Introduction
Welcome to London
One of the world's most historical cities, London has something for everyone: from arts and culture to fine foods and entertainment.
YHA offers accommodation in the city centre, including in Earl's Court and seconds away from St Paul’s cathedral, so there's a great selection of cheap hostels in London if you want to stay somewhere central. If you'd prefer to stay outside of the city centre, or are looking for an activity break, London Lee Valley offers fantastic accommodation set in thousands of acres of tranquil country parkland - and all just a 25-minute train journey from the centre of London!
Map
YHA hostels in London
YHA London Central
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WiFi
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Café
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Self-catering kitchen
YHA London Earl's Court
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WiFi
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Cycle store
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Near underground
YHA London Lee Valley
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Free parking on premises
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WiFi
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Restaurant
YHA London St Paul's
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WiFi
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Near underground
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24-hour reception
YHA London Thameside
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WiFi
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Near underground
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24-hour reception
Why you should stay with YHA in London
Search for somewhere to stay in London
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London inspiration
There's nowhere quite like London - whether you're checking out the kooky fashions at Camden Market, taking in performances at the London Southbank Centre or wandering the vast green expanse of Richmond Park, there's always something new to do.
It's hard to know where to start when talking about the things you can do on a city break in London, but there really is something for everyone. First-time visitors may want to do some sightseeing, taking in famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge, or spend time exploring the city's vast wealth of museums and art galleries, many of which are free to visit.
Alternatively, you may want to live it up in the trendy clubs and bars of Soho and Shoreditch, get a bite to eat in a bohemian Camden café or take in a West End musical - it's all there for the taking!
Our top picks of free things to do in London
Planning a trip to London but want to inspiration on things to do which aren’t the usual? Here are our top picks… they are all free too.
- Garden Lodge – a large mansion in Kensington. Originally built in the early 1900s for artists Cecil Rea and Constance Halford, it is now best known for being the home of legendary performer Freddie Mercury during the 1980s.
- Horizon 22 – from this platform, on the 58th floor of the second-tallest building in the city, you can get spectacular 300-degree views of London, including some of its most famous landmarks.
- Postman’s Park – a beautiful green space in East London that’s free to visit. It’s a tranquil space away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of the City of London and is home to a touching memorial commemorating heroic people.
- Paternoster Square – located next to St Paul’s Cathedral and the area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It also hosts temporary and permanent sculptures and art installations, making it the ideal destination for art enthusiasts to explore.
- Earl’s Court TARDIS – any Doctor Who fans? The Earl’s Court TARDIS is a quirky sight in West London and makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. It’s a great place to stop off for a few minutes during your adventures in London.
View some of our popular London blog posts
10 of the best places to walk in London
Whether you're taking in the busy surroundings of Oxford Street or enjoying a stroll through one of London's parks, there is something for everyone. Here are 10 of the best places to walk in London.
Explore things to do in London for free
London has so much to offer and some of it’s for free. Here’s a collection of free things to do in London! Enjoy…
Great places off the beaten track in London
Looking for things do in London off the beaten track? Getting the most out of England's capital means not only enjoying Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben and more, but also some hidden gems.