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The 10 Best Hostels in Edinburgh, UK

Some of the best backpacker spots in Edinburgh

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Wonderful: 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.

I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this hostel. I stayed here for 6 nights and wish I would’ve stayed longer. The location was great! Close enough to the city center (easy walk or short bus trip) but also far enough to not feel like you’re in the middle of the city. The owners and staff are INCREDIBLE. Huge shoutout to Laura who is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met in my life. Also was one of the cleanest hostels I’ve ever stayed at. 10/10. I already want to go back!

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8.1
Very Good
1,498 reviews
Price from
$1,308
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 was one the best hostel I've been. Thanks só much!

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8.5
Very Good
1,558 reviews
Price from
$21
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.

The location is perfect it was very easy to get around the city and explore everything. The staff was super nice and friendly and helpful. Since this was my very first solo trip ever I highly appreciated the fact I felt super safe and comfortable. The rooms are really nice and offer you privacy but you can very easily socialize in the lounge/reception/kitchen. They offer different kinds of drinks and snacks so if you feel like you would like to get a beer but dont want to go the pub all alone this is the best option. Overall i really enjoyed my stay and will definitely going back in some time! ☺️

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8.7
Excellent
7,659 reviews
Price from
$50
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.

There were a range of facilities easily available such as the kitchen, laundry and hangout rooms which made my stay stress free! Bathrooms were really clean and it was amazing that bedding was provided! Beds were really comfortable, location amazing (right across from Edinburgh castle and many bars) For such a nice place the price is amazing!

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8.2
Very Good
7,328 reviews
Price from
$24
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 loved the "ladies only" dorm, it made things easier. The industrial design is modern and fuss free, very relaxing. I've been looking forward to trying a pod for a while now, and I've not been disappointed. I'll stay again if I ever have to come back to Edinburgh.

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8.1
Very Good
1,290 reviews
Price from
$54
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. Great staff. Comfortable. Clean.

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8.2
Very Good
2,495 reviews
Price from
$25
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.

They had a friendly atmosphere and cute themed rooms!

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8.4
Very Good
1,345 reviews
Price from
$30
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.

Design, clean and staffs are very friendly.

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8.6
Excellent
3,103 reviews
Price from
$30
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.

It was clean , cosy and near to Waverley station

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8.2
Very Good
935 reviews
Price from
$26
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
1,305 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.
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  • Edinburgh Backpackers
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,305 reviews

    Well situated in the center of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Backpackers provides free WiFi and a shared lounge.

    Heat in the bedroom quiteness of the place and felt secure

  • The Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,959 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
     · 3,160 reviews

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

    Very good hospitality, good rooms and close to everywhere!

  • 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

  • Belford Hostel
    Budget options available
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 373 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

  • Argyle Backpackers
    Budget options available
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 922 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.

  • THE EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    6.2
    Scored 6.2
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 48 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.

  • Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

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

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

  • Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 3,103 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
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,558 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
     · 7,327 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

  • CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,290 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
     · 4,424 reviews

    Featuring a shared lounge, a terrace as well as a bar, Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+) is located in the center of Edinburgh, a 9-minute walk from Royal Mile.

    Location was perfect! Staff are helpful and friendly.

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,967 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.

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Original
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,583 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.

    Great location. Clean. Very helpful staff esp Sulley.

  • a&o Edinburgh City
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,827 reviews

    A lively/quirky and beautiful accommodations in the center 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
     · 4,424 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
  • Avg. price/night: $142.06
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 3,103 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
  • 7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,583 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
  • 7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,967 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 traveler
  • 7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,305 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
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 7,659 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $220.57
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,160 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 traveler
  • 7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,627 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 traveler
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 7,327 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
     · 1,345 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

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