London has drained my wallet more times than I care to admit, but after six visits over the years, I’ve cracked the code on staying here without going broke. The city’s hostel scene has completely transformed from those grim places I remember from my first trip ten years ago. Now you can find seriously cool spots with rooftop bars, pod beds that feel futuristic, and common areas that are actually worth hanging out in.
I’ve stayed everywhere from converted Victorian buildings near the Tower of London to modern spaces in trendy Shoreditch, and these are hands down the coolest hostels in London that won’t make you feel like you’re roughing it. Some of these places are so well designed, my friends staying in expensive hotels got jealous. Whether you want to be steps from Big Ben or in the heart of the nightlife scene, these hostels prove you don’t need to sacrifice style for budget.
Coolest Hostels in London
We’re about to embark on an unforgettable adventure through London’s coolest hostels – from quirky, historic buildings to the heart of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Get ready to discover unique spots in this England gem that blend comfort, style, and a dash of fun. Let’s dive into a world where every hostel tells a story, offering experiences that will turn your London trip into memories you’ll treasure forever!
Don’t have time to read? Here’s the best hostels in London at a glance:
- Top Overall Hostel: Palmers Lodge
- Best Location: St. Christopher’s Inn at The Village
- Best for Solo Backpackers: The Walrus Hostel
- Best Party Hostel: Generator London
- Best Budget Hostel: Safestay London Holland Park
1. Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage
This Victorian mansion from 1882 is honestly way nicer than most London hotels I’ve stayed in. Palmers Lodge sits in Swiss Cottage, a quiet leafy area that’s perfect when you need a break from central London’s chaos. The building has this proper old-school British charm with original features mixed with modern hostel amenities.
What I love about this place is how they’ve kept the grand mansion feel while making it totally functional for backpackers. The common areas have fireplaces, high ceilings, and vintage furniture that actually feels authentic rather than trying too hard. The Swiss Bar downstairs gets busy but never rowdy, and the conservatory is perfect for working on your laptop.
Dorm beds start around £35-45 per night in 2025, which is decent for London. All beds come with privacy curtains, individual lockers, and the linens are included (thank god, because lugging bedsheets around London is awful). Swiss Cottage tube station is a 5-minute walk, putting you 10 minutes from Westminster and 15 minutes from Camden Market. I appreciated that the 14-night maximum stay policy keeps it from becoming a long-term crashpad.
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2. Wombats City Hostel Whitechapel
Wombats occupies a building that used to house sailors back in the 1800s, and they’ve done an incredible job turning it into one of London’s best hostels. Located in Whitechapel in East London, you’re surrounded by street art, amazing curry houses, and that authentic London vibe tourists rarely see.
The WomBAR in the basement is genuinely cool – they’ve kept the original Victorian brick archways and created these cozy nooks with Transport for London fabric furniture. It’s buzzing most nights but somehow still feels relaxed, not like a cheesy party hostel. The outdoor terrace is rare for central London and perfect for meeting other travelers.
Expect to pay £40-50 per night for dorm beds in 2025. Each room has en-suite bathrooms (huge plus), and every bed gets privacy curtains, USB charging, and a decent-sized locker. You’re 5 minutes from Aldgate East station and walking distance to Tower Bridge, Borough Market, and Brick Lane. The location puts you right in the heart of East London’s food and art scene, which beats staying in tourist central any day.
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3. PubLove @ The Rose & Crown
This adults-only hostel above a traditional British pub is exactly what it sounds like – either perfect or terrible depending on what you’re looking for. PubLove is literally a pub with beds, and the atmosphere downstairs carries up through the building. I stayed here when I wanted the full London pub experience without paying hotel prices.
The location near London Bridge is unbeatable – you’re walking distance from Borough Market, The Shard, and the Thames. The pub downstairs serves proper British food and has that authentic local feel rather than tourist trap vibes. The garden out back is surprisingly spacious and a great place to hang out during the day.
Room prices hover around £30-40 per night in 2025, making it one of the better deals in central London. Fair warning though – it’s loud until about 1am when the pub closes, and weekends can get pretty rowdy. They provide earplugs, but if you’re a light sleeper, look elsewhere. The trade-off is living above one of London’s most atmospheric pubs with incredible access to everything you want to see.
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4. St. Christopher’s Inn at The Village
St. Christopher’s Village is London’s first capsule hostel, and the Japanese-style pods are actually pretty genius. Each bed has its own mood lighting, curtains, and enough space that you don’t feel completely cramped. Located in London Bridge, this place is designed for people who want to party but also get decent sleep.
The downstairs bar Belushi’s and sports bar The Dugout create this whole complex where you never really need to leave. Live music happens regularly, and the burger discounts for guests are legitimately good. I was impressed by how they’ve managed to create a party atmosphere while keeping the sleeping areas relatively quiet.
Dorm beds run £25-35 per night in 2025, which is solid value for such a central location. You’re 2 minutes from both London Bridge and Borough tube stations, making it ridiculously easy to get anywhere. Continental breakfast costs £5 extra, which is fair. The maximum 7-day stay policy keeps the turnover high and energy fresh. Just know you’re signing up for a social experience – this isn’t the place for quiet contemplation.
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5. Astor Hyde Park
Astor Hyde Park in South Kensington gives you Victorian elegance without Victorian prices. This mansion is perfectly located between Hyde Park and some of London’s best museums – the Natural History Museum and V&A are walking distance. It’s fancy enough that I’ve brought dates here and they were impressed.
The common areas feel like staying in a wealthy friend’s house, with high ceilings, original features, and comfortable furniture that’s actually meant for hanging out. The social activities are well-organized without feeling forced – pub crawls, city tours, and movie nights that people actually attend.
Dorm beds start around £35-45 per night in 2025. The Victorian rooms vary in size, but all have proper windows and decent storage. The big communal kitchen saves money on London’s expensive restaurant scene, and free Wi-Fi throughout means you can work from the elegant common areas. South Kensington tube station puts you minutes from central London while keeping you in one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
6. Generator London
Generator London near King’s Cross has this industrial-chic design that actually works rather than feeling try-hard. The building is massive, which means lots of common areas and always someone to hang out with. The Russell Square location puts you in Bloomsbury, perfectly placed for both tourist stuff and authentic London neighborhoods.
The Generator Bar is a proper scene – live DJs, karaoke nights, and free movies create this social hub that draws both hostel guests and locals. The game room with pool tables stays busy, and the cafe serves decent coffee throughout the day. I appreciated that there are quiet zones if you need to escape the social energy.
Expect £30-40 per night for dorms in 2025. The rooms are modern with decent privacy features, though some can get stuffy since there’s no air conditioning. The 24-hour reception and free walking tours show they’re trying to create a complete experience rather than just providing beds. You’re 3 minutes from Russell Square tube and 6 minutes from King’s Cross, making day trips incredibly easy.
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7. Barmy Badger Backpackers
Barmy Badger in Earl’s Court is the only London hostel with resident dogs, and honestly, that tells you everything about the vibe here. This small, family-run place feels more like staying with friends than a commercial hostel. The garden, shared lounge, and terrace create this homey atmosphere that bigger hostels can’t match.
With only 18 years of operation, they’ve figured out how to do hospitality without hidden fees or corporate nonsense. The dogs are therapy animals more than pets – I’ve seen stressed travelers completely relax after spending time with them. The location keeps you close to central London while feeling residential and safe.
Pricing is competitive at £25-35 per night in 2025, and the personal touch makes it feel like better value than chain hostels. Earl’s Court tube station connects you to most of London, and the neighborhood has good restaurants and pubs without tourist crowds. This isn’t the place for party animals, but if you want authentic London hospitality, it’s perfect.
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8. Safestay London Holland Park
Safestay Holland Park sits inside Holland Park itself, surrounded by peacocks and beautiful gardens. Waking up to birdsong rather than traffic noise in central London feels like cheating somehow. The mansion setting gives you that grand London experience at hostel prices.
The park location means you’re escaping London’s intensity while staying incredibly well-connected. Holland Park tube station puts you 10 minutes from Notting Hill and 15 minutes from Oxford Circus. The Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall are walking distance, perfect for cultural days.
Dorm beds start around £25-30 per night in 2025, making this one of London’s better deals. The rooms are modern and clean with good storage, and the park views from some windows are genuinely beautiful. The downside is limited social areas compared to party hostels, but if you want peace in the heart of London, this is unbeatable. Continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi cover the basics without extra fees.
9. The Walrus Hostel
The Walrus in Waterloo has this quirky, artsy vibe that perfectly captures South London’s creative energy. The location puts you walking distance from the Thames, London Eye, and Big Ben, but the hostel itself feels like a secret locals’ spot rather than tourist accommodation.
The bar downstairs creates a social atmosphere without feeling like a party hostel. I loved the laid-back crowd it attracts – people actually having conversations rather than just getting wasted. The free breakfast (actually free, not just coffee and toast) starts your day properly, and the common areas invite hanging out.
Beds run £30-40 per night in 2025, including that genuine free breakfast. The rooms are comfortable without being fancy, and the central Waterloo location means you can walk to most major attractions. Waterloo station connects you to everything, and the South Bank has the best river walks in London. It’s not the fanciest place you’ll stay, but it captures London’s character perfectly.
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10. Urbany 10. Urbany Hostel London
Urbany Hostel in Notting Hill is designed specifically for 18-40 year olds who want to party and meet people. The location in Notting Hill puts you in one of London’s most Instagram-worthy neighborhoods, surrounded by colorful houses, vintage shops, and Portobello Road Market.
The party vibe here is real – organized activities, social events, and a bar that stays busy most nights. The staff actually participate in creating the social atmosphere rather than just managing it. If you’re traveling solo and want to meet people, this place practically forces friendships to happen.
Expect £35-45 per night in 2025 for the Notting Hill location and social programming. The rooms are modern and clean, designed for people who plan to spend most of their time in common areas or exploring London. You’re surrounded by some of London’s best cafes, pubs, and vintage shopping. Notting Hill Gate tube station connects you to the rest of London, but honestly, the neighborhood itself is worth staying in.London
