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The best hostels in Edinburgh

Some of the best backpacker spots in Edinburgh

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In a prime location in the Leith district of Edinburgh, JUST SLEEP Hostel is located 1.7 km from Royal Yacht Britannia, 1.9 km from Edinburgh Playhouse and 2.5 km from Edinburgh Waverley station. The property is set 3 km from Royal Mile, 3.2 km from Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and 3.3 km from The Real Mary King's Close. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and free WiFi.

The simplicity of the hostel. It is Clean. Toilet is not smelly. Actually not far from city centre. Take bus 11 then it will take you straight to the city centre.

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8.1
Very good
1,497 reviews
Price from
DKK 230
per night

Princes Street Hostel is well set in the centre of Edinburgh, and provides a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is close to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, University of Edinburgh and The Real Mary King's Close. The property is non-smoking and is located 300 metres from Edinburgh Waverley station.

Everything it was good, excellent location, excellent service, cleaning. :D

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8.4
Very good
1,688 reviews
Price from
DKK 254
per night

Attractively situated in Edinburgh, CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT is 100 metres from The Real Mary King's Close. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Royal Mile, National Museum of Scotland, and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk.

It was my first hostel experience and this place is perfect for that. The pods are clean and equipped with everything you need, and there’s a feeling of privacy. The staff is super nice and it feels like a safe space overall. AMAZING location, right in the middle of the royal mile a few minutes walk from everything.

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8.7
Fabulous
7,919 reviews
Price from
DKK 304
per night

Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is conveniently located 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. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and a tour desk.

Beautiful location and great hostel! Staff were super helpful and available! Everything was clean and easy to navigate.

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8.2
Very good
7,727 reviews
Price from
DKK 205
per night

Each pod-style room at Code Hostel Edinburgh has a shower room and you can relax in bright communal areas, too.

The hostel is within 10 minutes' walk of Edinburgh Waverly Railway Station, while Edinburgh Castle and the old town can be reached in around 15 minutes by foot.

Great location. Kitchen and common area was nice to have given that the rooms themselves were too small to do anything

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8.1
Very good
1,341 reviews
Price from
DKK 390
per night

Situated 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.

The hostel offers single beds in shared dormitory rooms. Each bed has a bedside safe and a locker. The rooms have access to shared bathroom facilities.

The location and the building were great, as were almost all the staff. There was one exception to the excellent staff but that's one out of about 10 perhaps that were there. I liked the communal area as well, and how helpful this hostel was with helping store luggage.

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8.2
Very good
2,665 reviews
Price from
DKK 210
per night

Mixed and female dormitories have bunk beds and lockers, and guests can make use of laundry services, hairdryers and adaptors. Luggage storage is available at the property. Bicycle storage is available at the High Street Hostel just across the road.

Staff and volunteers were great, super welcoming, had everything I needed for my short stay :)

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8.4
Very good
1,395 reviews
Price from
DKK 242
per night

The hostel offers accommodation exclusively for guests aged 18 years and older. Dormitories feature bunk beds with bedside lockers and have use of shared bathroom facilities with showers. There is a cosy lounge with a piano and large sofas by the fireplace, a movie room with big screen and an internet lounge with WiFi.

The location is very convenient and the view is awesome. I really liked that each room has its theme. It looks pretty and new. Rooms and also bathrooms were clean. There is a possibility of breakfast which I find pretty satisfying. I enjoyed my stay there very much and I would recommend it :)

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8.6
Fabulous
3,157 reviews
Price from
DKK 231
per night

Just 50 metres from Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, Haystack Hostel is set in a renovated 18th-century Georgian building. It offers (not 24h reception) with free Wi-Fi and a fully equipped shared kitchen.

The hostel is located close to the train station and old city, we found it very easy to reach everything per food. The rooms were clean and welcoming, and the staff was very nice.

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8.2
Very good
1,005 reviews
Price from
DKK 333
per night

Popular points of interest near the hostel include National Museum of Scotland, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and University of Edinburgh. The nearest airport is Edinburgh Airport, 10 km from Edinburgh Backpackers.

Perfect location, we loved being right on the Royal Mile. The room was much larger than we expected and very comfortable! The bathroom was small and we didn't use the kitchen. We'd definitely stay there again.

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7.4
Good
1,386 reviews
Price from
DKK 252
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is 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 bit more.
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  • Princes Street Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,685 reviews

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

    It was one the best hostel I've been. Thanks só much!

  • CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 7,918 reviews

    Attractively situated in Edinburgh, CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT is 100 metres from The Real Mary King's Close.

    Location was perfect and staff where lovely and helpful.

  • Royal Mile Backpackers
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,395 reviews

    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.

    Everythimg The best place I have ever stayed !!!!

  • Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,156 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.

    comfortable, welcoming & excellent facilities.

  • Haystack Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,005 reviews

    Just 50 metres from Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, Haystack Hostel is set in a renovated 18th-century Georgian building.

    It's like an amazing experience at the property .

  • The Baxter Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,870 reviews

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

    close to the airport shuttle bus, use of kitchen, cleanliness

  • The Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,057 reviews

    Set in an original Victorian building, this funky hostel offers dorm rooms with large windows and high ceilings.

    good location, well equipped guest pantry, helpful staff

  • Edinburgh College Residence
    Budget options available
    6.6
    Scored 6.6
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 513 reviews

    Edinburgh College Residence is situated in Edinburgh, within 4.9 km of EICC and 5.1 km of Murrayfield Stadium.

    Easy parking, nice staff and clean basic en-suite room

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

  • Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,725 reviews

    Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is conveniently located 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.

    Everything... Great staff, comfortable, pool table

  • CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,340 reviews

    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.

    Perfect place, in the heart of Edinburgh but quiet

  • Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+)
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,648 reviews

    Boasting a shared lounge, a terrace as well as a bar, Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+) is situated in the centre of Edinburgh, 800 metres from Royal Mile.

    Location was perfect! Staff are helpful and friendly.

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,175 reviews

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

    Location , staff was great . Nice bed . Facilities.

  • Argyle Backpackers
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 954 reviews

    Situated in Edinburgh and with University of Edinburgh reachable within 800 metres, Argyle Backpackers features 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.

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Original
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,698 reviews

    Situated opposite Waverley railway station, St Christopher's offers budget accommodation 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
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 5,020 reviews

    A lively/quirky and beautiful accommodation in the centre of the Scottish capital.

    Brilliant location and facilities rooms were really clean

  • THE EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    5.7
    Scored 5.7
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 83 reviews

    Located in Edinburgh and within less than 1 km of EICC, THE EDINBURGH 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.

FAQ about hostels in Edinburgh







Hostels that guests love in Edinburgh

  • 9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 126 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
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,725 reviews
    Amazing hostel !! Good breakfast for cheap. Great location. Confortable
    Gauthier
    Solo traveller
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,395 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 traveller
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,395 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 traveller
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,725 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 traveller
  • Avg. price/night: DKK 1,589.73
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,648 reviews
    Probably the best hostel I've ever stayed in! Wonderful people, great location, room was unbelievably comfortable, definitely going to stay in this hostel my next trip to Edinburgh!
    Dariia
    Solo traveller
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,156 reviews
    I haven't been in the common areas but I can say that it is one of the best hostels I've ever been. The room was spacious, steady bunk beds with comfortable beds and large locker (the hostel gives you its key). The toilets were spotless. I guess it helps that the people who stayed in the hostel at the time were very clean and responsible. I was amazed by the shower - it had a curtain inside so it protected the towel and clothes hanging on the door. It was genious!
    Tania Patricia
    Solo traveller
  • 7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,698 reviews
    I stay here often usually when I get a late flight and can’t get home the same night. Good value for money, cheap stay. I think my last stay was only unpleasant because of inconsiderate people in my room but that’s the nature of hostels.
    Kate
    Solo traveller
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,725 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 traveller
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,395 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 traveller

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