London evokes images of glamorous theatre districts, boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants. This can seem a little intimidating for travellers who carry their bag on their backs and are usually on a budget.
But fear not! London is an awesome backpacker’s destination with an abundance of free things to do and some seriously cool hostels.
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a newbie, there are some non-negotiable boxes that a good hostel needs to tick. And there are ‘luxury’ touches that will make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible without a hefty cost.
I’ve put together this guide of the best hostels in London with destination, facilities and atmosphere in mind. Regardless of what type of traveller you are, you’re sure to find a hostel perfect for you!
In this guide:
8 of the Best London Hostels
London is a huge city that is very well connected. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll no doubt be jumping on the tube to explore other areas.
This guide has covered the ideal areas to stay with regards to attractions, surrounds and overall vibe. So without further ado, here are 8 of the top hostels in London.
1. Palmers Lodge, Swiss Cottage
This is, without a doubt, number one on the list and arguably the best hostel in London. The Victorian Mansion, wooden furnishings, and old-fashioned charm are reminiscent of Hogwarts meet London chic.
For experienced hostel-goers, Palmers Lodge is a dream. It has all the backpacker bells and whistles: a locker, privacy curtain, individual reading lights, and personal bedside sockets.
For backpackers, these small touches are the difference between good hostels and amazing ones. There are several massive common rooms, each catering to whatever mood you’re in.
Choose between shooting a round of pool, cosying up with a book in the vintage lounge or grabbing a drink at the bar. For warm summer days, there is a BBQ area that is perfect for enjoying the warm evenings.
This hostel has it all, including the option of dorm rooms or privates. And as one of the best hostels in downtown London, the location is fantastic.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Palmers Lodge on Booking.com and HostelWorld!
2. Hostel One, Notting Hill
If you’re looking for a place to meet fellow travellers with a social vibe and the opportunity to party – you’ve found it. This hostel is centred around having fun and bringing people together. It achieves this by hosting drinking games and free dinners.
The downside (or upside, depending on how you look at it) is that there’s an age limit.
To ensure a social atmosphere, only travellers between 18 and 36 can join in the fun. Keeping the age young has gained it a reputation as a top party hostel in London.
The hostel has a lot of space to chill out and some daytime activities for those days that you want to spend in, recuperating.
One of the best things about Hostel One is the location, in the heart of the famous and picturesque Notting Hill, surrounded by some of London’s prettiest streets.
You’ll have Portobello Market, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace right on your doorstep. And of course, the opportunity to recreate cheesy photo scenes sans Hugh Grant or Julia Roberts.
From Hostel One you can easily walk around Notting Hill and explore the many awesome bars, brunch spots and cafes.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Hostel One on Booking.com and HostelWorld!
3. Astor Hyde Park Hostel, South Kensington
In South Kensington, you’ll come across one mouthwatering french bakery and cafe after another. As well as a lot of London’s best museums, which also happen to be free. Yes, FREE!
The Kensington and Chelsea district is upmarket, beautiful and quintessentially London. And this hostel is smack bang in the middle, every bit as glamorous as its surroundings and at a very affordable price.
Daily activities such as tours and pub crawls will keep you busy when you’re not marvelling at the Natural History Museum collection or feasting on eclairs.
It is a great hostel for socialising, and even better if you like to socialise but also want to get a good night’s rest. All the drinking games and social action happens in the basement, far away from your room.
A buffet breakfast is on offer every morning, at a reasonable price. And all the proceeds go to charity – winning! Otherwise, there’s a communal kitchen for keen cooks or budget travellers.
You’d never believe that such high-quality accommodation is one of the best cheap hostels in London.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Astor Hyde Park Hostel on Booking.com and HostelWorld!
4. SoHostel, Soho
Soho is trendy, vibrant, and a great base to explore central London. Especially if you’re a sucker for bespoke cocktail bars, bottomless brunch and world-class restaurants. If you want to immerse yourself in London’s West End, this is the place to do it.
The hostel offers a free tour of Tottenham Court Road, which is the perfect introduction to the area for first-time visitors. The nightly drink promotions at the onsite bar provide the ideal preparation for a night out in buzzing Soho.
As well as dorm rooms there are cosy privates that make this one of the best London hostels for couples. And while most people will find this next bit a nonplus, long term travellers will probably get goosebumps reading this: There is laundry service.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at SoHostel on Booking.com and HostelWorld!
5. Wombats Hostel, Whitechapel
The Wombats brand is famous throughout Europe for having amazing, modern hostels with epic onsite bars and functional facilities. This branch has stuck true to this reputation and is one of the top hostels in London.
There are a number of things to do, ranging from foosball and pool to board games and free London landmarks tour.
After you’ve spent a day exploring the sights of the city, you can show off your knowledge at a quiz night or your singing skills (or lack thereof) at Karaoke.
This all takes place at the WomBAR…cool, hey? The dorms are accessed with a super nifty smart keycard which also opens your personal locker. So there’s no need for clunky padlocks and tiny keys that always get lost.
The central location in Whitechapel is close to Tower Bridge and edgy Shoreditch. It is an East-London dream spot.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Wombats Hostel on Booking.com and HostelWorld!
6. The Walrus, Lambeth
The location does not get better than this if you’re keen to explore London’s iconic attractions. A whisker away from the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey is this old English pub hostel.
Much like a typical pub, the hostel is a no-frills sort of place. You won’t find any hi-tech additions or a list of activities. What you will find is a warm and welcoming hostel that will have you feeling like you’re in the Cotswolds.
The hostel provides two crucial free offerings: A towel (how tired are you of that £1 fee?) and a simple but delicious breakfast spread.
The combination of the unbeatable location and a free breakfast to fuel your days of sightseeing makes this one of the nicest hostels in London.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at The Walrus on Booking.com and HostelWorld!
7. Clink78, Islington
This is one of the coolest London hostels based in a former courthouse that has retained a lot of the original features.
The private double rooms are in the old courthouse cells with the original doors. And the courtrooms remain unchanged, judge’s chair and all.
The lively atmosphere and affordable prices attract a ton of like-minded travellers. You can meet some of them over a game of pool or on the dancefloor, adjacent to the groovy downstairs bar.
Join in on a free walking tour of London and save pennies by using the self-catering kitchen or munching the £2 breakfast.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Clink78 on Booking.com and HostelWorld!
8. Safestay London Elephant & Castle, Southwark
There are not many affordable, but still brilliant, London hostels to choose from. But Safestay hostel is a true gem in the south of London and is excellent value for money.
There are a few common areas to relax in, including a games room and courtyard garden. For the digital nomads, a computer room is available to do some on the road work. Or to research the bucket list attractions in London.
Bar60, the onsite restaurant and bar, offers a cheap and scrumptious continental breakfast to start your day. And has a mouthwatering burger and pizza menu.
The hostel offers plenty of activities such as walking tours, pub crawls and even jet boating on the Thames. It is an awesome base from which to explore London. And even though it is a budget hostel, no comfort has been sacrificed.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Safestay Elephant & Castle on Booking.com and HostelWorld!
Final thoughts on the top hostels in London
Are you surprised at how many amazing and affordable hostels are in London? And each of them offers plenty of exciting activities, cool chillout zones and funky bars. Everything you need to make the most of your trip to London.
Whether you’re a party animal looking to paint London red, travelling with your beau or missioning solo – there is something for everyone.
I hope you find this London hostel guide useful in planning your trip to London, and deciding which hostel in London is best for you!
Looking for more London tips? Check out these guide:
- What to do in London when it rains – for Londoners and tourists alike!
- The best ways to get around London
- A Londoners guide to how to behave on the tube
- How to spend 2 awesome days in London
- Discover these London hidden gems only locals know
- The perfect London 5 day itinerary
- 20 incredible viewpoints with epic views of London
- 10 hotels in London with an awesome city view
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