London has a reputation as an expensive city, but staying centrally on a budget is entirely possible. Hostels, with dorm beds and, in most of them, private rooms as well, are a smart choice for solo travellers, students, groups of friends and anyone who plans to spend their days out in the city rather than in the room. This guide groups the best-known London hostels by area, explains which part of the city suits whom, and shares practical tips for a comfortable hostel stay.
For every option in the city, see our hostels page, or browse all London hotels.
Hostel or hotel?
In a hostel you book a bed in a shared dorm: rooms usually have between four and twelve bunks, with a bathroom either in the room or along the corridor. Many hostels also have private double, twin and family rooms, which give you the same central location for less than a hotel. Shared kitchens, bars, lounges and organised events make it easy to meet other travellers. The trade-off is less privacy and, at times, some noise. For a short city break it is a good balance.
Bloomsbury, King’s Cross and Euston
This is the best place to start a hostel search in London. The British Museum is a short walk away, King’s Cross St Pancras has the Eurostar and the Piccadilly line straight to Heathrow, and Covent Garden and Oxford Street are close. The area is fairly quiet at night and full of good-value cafés.
- Generator London: a large hostel on Tavistock Place, a few minutes from Russell Square, known for its bar.
- Smart Russell Square Hostel: on Guilford Street, close to Russell Square station.
- YHA London St Pancras: on Euston Road, right opposite King’s Cross St Pancras station.
- Clink261 Hostel: on Grays Inn Road, a short walk from King’s Cross.
- Astor Museum Hostel: on Montague Street, right beside the British Museum.
A little further west in Fitzrovia, YHA London Central sits on a quiet street between Oxford Street and Regent’s Park.
London Bridge, Southwark and Waterloo
The South Bank is ideal if you want to walk to Borough Market, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Eye. London Bridge and Waterloo stations connect you to the whole city, and the area is lively in the evening with pubs and restaurants.
- St Christopher’s Inn Village – London Bridge: on Borough High Street, a few minutes from London Bridge station.
- Dover Castle Hostel: on Great Dover Street, near Borough tube station.
- The Walrus Bar and Hostel: on Westminster Bridge Road, with a bar downstairs and Waterloo and Westminster within walking distance.
- PubLove @ The Steam Engine, Waterloo: rooms above a pub, close to Waterloo.
Tower Hill and East London
Right next to the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the City, this area combines history with the busy streets of Shoreditch and Brick Lane. Wombat’s City Hostel London is on Dock Street, within walking distance of Tower Hill and Aldgate East stations. To the north, between Angel and Old Street, Prime Backpackers Angel is on City Road.
Hyde Park, Bayswater and Paddington
Bayswater, just north of Hyde Park, has white stucco terraces, quiet streets and plenty of restaurants on Queensway, and many hostels. Paddington station has the Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line for quick airport journeys, and Notting Hill and Portobello Road market are close by.
- Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel and Smart Hyde Park View Hostel: on Inverness Terrace and Leinster Terrace, near Queensway and Bayswater stations.
- Urbany Hostel London: on Prince’s Square, a quiet Bayswater square.
- Astor Kensington Hostel: on Queensborough Terrace, a few minutes from Kensington Gardens.
Kensington and Earl’s Court
In South Kensington’s museum quarter, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A are free and within walking distance of each other. Earl’s Court is on the Piccadilly line, direct to both central London and Heathrow.
- YHA London Earl’s Court: on Bolton Gardens, a quiet street near Earl’s Court station.
- Astor Hyde Park Hostel: on Queen’s Gate, a few minutes from the museums.
- Safestay London Kensington Holland Park: inside Holland Park, surrounded by greenery.
Victoria, Camden and more
Victoria is easy for transport, with Gatwick Express trains and the coach station, and Buckingham Palace and Westminster within walking distance. Astor Victoria Hostel is on Belgrave Road and PubLove @ The White Ferry on Sutherland Street in Pimlico.
In Camden, famous for its markets, canal and live music, Smart Camden Inn Hostel is on Bayham Street near Camden Town station. South of the river in Brixton, Hootananny Hostel sits beside a music venue, and Safestay London Elephant & Castle has the Northern and Bakerloo lines for fast trips into the centre.
Which area suits you?
- First time in London: Bloomsbury and King’s Cross, with museums, theatres and transport all together.
- Nightlife and markets: Camden, Tower Hill near Shoreditch, and London Bridge.
- Quiet and green: Bayswater, Kensington and Holland Park.
- Easy airport access: Paddington and Earl’s Court for Heathrow, Victoria for Gatwick, King’s Cross for the Eurostar and Luton trains.
Practical tips for a hostel stay
- Bring a padlock: most hostels give you a locker by your bed; bring a padlock or buy one at reception.
- Female-only dorms: many hostels have dorms for women only; check the room name when you choose.
- Mind the number of guests: dorm prices are per bed. If there are two of you, book two beds or a private room. On our site a dorm bed shows as a one-guest room, and a search for two asks you to add a room.
- Age limits: some hostels accept adults only; families should look for hostels with family rooms.
- Arrival: most hostels have a 24-hour reception, but if you arrive early, check whether there is a luggage room to leave your bags.
- Getting around: use a contactless bank card or your phone on the tube and buses; daily spending is capped automatically.
- From the airport: landing late at night or early in the morning is easier with a pre-booked transfer. See the options on our Heathrow Airport transfers page.
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The great advantage of a hostel is that more of your budget goes on the city itself. The British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern and the South Kensington museums are free. For the Tower of London, the London Eye, Thames cruises and West End shows, our London tours page lists ticketed and guided options.
How to book
On our hostel pages, choose your check-in and check-out dates and the number of guests to see that stay’s current prices room by room. Dorm beds, private rooms, refundable and non-refundable rates are listed separately. When you book, only a hold is placed on your card; it is charged once your booking is confirmed. Central hostels fill up quickly at weekends and in summer, so book early once your dates are fixed.
