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Cheap backpacker hostels in London

Independents, chain hostels and women only hostels

Rest Up Hostel near Elephant & Castle, London
A London welcome at Rest Up Hostel near Elephant & Castle

Cheap backpacker hostels in London are numerous and spread right across London, though major clusters of backpacker hostels are found in budget accommodation areas of Bayswater, Kensington and London Bridge.

Backpacker dormitory rates are highly seasonal. Biggest demand is in the summer months when students are able to travel extensively. However unlike many hotels in London, there is no dramatic price difference between weekends and the working week. You pay more the closer you are to the centre of the city, though because of London's excellent public transport it is no real handicap staying a little way out.

If there are two or three of you, some of the cheap London bed and breakfast hotels can be similarly priced to a hostel dormitory.

What do you get in hostels in central London?

Enjoy a good breakfast at Publove hostels in London

Many of the independent hostels have extras to the more traditional YHA hostels: mixed dormitories, party nights and free walking tours. All hostels generally have young, energetic staff, who can help with bookings and extra activities, trying to add value to the hostel experience.

Curfews are no longer common anywhere and most hostels now have 24-hour desks.

Most hostels have both mixed dormitories and female dormitories. Clearly most of the hostels here are aimed at the youth market. Many London hostels do not allow anyone under 18 to stay in a dormitory, a few have an upper age limit as well, typically 35.

There is also quite a wide divergence in what you get for the nightly dormitory rate. The majority provide linen and a locker (bring your own lock).

Some throw in breakfast, at others you pay for it, but it is generally very affordable. There is nearly always a bar for drinks and snacks.

Most hostels provide free Wi-Fi and laundry and cooking facilities, but there are exceptions.

Our selection of most popular hostels in London

PubLove @ The White Ferry, Victoria PubLove @ The White Ferry, Victoria Hostel

PubLove @ The White Ferry, Victoria Hostel

PubLove @ The White Ferry, Victoria is a traditional English pub with dormitories and private triple rooms in Victoria. In the mornings, PubLove @ The White Ferry offers 25% off brunch from 9am until midday at the in-house award winning Burger Kitchen. You'll find The River Thames at the bottom of the same road!

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or private rooms • Outdoor space • Walking tours • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Happy hour • Bar • Restaurant
Nearest tube: 10-min walk to Victoria

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Phoenix Hostel Phoenix Hostel London

Phoenix Hostel, London

An award-winning hostel, with Madame Tussauds and Paddington Railway Station just a 10-min walk away. You can enjoy the shared lounge and bar to relax in, and check in any time at the 24-hr front desk. Choose from a range of dorm sizes or pay more to get yourself a double room with shared bathroom. Overall, a friendly, relaxing choice for your affordable stay in London.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or double rooms • Cheap good breakfast • Tickets service • 24-hr front desk • Bar/ shared lounge • Happy hours • Walking tours
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Edgware Road

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Publove @ the Greenman, Paddington Publove @ the Greenman, Paddington

Publove @ the Greenman, Paddington London

This award-winning hostel has its own traditional English pub, PubLove @ The Greenman, and is located right next door to Edgware Road tube, so fantastic access to central London. The on-site kitchen serves popular burger dishes. It is just a 15-min walk from London’s Hyde Park. Rooms are smartly designed featuring a shared bathroom, free Wi-Fi and in-room security lockers.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or double rooms • Bar/restaurant with discounts • Good breakfast • City view • 24-hr front desk • Outdoor furniture • Walking tours
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to Edgware Road

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Publove @ the Exmouth Arms, Euston Publove @ the Exmouth Arms, Euston

Publove @ the Exmouth Arms, Euston

Like its sister pub in Paddington, this is also an award-winning hostel set above a traditional London pub. The location is great - right next to Euston Station, also within a 15-min walk of St Pancras and the Eurostar Terminal, and Kings Cross. Guests can enjoy good burgers at the popular on-site burger kitchen, and even a discount on food at selected times.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or double rooms • Bar/restaurant with discounts • Good breakfast • City view • 24-hr front desk • Terrace • Walking tours
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to Edgware Road

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Gallery Hyde Park Gallery Hyde Park

Gallery Hyde Park

With its spacious shared-lounge and kitchen, plus a choice of adult-only dormitories and private rooms, Gallery Hyde Park offers welcoming accommodation in central London. Located just a 1-min walk from the beautiful Hyde Park, it's also just a 3-min walk to the nearest tube. For even better value, a continental breakfast is also included in the room rate. A 24-hour front desk gives you ultimate flexibility and there's plenty of storage for your luggage too.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or double rooms • Vending machine - drinks & snacks • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Lockers
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to Bayswater

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Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel

Smart Hyde Park Inn Hostel

Set in a grand period building, just a 2-min walk from Bayswater tube station, this hostel has large dormitories with brght décor and original features. The common room is a brightly coloured space with comfortable seating and a flat-screen TV. There are plenty of shared bathroom facilities, and guests can use a hairdryer and ironing facilities. There is a spacious shared kitchen and 24-hour front desk. Continental breakfasts are served daily and can be included in the rate.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or double rooms • Outdoor seating • Vending machine - drinks & snacks • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Terrace • Laundry • Tickets desk
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Bayswater

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Clink 261 Hostel Clink 261 Hostel

Clink 261 Hostel

Clink261 is a modern hostel offering both dormitory rooms, private rooms, just a 2-min walk to St Pancras and King's Cross Stations. This welcoming hostel features a 24-hr reception, with friendly and knowledgeable staff,plus a well-equipped communal kitchen and lounge areas to relax and meet fellow travellers. A free walking tour leaves from the hostel every day, and guests have a personal key card to access their room and the front entrance.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or double rooms • Lockers • Laundry • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Walking tours • Tickets desk • Bar nearby
Nearest tube: 2-min walk to Kings Cross/St Pancras

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Rest Up Hostel Rest Up Hostel

Rest Up Hostel

This is a purpose-built hostel located near to Ministry of Sound and a 5-min walk from Elephant & Castle station and shopping centre. With regular live music and club nights, it offers a proper London welcome to travellers with its own café with a selection of fresh homemade style food. You can relax in the hostel's garden, the bar-lounge, games room or library. A full English breakfast can also be booked at reception on arrival.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or double rooms • Garden • Laundry • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Lockers • Tickets desk • Bar/restaurant
Nearest tube: 6-min walk to Elephant & Castle

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Smart Russell Square Hostel Smart Russell Square Hostel

Smart Russell Square Hostel

This hostel is just a 10-min walk from King’s Cross Railway Station and the British Library. For convenience there is a supermarket and pubs right around the corner. Mixed-sex dorms come with linen and security lockers; there are shared and en-suite facilities depending on room type. As a guests you can enjoy 24-hr reception, no curfews or lock-out times. There is a common room with a large TV, and guests have use of shared kitchen facilities. A Continental breakfast is available each morning for a surcharge.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or twin rooms • Discounted tickets service • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Lockers • Laundry • Walking tours • Shared lounge
Nearest tube: 1-min walk to Russell Square

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YHA London Central YHA London Central

YHA London Central

In a top location, just a 6-min walk from Regent’s Park, 5 minutes from nearest tube and within 9 minutes of Oxford Street, this is a high-quality hostel offering comfort and convenience. It has its own café and bar with a range of breakfast and lunch choices for purchase, including croissants, paninis and pasties. There are also computers here for guests to use. There are shared bathroom facilities with showers, which in some dorms are en suite. Private rooms are also available.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or private rooms • Shared lounge • Bar • Tickets service • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Lockers • Laundry • Snack bar
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to Great Portland Street

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Astor Victoria Hostel Astor Victoria Hostel

Astor Victoria Hostel

A warm welcome greets you at this hostel for adults only, just a 10-min walk from Victoria train and bus station. Top London attractions are easily reached on foot - Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are a comfortable walk away. You can choose between private or dormitory style rooms with a free continental breakfast and clean bed linen. There is a shared kitchen and living rooms, plus safes, hairdryers and laundry facilities.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or private rooms • Shared lounge • Tickets service • Breakfast included • 24-hr front desk • Safes • Laundry • Vending machine
Nearest tube: 4-min walk to Pimlico

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Generator Hostel Generator Hostel

Generator Hostel

Enjoy a drink in the famous Generator Bar with special deals on meals and drinks every night. The Generator is in an excellent location, right in the heart of London, near Russell Square close to British Museum and walking distance to Leicester Square and Covent Garden. There's plenty of entertainment from free walking tours, to karaoke, a live DJ and free movies. The bar is open to 2am and has drink specials and happy hour every night. An excellent choice of hostel for those who want the best of the London scene.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or private rooms with shared bathrooms • Lounge and games room • Live music • Breakfast • 24-hr front desk • Safes • Laundry • Coffee house
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Russell Square

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Safestay London Kensington Holland Park Safestay London Kensington Holland Park

Safestay London Kensington Holland Park

Relax in this hostel in ambient surroudings of a Grade I listed building in West London. There is a large garden with pond and terrace to explore, with great connections with the nearest tube being just a 4-min walk away. For relaxing indoors there is a shared lounge and games room. The world famous Portobello Market and the Westfield London with its designer shops, places to eat and cinema can be reached in less than a 20-min walk.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or private rooms with shared bathrooms • Beautiful garden and terrace • Lounge and games room • 24-hr front desk • Bar • Laundry • Vending machine
Nearest tube: 5-min walk to Russell Square

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St Christopher's Inn Village - London Bridge St Christopher's Inn Village - London Bridge

St Christopher's Inn Village - London Bridge

A fun, friendly hostel situated a 5-min walk from London Bridge tube station, this hostel features a roof terrace for relaxing, a bar and a restaurant. It also offers the UK's first private capsule rooms. St Christopher's Inn Village makes a real effort to entertain you with karaoke nights, fancy-dress parties, and music. There is easy access to many London’s attractions, bars, and restaurants. All guests receive a 25% discount in selected restaurants, and special offers on drinks.

Facilities include • Free Wi-Fi • Dorms or private rooms - some ensuite • Terrace • Lounge • 24-hr front desk • Bar & entertainment • Walking tours • Tickets service • Vending machine
Nearest tube: 3-min walk to London Bridge

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