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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.

Clean place and excellent location 👍🏻👍🏻

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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.

Great location, clean room, good bathrooms. Just get ready to climbing many stairs to get there

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8.5
Very good
1,543 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.

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

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8.7
Fabulous
7,615 reviews
Price from
£35.31
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
7,282 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.

This was such a great little pod perfect for a solo traveler. The rooms were clean, plenty of space for using the bathroom considering it is shared, everything was digital from checkin procedures to the locker codes. I felt safe, I had enough privacy and the common kitchen was so nice they even thought to provide guests with food labels for the fridge. For a solo traveler looking for a decent reliable place to sleep in a clean and fairly private surrounding this was great value for money. The location was perfect. They also provide extra lockers to store luggage on the day you checkout so you can still travel without carrying your bags, they really thought of everything!

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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.

Great location. The best. The staff was helpful and informative. I had fun meeting and visiting with other people from around the world. I have stayed here before and I always well when I come to Edinburgh

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8.2
Very good
2,474 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 place was good value for Money I enjoyed the Thursday night there It is in the heart of Edinburgh

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8.4
Very good
1,339 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
3,089 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
932 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 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
1,300 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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  • The Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,949 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

  • 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.

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

  • CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 7,614 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.

  • Princes Street Hostel
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,542 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
     · 7,280 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
     · 932 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 .

  • CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,284 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
     · 4,408 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
     · 3,144 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!

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,943 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
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 920 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
     · 2,570 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.

    Good condition and in the central Edinburgh property

  • a&o Edinburgh City
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,799 reviews

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

    staff were very friendly and helpful. food was amazing

FAQ about hostels in Edinburgh







Hostels that guests love in Edinburgh

  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,408 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
     · 2,570 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
     · 2,943 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
     · 1,300 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
     · 7,614 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
     · 3,144 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
     · 2,603 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
     · 7,280 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
     · 1,339 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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