Skip to main content

The best hostels in Edinburgh

Some of the best backpacker spots in Edinburgh

Filter by:


Review Score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
Our top picks Lowest Price First Star rating and price Top reviewed

See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.

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.

New hostel with great showers, kitchen and beds. Super nice owner and the people staying there were so friendly we all shared food and explored the city. I had a great time there.

Show more Show less
8.1
Very Good
1,497 reviews
Price from
$33
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.

It has really good supporting facilities such as fully functioning kitchen (induction stove, microwave, oven, toaster, boiling water, fridge, utensils), dining room, fast broadband WiFi, big shower rooms. Staffs are super nice and helpful!! And this hostel is very clean.

Show more Show less
8.4
Very Good
1,679 reviews
Price from
$36
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.

Comfy beds with privacy, clean bathrooms, friendly staff. Location along the Royal Mile.

Show more Show less
8.7
Excellent
7,901 reviews
Price from
$45
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 pods. The facilities. Staff. Games. Activities. Everything...

Show more Show less
8.2
Very Good
7,696 reviews
Price from
$30
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 felt safe, secure, comfortable. The staff are lovely. I spoke to some nice women staying there who were also traveling solo. The bed pods are brilliant, you have complete privacy to get a good night sleep. Hot showers. Modern common room with great kitchen. Fantastic location

Show more Show less
8.1
Very Good
1,336 reviews
Price from
$59
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.

location. the staff. the environment. everything just perfect for hostel. cosy, warm, clean, easy to find, location strategic with hotspot place.

Show more Show less
8.2
Very Good
2,659 reviews
Price from
$31
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.

This is a wonderful place in the city center. Great service, clean everywhere. I will definitely return to you.

Show more Show less
8.4
Very Good
1,391 reviews
Price from
$33
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.

Lovely Hostel with a great location and best staffs. They prepered a lot of events for guests, and I did enjoy my time there to met so many people from all around the world!

Show more Show less
8.6
Excellent
3,155 reviews
Price from
$34
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.

Show more Show less
8.2
Very Good
996 reviews
Price from
$48
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 👍

Show more Show less
7.4
Good
1,375 reviews
Price from
$37
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travelers know there's 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 little more.
Search hostels in Edinburgh

Most booked hostels in Edinburgh this month

Save money on hostels in Edinburgh – budget options available!

  • High Street Hostel
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 2,659 reviews

    Located 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.

    Friendly and cozy atmosphere. Located in the centre.

  • JUST SLEEP Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,497 reviews

    Well set in the Leith district of Edinburgh, JUST SLEEP Hostel is located 1.1 miles from Royal Yacht Britannia, 1.2 miles from Edinburgh Playhouse and 1.6 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station.

    Parking close to hostel Hot shower Quiet room Good wifi

  • The Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,046 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
     · 3,286 reviews

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

    The staff here are extremely courteous and helpful

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

    Edinburgh College Residence is located in Edinburgh, within 2.9 miles of Royal Yacht Britannia and 3 miles of EICC.

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

  • THE EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    5.8
    Scored 5.8
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 79 reviews

    Located in Edinburgh and within a 10-minute walk 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.

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

  • Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 3,155 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.

  • Princes Street Hostel
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,679 reviews

    Princes Street Hostel is conveniently set in the center 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
     · 7,696 reviews

    Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is located conveniently 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

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,156 reviews

    Conveniently 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
     · 952 reviews

    Located in Edinburgh and with University of Edinburgh reachable within a 9-minute walk, Argyle Backpackers has 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
     · 2,686 reviews

    Located opposite Waverley railway station, St Christopher's offers budget accommodations 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
     · 5,016 reviews

    A lively/quirky and beautiful accommodations in the center of the Scottish capital.

    Brilliant location and facilities rooms were really clean

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

    Featuring a garden, a shared lounge as well as a bar, Belford Hostel is located in the center of Edinburgh, a 12-minute walk from EICC.

    I liked the room, hot shower and bathroom utensils

FAQ about hostels in Edinburgh







Hostels that guests love in Edinburgh

  • 9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 127 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
     · 7,696 reviews
    Amazing hostel !! Good breakfast for cheap. Great location. Confortable
    Gauthier
    Solo traveler
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,391 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 traveler
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,391 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 traveler
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 7,696 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 traveler
  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,625 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 traveler
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 3,155 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $271.34
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,686 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 traveler
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 7,696 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 traveler
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,391 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 traveler

Research, refine, and make plans for your whole trip