Last Updated: 1/11/24 | January 11th, 2024
London is one of my recent favorite cities in the world. I always liked London but it wasn’t until I spent a few weeks there a few summers ago that I fell in love with London.
I didn’t want to leave.
London is a truly great city.
And its popularity means there are lots of hostels in the city. Hundreds upon hundreds.
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in London that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in London:
Price Legend (per night)
- $ = Under 30 GBP
- $$ = 30-40 GBP
- $$$ = Over 40 GBP
1. Onefam Notting Hill
This hostel is awesome. Guests get a free homemade dinner each night and can join in on organized activities (including drinking games). It’s a very social hostel with friendly staff and a fun atmosphere. There are different common areas based on whether you want to relax, work, or party, and the outdoor terrace area is perfect for hanging out when the weather is nice. The bunks, while basic, have lights and outlets (and lockers). And while the dorms are small the vibe here more than makes up for that!
Onefam at a glance:
- $$
- Free homemade dinners
- Organizes tons of events
- Great place for meeting other travelers
Beds from 35 GBP. Private rooms from 167 GBP.
2. Generator
This location is Generator’s first hostel (it’s now a huge chain spread all over Europe). Like most of their hostels, Generator London has lots of modern, upscale fixtures, a huge common area, a bar, and a restaurant (no common kitchen though). There’s also a pool and foosball table. The beds are plush but there are not many charging plugs in the walls, so you’ll have to fight for space. It’s one of the cheapest hostels in London, which is rare considering its location near King’s Cross Station. It’s a short walk from Regents Park, Covent Garden, and the British Museum.
Generator at a glance:
- $
- Huge common room for mingling and hanging out
- Bar and restaurant on-site make it easy to meet people
- Convenient location near King’s Cross Station
Beds from 25 GBP. Private rooms from 124 GBP. HostelPass members get 10% off
3. Astor Hyde Park
This hostel is in a quiet neighborhood right off Hyde Park, and within walking distance to some of London’s best museums like the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert. There’s a great party vibe, and the friendly hotel staff will help you arrange tours and activities. I love the old wooden décor of the building as you feel more like you’re in a home than a hostel. The dorms are huge and there’s plenty of room to sprawl out. Try to avoid the rooms on the upper floors as the hostel has no elevator.
Astor Hyde Park at a glance:
- $$
- Party vibe makes it easy to meet people
- Close to some of the city’s best museums
- Guests ages 18-40 only
Beds from 33 GBP. Private rooms from 119 GBP. HostelPass members get 12% off.
4. Wombats City Hostel London
The Wombats City Hostel is located in a beautifully refurbished building that used to be a sailor’s hostel. This led to the current décor and the wooden bunk beds that are, unfortunately, a bit squeaky. The rooms are a nice size, and there are activities planned most nights of the week (like walking tours and karaoke). The hostel’s central location is one of its best features – it’s super close to London’s main attractions like the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and City Hall. It’s got a good vibe to meet people in and also has a fully equipped kitchen with a free food section!
Wombats City Hostel at a glance:
- $$
- Organizes tons of activities (karaoke, walking tours)
- Convenient location near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
- Great place for meeting other travelers
Beds from 38 GBP. Private rooms from 160 GBP.
5. The Walrus Hostel
This hostel close to Parliament and Big Ben has a busy pub downstairs where hostel guests get a discount! The breakfast is simple but free and there’s a decent sized kitchen to cook your own food. The entire place has a quaint Old-English feel, with wallpapered rooms and antique-style furnishings. Request a room on the lower level if you don’t want to climb too many stairs as this place also has no elevators! The common area with its eclectic mix of furniture is my favorite part of this hostel.
The Walrus Hostel at a glance:
- $
- Pub on-site with discounts for guests
- Free breakfast (and a kitchen if you want to cook your own meals)
- Great place for meeting people
Beds from 25 GBP. Private rooms from 75 GBP.
6. St. Christopher’s Village
This hostel chain has eight London locations, but I like the Village venue the best — especially for being so near the Borough Market (an absolute haven for foodies). It’s also a short walk to the London Eye and Tower Bridge. This is a pretty big party place, with an outdoor terrace, regular beer pong nights, and musical performances. There are a ton of social events to get you well acquainted with your fellow travelers! It’s the first hostel in London to have cozy pod-style beds. They are actually super comfortable and provided one of the best sleeps I had in the city!
St. Christopher’s Village at a glance:
- $$
- Party hostel with beer pong nights
- Fun outdoor terrace makes meeting people easy
- Organizes tons of activities
Beds from 32 GBP. Private rooms from 182 GBP.
7. Barmy Badger
I’ve always had a good night’s sleep here. It may be the memory foam mattresses or the cushy pillows, but this hostel has most everything you need. The beds each have reading lights, USB plugs, and power sockets. A nice breakfast of cereals and fresh fruit is included, and there’s free coffee and tea all day. They sometimes host BBQ parties and other events.
Barmy Badger at a glance:
- $
- Lots of free perks (free breakfast, free coffee/tea all day, free printing)
- Organizes lots of events (like BBQs)
- Great beds so you’ll sleep well
Beds from 21 GBP. Private rooms from 50 GBP.
8. Park Villa
Park Villa is a boutique hostel in a grand Georgian Regency-style estate in the Mile End Old Town of London. It looks amazing from the outside, and there are nice common spaces inside. It’s a bit farther from the city center, but it’s quiet, clean, and well maintained. There is a kitchenette and you can pay 3 GBP for a continental breakfast. Free tea and coffee are usually available, and the staff is knowledgeable and provides great London sightseeing tips.
Park Villa at a glance:
- $
- Quiet hostel away from the noise of downtown
- Free coffee/tea all day and a 3 GBP breakfast
- Spacious common areas make it easy to meet people
Beds from 24 GBP. Private rooms from 80 GBP.
London has a lot of hostels but instead of spending hours trying to figure out where to stay, this list of the best hostels in London will save you time and ensure you got a great place to stay!
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Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of London!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
London has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
Want More Information on London?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to London for even more planning tips!
