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The best hostels in Edinburgh

Some of the best backpacker spots in Edinburgh

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Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+), hotel in Edinburgh

Featuring a shared lounge, a terrace as well as a bar, Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+) is located in the center of Edinburgh, a 9-minute walk from Royal Mile.

It’s in a super convenient location with plenty of option for food and drink. The bar has events almost every night so there is always something to do.
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very Good
5,164 reviews
Price from
$68.68
per night
Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+), hotel in Edinburgh

Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is located conveniently in Edinburgh, and has a shared lounge, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk.

Beds were comfortable, facilities clean, location is close to just about everything, and the shower heads at a height were I could get completely under them (6’5” tall) which is a complete rarity in hotels or hostels. The upstairs area hang out area next to the kitchen is one of the best areas to meet other travelers I’ve run into.
Scored 8.2
8.2
Rated very good
Very Good
8,599 reviews
Price from
$86.01
per night
Haystack Hostel, hotel in Edinburgh

Just 164 feet from Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, Haystack Hostel is set in a renovated 18th-century Georgian building.

Very polite,comfortable stay.Will do again.
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very Good
1,110 reviews
Price from
$97.37
per night
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh, hotel in Edinburgh

Attractively located in Edinburgh, CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT is 328 feet from The Real Mary King's Close.

The staff is very courteous and helpful. They will store your luggage before and after your stay. The location is steps from royal mile and 25 min walk from waverly station.the bathrooms were clean and in good working order. They have an on-site cafe for ordering coffee and breakfast. As well as a kitchen where guests can cook their own food. They also organize a morning tour around the area and other events.
Scored 8.6
8.6
Rated excellent
Excellent
8,331 reviews
Price from
$101.12
per night
Royal Mile Backpackers, hotel in Edinburgh

Five minutes’ walk from Edinburgh Station and less than 10 minutes from Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile Backpackers enjoys a central location surrounded by bars, cafés and restaurants.

Location was the absolute absolute plus! Breakfast offered each morning for just a couple of bucks with unlimited tea and coffee all the time. The kitchen offers a great setup for cooking. Good place to socialize and make friends.
Scored 8.4
8.4
Rated very good
Very Good
1,522 reviews
Price from
$69.73
per night
Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only, hotel in Edinburgh

In Edinburgh’s Old Town, Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only is conveniently located 11 minutes’ walk from Waverley Train Station, and 3 minutes from Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle.

Staff and location! Rooms are not crammed full of beds and you dont feel chlosterphobic. The activities room is also a fun gathering place.
Scored 8.6
8.6
Rated excellent
Excellent
3,219 reviews
Price from
$66.10
per night
CoDE POD - The LoFT - Edinburgh, hotel in Edinburgh

CoDE Co-Living - The LoFT is set on Rose Street North Lane, just a short walk from Princes Street. It offers modern interiors within a red brick-clad period building.

I felt safe in the pod, I wanted privacy in a share room and that’s what I experienced
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very Good
1,323 reviews
Price from
$138.89
per night
High Street Hostel, hotel in Edinburgh

Located in central Edinburgh, the High Street Hostel offers free WiFi in all areas. Dating back to 1564, this historic property is on a small side street, just off the Royal Mile.

Location was PERFECT...central, yet quiet! Staff was beyond exceptional and the entire establishment had a really great vibe to it! I would highly recommend and would definitely stay here again. In fact, I already have, twice since!😄
Scored 8.2
8.2
Rated very good
Very Good
2,915 reviews
Price from
$63.16
per night
Princes Street Hostel, hotel in Edinburgh

Princes Street Hostel is conveniently set in the center of Edinburgh, and provides a shared lounge and free WiFi.

so clean, great service
Scored 8.4
8.4
Rated very good
Very Good
1,951 reviews
Price from
$109.60
per night
a&o Edinburgh City, hotel in Edinburgh

A lively/quirky and beautiful accommodations in the center of the Scottish capital.

It’s a nice hostel I don’t know why people hate on it
Scored 7.0
7.0
Rated good
Good
5,546 reviews
Price from
$85.26
per night
All hostels in Edinburgh
Looking for a hostel?
Budget travelers know there's no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: Save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a little more.
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  • High Street Hostel
    Scored 8.2
    8.2
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 2,916 reviews

    Located in central Edinburgh, the High Street Hostel offers free WiFi in all areas. Dating back to 1564, this historic property is on a small side street, just off the Royal Mile.

    Excellent staff and accomodation. The vibe was amazing!

  • Argyle Backpackers
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.2
    7.2
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,049 reviews

    Located in Edinburgh and with University of Edinburgh reachable within a 9-minute walk, Argyle Backpackers has express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a shared...

    It's perfectly located near Meadows , clean and quiet.

  • Edinburgh Central Accommodation
    Scored 7.8
    7.8
    Rated good
    Good
     · 3,586 reviews

    The 5-star Edinburgh Central Accommodations is just 0.5 miles from the shops of Princes Street and Edinburgh Rail Station.

    Location and efficiency/friendliness of staff.

  • Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only
    Scored 8.6
    8.6
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 3,219 reviews

    In Edinburgh’s Old Town, Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only is conveniently located 11 minutes’ walk from Waverley Train Station, and 3 minutes from Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle.

    I wasn't expecting it to be that clean,it was excellent

  • Haymarket Hostel
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.3
    7.3
    Rated good
    Good
     · 313 reviews

    Featuring a garden, a shared lounge as well as a terrace, Haymarket Hostel is located in the center of Edinburgh, a 5-minute walk from EICC.

    Every nice but only bed it to small hit on my head

  • New Town Rooms - Basement Hostel
    Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 293 reviews

    Located within a 19-minute walk of Edinburgh Waverley Train Station and 1.3 miles of Edinburgh Castle, New Town Rooms - Basement Hostel provides rooms in Edinburgh.

    Comfortable and basic. Cheaper than every other hotel

  • THE KINGSVIEW TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    Scored 5.2
    5.2
    Rated fair
    Average
     · 123 reviews

    Located in Edinburgh and within a 10-minute walk of EICC, THE KINGSVIEW TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel features a garden, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property.

    They don't bother about anything. Go and enjoy at your own.

Great access to the city center! Check these hostels in Edinburgh

  • CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
    Scored 8.6
    8.6
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 8,331 reviews

    Attractively located in Edinburgh, CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT is 328 feet from The Real Mary King's Close.

    Everything was perfect. I will definitely go back!

  • Princes Street Hostel
    Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,951 reviews

    Princes Street Hostel is conveniently set in the center of Edinburgh, and provides a shared lounge and free WiFi.

    The place was very clean and really good location.

  • Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
    Scored 8.2
    8.2
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 8,599 reviews

    Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is located conveniently in Edinburgh, and has a shared lounge, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk.

    Loved the simplicity and had a great nights sleep.

  • Haystack Hostel
    Central location
    Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,110 reviews

    Just 164 feet from Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, Haystack Hostel is set in a renovated 18th-century Georgian building.

    Loved that had a fully equipped kitchen staff fantastic

  • Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+)
    Scored 8.0
    8.0
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 5,164 reviews

    Featuring a shared lounge, a terrace as well as a bar, Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+) is located in the center of Edinburgh, a 9-minute walk from Royal Mile.

    The staff were fantastic and the rooms were clean!

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 3,632 reviews

    Conveniently set in Edinburgh, St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town provides air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar.

    I think the breakfast could have been a lot better

  • Edinburgh Backpackers
    Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,631 reviews

    Well situated in the center of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Backpackers provides free WiFi and a shared lounge.

    Very comfy and clean room, very quiet, great location.

  • The Baxter Hostel
    Scored 7.3
    7.3
    Rated good
    Good
     · 3,243 reviews

    Offering boutique hostel accommodations, The Baxter Hostel is located in the city center of Edinburgh. Free WiFi access is available. The dormitories feature bunk beds and secure lockers.

    Free breakfast, clean bathrooms, the nice caretaker

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Original
    Scored 7.1
    7.1
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,865 reviews

    Located opposite Waverley railway station, St Christopher's offers budget accommodations in central Edinburgh with free Wi-Fi, electronic card entry system, lockers, and insured luggage storage.

    Staff was friendly and helpful. Place was very clean.

  • a&o Edinburgh City
    Scored 7.0
    7.0
    Rated good
    Good
     · 5,546 reviews

    A lively/quirky and beautiful accommodations in the center of the Scottish capital.

    Friendly, helpful staff, good location and facilities.

  • Belford Hostel
    Central location
    Scored 6.9
    6.9
    Rated pleasant
    Pleasant
     · 413 reviews

    Featuring a garden, a shared lounge as well as a bar, Belford Hostel is located in the center of Edinburgh, a 12-minute walk from EICC.

    Well organised and run, easy check-in and reasonably priced.

FAQ about hostels in Edinburgh

Hostels that guests love in Edinburgh

  • Avg. price/night: $259.97
    Scored 7.1
    7.1
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,865 reviews
    Perfect location, very clean and safe, one of best hostels I've ever visisted.
    Peter
    Young couple
  • Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,110 reviews
    Great location, the hostel felt safe and clean, was nice to only have ladies around and jeez that was like the only hostel I found with 2-level bunk beds (as opposed to 3-levels in most places!) I forgot my phone charger and the staff helped me, thanks a lot. Nice shower too.
    Nia
    Solo traveler
  • Scored 7.2
    7.2
    Rated good
    Good
     · 3,287 reviews
    Great location very close to Haymarket station and central Edinburgh. Very comfortable bunk beds with light, charging point and safe locker. Excellent kitchen facilities and bar. Complementary foods in kitchen.
    puri
    Solo traveler
  • Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 133 reviews
    The host was amazing and offered to meet in person if it was something I needed. The lock box worked perfectly and getting into the flat was easy. We felt safe and secure in and around the flat. It was a great location for the local sights but also far enough away that we didn't need to listen to street noise or neighbors. The host also has a lot of spices, sugar, tea, coffee, cups, pots, pans, etc. so that you could buy groceries and live cheaper during your visit.
    Jordan
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: $258.62
    Scored 8.2
    8.2
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 8,599 reviews
    Amazing hostel !! Good breakfast for cheap. Great location. Confortable
    Gauthier
    Solo traveler
  • Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,522 reviews
    I really liked the vibe. It's a small hostel with a big kitchen which facilitates meeting new people. As a solo female traveler I felt very safe and confortable so a big up to the team!
    France
    Solo traveler
  • Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,522 reviews
    Hostel has a great location right at The Royal Mile, so close to most attractions and to bus and train station. Personel is friendly and provides additional activities. They have towels inclided in price. It is a typical backpacker place with kitchen access. Place is not to big, but works fine for people on budget.
    Katarzyna
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $258.62
    Scored 8.2
    8.2
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 8,599 reviews
    Great location only walkable distance to stations, restaurant , bus stop and castle .Good staffs and nice facilities. Its th first time i was staying in a hostel. I stayed 3 nights and it was really amazing. Unforgettable trip aand stay. I got an opportunity to met new people from different countries. If you are planning for a solo trip definetly you can choose kick ass grassmarket.
    Nirmal
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $258.62
    Scored 8.2
    8.2
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 8,599 reviews
    Great location, I stayed here multiple times during my trip in Scotland. Room had view of castle. Bathrooms and rooms were clean. Kitchen and seating areas available and clean. Good wifi and PowerPoints at every bed. Staff were friendly and helpful. Did let me check in 30 minutes early. Cheap to use laundry machines. Heating in rooms. Exceeded my expectations for a low price. One of the best hostels I've stayed in regarding cleanliness!
    Sophie
    Solo traveler
  • Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,522 reviews
    I’ve stayed in a few backpackers’ hostels around the world and this was by far the best. Great location, very clean, approachable staff and they really look after your safety, especially if you are female. They provide wonderful cooking facilities and affordable breakfast, as well as complimentary personal hygiene products. I couldn’t have asked for more.
    Emily
    Solo traveler

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