London hostels

London is a city that is so big and so interesting that it is hard to point out one specific place for travelers to stay. The London Metro (the Tube) is so usable and efficient that any point in the city, including many outside the city limits, are easily reachable by taking a few trains. For the most part, tourist attractions are near Big Ben and Parliament, or the elbow in the Thames, but there is so much to do and see that these two attractions don't need to limit where you choose to stay your nights. And yes, London requires nights, not just one night!

YHA London St. Pancras is a great, reliable place to spend your nights while you explore the city. Prices vary, but usually you can get a bed for around $35. The hostel is located next to Great Portland Street and is only a few blocks away from Oxford Street, one of the best shopping areas in the whole city. Regents Park is a few blocks away as well, allowing you to give your trip some easy diversity by spending some sunsets with a sandwich in the park and some in one of the many pubs nearby. The hostel itself offers a hospitable break from the rigorous exploration of the giant city and has its own bar, complete with pizza and beer specials and coffee in the morning. The Camden neighborhood is fairly close by, meaning that bars, restaurants and cafes are just a short walk and a Tube ride away.

In a city that is as widely accessible as London is, staying in an area a bit removed from the tourist centers is hardly a problem. Right next to a tube station on the south side of the River Thames is St. Christopher's Village where you can find a bed for $20. One of the best budget hotels in the city, St. Christopher's has everything energetic travelers could ask for: its own Belushi's Bar that hosts drink specials, karaoke nights, DJs, international parties and great food as well as a nightclub. Any of this can be wonderfully combined with St. Christopher's rooftop terrace that has beautiful views of the river and the city beyond it. St. Christopher's Village is a party hostel and does its best to attract its own guests to its parties as well as locals, meaning that you won't be confined to a limited demographic, but will have a great chance to meet Londoners as well. For those who sleep lightly, St. Christopher's has other locations nearby such as the female-only Oasis, and the historic St. Christopher's Inn. 

For about $20 you can get a bed in The Phoenix Hostel, which is better located and near Hyde Park, the biggest park in London, as well as a Tube station, connecting you to anywhere in the city. The Phoenix offers its guests discounts at its own bar, they will store food for you so that you won't be forced into eating out every night, and their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful for those who are unfamiliar with the city. The ultimate shopping area of Oxford Street is a short walk away and you can reach Covent Garden easily as well.