Always alive and never boring, London is a city that everybody should visit at least once. Combining gleaming skyscrapers with cobbled streets and time-worn buildings, this city is an exciting mix of old and new.
The English capital is renowned for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to empty your pockets to stay there. In fact, visiting on a budget is more than possible, as long as you follow a few simple steps.
Finding affordable accommodation in London is usually the first step. Contrary to what you may think, there are some incredibly modern, clean, and cheap hostels in London.
No more shelling out for over-priced accommodation, or sleeping in sub-par digs. Here’s a round-up of some of London’s top budget hostels.
Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??
Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.
Quick Answer: The Best Cheap Hostels in London
- Best Hostel in London for Solo Travellers: Astor Hyde Park
- Best Cheap Hostel in London: PubLove @ The White Ferry, Victoria
- Best Party Hostel in London: Hootananny Hostel
- Best Hostel in London for Digital Nomads: Wombats City Hostel London
What to Expect from Cheap Hostels in London
No matter where you are in the world, London hostels are some of the best accommodation options for budget backpackers, solo travellers, and holidaymakers.
You’ll almost always get the most affordable prices. But the unique social vibes are what really makes hostels stand out. You get to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world, share travel stories and tips and make new friends – without even having to leave the building!
Hostels are a great way of saving money in London, and you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. From party-focused to digital nomad paradise, you’ll find so many different types of hostels in the city.
As I mentioned above, hostels are the cheapest accommodation on the market. The general rule here is: the bigger the dorm, the lower the price.
Private rooms are definitely more expensive but still range below the cost of a hotel or Airbnb (with a few exceptions). Here are some of the average costs of a hostel in London:
- Dorm (mixed or female-only): $19-32/night
- Private Room: $30+/night
When looking for a hostel, you’ll find most of the best hostels on HOSTELWORLD. There you can check out photos, detailed information about the place, and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel will have a rating, so you can easily pick out the hidden gems!
London is a very well connected city, but all the arrondissements are quite spread out and have their own vibes. When you’re looking for accommodation, you’ll have to find out where to stay in London first, before you can plan any further.
Since there are so many things to do in London, you want to be sure to stay close to the buzz. Planning and preparing your trip will pay off in the long run.
The 5 BEST Cheap Hostels in London
Now that you know what to expect from cheap London hostels, it’s time to take a look at my top picks!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether.
Want more deetz on why it’s so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Party Hostel in London – Hootananny Hostel
- Bar with live music
- Free continental breakfast
- Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
- Lockers
Staying at Hootananny Hostel is definitely a good idea if you’re looking to enjoy a few late nights socialising. This self-proclaimed “lively hostel” is set inside an old Edwardian pub dating all the way back to the 1850s. Undoubtedly, this place has some stories to tell!
The hostel comes with its very own bar where hostel guests can enjoy drink discounts while rubbing shoulders with locals. The hostel doubles up as a live music venue, even winning the title of ‘Best Live Music Venue in London’.
Away from the bar, the guest rooms and dorms are spacious and are decorated with old wooden floors, high ceilings, and original fireplaces. Shared spaces are clean and simple, and have all of the basics.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
Situated in the middle of buzzing Brixton, Hootananny Hostel provides a perfect base from which to explore London. There are excellent public transport connections; the nearby bus stops operate 24 hours, and Brixton Underground Station is within walking distance. Brixton itself is brimming with numerous markets, pubs, and places to discover.
There aren’t any private rooms on offer at Hootananny, but dorm options are:
- Female dorm
- Mixed dorm
Prices per night start from around $21
Any extras?
It’s not only the bed that you’re paying for – Hootenanny Hostel also has some additional features that might just make you want to stay the night:
- Communal kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Pool Table
- Cable TV
And yes, it may be one of London’s top budget hostels, but there are also events to get your teeth into too!
- Live music venue
- Bar with 20% discount on drinks
- Live comedy (free entrance before 10:00 PM)
Hootenanny is one of the coolest hostels in London. Be ready to party though – the live music goes on until 3:00 AM on weekends, and the dorm beds are situated right above the action. It’s central location also means you are close to Covent Garden and Soho for all the best bars in the city.
However, if that doesn’t phase you, then this is one of the best cheap hostels in London thanks to its location and amenities. Plus, you get a free continental breakfast included in the room price to cure your hangover.
Best Cheap Hostel in London – PubLove @ The White Ferry, Victoria
- Access to pub
- Restaurant
- Outdoor terrace
- Free WiFi
You might not think about staying in a pub in London, but pubs have traditionally been cheap places for people to stay the night. Plus, evenings can be spent down in the suitably charming old bar with the locals.
The White Ferry Pub offers travellers the opportunity to stay in a proper boozer for just a fraction of the price of a hotel or homestay in London. A great way to see the real, everyday side of the city, this hostel is still a real working pub.
Rooms here are surprisingly fashionable, with bright colour pops, high ceilings, and old brick fireplaces. The only downside is that the bunks can come in triples, meaning you have to share them with two other people!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
This top-budget hostel in London is located just a short walk away from Victoria Train and Coach Station. which is ideal if you’re planning on travelling around the UK. Not only that, but the location in central London means that you can even stroll to Buckingham Palace from the pub! Covent Garden and Oxford Street are also not too far away if you enjoy nightlife.
Rooms on offer are:
- 6+ bed private rooms
- Mixed dorm
- Female dorm
Prices start from around $32 per person per night.
Any extras?
This budget London hostel doesn’t come with loads of social areas (except for the pub itself), but there are a few added extras:
- 24-hour security
- In room security lockers
- Board games
- 24-hour reception
Overall, this is a great hostel for those who want to see some real, authentic London life. More about mingling with a G&T in hand whilst making friends with real Londoners rather than fellow travelers, it might not be for everyone. But with low prices and so many of London’s attractions closeby, including the London Eye, Oxford Street, the British Museum and Buckingham Palace, it’s definitely a great option.
Best Hostel in London for Solo Travellers: Astor Hyde Park
- Storage lockers (extra cost)
- Communal kitchen
- Free printing facilities
- Vending machines
If you like things a little more high-end but still want to watch the pennies, look no further than Astor Hyde Park. This place may look chic, but staying here won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You don’t even have to take my word for it – they have awards to prove how cool they are.
However, this isn’t a place for party-goers nor for families – there’s a strict age policy which means you have to be aged between 18-40 to stay here.
The building itself is full of historic charm with a properly elegant guest lounge that will make you feel like you’re in an episode of The Crown. Rooms are more modern, with white-washed walls and wooden floors.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
Astor Hyde Park is situated near a lot of the best places to visit in London. The hostel is right on Hyde Park, where, you can enjoy strolling around or boating on The Serpentine lake. Buckingham Palace is also close by, as well as the famous Oxford Street and nightlife of Soho. You’ll also be surrounded by public transport connections.
If you like the sound of this hostel, check out the room options on offer:
- 4-9 bed mixed dorm
- 10-12 bed mixed dorm
Prices per night start from around $28 USD.
Any extras?
Easily one of the best cheap hostels in London, Astor Hyde Park also comes with these added extras:
- Luggage storage
- Laundry facilities available 24-hours.
- ATM
- Free WiFi
It might not be the most happening hostel, but for a budget-friendly hostel in London, Astor Hyde Park ticks a lot of boxes. The location of this hostel is pretty hard to beat, and functional interiors make this an awesome place to stay in London.
Best Hostel in London for Digital Nomads: Wombats City Hostel London
- Hostel bar
- Lockers
- Outdoor terrace
- Board games
Wombats City Hostel will blow your mind. It’s one of the most well-known and popular hostels in London. It’s the epitome of a cool, contemporary hang-out, and is as stylish as they come.
Part of an award-winning Europe-wide chain of hostels, this London iteration is situated inside a former seamen’s hostel. The original architecture has been lovingly updated, meaning the old arching brick cellar is now a funky bar, and rooms are clean and spacious.
There’s a ton of places to hang out – from the lobby area to the cosy courtyard. This hostel is so cool, I challenge you to not have an awesome time here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
Finding a good budget hostel in London doesn’t mean you have to give up on staying in a cool area. Wombats is located just a few minutes’ walk from all of the hipster action in the trendy hotspot of Shoreditch. The world-famous Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are practically on your doorstep, as are some of London’s best nightlife options.
There’s a good choice when it comes to the types of rooms on offer at Wombats. Take a look below to work out which one is right for you:
- 6-8 bed mixed dorm
- Female dorm
And if dorms ain’t your thing, there are private rooms too:
- Double room
- 4+ bed private rooms
Prices per night start from $48.
Any extras?
Yep, you guessed it. Wombats is the kind of cool London hostel that doesn’t leave you high and dry with just a basic bed for the night. There’s also a whole menu of added extras, so you know you’re going to get good value for money when you’re here. See below:
- Key card entry
- Fully equipped guest kitchen (plus: free food section; free noodles and rice)
- Pool Table
- Foosball
There are also regular events going on at the hostel which really add to that social vibe. Not only does the lively onsite WomBar serve affordable drinks, cocktails, and snacks. London is expensive, so definitely make the most of the happy hours and regular DJ nights on offer.
A great all-round option, Wombats is part of a tried and tested chain of hostels that are out to make their customers happy. This means you can expect a professionally run hostel with staff who will make sure your stay runs smoothly.
Best Overall Hostel in London – Clink78
- Bar with live music
- Breakfast buffet (additional fee)
- 24 hour security
- Beds with reading lights and USB ports
Those of you who are on the hunt for somewhere that is sociable, as well as cheap, should check out Clink 78. This place has long been a favourite among travellers – thanks to the activities on offer and its stylish interiors.
The building is a 200-year-old courthouse where none other than the great Charles Dickens used to work, so you’ll also be staying in a piece of history. Inside, the hostel has retained much of the building’s original features –think old tiled floors, wood-paneled walls, a stained glass ceiling, and even the old courtroom itself.
Don’t worry though – it isn’t all old and musty. The hostel has been updated with modern furnishings, cool hangout areas, and funky artwork to give it that modern-day London vibe. Socialising with other travelers can be done at the resident Clash Bar. It’s down in the basement and plays host to a roster of regular club nights.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
Staying at this top London hostel puts you right near one of the capital’s most convenient transport hubs – King’s Cross Railway Station (home of Platform 9 ¾). This is also where you’ll find St Pancras International Station, which is where you can catch the Eurostar all the way to Paris. The famous British Museum and British Library is within easy walking distance of the hostel itself.
There are a lot of options when it comes to booking a bed at Clink78. Dorm offerings include the following:
- Mixed dorm
- Female dorm
Private rooms are also available:
- Twin room
- Double room
Prices per night start from around $19 USD.
Any extras?
Not only is this one of the best budget hostels in London, but there’s also a bunch of extras thrown in, too:
- Communal kitchen
- Fresh pizza from the ClashBAR
- Key card entry
- Personal lock boxes
And for those of you looking to embrace hostel life, the following events are also on offer:
- The ClashBAR is open daily between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM
- Daily free walking tours
- A programme of events including DJs and live bands
Overall, Clink78 is a well-loved hostel that has been set up specifically with backpackers in mind. It may not be a boutique hostel, but it does offer dorm beds at low rates. Overall, it’s a pretty cool base to call home during your trip to the big smoke.
Clink78 is one of our favourites in London 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.
Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…
Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.
Cheap Hostels in London FAQ
Don’t Forget Your London Travel Insurance
World Nomads’ mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently.
They’ve been doing it since 2002 – protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you.
Get a quote below or read our in-depth review!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Final Thoughts on Cheap Hostels in London
Whether you’re staying in London for a weekend or longer, there are so many budget-friendly and stylish hostels on offer.
From stylishly restored old buildings to historic pubs and modern hangouts, there’s something for everyone in the capital city.
If you’re traveling on a budget, I hope this guide has helped you figure out where to stay in London. Let us know which one you end up choosing – I’d love to hear all about your trip!
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!
