The best social hostels in London for meeting people on a tight budget
London is one of the most famous cities in the world, brimming with history, culture, pubs and people from all corners of the globe. But getting around on your own (and on a tight budget) can be overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to do it all on your own.
Staying in a social hostel is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to meet fellow travellers, explore the city together and turn strangers into friends. These hostels are designed to bring people together – from free dinners and pub crawls to cosy common rooms and evenings of live music.
Whether you’re travelling solo for the first time or are a seasoned backpacker, here are the best social hostels in London that won’t break the bank and will make your trip unforgettable.
🏰 Wombat’s City Hostel London – best for a lively atmosphere and large groups of friends
📍 Whitechapel / Tower Bridge
Wombat’s City Hostel is a perennial favourite with guests, offering a lively social scene combined with comfort and style. The real star? The basement bar. One guest wrote: “It had a brilliant atmosphere and was a great place to meet and get to know fellow travellers.”
With two train stations just 8 to 10 minutes away, it’s a great base for exploring. Guests praise how easy it is to get around: “Wombat had one of the best atmospheres and was a lovely place to meet new friends and other solo travellers.”
First solo trip? This place’s got your back: “This was my first solo stay abroad and I really enjoyed it! I made loads of friends.”
🧠 Are you nervous about breaking the ice? Here’s a guide on how to make friends in hostels, even if you’re shy
🌍 Onefam Notting Hill – best for making instant connections and free dinners
📍 Notting Hill
Onefam Notting Hill is practically designed for making friends. Guests love the privacy of the curtained beds, but it’s the social side that really steals the show. As one traveller put it: “A really sociable hostel… free dinner every evening, as well as organised drinking games. It’s so easy to meet people.”
Another added: “The social aspect is the best bit… the evening activities and family dinners are just the icing on the cake.”
🍝 Find out how communal dinners and activities turn strangers into travelling companions
🎉 Urbany London Hostel – best for its friendly atmosphere and night-time events
📍 Paddington
If you’re the sort of traveller who likes a packed social calendar, Urbany Hostel London has you covered. Guests say it has a great backpacker vibe: “Social activities every evening make it easy to meet other solo travellers.”
One reviewer shared their thoughts: “Everyone is so friendly – both the staff and the guests. You feel as though you’re staying with friends.” Even nervous travellers feel at ease here: “Even though I felt nervous, they made me feel included!”
💬 Want to take your conversations in the common room to the next level? Here’s a guide on how to connect with other solo travellers
🎨 Prime Backpackers Angel – best for a creative community and a relaxed atmosphere
📍 Angel / Islington
Prime Backpackers Angel isn’t just sociable. It’s soulful. With musical instruments, books and cosy nooks, it attracts a thoughtful and creative crowd. One review says it all: “The social scene here was the best of any hostel I’ve ever stayed in.”
Staff-organised events, pancake breakfasts, communal meals and film nights foster a sense of community. “Every day here, you’ll make new friends from all over the world.”
🏛️ Astor Museum Inn – best for inclusive events and a central location
📍 Bloomsbury
The Astor Museum Inn is just a stone’s throw from the British Museum, and it’s about more than just its location. It’s a community. A solo traveller shared their experience: “Everyone is so friendly and kind. It was so easy to meet people, even though I was travelling on my own.”
Another guest wrote: “Their organised evening events were so much fun – inclusive and lively.” And for queer travellers, safety and a sense of belonging are a priority: “I felt safe and welcome.”
🏠 London backpacker hotels – best for a family atmosphere and friendly staff
📍 Hendon (North London)
London Backpackers is one of those hostels where the staff really do feel like friends. Guests say: “The volunteers encourage us to go out and meet people” and “We’ve made lots of friends here”
With free dinners, events and a cosy atmosphere, this hostel is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to feel at home.
🌳 Astor Hyde Park – best for simple comfort and a relaxed, sociable vibe
📍 South Kensington / Hyde Park
Astor Hyde Park is situated near one of London’s most beautiful parks and offers a combination of comfort, cleanliness and connectivity. “The hostel is clean, cosy and sociable, with plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers.” It’s not a party hostel, but thanks to the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to chat with others and feel at home.
Search for the best social hostels in London
Whether you’re after organised pub crawls, cosy nights with a pancake breakfast, or simply a welcoming smile when you walk through the door, these hostels make solo travel in London something special. They’re affordable, friendly and full of opportunities to make new friends.
When you stay at one of the best social hostels in London, you won’t just be exploring the city. You’ll be sharing it too.
Download the Hostelworld app and start meeting people from the moment you book your accommodation
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions About Social Hostels in London
🧑🤝🧑 Are hostels good for meeting people when travelling alone?
Absolutely. Social hostels are one of the best places to meet people as a solo traveller. Whether you're joining a group activity, sharing a dorm room, or hanging out in the lounge, there are endless ways to start a conversation and connect with others.
🧍♂️ Is London a good place for solo travellers to stay in hostels?
Yes. London has excellent social hostels that are ideal for solo travellers. Places like Wombat’s City Hostel and Urbany Hostel offer events, welcoming atmospheres, and communal spaces where it’s easy to make friends.
🫣 Are social hostels good for introverts?
Social hostels can be great for introverts if you choose the right one. Many offer quiet dorms with privacy curtains and don’t force interaction. Hostels like Astor Hyde Park and Prime Backpackers Angel balance community with calm.
For more tips, read: How to make friends in hostels even if you're shy
🕺 What is the best party hostel in London?
Onefam Notting Hill is one of the best party hostels in London, with nightly drinking games, pub crawls, and free dinners. It’s ideal for outgoing travellers looking to have fun and meet people fast.
🗺️ Do London hostels offer group tours or social events?
Many social hostels in London offer group tours, bar crawls, or themed nights out to help guests explore together and bond. These events are often free or low-cost and help you discover the city while making friends along the way.
🍳 Do any London hostels offer free meals?
Yes. Several hostels offer free food to help travellers save money and socialize.
Onefam Notting Hill provides free vegetarian dinner every night.
London Backpackers serves free supper on select nights.
Prime Backpackers Angel hosts pancake breakfasts and communal meals.
🎨 Which hostel is best for a chill or creative atmosphere?
Prime Backpackers Angel is ideal for travellers looking for a creative, relaxed vibe. It features communal areas with books, instruments, and art, plus laid-back social events that foster real connections.
🤝 How can I meet people while staying in a hostel?
The easiest way to meet people is by joining hostel events like dinners, walking tours, or game nights. Hang out in common areas and start small conversations—most guests are open to connecting.
Want more tips? Read: How to turn strangers into travel buddies
💬 What are the best ways to connect with other travellers in a hostel?
Spend time in communal spaces, attend hostel events, and be open to conversations with roommates or fellow guests. Even saying hello over breakfast can lead to sightseeing together later. Being approachable and joining in is key to forming connections.
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