Guide to the best hostels in London

This stylish hostel is located a few steps away from Regents Park and Covent Garden in the heart of King’s Cross. You might've guessed from the name of the rooms (if you've done your research), that the hostel is set in an old police station, featuring exposed brickwork and black steel that's a nod to the city’s street life. Inside you'll find chill-out areas, a restaurant, female-only rooms, and a bar and dance floor for a late-night boogie.

This award-winning hostel is only 5-minutes away from Hyde Park on the pretty South Kensington side, meaning it’s within walking distance of some of the best museums in the city (and the world) that don't cost a penny to visit. The hostel has a chill-out lounge area, where there’s a projector screening movies and sports, and there's also a dining room and common area where you can grab a bite to eat and mix with other like-minded travellers.

If you want to be right in the heart of the city, then Astor Museum Hostel is an excellent, budget-friendly place to be based. It’s located right opposite The British Museum in an excellent part of the city and is a short walk away from some of London’s top sights, like Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. So, you can shop to your heart’s content on Oxford Street, stroll around Covent Garden’s bustling market or catch a show on London’s legendary West End before swinging by Soho for dinner and drinks.

You'll find Wombats City Hostel London right in the middle of the city set in former sailors' lodgings. It's located next door to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, as well as being within walking distance from trendy Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and plenty of traditional English pubs.

The Walrus Hostel is located right in the heart of the action, only moments away from some of the city’s top landmarks, such as Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. Everybody who stays here gets to enjoy the free hostel breakfast, and there’s a pub downstairs for late-night drinks where you can socialise and meet other travellers.

If you're looking for somewhere to party, then St Christopher's Inn at The Village in London Bridge is the place to go (it was once voted as one of the best party hostels in the world). It's home to London's first-ever capsule-style beds that have been designed with privacy in mind. The private rooms feature sweeping views of The Shard, and the London Eye, Borough Market and Tower Bridge are just a short stroll away.

If you’re travelling on your own, the Onefam hostels are perfect for meeting other like-minded travellers. They're located within easy distance of famous sights and attractions, offering comfortable lodging and a fun atmosphere where guests can immerse themselves in British culture. The hostels also host events designed to make new friends, such as family-style dinners.

This boutique hostel only sleeps 48 people and is the perfect choice for those who prefer peace and quiet over partying. There’s not a bar on site (although it's walking distance to many great pubs) and the vibe is more chilled. If you like dogs then you're in luck - there are two resident dogs that come and go throughout the week. Earls Court Tube Station is a couple of minutes' walk away, as well as some excellent food and drink spots.

Park Villa, located in London’s vibrant Mile End area, has been built inside a beautiful Georgian townhouse that once survived being bombed in the Second World War. This boutique hostel has since been restored into modern accommodation and offers travellers a peaceful and comfortable place to stay in the heart of East London.

This female-only hostel on a beautiful Georgian street in Camden offers a safe space for females to stay in an excellent location close to plenty of attractions. There’s a common area with a plush scarlet sofa for socialising, as well as hairdryers, makeup tables and more for optimum comfort and relaxation.

The PubLove establishments combine affordable lodging with a vibrant pub atmosphere, making them a popular choice for youthful international crowds. The combination pub and backpackers' hostels can be found at multiple locations around London and are also home to an in-house burger kitchen to make sure you won't go hungry, whether you're out partying or sightseeing.

London Backpackers provides budget-friendly lodging with convenient access to central London via the nearby tube station. The accommodation options range from shared dormitories to private rooms, and are suitable for both short- and long-term stays. The hostel offers various amenities, such as free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen, a TV lounge, laundry facilities, and a games room.

Hostelle is the first and only all-women hostel in London, designed as a safe space for women visiting the city. It's situated in the vibrant Bethnal Green neighbourhood, surrounded by excellent cafés, bars, pubs, and restaurants just a stone's throw away. It's ideal for budget-conscious travellers looking to stay in East London with convenient travel links to other parts of the city.