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Top Hostels in London

We asked several experienced budget travelers to pick their top hostel in London. In recent years, the number and quality of hostels in the capital has surged, with more and more places offering a good nights sleep at affordable prices, proving that visiting London doesn’t have to break the bank!

St Christopher’s Inn Liverpool Street

Katie from The Hostel Girl:

“My first choice of hostel in London is always St Christopher’s Inn Liverpool Street. It’s above a busy pub, The Flying Horse, that has been a local secret for years now. So guests really get to experience life as the locals do when they all rush into the pub after finishing work at 6pm! The hostel facilities are brand new, it’s centrally located, the area is really safe, and the staff are so much fun!”

Address: 52 Wilson St, London EC2A 2ER
Nearest Underground Station: Liverpool Street or Moorgate

The Dictionary Hostel:

Anita from Anita Hendrieka:

“My top hostel in London is by far the Dictionary Hostel.  It’s got the coolest vibe and is in the best location – East London.  The hostel itself has plenty of rooms plus free breakfast, and with a joint café and bar next door, you are guaranteed to meet likeminded travellers to hang/party with.  The top hostel in London, The Dictionary is a 10/10 in my opinion!”

Address: 10-20 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8DA
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street and Old Street
Nearest overground: Shoreditch High Street

The Generator Hostel:

Milly from Mini Adventures:

“Generator Hostels are redefining the ‘norms’ when it comes to hostels, with vibrant, colourful décor and great social spaces. Their London hostel has been a top favourite of mine since I first stayed there before moving to London, almost nine years ago. There’s always something going on, and the bar and lounge areas are full of fun international travellers – so if you’re looking to meet new people on your travels, it’s perfect!”

Address: 37 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SE
Nearest Underground Stations: Kings Cross, Russell Square

YHA London St Pancras

Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel:

“There is no shortage of hostels in London, but as eco-conscious travelers we always prefer to stay in accommodation with an eco-mindset, like the YHA London St Pancras. The hostel is ideally located close to St Pancras station, making it a convenient base for exploring London. The hostel has a licensed café/bar on site and also includes facilities like laundry room, luggage storage, lounge and free wifi. And because the YHA London St Pancras belongs to the Hostelling International family, we know that it adheres to the Hostelling International Sustainability Charter, which outlines minimum criteria for conservation of resources, waste disposal & recycling, care for nature, and environmental education.”

Address: 79-81 Euston Road, London, NW1 2QE
Nearest Underground Station: King’s Cross/St Pancras

Palmer’s Lodge Swiss Cottage:

Kara from Heels in my Backpack: 

“There are lots of bright and shiny hostels in London, but my favourite is one that’s a bit rough around the edges. Palmer’s Lodge Swiss Cottage is definitely not a flashpacker hostel. But it’s set in a mansion decked out in mahogany panelling with coats of armour in the hallways, so it basically feels like you’re at Hogwarts! They also host live bands in the garden, serve cheap drinks and it’s only a stone’s throw from the nightlife of Camden. What more could you want?”

Address: 40 College Cres, London NW3 5LB
Nearest Underground Station: Swiss Cottage

safestay:

Mourad from My Chic Hostel: 

“When I go to London, I like to stay in Safestay London Elephant & Castle, the first boutique hostel launched in the capital. I like the common areas that are really cosy and stylish with a purple touch. If you are looking for more peace and quiet, there is a bar lounge with a little outdoor seating area. In addition, London’s most popular attractions can all be reached within a 15-minute tube journey via Elephant & Castle station, what more could you ask?”

Address: 144-152 Walworth Road, Elephant & Castle, London SE17 1JL
Nearest Underground Station: Elephant & Castle

capsule hostel:

Matt from Tourist England:

“Is this the future of budget travel? London’s first capsule bed experience has landed in the capital at the bargain price of £25 for a brand new capsule! This is the ultimate way for those on a budget looking to keep their privacy, whilst still enjoying all the social and communal vibes of a hostel. There are 26 capsule beds installed in the award winning St Christopher’s Hostel London Bridge, one of the top hostels located right in the heart of the capital. This is the perfect place from which to start exploring the many different neighborhoods in London.”

Address: 161-165 Borough High Street, Southwark, SE1 1HR
Nearest Underground Station: Borough, London Bridge