A trip to London doesn’t have to break the budget! Our favourite B&Bs and hostels in London let you enjoy the British capital for less. Cheap and cheerful, here are our picks for the best budget accommodation options in London.

Hostel Generator London

37 Tavistock Place, Russell Square, WC1H 9SE London, UK

This fresh, modern hostel has a great location, close to King’s Cross Station and a short walk from top attractions like Covent Garden and Oxford Street. It’s ideal for sociable backpackers who are looking to make friends: its common area has a pool, foosball table and arcade games to play. There’s also an on-site bar and restaurant if you don’t feel like venturing out.

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Bunk room at the Generator London Hostel

Bunk room at the Generator London Hostel

Clink78 Hostel

78 King’s Cross Road, WC1X 9QG London, UK

Established in a former courthouse, this hostel is just a 10-minute walk from King’s Cross Station. The interior is bright and colourful. This is a good choice if you like to party. Its basement bar hosts live music and DJ nights, and there are also events such as meet-ups for solo travellers or bingo nights. The bedrooms are fitted with small lockers, and some rooms are women-only.

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Shared room with bunk beds at the Clink78 Hostel

Shared room with bunk beds at the Clink78 Hostel

Charlotte Guest House

195 – 197 Sumatra Road, NW6 1 PF London, UK

This bed and breakfast is a good, no-frills option for those who want the privacy of their own room. It’s in a residential zone, but bus connections right outside the front door will take you into the heart of the city in just 20 minutes. You can opt for a private bathroom or save money by choosing to share. If you want some peace and quiet during your trip to London, this is the place to be.

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Triple room in the Charlotte Guesthouse

Triple room in the Charlotte Guesthouse

Astor Hyde Park

191 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5EU London, UK

Want some old-fashioned English atmosphere during your London holiday? This hostel has it in droves! The common rooms are decorated in a charming old style, complete with wood-panelled walls and mighty fireplaces. However, the rooms are modern and well-kept. This hostel is located in the chic area of Kensington and is very close to London’s most famous museums, as well as attractions like Harrods department store and Kensington Palace, once home to the late Princess Diana.

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Bunk room at the Astor Hyde Park

Bunk room at the Astor Hyde Park

Wombat’s The City Hostel London

7 Dock Street, E1 8LL London, UK

This funky hostel is found in the Docklands area of East London, which is just a short walking distance from the world-famous Tower of London and the picturesque Tower Bridge. The rooms, which have lockers for your valuables, are very spacious, and the building gets plenty of natural light. The hostel organises a range of activities, like karaoke nights or walking tours of the surrounding area. In fact, there’s something fun going on almost every night.

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Bunk room at Wombat's The City Hostel London

Bunk room at Wombat’s The City Hostel London

Chelsea Guest House

372 Wandsworth Road, SW8 4TE London, UK

This B&B lets you stay in South London without breaking the bank. Close to Wandsworth Road Train Station and a central bus route, Chelsea Guest House has single, double or twin rooms available. The accommodation is simple, but rooms have their own private bathrooms and offer some amenities, such as a kettle to make tea and coffee.

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Family room at the Chelsea Guest House

Family room at the Chelsea Guest House

The Walrus Bar and Hostel

172 Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7RW London, UK

This large hostel has an unbeatable location, close to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye. It offers a basic free breakfast and has cooking facilities if you’d like to make your own dinner. Guests at the hostel get a discount at the pub downstairs.

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Bunk room at The Walrus Bar and Hostel

Bunk room at The Walrus Bar and Hostel

YHA London Central

104 Bolsover Street, W1W 5NU London, UK

YHA has a few branches around London, but it’s hard to beat this one when it comes to location. Dorms are divided by sex and come with lockers. Some dorms are en suite, while others use shared bathrooms. There’s a café and bar, as well as a zone with computers for guests to use. The hostel is just a six-minute walk from Regent’s Park and very close to all the attractions of London’s West End.

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Bunk room at the YHA London Central

Bunk room at the YHA London Central

Publove @ The Rose & Crown

65 Union Street, Southwark, SE1 1SG London, UK

This hostel is for adults only and is located on the south side of the River Thames, close to attractions like Borough Market, London Bridge, and the Globe theatre. Some bunk beds are three bunks high. A full English breakfast is available in the morning for a surcharge, and the hostel has its own restaurant, bar and terrace with great views. It’s in a nice, chilled-out location that has become increasingly trendy. Expect to find some cool restaurants nearby offering a wide range of food from around the world.

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Shared room at the Publove The Rose & Crown

Shared room at the Publove The Rose & Crown

St Christopher’s Inn Village – London Bridge

161 – 165 Borough High Street, SE1 1HR London, UK

There are several St Christopher’s Inn hostels in London, but this one has the best location, beside the busy London Bridge tube station. It has a bar, restaurant and roof terrace that’s great in summer. There are standard bunk beds as well as private sleeping capsules. While not for the claustrophobic, these pods offer far more privacy than a standard hostel bunk.

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Private capsules at the St Christopher's Inn London Bridge

Private capsules at the St Christopher’s Inn London Bridge