Best Youth Hostels in London
Best Youth Hostels in London
⭐ Rating: 9.0 over more than 2,100 reviews
💲 Prices: from €21
What do guests say?
Guests love YHA London St Pauls for its friendly staff, perfect location, and clean, comfortable rooms. The hostel offers great value with tasty breakfasts, essential amenities like personal lights and plugs for each bed, and a safe, welcoming environment.
YHA London St Pauls stands out as a top youth hostel in London, blending historical charm with modern amenities. Its prime location, just 200 metres from St Paul’s tube station and opposite the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral, places guests at the heart of London's cultural and historical scene. Key attractions like the Tate Modern, London Bridge, and the South Bank are within easy walking distance.
The hostel, a former school for choirboys, is steeped in history, featuring wood-panelled classrooms with old choirboy graffiti, spiral staircases, and an elaborate exterior. Guests enjoy the unique experience of waking up to the sound of cathedral bells, adding to the hostel's distinct character.
YHA London St Pauls is known for its clean facilities, on-site restaurant, and licensed bar, ensuring a comfortable stay. The dedicated staff have been praised for their exceptional service. The hostel offers discounted and fast-track tickets to various London attractions, enhancing the travel experience. While it doesn’t provide self-catering facilities, it offers a peaceful retreat in a central location. Guests can enjoy a 24-hour reception, daily breakfast, and evening meals.
In summary, YHA London St Pauls is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a blend of historical ambiance, central location, quality service, and a commitment to social causes, making it one of London's best youth hostels.
Pros:
- Central location near attractions and transit
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Clean, secure environment
- Good value in central London
- Historic charm and architecture
- Comfortable beds and spacious rooms
- Quality breakfast available
Cons:
- Noise from bells and streets
- Few showers, some waits
- Stairs can be challenging
- Rooms may get warm
⭐ Rating: 8.9 over more than 1,400 reviews
💲 Prices: from €21
What do guests say?
Guests love YHA London Earls Court for its great location, friendly and helpful staff, and clean facilities. They appreciate the hostel's value for money, good breakfast options, plush towels, and its proximity to the tube and airport. The hostel's quiet area and comfortable rooms enhance the stay.
YHA London Earls Court stands out as one of the best youth hostels in London, boasting a blend of modern amenities, strategic location, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Praised for its cheerful, friendly, and helpful staff, guests consistently highlight the warm welcome they receive. The hostel is noted for its immaculately-presented facilities, including bright and airy common rooms adorned with fun and affordable activity ideas.
Located in a convenient spot for exploring London, YHA London Earls Court sits at a crossroads of major metro lines, providing easy access to Heathrow Airport and the heart of the city. Its proximity to the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Olympia, and iconic cultural sites like Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, The Natural History Museum, The Royal Albert Hall, and The Science Museum makes it a prime base for sightseeing.
The hostel offers a variety of facilities housed in a charming Victorian building. An all-you-can-eat continental breakfast is available, highly appreciated by visitors. Additionally, YHA London Earls Court does not charge an additional temporary membership fee, making it a budget-friendly option. They also provide discounted and fast-track entrance tickets to major London attractions.
The hostel’s vibrant social scene is a big draw, with activities organised nearly every day, ranging from free walking tours, pub crawls, group trips to West End shows, to film nights and more. This makes it not just a place to stay, but a hub for connecting with other travellers and experiencing the best of London.
Pros:
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quiet, central location
- Clean, spacious common area
- Free dinners and organised tours
- Comfortable beds in clean rooms
- Daily activities for socialising
Cons:
- Older building, smaller spaces
- Some rooms may be cold
⭐ Rating: 9.0 over more than 4,700 reviews
💲 Prices: from €35
What do guests say?
Guests love YHA London Oxford Street for its excellent location near shops, restaurants, and major attractions, including the theatre district. The hostel is praised for its clean facilities, helpful staff, and good vibes in brightly lit, colourful common areas. Its proximity to subway stations enhances its appeal.
YHA London Oxford Street is a vibrant and well-positioned youth hostel, offering an exceptional stay in the heart of London. Nestled just off the bustling Oxford Street in central Soho, the hostel is a hub of activity, surrounded by cafes, bars, and shopping areas, making it perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in London's dynamic urban culture.
Each room is thoughtfully equipped with an individual light and power point at every bunk, catering to the convenience of modern travellers. The colourful and lively decor of the hostel adds to its appealing ambiance.
A significant advantage of YHA London Oxford Street is its location. It's strategically situated between three of London’s most popular tube stations: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Piccadilly Circus. This prime positioning makes it incredibly easy for guests to explore the city and access various attractions.
The hostel offers a variety of room types, from private 2 to 4 bed rooms to shared dorm beds, all with shared bathroom facilities. While none of the rooms are ensuite, showers and toilets are easily accessible.
Additional amenities include a breakfast option, free Wi-Fi in communal areas, and a licensed bar where guests can unwind. However, it's important to note the absence of an interior lift for rooms above the 3rd floor and the lack of disabled facilities due to the building's architecture. For those requiring full disabled access, YHA London Central, the nearest alternative, is recommended. Despite these limitations, YHA London Oxford Street remains a top choice for its unbeatable location and vibrant atmosphere.
Pros:
- Helpful, pleasant staff
- Central, accessible location
- Clean facilities
- Close to city highlights and subway
- Good views, vibrant common areas
- Adequate kitchen
- Near major theatres
Cons:
- Street noise at night
- Some rooms near noisy ventilation
- Slightly outdated building
- No elevator access to upper floors
⭐ Rating: 8.2 over more than 500 reviews
💲 Prices: from €21
What do guests say?
Guests love YHA Thameside for its welcoming staff, comfortable beds with clean linens, and well-maintained common areas. The hostel's location is ideal, offering easy access to the city, safety, and proximity to amenities. The fully equipped kitchen, delicious English breakfast options, and affordable dining enhance the experience, making it a home-like and convenient choice for travellers.
YHA London Thameside offers an excellent base for exploring London, with its round-the-clock operation and convenient location. This modern hostel boasts easy access to major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, and excellent underground links to the Excel Centre, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and central London areas including Westminster.
Ideal for those keen on visiting the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the London Dungeon, YHA London Thameside is situated across the Thames from the Docklands. It provides en-suite rooms with excellent bus and tube connections, enhancing the convenience for travellers.
The hostel's amenities include the Quays café/bar and the Traders Gallery restaurant, catering to guests' dining needs. While all rooms are en-suite and bed linen is provided, towels and padlocks are available for purchase. YHA London Thameside also offers discounted and fast-track entrance tickets to some of London's most famous attractions, adding value to the stay.
In terms of activities, the hostel organises a range of events nearly every day, from free walking tours and pub crawls to group trips to West End shows and jet boating on the Thames. These activities provide excellent opportunities for guests to meet other travellers and fully experience London.
Pros:
- Nice location near the river
- 24-hour reception for convenience
- Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff
- Proximity to Rotherhithe station for city access
- Fully equipped kitchen facilities
- Tasty English breakfast options
- Safe neighbourhood, good for solo travellers
Cons:
- Weak shower pressure and condensation issues
- 15-minute walk to tube station
- Somewhat distant from central London
⭐ Rating: 7.9 over more than 4,700 reviews
💲 Prices: from €18
What do guests say?
Guests love YHA London Central for its friendly, helpful staff, spotless rooms and bathrooms, and excellent central location. The hostel offers a secure, welcoming environment with 24-hour front desk assistance, efficient facilities, and a pleasant atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for both short and extended stays in London.
YHA London Central is a vibrant and modern hostel, offering an ideal accommodation choice for young backpackers eager to explore the heart of London. Situated just five minutes' walk from Oxford Street, this seven-floor hostel places guests in the midst of the city's bustling atmosphere.
The hostel prides itself on offering stylish and affordable accommodation in a prime location. Its on-site cafe/bar serves as a perfect spot for guests to relax and share their travel experiences. The 24-hour reception ensures convenient access at all times.
Located within easy reach of Oxford Circus, Soho, and the West End, YHA London Central is a gateway to some of London's best shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Although not equipped for group bookings (with alternative YHA options available for groups), it is an excellent choice for individual travellers and small parties.
YHA London Central stands out not just for its location and amenities, but also for its commitment to social causes. The hostel offers discounted and fast-track tickets to various London attractions, and all proceeds support the 'Breaks for Kids' charity, aiding children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In addition, the hostel organises a wide array of activities nearly every day, including free walking tours, pub crawls, group trips to West End shows, jet boating on the Thames, and more. These activities provide a great opportunity for guests to connect with fellow travellers and make the most of their London experience.
Pros:
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Spotless cleanliness
- Central London location
- Affordable pricing
- Quiet, polite guests
- Secure baggage storage
- 24-hour front desk service
- Safe and secure environment
- Close to Oxford Street
- Well-equipped kitchen
Cons:
- Limited ventilation in rooms
- Hot rooms in summer
- Small, creaky bunks
For those keen on discovering more top-rated hostels in London, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide: Best Hostels in London. This carefully curated guide features a selection of the best hostels in the city, catering to diverse tastes and needs. From the quintessential party hostel to a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city, exclusive women-only stays, youth hostels, or lively places perfect for socialising with other travellers, our guide showcases the best London has to offer.
What's a Youth Hostel?
A youth hostel is a type of budget accommodation, popular among travellers, especially backpackers and young people. These hostels provide affordable, communal lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed, in a shared dormitory. They often also offer private rooms for those seeking more privacy. The focus is on a social experience, with common areas like lounges, kitchens, and sometimes bars, encouraging interaction among guests. Youth hostels are known for being cost-effective, making them a favoured choice for those travelling on a tight budget or looking to meet fellow travellers. They are often located in central or strategically important areas of cities, providing easy access to key attractions and public transport.
What to Expect in a Youth Hostel in London?
When planning a stay in one of London's youth hostels, here are some key areas to consider:
- Amenities: Expect clean, well-maintained facilities with a variety of room types, from private rooms to shared dorms. Most hostels offer essentials like free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and breakfast options. Some may even provide extra perks like bars or on-site cafes.
- Location: London's youth hostels are often strategically placed near major tourist attractions and public transport links, making them a convenient base for exploring the city. Whether you want to be in the heart of central London or in a quieter, more residential area, there's a hostel to fit your needs.
- Atmosphere: Youth hostels in London are known for their vibrant, friendly atmospheres. They often host social events, tours, and activities, making them great places to meet fellow travellers and experience the local culture.
Remember, each hostel has its unique charm and offerings, so it's worth researching (you can have a look at our reviews here) to find the one that best matches your travel style and preferences.
How much do Youth Hostels cost?
The cost of staying in a youth hostel in London varies depending on the location, time of year, and the type of accommodation (private room or shared dormitory). Generally, prices can range from as low as £15-£30 per night for a bed in a shared dormitory to higher rates for private rooms.
What is the maximum age for youth hostels?
While traditionally aimed at younger travellers, most youth hostels do not have an upper age limit. They welcome guests of all ages who are seeking affordable, communal accommodation and a social atmosphere.
Can anyone stay at a Youth Hostel?
Yes, youth hostels are open to travellers of all kinds, regardless of age or travel purpose. They are particularly popular among solo travellers, backpackers, and budget-conscious tourists seeking a communal and vibrant environment.
