Hostels in London
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
London attracts millions of visitors every year, many of whom seek affordable and comfortable places to stay. Hostels offer a great way to explore the city without breaking the bank. Whether you want to be in the heart of the action, near iconic landmarks, or in a quieter neighborhood, London has hostels to suit every preference. This guide covers the top 20 hostels across different areas of London, highlighting their unique features, facilities, and booking options.
1. Generator London – Bloomsbury
Located in the literary heart of London, Generator London offers a stylish and social atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore the British Museum and nearby theaters.
Highlights:
Central location near Russell Square
Vibrant bar and café on-site
Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
Facilities:
Mixed and female-only dorms
Private rooms available
24-hour reception and security
2. YHA London Central – Fitzrovia
YHA London Central is a clean, modern hostel ideal for budget travelers who want easy access to Oxford Street and Soho nightlife.
Highlights:
Close to Oxford Circus tube station
Free walking tours organized by staff
Eco-friendly initiatives
Facilities:
En-suite rooms and dormitories
Self-catering kitchen
Laundry facilities
3. Clink78 – King’s Cross
Set in a former courthouse, Clink78 combines history with a lively social scene. It’s a great base for exploring Camden and the British Library.
Highlights:
Unique building with original courtroom features
On-site bar and café
Regular events and live music
Facilities:
Mixed and female-only dorms
Private rooms with shared bathrooms
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
4. Astor Museum Inn – Bloomsbury
Astor Museum Inn offers budget-friendly accommodation just steps from the British Museum. It’s popular with solo travelers and backpackers.
Highlights:
Walking distance to major museums
Friendly and helpful staff
Quiet neighborhood
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi
5. Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage – Swiss Cottage
This Victorian mansion turned hostel offers a charming stay in a leafy part of London, with easy access to Hampstead Heath.
Highlights:
Historic building with character
Large garden and outdoor seating
Close to Swiss Cottage tube station
Facilities:
Dorms and private rooms
Bar and café on-site
Free Wi-Fi and breakfast options
6. The Walrus Hostel – Waterloo
Perfect for travelers wanting to explore the South Bank and London Eye, The Walrus Hostel offers a friendly vibe and great location.
Highlights:
Near Waterloo station and South Bank attractions
Social events and pub crawls
Budget-friendly prices
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
7. St Christopher’s Inn Village – London Bridge
This lively hostel is close to Borough Market and Tower Bridge, offering a social atmosphere with a popular bar.
Highlights:
Central location near London Bridge
On-site bar with live music
Free walking tours
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
24-hour reception
Free Wi-Fi and breakfast available
8. Wombat’s City Hostel – London
Wombat’s is known for its clean, modern design and social spaces. It’s located near King’s Cross, making it easy to travel around London.
Highlights:
Spacious common areas
On-site bar and restaurant
Friendly atmosphere
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
Laundry and luggage storage
9. Safestay London Elephant & Castle – Elephant and Castle
This hostel offers a modern stay with easy access to central London and the vibrant neighborhoods of Southwark.
Highlights:
Stylish interiors with artistic touches
Rooftop terrace with city views
Close to Elephant and Castle tube station
Facilities:
Mixed and female-only dorms
Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Free Wi-Fi and breakfast options
10. Astor Hyde Park Hostel – Bayswater
Close to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, this hostel is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy green spaces and museums.
Highlights:
Walking distance to Hyde Park
Friendly, social atmosphere
Budget-friendly rates
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
11. The Dictionary Hostel – Shoreditch
Located in the trendy Shoreditch area, The Dictionary Hostel offers a creative vibe and easy access to street art and nightlife.
Highlights:
Trendy neighborhood with cafes and bars
Artistic interior design
Regular social events
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
Shared kitchen and lounge
12. Clink261 – King’s Cross
Another hostel in King’s Cross, Clink261 is set in a former magistrate’s court and offers a unique blend of history and comfort.
Highlights:
Historic building with original features
Social bar and café
Close to major transport links
Facilities:
Mixed and female-only dorms
Private rooms available
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
13. Astor Victoria Hostel – Victoria
This hostel is perfect for travelers wanting to be near Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station.
Highlights:
Central location near major landmarks
Social atmosphere with events
Friendly staff
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
14. Hostel One Notting Hill – Notting Hill
Set in a charming neighborhood famous for its market and carnival, this hostel offers a welcoming vibe.
Highlights:
Located in a quiet, picturesque area
Communal dinners and events
Close to Portobello Road Market
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
Shared kitchen and lounge
15. The Walrus Hostel – Waterloo
Another branch of The Walrus Hostel, this location offers similar benefits with a focus on socializing and exploring South Bank.
Highlights:
Close to London Eye and Tate Modern
Social events and pub crawls
Budget-friendly
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
16. Astor Kensington Hostel – Kensington
Ideal for travelers who want to explore museums and parks, this hostel offers a quiet stay in a leafy neighborhood.
Highlights:
Near Natural History Museum and Science Museum
Quiet residential area
Friendly atmosphere
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
17. Smart Russell Square Hostel – Bloomsbury
This budget hostel is close to the British Museum and offers simple, clean accommodation.
Highlights:
Central location in Bloomsbury
Affordable prices
Close to public transport
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi
18. The Backpackers Hostel – Paddington
A small, friendly hostel near Paddington Station, great for travelers arriving by train or Heathrow Express.
Highlights:
Close to Paddington Station
Friendly and helpful staff
Budget-friendly
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi
19. Rest Up London – Shoreditch
Rest Up London offers a modern, clean stay in the heart of Shoreditch, known for its nightlife and street art.
Highlights:
Trendy Shoreditch location
Modern facilities
Social events and tours
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
Shared kitchen and lounge
20. The Walrus Hostel – Waterloo (Third Mention)
This hostel’s multiple locations in Waterloo make it a reliable choice for travelers wanting to explore South Bank and central London.
Highlights:
Multiple locations for convenience
Social atmosphere
Close to major attractions
Facilities:
Mixed dorms and private rooms
Shared kitchen and lounge
Free Wi-Fi and lockers
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