London is an incredible city, full of life and packed with amazing things to see and do. It’s a vibrant network of energy and is home to some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.
The nightlife is top-notch, it’s a great place to meet like-minded travelers, and there is an endless list of things to keep you entertained!
However, London isn’t cheap, and accommodation is no exception. Even London hostel prices can be sky high if you don’t know where to look. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing cheap hostels in London, too! We’re here to tell you about our favorites.
Quick Answer: Best Cheap Hostels in London
Best Overall Cheap Hostel in London – Hostel One Nottinghill
Best Cheap Hostels Near Victoria Station in London – Astor Victoria
Best Cheap Hostel in Central London – Walrus Hostel
Best Cheap London Hostel for Adults – Safestay London – Elephant and Castle
Best Cheap Female Hostel London – St Christopher’s Oasis – Female Only
Best Cheap Hostel in London Near De Wallen – St Christopher’s Village
Best Cheap London Hostel for Students – St James Backpackers
#1 – Hostel One Notting Hill
Best Overall Cheap Hostel in London!
- Free family-style dinner each evening!
- Private rooms and mixed dorms are offered
- Large common area, garden, and kitchen
Hostel One Notting Hill is an incredible, socially-oriented hostel where you’re guaranteed to meet like-minded travelers and make lasting friendships. The location in Nottinghill is perfect, just a short journey from several of the main tourist attractions in London.
Enjoy awesome daytime activities, before returning for nightly drinking games and heading out again to some local pubs and bars as a group. This hostel is ideal for those looking to have fun, meet other travelers, and party!
Stay close to the action! We have an article specifically for the best hostels near Stansted Airport!
#2 – Astor Victoria
Best Cheap Hostel Near Victoria Station in London
- Just a 10-minute walk from Victoria Station
- Near to Central London, with good public transport links
- 24-hour reception and free WiFi
This central London hostel is an award-winning choice, conveniently located close to Victoria Station. It has a social atmosphere and a focus on guest comfort. The hostel offers all-you-can-eat breakfast for just £1 ($1.30), and a fully equipped kitchen.
They also offer daily walking tours and have a comfortable lounge with a projector. Guests can choose between mixed dorms and female only dorms. You could also opt for a private room if you’re looking for a more peaceful stay.
#3 – Walrus Hostel
Best Cheap Hostel in Central London
- Excellent location in the central heart of London
- An authentically British experience
- A safe for your valuables and a luggage room
Just a 10-minute walk from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and a short underground ride to Oxford Street, Walrus hostel is one of the best hostels in London City Center. Walrus Hostel has a distinctly British vibe, with a traditional pub onsite. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are both included free of charge. Guests can choose between mixed dorms, female dorms, and private rooms.
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#4 – London Backpackers
- Excellent public transport connections to central London
- Bunk beds with privacy curtain, sockets, reading light, and locker
- 24-hour keycard access with no curfew
This recently renovated hostel offers clean and comfortable accommodation for an incredible price! London Backpackers offers free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
It also boasts a fully equipped kitchen, two lounges, a pool table, and all sorts of sporting, music, and entertainment equipment to keep you busy! With a Tube Station and 24-hour busses across the street, getting to and from Central London is a breeze.
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#5 – St Christopher’s Hammersmith
- Located directly opposite Hammersmith Station
- In-house Belushi’s Bar, offering a 25% discount on drinks and tasty food
- 24-hour reception with no curfew
St Christopher’s is a well-equipped, comfortable youth hostel in London with a great atmosphere. Located right next to Hammersmith station, it’s well connected to Central London.
The hostel has a fully equipped shared kitchen and offers both mixed and female-only dorms. POD beds are also available. Tag along for the hostel’s free walking tours, or join in on one of their classic pub crawls!
Travel Tip: Street Markets in London are awesome for delicious food, vintage clothes and whacky or old school items. Check out this Guide to London Street Markets!
Editor’s Note: You can have a great time in London staying at one of the top party hostels!
#6 – Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage
- Just a short tube ride to Central London
- Breakfast offered for a small price
- Both mixed and female dorms are offered, as well as private rooms
Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage hostel is housed in an old building with a distinctly Victorian atmosphere. It has an on-site pub, which frequently hosts gigs.
There is also an outdoor terrace and BBQ, as well as a pool table and board games! The dorms boast particularly private beds with curtains and free bedding.
#7 – Clink261
- Great central location in King’s cross, with public transport nearby
- Choose between mixed dorms, female-only dorms, and private rooms
- Cozy lounge area for relaxing
Clink261 is an awesome hostel in a fantastic location. Situated in King’s Cross, the hostel is just a short journey away from many of London’s main attractions!
A well-equipped kitchen is available to all guests, and the KERB street food market is just a short walk away. Laundry facilities and free WiFi are offered, as well as breakfast for £4 ($5.10).
Before your trip, find out about London’s best hostels!
#8 – Clink78
- Private rooms and mixed and single-sex dorm rooms, all with keycard access
- Free daily walking tours and free city maps
- Choose a private room situated in a real former prison cell!
Housed in a 200-year-old former courthouse in Kings Cross, this hostel frequently hosts live music and DJ evenings in the basement bar. Kick back in the TV lounge or challenge someone to a game of table football.
Kings Cross tube station is a 10-minute walk away, allowing easy access to London’s attractions. Guests have 24-hour access!
This hostel rocks! Read our in depth CLINK78 HOSTEL LONDON review to find out why!
#9 – Pride of Paddington
- Very well connected, just a 2-minute walk from Paddington Station
- Free breakfast and discounted food in the pub downstairs
- No curfew (24-hour access)
Situated right edge of Hyde Park, this traditional English pub offers a range of private and shared rooms (both mixed and female only). Pride of Paddington is centrally located, close to many major London attractions, and incredibly well connected by public transport!
Guests will enjoy a clean and fun environment with great security features and free Wi-Fi. The friendly staff is happy to provide tourist information and travel advice.
#10 – Palmers Lodge – Hillspring at Willesden Green
- Just a 5-minute walk from Willesden Green underground station, and an easy ride to Central London
- Parking is offered on-site
- Choose between shared dorm rooms (mixed and female), and en-suite private rooms
Located in peaceful Willesden Green, this branch of Palmers Lodge offers a relaxed atmosphere while still being well connected to London’s bustling center. It offers free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast on the house.
Reception is open 24 hours to help with any queries, and the on-site bar offers table tennis and board games. The hostel also boasts a wonderful terrace and hosts great live events!
#11 – Safestay London – Elephant and Castle
Best Cheap London Hostel for Adults
- Live events, and a games room with a pool table
- En-suite private rooms, mixed dorms, and female only dorms
- Cribs (cots) are offered free-of-charge for children
Set in an 18th-century Georgian building, this family-friendly hostel has a wholesome atmosphere. It’s in a wonderfully central location, just a few tube stops away from the likes of Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
The on-site cafe-bar offers drinks and tasty food and there is a heated garden which is lit up at night. The hostel offers fun activities including pub crawls, free walking tours, and West End show excursions.
Will you also visit Windsor? Check out where we like to stay in Windsor!
#12 – St Christopher’s Camden
- Reception is open 24 hours a day
- Mixed and separate dorms available, as well as private rooms
- Easy access to the city center and airports via public transport
Set in the vibrant cultural hub of Camden Town, this hostel is perfect for those who love alcohol, loud music, and all things vintage.
Head out on the hostel’s nightly pub crawl for an awesome Camden experience, or kick back in the common room and see which movies are playing. Camden Lock market is a short walk away, offering everything from artisanal food and incense to art and vintage clothing.
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#13 – St Christopher’s Oasis – Female Only
Best Cheap Female Hostel London
- Choice of private rooms and female-only dorms
- Keycard access
- A perfect location for exploring London
With an incredible, central location near London Bridge, this female-only hostel offers a wonderful place of peace for female travelers!
There are two underground stations just a couple minute walk away, and most of London’s main attractions are easily accessed by tube. Tower Bridge and the London Eye are right next door! Enjoy fresh linen, hair-dryers, and full-length mirrors.
#14 – Hostel One Camden
- One of the best cheap youth hostels in London, set in the vibrant heart of Camden
- Offers Camden pub crawls and free walking tours
- Easy access to Central London on the Northern Line
Set atop a traditional English pub in the heart of Camden Town, this hostel has an incredibly social atmosphere, where each guest is treated like family. Get to know like-minded travelers over the free nightly dinner (which is often vegetarian).
There are three common areas, each designed for working, partying, or relaxing. Free Wi-Fi is included, and daily breakfast is available for £3 ($3.85). This is one of the best hostels London has to offer.
#15 – St Christopher’s Village
Best Cheap Hostel in London Near De Wallen!
- One of the best hostels near London’s center, just minutes from the London Eye
- Free Wi-Fi and discounted burgers at the on-site restaurant!
- Mixed dorms and private rooms are available
Having been voted one of the best party hostels in the world, this hostel has a vibrant upbeat vibe! Beer pong is a common activity and the hostel frequently hosts amazing live events.
There is an awesome outdoor terrace, an on-site bar, Belushi’s (ideal for dancing), and a comfy dugout from which to watch live sports. It’s also the UK’s first capsule hostel, with pod-style beds!
#16 – St James Backpackers
Best Cheap London Hostel for Students
- Both breakfast and dinner are offered for free every day!
- The option of private rooms, and mixed or female-only dorms
- Amazing central location in Earle’s Court, close to many London attractions
Set in a traditional Victorian building, St James Backpackers has modern amenities, a social vibe, and offers plenty of entertainment. Get to know guests over the free daily meals, and enjoy the stellar nightly entertainment ranging from karaoke to PS4 tournaments.
There is also a communal kitchen, a large patio garden, and large living rooms with big TVs. Fast, free Wi-Fi is also available throughout!
#17 – St Christopher’s Inn – London Bridge
- The bar downstairs has a great atmosphere for socializing and meeting other travelers
- A 2-minute walk from Borough and London Bridge underground stations
- Clean, comfortable, and safe
This hostel, set in a 16th-century building, is in an outstanding location! Just a stone’s throw away from the Tate Modern London Bridge, near the heart of the city.
Although live bands perform at the bar on a Friday, most of the hostel’s events take place at the St Christopher’s Village branch nearby. This allows guests to return home for a peaceful night’s sleep whenever they desire. The 500-year-old building makes for an interesting vibe!
Conclusion
A visit to London doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re a traveler with a tight budget, or you just want to save a bit of cash, finding the right accommodation is essential.
We’ve put together the best of the best when it comes to cheap hostels in London, and we’re confident that you will have found something that suits you!
Whether you’re a party animal, music fiend, or you just want some quiet time during your stay, there’s something for everyone on this list of cheap London hostels.
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