Top 7 Backpacker Hostels in London: Budget-Friendly Stays

Discover London’s best budget accommodations for backpackers. From vibrant social hubs to quiet retreats, find your perfect base to explore the British capital. Read on for detailed reviews, amenities, and insider tips to make the most of your London adventure. Hotel names are linked to their official websites.

1. Wombat’s City Hostel London

• Price Range: $25-$45 USD per night
• Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-8 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
• Rating: 4.5/5.0
• Location: 7 Dock Street, London E1 8LL
• Distance from Airport: 28 km from Heathrow Airport
• Transportation: 5-minute walk from Tower Hill Underground Station
• Check-in/Check-out: 2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, bar, communal kitchen, laundry facilities, luggage storage, elevator
• Meals: Breakfast available for £5
• Nearby Attractions: Tower of London (10-minute walk), Tower Bridge (15-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The Wombar is a great place to meet fellow travelers!” “Beds are comfortable with privacy curtains and individual power outlets.” “Staff were incredibly helpful with local tips and recommendations.” “The kitchen could use more cookware during busy times.” “Location is perfect for exploring central London.”

Pros:

• Excellent location near major attractions
• Modern facilities with comfortable beds
• Lively bar for socializing
• Helpful and friendly staff

Cons:

• Kitchen can get crowded during peak hours
• Some rooms facing the street can be noisy
• Breakfast is not included in the room rate

2. Generator London

• Price Range: $30-$60 USD per night
• Room Types: Mixed dorms (6-12 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
• Rating: 4.2/5.0
• Location: 37 Tavistock Place, Russell Square, London WC1H 9SE
• Distance from Airport: 30 km from Heathrow Airport
• Transportation: 5-minute walk from Russell Square Underground Station
• Check-in/Check-out: 2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, bar, café, game room, cinema room, laundry facilities
• Meals: Breakfast available for £7
• Nearby Attractions: British Museum (10-minute walk), Covent Garden (20-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The hostel has a great social atmosphere, especially in the bar area.” “Rooms are clean and modern, but can feel a bit cramped.” “Location is perfect for exploring central London on foot.” “The cinema room is a nice touch for relaxing after a long day.” “Staff were efficient but sometimes seemed overwhelmed during busy periods.”

Pros:

• Central location near major attractions
• Modern design with great social spaces
• On-site bar and café
• Unique amenities like a cinema room

Cons:

• Rooms can feel crowded, especially larger dorms
• Additional charges for towels and lockers
• Can be noisy due to its popularity with young travelers

3. Clink78

• Price Range: $20-$50 USD per night
• Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-16 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
• Rating: 4.0/5.0
• Location: 78 King’s Cross Road, London WC1X 9QG
• Distance from Airport: 32 km from Heathrow Airport
• Transportation: 10-minute walk from King’s Cross St. Pancras Station
• Check-in/Check-out: 2:30 PM / 10:00 AM
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, self-catering kitchen, laundry room, TV lounge, computer access
• Meals: Breakfast available for £3
• Nearby Attractions: British Library (10-minute walk), Camden Market (25-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The converted courthouse theme is unique and interesting.” “Great location near King’s Cross for easy travel around London.” “The ClashBAR has a fun atmosphere with good events.” “Bunk beds can be a bit squeaky and bathrooms are often busy.” “Staff were friendly and helpful with travel advice.”

Pros:

• Unique building with historical character
• Excellent location for transport links
• Budget-friendly with cheap breakfast option
• Regular social events in the bar

Cons:

• Some rooms and facilities show signs of wear
• Larger dorms can be noisy and lack privacy
• Bathrooms can get crowded during peak times

4. St Christopher’s Inn Village – London Bridge

• Price Range: $25-$55 USD per night
• Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-22 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
• Rating: 4.3/5.0
• Location: 165 Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR
• Distance from Airport: 36 km from Heathrow Airport
• Transportation: 2-minute walk from Borough Underground Station
• Check-in/Check-out: 2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, bar, restaurant, nightclub, pod beds in dorms, luggage storage
• Meals: Breakfast available for £5, discounts at on-site restaurant
• Nearby Attractions: Borough Market (5-minute walk), The Shard (10-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The pod-style beds offer great privacy in the dorms.” “Belushi’s bar downstairs is always lively and fun.” “Perfect location for foodies with Borough Market nearby.” “The larger dorms can get quite noisy at night.” “Staff were friendly and the hostel was always clean.”

Pros:

• Excellent location near popular attractions
• Pod-style beds in dorms for added privacy
• On-site bar and restaurant with discounts for guests
• Modern facilities and clean environment

Cons:

• Can be noisy due to the on-site bar and nightclub
• Larger dorms may not suit light sleepers
• Additional charge for towels and some amenities

5. Astor Hyde Park

• Price Range: $25-$45 USD per night
• Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-12 beds), female-only dorms
• Rating: 4.4/5.0
• Location: 191 Queensgate, London SW7 5EU
• Distance from Airport: 22 km from Heathrow Airport
• Transportation: 5-minute walk from Gloucester Road Underground Station
• Check-in/Check-out: 2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, communal kitchen, lounge area, laundry facilities, book exchange
• Meals: £1 breakfast with proceeds going to charity
• Nearby Attractions: Natural History Museum (10-minute walk), Hyde Park (15-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The hostel has a lovely homey feel in a beautiful neighborhood.” “Staff organize great social events, making it easy to meet people.” “The £1 breakfast is a fantastic deal and it’s for a good cause.” “Rooms are clean but can get a bit cramped.” “Location is perfect for museum lovers and Hyde Park.”

Pros:

• Beautiful location in an upscale area
• Friendly atmosphere with regular social events
• Charitable breakfast option
• Close to major museums and Hyde Park

Cons:

• Rooms can be small for the number of beds
• Limited common areas compared to larger hostels
• Not as centrally located for other London attractions

6. YHA London Central

• Price Range: $30-$70 USD per night
• Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-6 beds), private rooms
• Rating: 4.2/5.0
• Location: 104 Bolsover Street, London W1W 5NU
• Distance from Airport: 31 km from Heathrow Airport
• Transportation: 10-minute walk from Great Portland Street Underground Station
• Check-in/Check-out: 2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, café, self-catering kitchen, lounge, laundry room, luggage storage
• Meals: Breakfast available for £6.25, café on-site
• Nearby Attractions: Oxford Street (15-minute walk), Regent’s Park (15-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The hostel is very clean and well-maintained.” “Great central location for exploring London.” “Staff were professional and helpful with tourist information.” “The café serves good food but is a bit pricey.” “Common areas are comfortable but can get crowded.”

Pros:

• Central location near shopping and attractions
• Clean and well-maintained facilities
• Professional staff and secure environment
• Suitable for a wide range of travelers, including families

Cons:

• Less of a party atmosphere than some hostels
• Can be more expensive than other options
• Common areas may feel crowded during peak times

7. SoHostel

• Price Range: $30-$60 USD per night
• Room Types: Mixed dorms (4-18 beds), female-only dorms, private rooms
• Rating: 4.1/5.0
• Location: 91 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 3SY
• Distance from Airport: 29 km from Heathrow Airport
• Transportation: 5-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road Underground Station
• Check-in/Check-out: 2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, rooftop terrace, bar, communal kitchen, lounge areas
• Meals: Breakfast available for £5, discounts at local restaurants
• Nearby Attractions: Soho (immediate area), Leicester Square (10-minute walk)

Reviews Summary: “The location in Soho is unbeatable for nightlife and entertainment.” “The rooftop terrace is a great place to relax and meet people.” “Rooms are basic but clean and functional.” “It can be noisy at night due to the central location.” “Staff were friendly and offered great tips for exploring London.”

Pros:

• Prime location in the heart of Soho
• Rooftop terrace with views of London
• Good social atmosphere with on-site bar
• Discounts available for local attractions and restaurants

Cons:

• Can be noisy due to central location
• Some rooms are quite small
• Higher prices compared to hostels in less central areas