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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
1,494 reviews
Price from
£21
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.

Location, cleanliness, friendly staff, kitchen.

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8.5
Very good
1,491 reviews
Price from
£17
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. This place advocates for SILENCE and I love it!!! This is a nice place to rest. The noise is downstairs but up in the rooms, is so calm, so quiet. Everything is marked for each pod, you have your own safe, your own coat rack 👍 beds are comfy. For me they were. The pillow a little bit thin but you can just fix it by putting a piece of clothing underneath. Towel lent: 3 pounds They sell uk power adaptors: 5 pounds Breakfast if you order the day before: 5 pounds or 6 on the same day Your pod has privacy, your own light and usb connectors, this saved me because I had no power adaptor yet. Is located right on the royal mile so it is a very good spot. A few minutes away from Victoria Street and the castle. 10000000000000000% recommended.

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8.7
Fabulous
7,459 reviews
Price from
£22.15
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 very good, kitchen clean, individual bathroom.

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8.2
Very good
7,056 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’m hesitant to over-compliment this little gem, so the next time when I come to Edinburgh it’s not going to become overbooked! But in all seriousness, a really great place to stay: whether you are travelling for business, pleasure, or just need a temporary place to call home for an uncertain period of time. Because it is very homey, providing everything one can ask for: fantastic little common area (with a proper hub and an oven, a microwave, two fridges, and plenty of storage space, with handy appliances/tableware). The place (common area, rooms, bathroom) are super clean. Chapeau to the cleaning/maintenance lady, Danushka! You are a ray of sunshine! You won’t find any rubbish or dirt unless you or some of the residents had left it behind. Speaking of the CoDe’s residents - most of the people I’ve come across and happened to share living space with were super nice, respectful to each other and simply a joy to be around. Utter slobs and problematic folks seem to stir clear of this accommodation lol You get people from all walks of life from locals (other Scots and Brits) to literally everyone all over the world! The overall ambiance reminds you of a uni dormitory. So much fun. But don’t worry if you want to keep it to yourself in your room - it’s quite quiet and if you are staying in a “pod” it does give you decent privacy. Honestly, one of the nicest youth (again, regardless of your age/background) hostels I’ve ever stayed in! Felt safe and cozy there x Location is also fab! You can’t get anything more accessible and convenient. Thanks for the stay!!

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8.1
Very good
1,238 reviews
Price from
£29.75
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.

Everything was perfect. Guys at reception were cool to hang out with. Also there was a pub hopping trip on my stay day. Had some great time with all other mates.

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8.2
Very good
2,387 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.

The staff is amazing with fun planned out activities throughout the week. A must stay at the Royal Mile MacBackpackers.

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8.4
Very good
1,287 reviews
Price from
£22.80
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.

Excellent location. Our 14 people room was nice and big.

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8.6
Fabulous
3,043 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
912 reviews
Price from
£22
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 staff was great and super helpful!! We enjoyed the surrounding areas. The location is perfect 👍

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7.4
Good
1,280 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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Save money on hostels in Edinburgh – budget options available!

  • Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
    Budget options available

    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 view for the castle from my bedroom was stunning 🥹

    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,056 reviews
  • High Street Hostel
    Budget options available

    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.

    location, cleanliness, staff, organisation, among others

    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,387 reviews
  • Royal Mile Backpackers
    Budget options available

    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 !!!!

    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,287 reviews
  • Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only
    Budget options available

    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.

    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,043 reviews
  • Haystack Hostel
    Budget options available

    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 .

    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 912 reviews
  • The Baxter Hostel
    Budget options available

    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.

    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,620 reviews
  • The Hostel
    Budget options available

    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

    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,914 reviews
  • Edinburgh College Residence
    Budget options available

    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

    6.6
    Scored 6.6
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 513 reviews

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

  • Princes Street Hostel
    Central location

    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!

    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,489 reviews
  • Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+)
    Central location

    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.

    The food in the restaurant for the evening menu was delicious!

    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,266 reviews
  • Argyle Backpackers
    Central location

    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.

    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 905 reviews
  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Original
    Central location

    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.

    Good condition and in the central Edinburgh property

    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,522 reviews
  • a&o Edinburgh City
    Central location

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

    Excellent location Very helpful staff /Adam@Lily/

    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,691 reviews
  • Belford Hostel
    Central location

    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

    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 371 reviews
  • THE EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    Central location

    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.

    5.8
    Scored 5.8
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 36 reviews

FAQ about hostels in Edinburgh








Hostels that guests love in Edinburgh

  • Avg. price/night: £165.01
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,056 reviews
    Great location. Great atmosphere. Quite for a hostel.
    Troels
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £55
    5.3
    Scored 5.3
    Average
    Rated passable
     · 12,849 reviews
    Great location, cheap rooms
    William
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £165.01
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,056 reviews
    The location was brilliant, the room was nice. Good walking distance from the city centre and the castle view once we got out of the hostel. Had an amazing time meeting new people from all around the world. Fun events and nice social space for people to socialize and meet. The staff members were accommodating and ready to help with anything needed. Great lighting in the shared showers, good for make up for anyone applying make up.
    Tereza
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £165.01
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,056 reviews
    I was in an 8 bed female dormitory room which was really comfortable and spacious. The room had large windows which not only gave a view straight up to Edinburgh Castle but also filled the space with light during the day. The entire hostel was nice and warm and the common areas were clean as well. Bathrooms are also clean and large enough to accommodate for those on the floor.
    Bridget
    Solo traveller
  • 7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,505 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: £79
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 11,602 reviews
    Prompt check in and streamlined departure. Liked the direct taxi booking service. We had stayed before so knew what to expect. Budget hotel so priced accordingly. Very basic but very clean. Great for a one night stay, suits young groups a bit like a youth hostel and older independent who don't require usual comforts. basic menu but ok one night. A certain ambience nevertheless
    Anne
    Family with young children
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,387 reviews
    Great lounge area, very comfortable to work and chill out. It's in a great location, and the let you leave your bags before and after check-in. Simple breakfast is available for 3 pounds which is much cheaper than other hostels in the country. I think there is a big group of volunteers living in the hostel, so the environment is very friendly and they keep everything very clean for hostels standards.
    Paula
    Young couple
  • 7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,914 reviews
    The hostel itself is right next to Haymarket station which is convenient with a handful of amenities close by. Staff members were polite. Very good value money if you're looking for a cheap stay.
    Patryk
    Solo traveller
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,043 reviews
    It was the best hostel I have ever been to so far! The 4 beds room was comfy and clean, with a nice view. The position was great, right in front of the castle in the heart of the city centre. The staff in the reception was 24h available. The common area was F A N T A S T I C; it's a nice place to meet new people, and the Christmas decoration made it even better. I could leave my luggage in storage even after the check-out; it was very handy
    DLion
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £72
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 905 reviews
    Argyle Backpackers is the best hostel I've stayed at in Edinburgh. It feels like a home away from home. The staff were all really friendly and created a lovely atmosphere for guests.
    Katherine
    Solo traveller

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