restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a conservatory where guests can watch a film or get to know other travelers.
Accessibility: Swiss Cottage Tube Station is 0.5 km away, providing 10-minute links to the historic attractions of Westminster and theatres of West End. Camden’s vibrant market is 1.5 miles’ walk from the Lodge. Camden is a great choice for travelers interested in theatre, entertainment, and history.
Reviews: Guests generally give Palmers Lodge a superb rating for value for money, location, staff performance, cleanliness, and room comfort. Comments are highly positive.
Generator Hostel London
Price: Dorm bed from $15.76
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Compare the cheapest rates online, here (for FREE).
You can also read the recent reviews, here.
Located at: 37 Tavistock Place, Russell Square, Camden, London, WC1H 9SE, United Kingdom
Why is it one of the best hostels in London?
FAMOUS FOR: The most-booked hostel in 2014, this modern six-story London hostel is set in the city center, in the heart of the West End. The Generator Hostel is well known as one of the best party hostels in London!
The rooms: Cosmopolitan dormitory-style shared and private rooms with an en-suite bathroom.
Amenities: Free-wifi, in-room safes, vending machines, elevator, 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. The café serves pizza and burgers, the trendy Generator Bar has karaoke nights, games rooms, and nightclubs.
Accessibility: The Generator Hostel London is only 250 meters from Russell Square underground station and 500 meters from King’s Cross underground and mainline station with access to all of the UK. St. Pancras Station, the terminal of the Eurostar, is only a little further away. The British Library and the British Museum are within walking distance. Camden is a great choice for travelers interested in theatre, entertainment, and history.
Reviews: Guests generally give Generator Hostel a superb rating for value for money, location, staff performance, cleanliness, and room comfort. Comments are highly positive.
YHA London Central Hostel
Price: Dorm bed from $23.00
Check the latest price on Hostelworld
Compare the cheapest rates online, here (for FREE).
You can also read the recent reviews, here.
Located at: 104 Bolsover Street, Westminster, London, W1W 5NU, United Kingdom
Why is it one of the best hostels in London?
FAMOUS FOR: A modern, 4-star quality hostel accommodation in the heart of the capital, YHA London Central offers comfort and convenience.
The rooms: Dormitory-style and private guest rooms with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are shared bathroom facilities with showers, which in some dorms are en suite.
Amenities: Free-wifi, lockers provided, 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. A bar/lounge, a coffee shop/café offers a range of breakfast and lunch choices for purchase, including croissants, paninis, and pasties. Guests also have the use of computers in this area.
Accessibility: Located in Marylebone, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of BT Tower, London Palladium Theatre, and Royal Academy of Music. Selfridges and Trafalgar Square are also within 1 mi (2 km). Westminster is a great choice for travelers interested in shopping, theatre, and monuments. This area is also great for shopping, with popular brands
Reviews: Guests generally give YHA London Central Hostel a superb rating for value for money, location, staff performance, cleanliness, and room comfort. Comments are highly positive.
St Christopher’s Inn – London Bridge
Price: Dorm bed from $19.00
Check the latest price on Hostelworld
Compare the cheapest rates online, here (for FREE).
You can also read the recent reviews, here.
Located at: 121 Borough High Street, Southwark, London, SE1 1HR, United Kingdom
Why is it one of the best hostels in London?
FAMOUS FOR: Consistently voted one of the best hostels in the world, St Christopher’s at the Village is the party hostel. There are 3 St Christopher’s hostels on the same street.
The rooms: Dormitory-style and private guest rooms with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are shared bathroom facilities with showers.
Amenities: Free-wifi, lockers provided, 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. A coffee shop/café, a restaurant, a nightclub, and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free hostel. Free continental breakfast.
Accessibility: Located 1.1 km from the Tower of London in London, St Christopher’s Inn – London Bridge is found in Southwark, where culture, monuments, and sightseeing are points of interest. The London Eye is a 30-minute walk.
Reviews: Guests generally give St Christopher’s Inn Oasis Hostel a superb rating for value for money, location, staff performance. Comments are highly positive.

This list is based on our personal experiences and/or reviews online. Do you own a Backpackers Hostel and want to be featured in our series? If yes, please contact us at [email protected] with SUBJECT: Best Backpackers Hostels List.

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This is particularly useful as London can be so expensive so you really want to get the most for your money but also find somewhere affordable too!
Happy to help Nic! Glad you like our list of best hostels in London 🙂 🙂 hostels are definitely good value for your money 🙂
We’ve learned from experience that hostelling is the way to go in London. Proper hotels are multiples of the price and–in many cases–deliver less cleanliness, comfort and amenities. Thanks for this list–I hadn’t know about some of these!
Hi Michelle! Glad you like our list of best hostels in London. 🙂 🙂 Hostel is definitely a great option…cheap but very satisfactory 🙂
Great list! The only one I have stayed in was the generator hostel and it was awesome 🙂
Hi Anita! Glad you like our list of best hostels in London 🙂 🙂 good to know that you had a great time during your stay 🙂
Yes, a great list yet again! There are some great choices in here so it seems 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Hi Grietje,
Thanks for dropping by.
Love your youtube channel
Cheers,
Miguel
Great list and and very informative. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Divina
Are you traveling to London soon? Hope you pick any of these awesome hostels.
Cheers,
Miguel
Isn’t it crazy that there are hostels that can cost as much as $28 in London? It is so overpriced. I am glad I can stay with friends whenever I go!
Hi Claudia
I love to meet your friends maybe I could stay with them too ^_^
Thanks for dropping by
Miguel
I wish you had this posted last year!! haha I stayed in such a dump but it was an experience haha great post!
No worries, Christine. Next time you visit London (maybe next year?), just pick one from the list and you will have a better accommodation. Hehe
Now some of these are my idea of a hostel! Especially the Generator one! Looks so cool!
Great! Will be waiting for your (own) cool hostel, Revati. Welcome us there, please? 😉
Thanks for this, will bookmark this resource for my trip next year.
Thank you Natasha. Hope it will be a help for your upcoming trip. 🙂
Great list. I’ll keep it mine for our Euro trip next year
Hi Alexandrea
See you in London soon ^_^
Regards
Miguel
The Travel Joy hostel looks sooo cosy!! I don’t care about the free wifi, I could go there for the living room alone.. 😀 Planning to do London next year, thanks for your useful tips!
Ahoy there Jesper, Captain of the Ship
Next year is a great year to go to London, hope you try one of these awesome hostels.
You’ve got one awesome blog there going.
Cheers
Miguel
Super useful post! I love London but finding good accommodation that doesn’t cost the earth there is always a headache. We travel with kids so hostels are not always our first choice, but you never know!
Hi Martha,
Thanks for checking this awesome list of London hostels. But since you travel with kids you may want to check the other Two Monkeys ultimate lists of hotels that is right for your family
But yes it can be an adventure for kids when considering hostels
Cheers
Miguel
Hey Miguel,
great list, very useful! Glad to see Swiss Cottage, they have just been awarded as a 5 Star Hostel!
Cheers,
Matt
Hey Matt,
That’s awesome 5 star hostels lists you’ve got there.
I’ll try one of them soon ^_^
Cheers
Miguel
Great selection, YHA LONDON CENTRAL HOSTEL looks like somewhere in the school 🙂 I prefer campings on my holidays, but in London I would probably choose some of these hostels. 🙂
Hey Julius,
Hope you’ll book with one of these hostels when you visit London, camping or not ^_^
You’ve got some nice travel tips going there in your website btw.
Thanks for dropping by.
Miguel
Wow, looks like we could have stayed in one of these hostels that offer private rooms with ensuite bathroom! Even free breakfast! And nice locations! Great prices!
Tnx Carol hope you’ll try one of these hostels in your next visit to London
wow what a great post. I always have problems with finding a cheap accommodation in London. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Adriana, these are value for money accommodations for backpackers on a budget looking for quality and comfort. Hope you see London soon.
Btw Adriana, lovely website you’ve got there hope to visit Bulgaria soon. ^_^