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The 10 Best Hostels in Edinburgh, UK

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 property was clean and the staff were very friendly

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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.

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

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8.5
Very good
1,545 reviews
Price from
£20
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.

Perfect location, modern, clean, quiet. Hostel atmosphere but with the privacy of pods

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8.7
Fabulous
7,623 reviews
Price from
£36.59
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.

The location , Also I was able to meet other travelers and how clean everything was.

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8.2
Very good
7,292 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.

Location is excellent, and facilities are clean. Staff isn't much, other than the cleaning crew as reception has been moved to a sister location, thus there is no reception staff on site. They do provide a number if needed to be reached but don't expect a very social area/way to ask many questions. Did not get to visit the other location but heard it is nice. The rooms are small but nice, just as expected. Ear plugs are provided for a quiet night's rest. Decent sized lockers (with digital keypad) can easily fit a carry on or backpack. There are USB ports in each capsule and a light. Overall, really enjoyable experience. I just didn't enjoy my mattress as it was indented in the middle and not very comfortable. Comfortable showers were also clean and never fully occupied.

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8.1
Very good
1,284 reviews
Price from
£41.57
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.

how close it was to the city center

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8.2
Very good
2,480 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.

Location firstly. Then overall environment.

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8.4
Very good
1,341 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.

Castle rock is literally the best hostel I’ve ever been to. The place is amazing, the atmosphere is fabulous, the hall is great to chill out. I would definitely come back!! ❤️

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8.6
Fabulous
3,093 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.

Perfect location! Very central and walking distance to Waverly train station, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, etc. Check in and out was super easy and they communicate promptly via Whatsapp.

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8.2
Very good
934 reviews
Price from
£28
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.

The couple rooms are well worth the money - semi private bathrooms and kitchen (we shared with one other room) Amazing location Maybe the visit so much better

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7.4
Good
1,301 reviews
Price from
£30
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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  • CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 7,623 reviews

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

    Everythings perfect. Nice location, clean, quiet, kind.

  • Royal Mile Backpackers
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,341 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
     · 3,093 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
     · 934 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 .

  • Edinburgh Backpackers
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,301 reviews

    Situated conveniently in the centre of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Backpackers offers free WiFi and a shared lounge.

    Heat in the bedroom quiteness of the place and felt secure

  • Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+)
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,409 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.

  • The Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,953 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 Central Accommodation
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,150 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!

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

  • Princes Street Hostel
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,545 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!

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,947 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.

  • The Baxter Hostel
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,703 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.

    Atmosphere, location staff and obviously the price.

  • Argyle Backpackers
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 921 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
     · 2,575 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.

    Great location. Clean. Very helpful staff esp Sulley.

  • a&o Edinburgh City
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,806 reviews

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

    staff were very friendly and helpful. food was amazing

  • 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

  • Edinburgh College Residence
    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

  • THE EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    6.1
    Scored 6.1
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 45 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.

FAQ about hostels in Edinburgh







Hostels that guests love in Edinburgh

  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,409 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
     · 3,093 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
     · 2,575 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
     · 2,947 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
  • 7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,301 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
     · 7,623 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
     · 3,150 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
  • 7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,606 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
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,290 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
     · 1,341 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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