Best Hostels in London
London has over 100 hostels and they cover the full quality spectrum from really nice (and pricey) to junky (but cheap). It pays to book a little ahead because London is busy year-round but the best hostels get snatched up pretty quickly in the summer.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best hostels in London that have the perfect combination of great location, good amenities, and a fair price.
QUICK INFO ABOUT LONDON HOSTELS
Average Price For A Bed: Hostels in London can be fairly expensive thanks to the exchange rate and the fact that London is an expensive city all around.
Well-rated hostels will be around £25-£40/night (which is about $32-$50) in the summer but there are a few around £20/night. Super budget travelers can something closer to £15 but don’t expect much quality. Prices do tend to be a bit more expensive on Friday and Saturday night.
Traveling in a group? Consider Airbnb (get $35 credit when you use this link) because the per person cost could be cheaper — especially if you want a private room.
Book Early: The cheapest beds in London’s best hostels fill up pretty quickly (especially in the summer), so it pays to book early if you want to snag a good deal in a good hostel.
Age Restrictions: There are a number of hostels that cater to families and school groups — so book an 18+ hostel if you don’t want to be surrounded by a bunch of middle school kids. Also, family friendly hostels tend to attract an older crowd so you probably won’t find the typical “backpacker” experience.
Areas: There are hostels in just about every area of London. The very dead-center doesn’t have as many because of the crazy real estate prices but you shouldn’t have any problem finding a place in a neighborhood you like.
Check-In Times and Cleaning Times: A lot of London hostels have late check-in times (around 2 pm-4 pm) but nearly all will let you store your bags if you arrive before check-in.