8 best hostels in York

Known for its Viking past and Roman roots, York is one of the most beautiful historic cities in England. It has a rich history, remarkable architecture, and an eclectic mix of cultures. It boasts fascinating attractions on every corner, so it’s easy to see why it’s been a prominent tourist spot for international visitors and UK residents for decades.

Like any city in Europe, York isn’t a cheap destination. But it doesn’t mean budget travelers don’t have the chance to see magnificent sights and experience life in this walled city. One way to stick to your budget on vacation is to stay in a hostel.

Hostels in York are clean, safe, and well-maintained. You’ll find boutique hostels, party hostels, and more independent ones, but no matter your choice, they all focus on ensuring you have a good night’s rest and a memorable holiday. Hotels may have the upper hand in terms of amenities and privacy, but many York hostels also feature modern private rooms and a range of activities and services, allowing guests to enjoy the comfort of a hotel at a hostel price.

So, if you’re looking for the best hostels in York for your next trip, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also need a safe place to store your belongings when you’re not around, especially in a shared dorm. Bounce partners with many hostels around the globe, but if your hostel isn't one of them, Bounce luggage storage in York has a place for all your items, regardless of their size. Book storage on the website or mobile app with a few clicks.

The Fort York

Conveniently located in York’s historic City Centre, The Fort York is a funky boutique hostel that will place you near the Museum Gardens, JORVIK Viking Center, and York Minister Cathedral. It is nestled just off the historic pedestrianized Stonegate, a famous street full of Medieval and Georgian buildings, independent shops, and a wide range of restaurants and bars.

Rooms at The Fort boutique hostel can be rented out as part of a group booking or individually. It has private and shared spaces that can sleep six to eight people per room. It has three themed double rooms with private bathrooms and mixed-gender dorms with towels, bed linens, and free WiFi. Since it’s a listed building, it doesn’t have an elevator, and access to the rooms will take several flights of stairs.

What makes The Fort York unique

The Fort Boutique Hostel is the most central hip place in York, perfect for solo travelers, couples, and backpackers. It is close to the city’s must-see sights and famous shopping streets. If you go hungry, its sister bars and restaurants, Kennedy’s Bar and Restaurant and Solano, are ready to serve tasty food and wine pairings to satisfy your cravings.

The Fort York pricing

The double room is one of the cheapest of all hostel rooms, starting at £77.00 per night. If you’re looking for a bigger place for your family or group, you can book an apartment-type accommodation at about £105.50 per night.

Safestay York Micklegate

Set in an 18th-century Grade 1 listed building in a beautiful and central location, Safestay York Micklegate is one of the favored hostels in York. It is near York City Centre and less than a mile from the Yorkshire Museum, York Castle Museum, and Clifford’s Tower. The medieval York City Walls are also about 1.5 miles away.

Bright and colorful female-only and mixed dorms and private rooms await you at Safestay York hostel. It offers access to an ensuite bathroom with a separate shower and toilet. You can enjoy a drink in the bar and a continental breakfast in the large dining room.

What makes Safestay York Micklegate unique

If you want to meet amazing people and plan activities together, this hostel is right for you. It regularly hosts events like game nights, pizza parties, and free walking tours to make the most of your trip. Speak with their friendly staff at the reception, and they could arrange something for you.

Safestay York Micklegate pricing

Safestay York Micklegate is undoubtedly one of the cheap hostels in York, suitable for young travelers and backpackers. Staying in a mixed dorm for four people with free Wifi and access to laundry facilities is about £17.90 per night. A twin room with a private bathroom costs about £53.00 per room a night.

Astor York

A ten-minute walk from York’s Historic Centre and York Station will take you to another charming hostel set in a gorgeous Grade II listed Victorian building. Astor York will put you within minutes of many unmissable spots in the city, including the National Railway Museum and York Cold War Bunker.

The rooms at Astor York have private bathrooms for guests’ convenience and privacy. After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax in the large cozy living room. It also features a fully stocked bar and large dining rooms to meet friends and mingle with fellow travelers.

What makes Astor York unique

This award-winning hostel will provide free city maps and WiFi to help you stay connected and organize your tours. You can get tourist information at the reception and seek advice on transportation and local attractions. The reception team can also arrange walking tours for you.

Astor York pricing

To save on accommodation, sleep in a shared room on weekdays. An 18-bed community dorm en suite spread across two adjoining rooms has an average nightly price of about £15.00.

YHA York Hostel

Those who want a quiet place to relax after a hectic day in York should check out YHA York Hostel. It is housed in an alluring Victorian mansion with a spacious green space where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. This stylish accommodation mixes old and new, featuring the historic elements of a family home with modern amenities. It welcomes all types of travelers, families, and groups in need of a weekend break.

Share a room with others in a dorm room, or enjoy your own space in one of the private rooms at YHA York. It features a bar and a games room with board games, a pool table, and books. It is within walking distance from the historic Centre of York, so you’re not too far from all the activities and thrills.

What makes YHA York Hostel unique

There are many things to love about YHA York. It’s one of the best hostels for first-time visitors and business rooms, featuring three meeting rooms that can fit a total of around 140 people, depending on the seating configuration. Every meeting room has free WiFi, AV equipment, a flip chart, pinboards, and more.

YHA York Hostel pricing

The price of a hostel room at YHA York may change depending on the season and days of the week. If you want a cheap hostel room, book a bed in a shared dorm, with an average nightly price of about £15.00.

Stableside at York Racecourse

Stableside is a four-star facility nestled behind York Racecourse’s stables. It boasts a secure and spacious area, landscaped gardens, and quality breakfast for guests. It is an easy stroll to the ancient center of York and easily accessible by train or bus. It is also adjacent to National Cycle Route 56, a perfect base for exploring many spots in North Yorkshire.

This hostel in York boasts modern facilities, including a recreation lounge with a business room and conference facilities, a private bar, free parking for cars and coaches, etc. The event center is open year-round for social gatherings, private parties, and corporate functions. You can choose from single rooms to family dorms, suitable for solo travelers, families, and large groups.

What makes Stableside at York Racecourse unique

In addition to the hostel’s sophisticated facilities, guests can enjoy dog-friendly accommodations. So if you’re planning a holiday with your furry friends, they are welcome at Stableside.

Stableside at York Racecourse pricing

If you want privacy while staying here, you can stay in a single-budget room with a shared bathroom for about £46.00 a night. To enjoy a delicious breakfast, add a small fee of £6.00.

Student Castle York

Local and international students looking for a convenient and inexpensive place to stay near major universities, like St. John University and the University of York, should consider Student Castle York. It is strategically located in the heart of the city, an easy fifteen-minute walk from several major hotspots, restaurants, bars, and York Station, so traveling around York won’t be a hassle.

Your room options include private studios, twin rooms, and shared flats. There’s also a gaming area with ping pong, a play station, a pool table, and a TV. Other common areas include a lounge across two floors with plenty of comfortable seating and a nicely-landscaped outdoor courtyard.

What makes Student Castle York unique

Since it’s student accommodation, it’s not surprising to find a communal study space with multiple study booths and large tables for groups. Every room has plenty of sockets so that you can plug in your devices without hassle.

Student Castle York pricing

The rooms at Student Castle York are often fully booked so reserving with much advanced notice is required. If you plan to stay here in the future, the average cost of a room is about £181.00 per week.

Queen Ethelburga's College - Hostel

Experience what everyday life is like in the picturesque North Yorkshire countryside at Queen Ethelburga's College – Hostel. It is nestled on Thorpe Underwood Estate, just ten miles from central York. It’s ideal for team retreats or groups looking for a tranquil place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The hostel is more than 400 bedrooms and apartments with private bathroom facilities. There are also large meeting venues, a vast dining hall that can seat up to 500 people, and lounge areas for recreation, relaxation, and fun. You’ll also find a skate park, table tennis, basketball, badminton, an internet café, and many more within its vast expanse.

What makes Queen Ethelburga's College - Hostel unique

If you want a place to hang out with like-minded people and participate in numerous activities, this hostel is right for you. It may be far from the city’s vibrant nightlife scene and historical sights, but it will give your group a break from the bustling life in the city. It’s a perfect base for business tourism, family gatherings, and group trips around the Harrogate and York areas.

Queen Ethelburga's College - Hostel pricing

The cost of accommodation at Queen Ethelburga's College - Hostel varies significantly depending on the type of rooms, the number of people in your group, and how long you plan to stay. You have to contact the admin or fill out a form to get the accurate price list per room.

YHA Helmsley

If you want to explore further and discover the history of the North York Moors, travel about 24 miles north of York City Centre to stay a day or two at YHA Helmsley. You will be surrounded by stunning scenery in one of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful market towns.

YHA Helmsley is a cozy base to explore the coastline of Yorkshire and will give you a different insight into the city of York. It’s only a short walking distance from the town’s pubs, independent stores, galleries, and cafes. It has dorm-like settings for those who don’t mind sharing a room with strangers and private spaces if you prefer your own room.  

What makes YHA Helmsley unique

One of the factors that set YHA Helmsley apart is its pitch-up camping service. Bring your tent and be closer to nature by pitching a tent in a lawned area at the side of the hostel. If you have a large group, you can also rent the entire place at a competitive price.

YHA Helmsley pricing

Reserve a spot at the camping site for about £10.00 a night or book a bed in a dorm room for about £15.50. If you don’t want to sleep outside or aren’t keen on sharing a room with strangers, a private room costs about £25.00 a night.

Book your stay in the best hostel in York

Don’t miss the chance to live in a Georgian or Victorian building close to the city’s medieval attractions and intriguing museums during your holiday. Hostels in York are exceptionally accommodating, clean, and, most important, won’t make you go broke. If you book early and pick the right day of the week, you might get lucky and enjoy cheaper accommodation options.

Learn more about what you can do and when to plan your trip with our guides, Best Time to Visit York: The Ultimate Guide and 3 Days in York: Everything You Should Know.