We’ve got some insanely good hostels here in London, and they can be really affordable if you book ahead and find a bed in a room that works for you. There’s a good selection of modern, clean, and well-located hostels that will help you experience the best of London while you’re here. These are the best London hostels to book a bed in.
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Barmy Badgers Backpackers
Located near Earl’s Court Station, which is well-connected via the tube, and is where National Express bus from London Heathrow Airport can drop you off, is always a favourite of London hostellers, despite the fact that there are in fact no badgers on the property. Rooms are small but everything else makes up for it, including USB plugs next to your bed, and outdoor area for hanging out in the summer, and two resident pups to help cure your homesickness. Honestly, I’ve had a LOT of people tell me that it’s the best London hostel to stay in, even though it looks rough around the edges when you check it out online.
Wombats City Hostel London
Wombat hostels are famous for being really darn good. They’re modern, fun, filled with decent facilities, and are a far cry from the usual grubby hostel you might be used to. On top of that, the location is good for people who want to party. Y0u can start at their on-location bar, then head to Shoreditch and the rest of east London, which is within walking distance.
More info about Wombats City Hostel London
Generator London Hostel
Generator is another much-loved hostel chain, and the London location was renovated just a few year ago so it’s really modern and slick, plus being in King’s Cross, it’s well connected to the rest of London. If you can splurge a bit for a private room, you’ll get a sizable room with an ensuite bathroom for much less than you’d pay for a hotel room. The hostel bar is great for meeting people and having cheap food and drinks. I’ve stayed here and it’s for sure one of the best London hostels.
More info about Generator London Hostel
St. Christopher’s Inn — Liverpool Street
There are a few St. Christopher’s Inns around London and they all stack up well. This one makes the list because of its location. Liverpool Street Station is super well-connected, especially if you’re flying into London Stansted Airport. You’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from Shoreditch and surrounding areas, all of which are quirky, cool, and great for a night out. Plus, the hostel is above a pub. How very British.
Check out St. Christopher’s Inn — Liverpool Street
Clink78
Located in super-well-connected King’s Cross, the Click78 building used to be a courthouse, where Charles Dickens worked and The Clash stood trial. It’s now a cool hostel with £2 buffet breakfast, a basement bar, TV lounge and self-catering kitchen, to help you save some cash on meals. Hop on one of their free walking tours the day you arrive to get to know London right away.
Clink261
Just a few minutes down the road from Clink78 is its sister hostel Clink261. Both are highly-rated on Hostelworld. This location is quieter and a better option for older travelers, plus little details like individual reading lights and a USB/electric port by each bed help make it feel a little more like home. If you need someplace with a lift, there’s one here.
MEININGER London Hyde Park
This hostel is located just across from the Natural History Museum, and close to the Science Museum, so if you’re into free museums, you’ll like it here. You’re also not far from Harrod’s, the world-famous department store, and the beautiful areas of Kensington and Hyde Park. On top of that, the MEININGER London Hyde Park is super modern in design.
Find out more about MEININGER London Hyde Park
St. Christopher’s Oasis
Another hostel in the St. Christopher’s Inn brand, but this one is female-only. It’s perfect for female solo travelers or small groups that want a focus on comfort and safety when choosing a hostel.
Book into St. Christopher’s Oasis in London
Hostel One Camden
Located in Camden, the quirky, unique area of London that’s filled with live music, street art, and world-famous markets, Hostel One Camden is a good choice for music lovers and that likes a night out. You can start with the free hostel-wide dinner (yes, I said free dinner) then join one of the pub crawls that leaves right from the hostel and brings you around to some of the city’s most popular nightlife spots.
Find out more about Hostel One Camden
Equity Point London
Equity Point London is located in Paddington, which is easily accessible from London Heathrow airport. It also has multiple tube lines going through it. Equity Point is a new hostel in the area, and it’s location makes it easy to check out Hyde Park and Notting Hill after just a few minutes walk, or with a short tube ride, you can get to other cool parts of central London. Plus, free breakfast!
These are the best hostels in London, book in early so you can get the best deals and the best beds in the hostel.
Read next: The Abroad Guide to London’s Markets
All images from Hostelworld
