≡ Menu
Home Where to Stay in London London Hostels

London Hostels

London has a fairly decent selection of hostels ranging from the long-established YHA hostels suitable everyone including families, to the more party-orientated backpacker hostels for the under-35’s.

They’re affordable and for solo-travellers, staying in a hostel is a great way to meet people. Most have communal areas and offer activities from free walking tours to a Sunday roast at a local pub.

If you’re a large family, finding a hotel room for 5-8 people is not easy in central London. The YHA hostels are definitely worth considering if you want to stay in one room. Pick one with a self-catering kitchen to keep your costs down.

All the hostels listed below have dormitory-style accommodation; a bed in a shared room. If you want a more privacy, many have twin or 4-8 bed rooms as well.

Dorm beds in central London cost between £16–£23 per person per night.

These are some of the best hostels in central London (zone 1). YHA members get 10% off at YHA hostels.

View all hostels on a map.

Soho & Fitzrovia

YHA London Oxford St

The YHA in Soho is just a short walk from Oxford Circus and is one of London’s most centrally located hostels. It’s not a party hostel, but it is busy and families might find London St Pancras or London St Paul’s hostels quieter. Free walking tour and evening pub tour. Suitable for all ages
Address: 14 Noel Street, London, W1F 8GJ
Breakfast: Extra
Food & drink: Self-catering kitchen
Transport: Oxford Circus

YHA London Central

YHA Central Hostel, LondonThe YHA Central hostel in London is a stylish and modern hostel. Another centrally located hostel. Plenty of private 4 to 8-bed rooms suitable for families.
Address: 104 Bolsover Street, London, W1W 5NU
Breakfast: Extra
Food & drink: 24 hour cafe. Self-catering kitchen
Internet access: Free WiFi in public areas
Transport: Oxford Circus or Great Portland St tube




King’s Cross

YHA St Pancras

YHA St Pancras Hostel Kings Cross LondonThe YHA St Pancras hostel is opposite the British Library and a short walk from King’s Cross St Pancras and Euston tube/train stations. Suitable for all ages. 4, 5 & 6-bed dormitories.
Address: 79-81 Euston Road, London, NW1 2QE
Breakfast: Extra
Food & drink: Cafe/bar/restaurant. No self-catering facilities
Internet access: Free WiFi in public areas
Transport: King’s Cross St Pancras tube

The Clink 261

Clink 261 Hostel Kings Cross LondonClink 261 is a small hostel in a convenient location; just 2-minutes’ walk from King’s Cross St Pancras tube station. Free walking tour. 4–18 bed dormitories and private single, twin and triple rooms. Suitable for under 35’s.
Address: 261-265 Grays Inn Rd, Kings Cross, London WC1X 8QT
Breakfast: Extra
Food & drink: Self-catering kitchen
Internet access: Free WiFi
Transport: King’s Cross St Pancras tube

Clink 78

Clink78 Hostel Kings Cross LondonClink 78 is a fun backpacker hostel housed in a restored courthouse. Free walking tour. 4–16 bed dormitories. Private single, double, twin and triple rooms. Suitable for under 35’s.
Address: 78 King’s Cross Rd, London WC1X 9QG
Breakfast: Extra
Food & drink: Bar and self-catering kitchen
Internet access: Available in the internet ‘courtroom’. WiFi available (free)
Transport: King’s Cross St Pancras tube

Bloomsbury

The Generator

Tucked away in a little side street, this 800-bed hostel has lots of in-house entertainment and offers a free walking tour included in the price. It’s in a great location; only 4 minutes’ walk to Russell Square or 8 minutes’ to King’s Cross St Pancras tube. 4-12-bed dormitories. Private single, twin, triple, quad and six bed rooms. Female-only dorms are available.
Address: 37 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SE
Breakfast: Extra
Food & drink: Restaurant and bar
Internet access: Free WiFi
Transport: Russell Square tube

City of London

YHA St Paul’s

YHA Hostel St Pauls LondonJust around the corner from St. Paul’s Cathedral, this YHA is one of the few hostels in the City of London. Quiet at night and within easy walking distance to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe. 5–11 bed dormitories, single, twin, triple & quad rooms. Suitable for families and all ages.
Address: 36 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5AB
Breakfast: Extra.
Food & drink: Restaurant open from 5pm. No self-catering facilities
Internet access: Free WiFi in public areas
Transport: St Paul’s tube

Earl’s Court

YHA Earl’s Court

YHA Earl's Court Hostel LondonThis busy YHA hostel is in a quiet street off the main road, 5 minutes’ walk from Earl’s Court tube. 6-10-bed dormitories. Twin and family rooms for 3 or 4. Suitable for individuals and families who like a lively atmosphere.
Address: 38 Bolton Gardens, Earl’s Court, London, SW5 0AQ
Breakfast: Extra
Food & drink: Cafe serving light snacks and a self-catering kitchen
Internet access: Free WiFi in public areas
Transport: Earl’s Court tube

Kensington

Meininger City Hotel

Meininger Hotel South Kensington LondonMeininger Hotel is a hostel (although they call it a hotel) close to the museums in South Kensington. It’s a bit more expensive than other hostels but you’re paying for the Kensington location. It has its own underground car park (£25 per day). 12-bed dormitories. Single and twin rooms.Suitable for all ages.
Address: 65-67 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JS
Breakfast: Extra
Food & drink: Packed lunches available. No self-catering facilities.
Internet access: Free WiFi
Transport: Gloucester Rd/South Kensington

Map – London Hostels