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🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in London

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

🛡️ Safe💰 Budget: GBP 100/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: Jun, Jul, Aug
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Quick Answer

Stay in Areas slightly further out like Earl's Court or parts of Zone 2 (e.g., Walthamstow) offer better value hostels and easier access to transport.

These areas provide more affordable accommodation options while remaining connected to central London via the Tube.

See full London neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in London

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

People enjoying city view from bus in Shoreditch London, showing urban scene.
Adrien Olichon / Pexels
1

Shoreditch

A trendy and artistic neighborhood known for its street art, independent boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.

Our top picks in Shoreditch

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The Hoxton, Shoreditch$$$

Stylish hotel with a buzzing lobby, popular with creatives and entrepreneurs.

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Boundary London$$$

Design hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant, offering unique rooms.

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CitizenM London Shoreditch$$

Tech-savvy hotel with comfortable, modern rooms and communal spaces.

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🛡️ Generally safe with good light...Mid-rangenightlifefoodies
View Hotels in Shoreditch
Colorful narrow street in Notting Hill, London, showcasing vibrant facades and quaint architecture.
Anastasiia Vyshnevska / Pexels
2

Notting Hill

Charming and bohemian, famous for its colorful houses, Portobello Road Market, and independent spirit.

Our top picks in Notting Hill

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The Portobello Hotel$$$

Iconic boutique hotel with quirky rooms and a famous claw-foot bathtub.

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The Laslett$$$

Stylish townhouse hotel with a focus on art and design.

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The Mitre$$

Classic pub with rooms, offering a cozy and traditional London experience.

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🛡️ Generally safe, but like any b...Mid-rangecouplesfoodies
View Hotels in Notting Hill
A busy street lined with parked cars and bustling shops in central London, UK.
Jacek Herbut / Pexels
3

Covent Garden

A bustling hub of street performers, theaters, and unique shops in the heart of the West End.

Our top picks in Covent Garden

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The Henrietta Hotel$$$

Chic boutique hotel offering stylish rooms and a vibrant restaurant.

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The Resident Covent Garden$$

Modern hotel with well-appointed rooms and a prime location.

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St Martins Lane London$$$

Design-led hotel with a lively atmosphere and excellent amenities.

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🛡️ Generally very safe during the...Luxuryfirst-timerscouples
View Hotels in Covent Garden
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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Covent Garden
LuxuryA bustling hub of street performers, theaters, and unique shops in the heart of the West End.
first-timerscouples
Shoreditch
Mid-rangeA trendy and artistic neighborhood known for its street art, independent boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
nightlifefoodies
South Kensington
LuxuryAn elegant and cultured area, home to world-class museums and charming garden squares.
culturefamilies
Notting Hill
Mid-rangeCharming and bohemian, famous for its colorful houses, Portobello Road Market, and independent spirit.
couplesfoodies
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Find budget-friendly hostels in London

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in London

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in London. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in London

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting London

1

Covent Garden

Luxury

A bustling hub of street performers, theaters, and unique shops in the heart of the West End.

first-timerscouplesculturefoodies
  • +Central location with easy access to major attractions
  • +Vibrant atmosphere with endless entertainment options
  • +Excellent dining and shopping experiences
  • -Can be very crowded and noisy
  • -Accommodation is generally expensive
🏨 The Henrietta Hotel🏨 The Resident Covent Garden🏨 St Martins Lane London
2

Shoreditch

Mid-range

A trendy and artistic neighborhood known for its street art, independent boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.

nightlifefoodiesculturedigital nomadssolo travelers
  • +Cutting-edge street art and galleries
  • +Diverse and exciting food scene
  • +Lively bars and clubs
  • -Can be noisy, especially on weekends
  • -Accommodation can be pricier than expected for the vibe
🏨 The Hoxton, Shoreditch🏨 Boundary London🏨 CitizenM London Shoreditch
3

South Kensington

Luxury

An elegant and cultured area, home to world-class museums and charming garden squares.

culturefamiliesluxuryfirst-timers
  • +Proximity to major museums
  • +Leafy and sophisticated atmosphere
  • +Excellent transport links
  • -Very expensive for accommodation and dining
  • -Can feel a bit quiet in the evenings
🏨 The Ampersand Hotel🏨 The Gore London, A Starhotels Collezione🏨 The Pelham London
4

Notting Hill

Mid-range

Charming and bohemian, famous for its colorful houses, Portobello Road Market, and independent spirit.

couplesfoodiesculturefirst-timers
  • +Picturesque streets and unique architecture
  • +Bustling market with antiques and food
  • +Relaxed and friendly atmosphere
  • -Can get very crowded on market days
  • -Accommodation prices can be high
🏨 The Portobello Hotel🏨 The Laslett🏨 The Mitre

Daily Budget (Budget)

GBP 100/day

Dorm bed at Generator LondonGBP 35
Lunch from a Pret A Manger sandwich and a pastryGBP 10
Oyster card pay as you go for Zone 1-2 travelGBP 15
Visit the British Museum (free entry) and walk through Hyde ParkGBP 0
Dinner at Dishoom (Carnaby Street location) for a set mealGBP 40
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in London

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Columbia Road Flower Market

FREE

Immerse yourself in a vibrant explosion of color and scent every Sunday morning as this East London street transforms into a bustling flower market. Locals flock here for beautiful blooms, plants, and a lively, cheerful atmosphere.

marketShoreditch/Bethnal Green

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in London

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

London Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover London on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details
Local street food and cuisine
2

London Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through London with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details
Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of London: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into London's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details
Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from London: Scenic Excursion

Escape London for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details
Local cultural experience and traditions
5

London Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with London's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details
View all tours in London

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for London

Backpackers in London: FAQ

What is the best area in London for backpackers?
Covent Garden is our top pick for backpackers in London. A bustling hub of street performers, theaters, and unique shops in the heart of the West End. It is a premium area known for first-timers, couples, culture.
Is London safe for backpackers?
London is rated "safe" overall. Well-lit and busy in central tourist areas and entertainment districts. Stick to main roads and avoid poorly lit side streets. Many areas have a strong police presence. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in London for backpackers?
Expect to spend around GBP 100 per day in London as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit London?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in London?
The most affordable hostels in London are typically found in Covent Garden. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More London Guides

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