Leeds is one of the coolest destinations in the UK. Whether you’re coming to discover its rich historical past, vibrant art scene, or enjoy the nightlife, there’s something for everyone. What’s more, Leeds is full of backpacker-friendly accommodation. That means you can spend less time budgeting, and more time enjoying this awesome city.
Leeds is a pretty walkable city, and the majority of its hostels put you close to the center. If you’re staying slightly further out or plan on exploring further afield, then we strongly recommend bringing a car.
In this guide to the best hostels in Leeds, we’ve considered something for every traveler. Each of these places offers great value accommodation with a top location that won’t kill your budget. From party-centric hostels to basic backpacker digs, you’re bound to find one that’s perfect for you.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Leeds
- Best Overall Hostel in Leeds – Russell Scott Backpackers and Annexe
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Leeds – Art Hostel
- Top Cheap Hostel in Leeds – Bohemia Mini Hotel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Leeds – Old School House Annex
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Leeds – ibis Style Leeds
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Leeds – ADVO Aparts Guest Hotel
The 10 Best Hostels in Leeds
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Best Overall Hostel in Leeds – Russell Scott Backpackers and Annexe
- $
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dorm & private rooms
- Free breakfast
There’s no denying it – they get it right at Russell Scott Backpackers and Annexe. They provide what travelers on a budget need and appreciate. Affordable rates? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Free breakfast? Big check.
What’s more, it’s got a banging location in the heart of all the action. All the top attractions are within walking distance of the hostel, so you won’t have to splash out on public transport. If you do have some cash to spare and don’t fancy cooking in the communal kitchen, there are heaps of restaurants right on the doorstep.
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Leeds – Art Hostel
- $
- Dorms only
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free breakfast
Solo travelers are always welcome in the art community, so you’ll never be out of place when on your own. At Art Hostel creativity, innovation, and affordability reign. One of the top hostels in the UK, this awesome place was created by a contemporary art charity and is surrounded by working studios.
This sociable hostel also provides free breakfast, a full kitchen, and laundry service. Rooms are comfortable and decorated with original design, offering something slightly different to your average dorm room. Art Hostel is the best place to go to discover the local side of the city, as guests are introduced to the best independent shops, cafes, and businesses.
Best Cheap Hostel in Leeds – Bohemia Mini Hotel
- $
- Private rooms only
- Free Wi-Fi
- Shared bathroom
This little spot is a gem for travelers backpacking the UK on a budget. The private rooms are a great home base for exploring Leeds. Bathrooms are shared, but it’s a small price to pay for such cheap rates! Enjoy a tea or coffee in your room or head down to the super convenient Bohemian Bistro for a bite to eat. It’s a bit of a walk to get to the city center, but parking is free if you’re bringing a car.
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View on Osprey View on REIBest Hostel for Couples in Leeds – Old School House Annex
- $$$
- Full apartment
- Fireplace
- Courtyard
A glass of wine, a roaring fire, and a private courtyard. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The Old School House Annex provides just that. Nestled in the West Yorkshire countryside, this fabulous apartment is a great home base for exploring the landscape of quaint villages or hopping into Leeds to take advantage of what the city has to offer.
No matter what you choose to do, rest assured this apartment is a perfect place for you to rest your heads and get a little alone time. It’s not central by any means, but it makes the perfect home base for a private escape.
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Leeds – ibis Style Leeds
- $$
- Free Wi-Fi
- En-suite private rooms
- Free breakfast
With free wifi, a free breakfast, and a comfortable ensuite all to yourself, digital nomads will have no problems getting work done at the ibis. Get to work in your own room at the desk or lounging on the bed – both are ready for you and your devices.
Arnold’s (the on-site restaurant and bar) provides an easy place for a quick meal, offering locally sourced produce and baked goods. The hotel is in the heart of Leeds, so you can head out and explore as soon as you’ve finished work for the day.
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Leeds – ADVO Aparts Guest Hotel
- $$
- Free Wi-Fi
- Private rooms only
- Full shared kitchen
The ADVO strikes the perfect balance of cheap but comfortable accommodation. Located just outside of the city center, it’s a bit of a walk to get around, but you can park on-site if you have a car. An airport shuttle is also provided to help you settle right in.
After a long day of exploring Leeds, having your own private room is just what you need. Choose the room setup that fits your needs – they even have a single room option if you’re on your own. Each room comes with a microwave, fridge, kettle, and a TV.
Best Party Hostel in Leeds – The George Backpackers
- $
- Dorms
- Restaurant & bar
- Outdoor garden
If you’re looking for a wild time, The George Backpackers is where you’ll find it. Located in the city center, it’s just a short walk to all the best pubs, bars, and clubs in Leeds. The George even has its own pub onsite, where you can enjoy a drink before heading out on the town.
It’s also got everything you’d need to make your trip hassle-free – a common kitchen and bunk rooms to keep costs down. Plus, there are lockers to keep your stuff safe, and free Wi-Fi to stay connected.
The George Backpackers is one of our favourites in Leeds but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
More Awesome Hostels in Leeds
easyHotel Leeds
- $
- En-suite private rooms
You can’t beat easyHotel’s incredible location and super affordable prices. It’s actually in the pedestrian-only area of town, so it’s the best place to stay in Leeds if you want to be close to everything. Each room has its own private bathroom which is hard to come by at this price level.
So, what gives? Just keep in mind that some rooms don’t have a window, so they’re usually at a lower price point. But who needs to gaze at Leeds from a window? You’ll be out enjoying everything the city has to offer in person. Another thing to keep in mind is that some conveniences come at an additional charge, including Wi-Fi.
Park House B&B
- $$
- Free Wi-Fi
- En-suite private rooms
Park House is a solid place to stay when you’re traveling on a budget. It has different room types to choose from, so there’s a space for you whether you’re traveling solo or with friends. In the morning, get your caffeine fix in the comfort of your own room before heading out for the day with free tea and coffee.
It’s important to note that although it’s got B&B in the name, breakfast is not provided. But with rates this low, you’ve got an extra quid in your pocket for brekkie.
Private Room in House, hosted by Robert
- $$
- Private bathroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Communal kitchen
- Washing machine
Sleek, tidy, and a great price – that’s what Robert offers when you stay with him. His lovely apartment is perfectly convenient with your own private room and en-suite bathroom. To keep your travel budget low, you can use the full kitchen to cook your meals instead of eating out throughout your trip.
Cross Green is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Leeds city center, but free parking is provided if you’re bringing a car. Laundry facilities are available, so you can feel right at home throughout your stay.
Private Room in House, hosted by Robert is one of our favourites in Leeds but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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What to Pack for your Leeds Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Travel Safety Tips for Leeds
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Leeds
So there you have it – the best hostels in Leeds. We hope this list has taken some of the hassle out of planning your next adventure, and that there are a couple of hostels that caught your eye.
If you’re still not sure which one to go for, we think Russell Scott Backpackers is a solid bet. With its top location, epic facilities, and even better rates, it really is the whole package!
Do you own or run a kick ass hostel? Want to be featured in this list? Get in touch at [email protected]
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
