People have been flocking to York for centuries. The Romans, Vikings, and the Britons have all claimed it as their home. On a visit you can see what they all left behind, so there’s a ton to do in and around the city (like the Jorvik Viking Center and Minster Cathedral).
Even just walking through the gates of the city wall and on the cobblestoned streets, you’ll get a feel for how awesome it all is. After a night out at the restaurants, bars, and clubs, you’ll know why all these legends have called this place home!
York is a major tourist city, so hostels in the area are really accommodating and won’t make you go broke. Most have a bar and restaurant on-site, but the ones in the city center are totally walkable. Plus, free Wi-Fi and luggage storage is the norm, so not much to worry about there.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in York
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The Best Hostels in York
The Fort Boutique Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in York
The Fort Boutique Hostel has the trifecta – good price, great location, and awesome atmosphere. If you want to stay inside the city walls, steps from the bars and restaurants in the center of town, then this is your place.
The restaurant/bar downstairs offers discounts to hostel guests, and you’ll have free hot drinks available throughout your stay. The rooms are all uniquely decorated, which adds a nice touch.
Astor York – Best Party Hostel in York
The Astor York understand that a hostel is more than just where we sleep for the night. With a private bar and weekly events like ‘Free Dinner Friday’ – you’re bound to have a great time.
The Astor also helps us with the things that aren’t so fun, like renting adaptors and padlocks when you forgot yours, printing boarding passes, and late checkout when you just don’t feel like rolling out of bed at the crack of dawn.
Safestay York – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in York
Safestay York is a place for the solo traveler. It’s close to the city center and only a seven-minute walk to the train, making it all super accessible for someone on their own.
Their cosy rooms and comfortable beds, as well as quirky antique furnishings make the space feel relaxing and homely. On top of that, you can have breakfast in the communal dining hall every morning, which makes this one of the best B&Bs in York.
Safestay’s goal is to make all guests feel safe (hence the name). So if you’re not feeling comfortable about hostel life they will act to fix it for you – even if that means asking another guest to leave.
YHA York – Hostel for Digital Nomads in York
The tech-savvy can rest easy at YHA York, making it our top pick for digital nomads. YHA has free Wifi and high-tech equipment throughout the hostel, including full AV equipment in their conference rooms.
YHA York is also an eco-friendly hostel which uses rainwater for plumbing and solar heat for hot water. The hostel is right on the River Ouse, so you can easily experience the nature you’re helping to protect.
The Vanguard – Top Hostel for Couples in York
If you and your significant other are planning a getaway to York, you should definitely check out The Vanguard. Although not a traditional hostel, these guestrooms offer a luxury stay at prices compatible with private rooms at other places.
Located just outside the city wall, it’s about a ten-min walk to the bustling center. This way, it’s a quiet and cozy base for your weekend away, but still close to everything York has to offer.
OYO Diamonds Inn – Best Cheap Hostel in York
You can’t beat the prices offered at Diamonds if you’re traveling on a budget or after a private room and bathroom. It’s technically located outside the city center, but the city wall is an easy walk away.
Free refreshments are available to all guests, as well as free-wifi and room service (at a surcharge). Don’t worry if you can’t get a room here though – Diamonds have four guesthouses in York to choose from.
More of the Best Hostels in York
Stableside at York Racecourse
Stableside at York Racecourse is located literally on the stable side of the York Racecourse, so you’ll be right next to the animals! Stableside is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your own little furry friend along.
The center of York is a 20-minute walk away, and the bus runs about every 10 mins. Stableside offers different rates depending on whether or not you want meals included, which is super handy.
Elmbank Hotel
You can tell by the name that Elmbank Hotel is not a traditional hostel. However, it does have everything you could want from a hotel at a super affordable rate.
It’s only half a mile from the city wall of York (which is totally walkable) and next door to the York Racecourse. It’s pretty cushy, and although there’s no common kitchen, they do have a restaurant/bar and serve free breakfast.
Churchview B&B – Best Hostel with a Private Room in York
If you want privacy without splashing out on a York AirBnB, Churchview B&B is the place to go. It offers a number of private room options, so you can choose what’s right for you depending on your needs.
Cottages have a number of rooms and kitchen setups, while individual rooms range from just one to multiple beds. You can even reserve a room of six for you and your mates – so you won’t have to worry about being split up.
Student Castle Short Stay – York
Student Castle Short Stay – York is the super modern oasis in the center of medieval York. Accommodation is super sleek, and high-tech stuff is present from the common spaces to the individual rooms.
The gym is what makes Student Castle unique – it’s open 24/7 and has everything you need to get a good workout in on your travels. You’ll be totally in shape and ready to climb the Minster Tower!
Travel Safety Tips for York
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
With our list of the best hostels, we hope we’ve made it simple for you to find the right place to stay in York. We’ve taken out the guesswork, so you can focus on having an epic time in the city that’s been loved for centuries.
Whether it’s a cute little cottage for a couple on holiday or the party place to make new friends, York has you covered! We think The Fort checks all the boxes for an awesome stay, making it our top pick for the best hostel in York. But you be the judge – pick the one that’s right for you to get the most out of your UK travel experience.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in UK for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the beautiful places to visit in UK covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in York if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in York before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Europe to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
