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Best Youth Hostels in London

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Best Youth Hostels in London

YHA London St Pauls

YHA London St Pauls

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.
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

YHA London Earls Court

YHA London Earls Court

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.
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

YHA London Oxford Street

YHA London Oxford Street 2

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.
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  • Slightly outdated building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 lift access to upper floors

YHA London Thameside

YHA London Thameside

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.
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

YHA London Central

YHA London Central

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.
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.

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