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The 10 Best Hostels in Edinburgh, UK

Some of the best backpacker spots in Edinburgh

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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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.

Hostel was very clean and all facilities were well maintained. Easy to find as well and convenient location. Good response from admin in case of queries.

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8.1
Very good
1,498 reviews
Price from
£1,050
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.

Extremely clean and the staff are super friendly.. I highly recommend it!

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8.5
Very good
1,539 reviews
Price from
£16
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.

Everything was great (very kind staff, the place was super clean and the location is exceptional), it would be my choice every time i visit Edinburgh.

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8.7
Fabulous
7,597 reviews
Price from
£29.85
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.

Great location, friendly staffs. The room and the bed is really clean, which is very important to me. They are some activities held by the Hostel, you can come by if you’re interested.

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8.2
Very good
7,243 reviews
Price from
£18.90
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.

I heard there used to be a nice breakfast. That would have been great. The check in was not great as I had indicated when I would arrive only to be told on arrival that check in was later. It would have been nice to have heard that before arriving.

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8.1
Very good
1,278 reviews
Price from
£34.50
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.

We had a great time! Cool people, everyone was polite! We made a couple of good friend, definitely come back soon!

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8.2
Very good
2,460 reviews
Price from
£20.40
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.

great stay! loved every minute and so sad to have to move on

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8.4
Very good
1,335 reviews
Price from
£24
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.

It was colorfoul and queer, well organised and clean

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8.6
Fabulous
3,088 reviews
Price from
£21.60
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 place is super clean, the location is amaizing and the staff is super friendly. My friends and I felt always safe and comfortable.

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8.2
Very good
929 reviews
Price from
£20
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.

location, location, location!!!!!!! this hostel was right in the middle of the city, surrounded by almost everything you would want to see. The castle, the museums, grocery stores, restaurants, everything was in such close proximity to the hostel. The street the hostel is on is also gorgeous by itself and less than a 5 minute walk from the train station. it’s like stepping into a movie.

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7.5
Good
1,296 reviews
Price from
£26.40
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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  • The Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,946 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

  • Argyle Backpackers
    Budget options available
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 919 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.

  • THE EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    6.0
    Scored 6.0
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 44 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.

  • Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

    Safėstay Edinburgh Cowgate is located in Edinburgh, a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station.

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

  • Princes Street Hostel
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,539 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!

  • Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,244 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.

    Staff are dedicated,friendly,always helpful!Equipment are good.

  • Haystack Hostel
    Central location
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 929 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 .

  • Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+)
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,389 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.

  • Edinburgh Central Accommodation
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,139 reviews

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

    Very good hospitality, good rooms and close to everywhere!

  • a&o Edinburgh City
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,781 reviews

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

    Excellent location Very helpful staff /Adam@Lily/

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

    Featuring a garden, a shared lounge as well as a bar, Belford Hostel is set in the centre of Edinburgh, 1 km from EICC.

    I liked the room, hot shower and bathroom utensils

FAQ about hostels in Edinburgh







Hostels that guests love in Edinburgh

  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,389 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
     · 3,088 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
     · 2,563 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
  • 7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,933 reviews
    Great location near the station, cheap hostel but comfortable. Reception was 24/7 which was great because I had to leave early for my flight. There were hair dryers in the corridor.
    Magdalena
    Solo traveller
  • 7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,296 reviews
    Great location! However, the hostel was hacked and didn’t seem to care to let us know! We paid twice for the room and neither Edinburgh Backpackers or Booking.com took responsibility for it.
    Thamiris
    Young couple
  • 8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 7,597 reviews
    Absolutely EVERYTHING! Best hostel I've ever stayed at hands down, would revisit again for sure! Great location, the hostel itself is clean, beautiful pods and nice bathrooms, the staff are awesome, and the general facilities were superb (I didn't realise that many hostels didn't have their own laundry facilities and/or were super pricy, this was like £6.50 for both washing and drying including detergent!). Can't recommend enough, thanks for the great stay! :-)
    Dunja
    Solo traveller
  • 7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,139 reviews
    it was an amazing stay, very clean and welcoming place and the staff is great ! It is slightly more pricy than the other youth hostel options I've seen, but I could find a woman's only small dormitory which was perfect for me :) Everything is well maintained and breakfast is good with gluten free options. Highly recommend !
    marinelly
    Solo traveller
  • 7.1
    Scored 7.1
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,598 reviews
    The hotels in Edinburgh are usually expensive during summer. But this hostel is cheap, it could be a good choice for travellers with little budget.
    Tung-te Lin
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £198.72
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,244 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
     · 1,335 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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