The 9 Best Hostels in London

Best Hostels in London the complete guide and overview for backpackers
Photo by Benjamin Davies

I have visited London numerous times. And it is no surprise, that every visit I discover new places. The UK capital is just massive and there are endless activities and corners to explore. The same goes for hostels; there are so many in London. So I set out and visited the best ones for solo-travel and budget travel.

Get ready for the 9 best hostels in London! I am pretty excited to unveil my chosen hostels that offer comfort, uniqueness, and killer vibes. Traveling solo or exploring now the kids have left home? No problem, let’s go.

🦸 Solo Traveler: Wombats City Hostel London
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: Onefam Notting Hill by Hostel One
🥳 Party Hostel:Generator Hostel London
👩‍❤️‍👨 Couple Hostel: Wombats City Hostel London
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel: Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads: Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage
🧘 Cozy Hostel: Onefam Notting Hill by Hostel One

Hostel Prices per night

  • $ = Under 25 GBP
  • $$ = 25-40 GBP
  • $$$ = Over 40 GBP

The best place to find prices is Hostelz.com. They also created a big list of best hostels in London, including all prices, map, and even the activities. This is super useful.

1. Onefam Notting Hill

Onefam Notting Hill is the ultimate social hub for backpackers seeking fun and connections. With its lively atmosphere, free social activities, and age limit ensuring a youthful vibe, it’s perfect for those ready to party and explore. The hostel’s cozy size means booking early is essential. Choose from a variety of dorms or private rooms, all ready-made for your arrival. Located in the vibrant Notting Hill, it’s steps away from iconic London sites like Hyde Park and Portobello Market.

Important for you: It is a small hostel! Best to book as soon as you have your dates fixed!

Onefam Notting Hill at a glance:

  • Pricing per Night: $ – $$
  • Incredibly social atmosphere with Free evening dinners and daytime activities
  • Age limit of 18-36 for a youthful vibe
  • Prime location in Notting Hill, close to major attractions
Book Onefam Notting Hill here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

2. Destinations Hostels @ The Gallery

Common Area The Gallery Hostel London
Common Area The Gallery Hostel London
The Gallery Best Hostel London
The Gallery Best Hostel London
Destinations Hostels @ The Gallery
Destinations Hostels @ The Gallery

Destinations Hostels @ The Gallery charms with a unique feature: a cozy pub on the ground floor run by the owner, offering a warm welcome and a great spot for evening socials. While not a party hostel, it fosters a strong sense of community in its common areas, perfect for meeting fellow travelers over board games, PlayStation, or live sports. Despite understated photos, the hostel shines with great vibes and quality facilities aimed at social interaction. Situated in Pimlico’s picturesque streets, it’s centrally located near London’s iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich history and culture.

Destinations Hostels @ The Gallery at a glance

  • Pricing per Night: $$ – $$$
  • Charming pub on the first floor
  • Centrally located near Pimlico tube station
  • Great common room area for socializing
Book Destinations Hostels @ The Gallery here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

3. Wombats City Hostel London

Have a cup of coffee at Wombat's City Hostel London
Have a cup of coffee at Wombat's City Hostel London
Wombat's City Hostel London - Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
Wombat's City Hostel London - Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
Wombats City Hostel London is one of the best hostels in London, UK
Wombats City Hostel London
Wombats City Hostel London is one of the best hostels in London, UK
Wombats City Hostel London is one of the best hostels in London, UK
Wombats City Hostel London is one of the best hostels in London, UK
Wombats City Hostel London is one of the best hostels in London, UK

Socialize at Wombats City Hostel London in the courtyard, lounge, or the unique cave-like bar, and engage in activities like board games, table football, and pool. Join free tours of London’s most famous landmarks, followed by evening quiz nights or karaoke. Open 24/7, it caters to guests regardless of arrival time.  Accommodation options range from 4 to 10-bed dorms, including female-only dorms and private rooms, all clean and comfortable. The hostel is located in Whitechapel, it’s near Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the lively area of Shoreditch, with easy access to underground station.

Wombats City Hostel London at a glance:

  • Pricing per Night: $$ – $$$
  • Big and Social Hostel with Courtyard, lounge, and hostel bar
  • Located near Tower Bridge and Shoreditch
Book Wombats City Hostel London here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

4. Urbany Hostel London

Urbany Hostel London Common Space

Urbany Hostel London offers a vibrant, tech-friendly retreat right in London’s bustling heart, perfect for the modern traveler seeking comfort at a great value. It’s a social hotspot with a wide array of events in its spacious common room, from pub crawls to cooking sessions, making it easy to mingle and make friends. Accommodation options vary from mixed to female-only dorms and private rooms, all featuring comfortable beds and essential amenities. Located just steps away from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, with easy tube access, it’s an unbeatable base for exploring the city’s sights.

Urbany Hostel London at a glance:

  • Pricing per Night: $ – $$
  • Tech-savvy environment with app-controlled amenities
  • Vibrant social scene with communal kitchen and gym
  • Located near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
Book Urbany Hostel London here

5. Onefam Waterloo

Onefam Hostel Waterloo in London

Onefam Waterloo offers a unique blend of homey comfort and London’s dynamic energy, making it a top pick for budget-savvy and solo travelers. Known for its vibrant social scene, the hostel offers many events, including walking tours and evening gatherings. Guests can choose from mixed dorms, female-only dorms, and private rooms, all designed for comfort and convenience. It stands out for its commitment to sustainability and fostering community through workshops and talks. Perfectly located in Waterloo, it’s just a short stroll from iconic attractions like the Southbank Centre and the London Eye, ensuring you’re always close to the heart of London’s cultural buzz.

Onefam Waterloo at a glance:

  • Pricing per Night: $$ – $$$
  • backpacker hostel with a focus on social events
  • Central location near the London Eye and Southbank Centre
Book Onefam Waterloo here

6. Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage

Best hostels for couples in London, Plamers Lodge Swiss Cottage
Best hostels for couples in London, Plamers Lodge Swiss Cottage
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage one of the best hostels in London
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage one of the best hostels in London
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage best hostel in London for Solo Travellers
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage best hostel in London for Solo Travellers
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage one of the best hostels in London
Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage

Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage stands out as a family-friendly lodging in London, offering spacious common areas, a billiard table, board games, and an in-house bar. The accommodation caters to all travelers with options ranging from female-only and mixed dorms to private rooms, each equipped with essentials like lockers, linen, and privacy curtains. The design evokes a Hogwarts-like atmosphere, with the largest dorm spaciously spread over two floors for added privacy. Socially inclined guests will appreciate the diverse common areas, including a bar, BBQ area, and an antique-styled living room, with organized events like movie nights and pub crawls enhancing the communal vibe. Conveniently located near the London Underground and Finchley Road’s amenities, it’s easy to explore the city’s attractions or catch a bus to Stansted Airport, though travelers should account for London’s unpredictable traffic.

Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage at a glance:

  • Pricing per Night: $ – $$
  • Family-friendly with huge common areas
  • Variety of dorms and private rooms with privacy curtains
  • In-house bar and numerous social events
  • Close to the London Underground and city center
Book Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage here

7. Selina Camden

Selina Camden is one of the best hostels in London, UK
Selina Camden is one of the best hostels in London, UK
Selina Camden is one of the best hostels in London, UK
Selina Camden is one of the best hostels in London, UK

Selina Camden definitely suits the edgy vibe of this London neighborhood. There are often live music performances here, and as the hostel is so close to great nightlife, it’s easy to enjoy a night on the town once it finishes.

“Aside from offering beautifully-designed accommodation and a comfortable space to hang out, the Selina Camden hotel is an authentic cultural hub, consistent with great guest experience, an ever-changing calendar of exciting, diverse programming, and unique wellness experiences.”

Selina Camden at a glance:

  • Pricing per Night: $$ – $$$
  • Designed accommodation with a cultural hub
  • Communal kitchen and onsite bar
  • Vegan/Vegetarian eatery
  • Close to nightlife and live music performances
Book Selina Camden here

8. YHA Central Hostel

Youth Hostels in London: YHA Central Hostel in London

YHA Central stands out as our top pick for youth hostels in London, notable for its inclusivity with wheelchair accessibility and a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. While it lacks in-room WiFi, available only in common areas, this hostel doesn’t fall short on fun. With its own bar and a packed schedule of events including pub crawls, free walking tours, and market tours, YHA Central offers a vibrant atmosphere for backpackers looking for a memorable stay in the city.

YHA Central Hostel at a glance:

  • Pricing per Night: $ – $$
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Kitchen for self-catering
  • Bar and numerous social events
Book YHA Central here

9. Extra Party Hostel: Generator

Generator Hostel London is the go-to spot for those looking to dive into the city’s vibrant party scene. Boasting one of London’s best hostel bars, open until 2 am with a wide selection of cocktails, it’s a prime choice for nightlife enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Camden Town, you’re steps away from an array of pubs, bars, and clubs, plus a short 10-minute walk from Kings Cross and the free-to-enter British Museum. The hostel offers sturdy, well-equipped dorms with personal lights, power sockets, and USB ports, though it lacks privacy curtains. Additionally, guests can kick off their day with a free walking tour of London, a perfect way to explore the city.

Generator Hostel London at a glance:

  • Pricing per Night: $ – $$
  • Great for partying with an impressive bar
  • Located near Camden Town for more nightlife options
  • Free walking tours every morning
Book Generator Hostel London here

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