Best Hostels in London: Beds from $19 per night
Whether you are traveling on a dime or just enjoy meeting new people, London hostels are a great budget option for Cheapos traveling across the pond.
While finding a welcoming (and clean!) hostel can be a time-consuming challenge, you can rest easy, because we’ve gathered some of the top hostels in London in the center of the city. All of our picks are clean and have excellent communal areas for making new friends, cooking dinner and hanging out after a day of sightseeing.
Not interested in the hostel scene? No worries! Check out our full list of budget hotels in London to find an inexpensive hotel that fits your needs.
Related:
• Affordable hotels near London’s most popular attractions
• 5 Central London hotels for under £100 per night
• 10 Ways to save on dining in London
Best London Hostels: Cheap sleeps in Central London
YHA London St Pancras
79-81 Euston Road
Neighborhood: King’s Cross
Single bed starting at $19
Simplicity keeps the prices low at YHA London St. Pancras, but the communal areas more than make up for the basic, but clean, rooms. The lounge space and bar both boast floor-to-ceiling windows and comfy red sofas, and you can count on chill music drifting through these spaces. Make friends over breakfast or drinks, or buddy up with your temporary roommates. Read the full review here.
YHA Oxford Street
14 Noel Street
Neighborhood: Soho
Single bed starting at $21
Vibrant public areas, including the hot pink guest kitchen, make the shared spaces fun and inviting for guests at YHA Oxford Street. Crash on the yellow bean bag chairs to watch TV with other guests, or participate in hostel-directed activities like pub crawls and walking city tours.
You can enjoy the friendly atmosphere by staying in a dorm, or you can take advantage of the inviting communal areas while retreating in the available private rooms. Read more about YHA Oxford Street here.
A private room at YMCA Indian Hostel. Photo: EuroCheapo
YMCA Indian Student Hostel
41 Fitzroy Square
Neighborhood: Bloomsbury
Single bed starting at $36
Relive your college days at this hostel, where both dorm beds and private rooms are available, and cafeteria-style breakfasts and dinners are included in the rate. While rooms may be basic and uninspiring, you can be sure of your chances to meet friends in the dining hall, TV lounge, study rooms, library or the recreational room. Start up a game of table tennis or chess with a fellow guest.
Read the full review of the hostel here.
The lobby and check-in desk at Generator Hostel London. Photo: Booking.com
Generator Hostel London
37 Tavistock Place
Neighborhood: Bloomsbury
Single bed starting at $19
While both private and dorm-style rooms are small, the Generator is a great crash pad for those who live for the night. During the day, a bright café and dining area offer food and drink as well as a space to mingle.
At night, the hostel becomes the center of social activity when its nightclub opens and the cheap drinks start flowing. The club is complete with neon lights and a DJ booth. The club has a fun-filled calendar, featuring quiz nights, blind dates, karaoke and themed parties.
If you’re a night owl and a Cheapo, book a bed (or private room) at the Generator.
The communal kitchen at Clink 261. Photo: Booking.com
Clink 261
261-265 Grays Inn Road
Neighborhood: King’s Cross
Single bed starting at $19
Red curtains brighten up the shared rooms, which are otherwise pale blue with metal bunk beds. Although basic, rooms are clean and include free bed linens. What really brings appeal to Clink 261, though, is the public spaces, including a stainless steel guest kitchen, a unique basement lounge and an inviting upstairs lounge.
Make friends playing video or board games downstairs in the basement, or admire the murals with other guests upstairs. Read the full review of Clink 261 here.
More ways to save in London
Looking to explore London on a budget? After booking your hostel or budget hotel, read all of our budget tips for visiting London.
About the author
Great post, Paige! London is breathtaking and these hostels seem excellent!