One of the most underrated cities of the UK – Edinburgh is absolutely amazing.
While a bit on the costly side, Edinburgh is truly a gem of the UK. Visit the city for the perfect blend of modern Scotland and rich British history. Castles. Great food. Pints. Edinburgh has got it all!
But with dozens of registered hostels, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. No need to worry, I’ve made you a comprehensive list of the best hostels in Edinburgh, broken down by YOUR interests.
I’ve separated Edinburgh’s best hostels into different categories, so you can identify your travel needs and book your hostel with confidence. Then you can get back to what really matters- backpacking Edinburgh!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Edinburgh
- Best Overall Hostel in Edinburgh – Castle Rock Hostel
- Best Hostel in Edinburgh for Solo Travelers – St Christopher’s Edinburgh
- Best Cheap Hostel in Edinburgh – Kick Ass Greyfriars
- Best Party Hostel in Edinburgh – Kick Ass Grassmarket
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Edinburgh – Belford Hostel
Photo: @taya.travels
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The 5 Best Hostels in Edinburgh
It’s time to take a deep dive into the very backpackers hostels in Edinburgh, starting with my fave!
1. Castle Rock Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Edinburgh
- Dorm (mixed): From $27/night
- Private Room: From $166/night
- Address: 15 Johnston Terrace, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH12PW, United Kingdom
Castle Rock Hostel is the overall best hostel in Edinburgh for so many reasons. No one leaves Castle Rock disappointed, be sure to book your stay over the New Year/Hogmanay in order to get your free ticket to the epic street party.
Castle Rock is a top hostel in Edinburgh for its commitment to the environment; they are carbon-neutral and encourage guests to recycle everything! The dorm rooms are comfy, clean, and bright.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Totally Instagrammable design
- Amazing Location
- Indoor fireplace
They’ve mixed classic manor house style with modern hipster touches to make Castle Rock Hostel a destination in its own right. From many of the dorm rooms, you can see Edinburgh Castle which is an added bonus. As well as being a top pick for Edinburgh, this is also one of Scotland’s best hostels.
You’ll absolutely love the decor and common rooms at the Castle Rock Hostel. Not only do you have plenty of comfy sofas to choose from when you want to chill, but you can also heat up the room with the indoor fireplace during the cold winter months.
The room options range from private double rooms to quadruple and dorm rooms, with each of them providing lockers to keep your bags secure. Castle Rock Hostel’s great location means it’s just a short walk away from all the major sights. Just ask for one of the free city maps to plan your day, and make use of the free wifi to upload all your adventures to Instagram.
Castle Rock Hostel is a Scottish-owned hostel just up the hill from Grassmarket, and a short walk from the bus and train stops. Additionally, you can get to Edinburgh Airport within 30 minutes by car. You’ll also be around the corner (an 8-minute walk) from the vibrant Royal Mile in the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle, but in a peaceful street so you’re all set up for a quiet night’s sleep.
2. St Christopher’s Edinburgh – Best Hostel in Edinburgh for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $15/night
- Private Room: From $148/night
- Address: 9-13 Market Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE, United Kingdom
St Christopher is the patron saint of travelers so it makes sense that St Christopher’s Edinburgh is the best hostel for solo travelers in Edinburgh. It’s a saving grace for backpackers hitting Scotland solo. With the Belushi bar and onsite restaurant, there are countless opportunities for travelers to mingle and meet fellow adventurers.
St Christopher’s is a great budget hostel in Edinburgh as guests get a whopping 25% off food at their onsite restaurant plus loads of drinks discounts too. If you need a little liquid confidence to get to meet new people, St Christopher’s Edinburgh is a great shout with its onsite bar and pub crawls.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Regular pub crawls
- Super central location
- Food and drink discounts
All of the drinks aside, this epic place to stay in Edinburgh has loads more on offer. Let’s start with the location, you’ll be pretty much bang in the heart of all the action. Whether it’s hitting up a famous underground bar, cultural attractions, or historical landmarks, you’ll never have to walk longer than 10 minutes to get to places like Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile. Grab one of the free city maps and get exploring!
After a long day of exploring, head back to the hostel and throw yourself into one of the comfy sofas in the common room or enjoy the afternoon sun on the terrace. It’s the ideal place to meet new people and share some travel stories. Or chill in your dorm room and use the free wifi to share all your adventures with your friends back home.
To recharge at night, you can choose between the awesome room options. If your budget allows it, book into one of the comfy private rooms with a view of the city. If you’re more of a social type, stay in the spacious dorms. No matter your decision, there’ll always be a big locker to store your belongings.
There’s always something going on at St Christopher’s, with weekly events, daily bar crawls, and epic food and drink discounts around town. Hop on a free walking tour to get to know the city on foot – a great cure for a night out.
3. Kick Ass Greyfriars – Best Cheap Hostel in Edinburgh
- Dorm (mixed): From $24/night
- Private Room: From $115/night
- Address: 37-39 Cowgate, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR, United Kingdom
If you’re on the search for the best cheap hostel in Edinburgh, look no further. Kick Ass Greyfriars is the place for you. As the best budget hostel in Edinburgh, Kick Ass Greyfriars has super cheap dorm rooms but doesn’t scrimp on cleanliness or services.
There are actually two Kick Ass hostels in Edinburgh. Kick Ass Greyfriars teams with sister hostel Kick Ass Grassmarket to offer guests free event nights in the bar every night of the week and free city walking tours of Edinburgh’s best places too.
You won’t just get access to one hostel but two – the sister hostel Kick Ass Grassmarket will open its facilities to you as well.
The ‘treehouse’ is a great little hangout for digital nomads or for anyone who needs a quiet half an hour to get booking the rest of their trip.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Adults-only policy
- Beer garden with castle view
- Food and drink discounts
All rooms have free wifi, USB charging points at each bed, and private bed lights. The bunk beds have been designed to give maximum headroom and mattresses are of superior quality. There are a few 3-4 person private rooms, but you won’t find private bathrooms here.
It’s the best budget hostel if you’re looking for a comfortable dorm room in a lively setting with a great central location. You’re bang in the middle of Old Town, which means that all attractions, nightlife venues, and cultural sights are within walking distance. If you have a filled Edinburgh itinerary, this will be the ideal base.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Kick Ass Grassmarket – Best Party Hostel in Edinburgh
- Dorm (mixed): From $25/night
- Private Room: From $167/night
- Address: 2 West Port, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2JA, United Kingdom
If you want a hostel with a lively atmosphere, Kick Ass Grassmarket is for you. It’s a fun and friendly place to stay; definitely the best party hostel in Edinburgh. The onsite bar is one of the most popular hangout spots for backpackers in Edinburgh and the drinks are dead cheap too; pints for as little as £2!
Kick Ass Grassmarket is a highly recommended hostel in Edinburgh for this exact reason. The bar area is super cool and the little huts are great for those who want to soak up the atmosphere but not be front and center. The dorms are funky and clean; each bed has its own USB charging port and reading lamp.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Pod-style beds
- Central Old Town location
- £5 lunch options
Kick Ass Grassmarket isn’t just one of the best party hostels, it’s also close to all of the nightlife venues in Edinburgh, making it ideal for a weekend in Edinburgh. In fact, it’ll take only 8 minutes on foot to reach the famous Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Thanks to the central location in Old Town, you’ll be close to all of the action you can find in the city – but still tucked away enough to enjoy a peaceful sleep.
Once you come back from an epic night out, crash into one of the many types of comfy beds that the hostel offers. You can choose between private rooms for up to 4 people, typical dorms with traditional bunk beds, or a more unique option – pod-style dorms. The pod-style dorm option provides a little bit more privacy with a curtain or a blind.
To recover from your hangover, head to the movie room and spend the day watching epic films with all of the other half-dead travelers. Once lunchtime comes around, you can buy cheap but incredibly tasty meals at the on-site bar.
Whichever of the Kick Ass hostels you stay in – you won’t be disappointed.
5. Belford Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Edinburgh
- Dorm (mixed): From $36/night
- Private Room: From $119/night
- Address: 6-8 Douglas Gardens, Edinburgh, EH4 3DA, United Kingdom
Not only is Belford Hostel the best hostel for digital nomads in Edinburgh, but it’s probably the most unique hostel in the Scottish capital. The Belford Hostel is set in a renovated, disused church making it the quirkiest, coolest hostel in Edinburgh. For couples looking for a private room with brilliant views of Edinburgh’s cityscape, you’ll fall in love with Belford Hostel.
Some rooms even have cozy bay windows, perfect for curling up with a book and unlimited cups of complimentary tea. The church’s main hall is now the hostel common room and the stained glass windows are nothing shy of breathtaking.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Most unique design
- Two plug sockets per bed
- Free city maps
But it’s not just the hostel itself that makes this place so awesome, the location is ideal as well. It’s pretty central in Edinburgh’s West End, close to old Dean Village and the start of the Leith Walk. You can get to the hostel easily from Edinburgh Haymarket station – it’s about a 15-minute walk away. If you’re coming from Edinburgh Airport, jump on express bus 100 to Haymarket Station. It’s around a 30-minute journey. Additionally, Edinburgh Castle is a walkable distance away- just over 20 minutes.
Once you’re all settled into the charming rooms, head to the reception and grab one of the free city maps. While you’re there, ask the friendly staff for their recommendations on what to do and see in Edinburgh. They’re known to have the best insider information and hidden gems up their sleeves.
Start the day with a delicious free breakfast and some tea or coffee, and end it with a friendly little tournament around the pool table. The common area is great for socializing and hanging around in case it’s a rainy day.
While this is definitely a great hostel for nomads, it’s also ideal for solo travelers. You can book into one of the spacious dorms and meet like-minded travelers from all over the world. Each room also has big lockers so you can store all of your belongings securely.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Edinburgh Hostels
Not quite happy with your options yet? Don’t worry, I’ve got loads more awesome Edinburgh hostels coming your way so you’ve got plenty to choose from!
CoDE Pod – The CoURT
- Dorm (mixed): From $33/night
- Address: 1a Parliament Square, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF, United Kingdom
There are several Code Pod hostels in Edinburgh, and you NEED to consider this one before making your final decision. This ultra-modern hostel is actually set in a former courthouse (and jail) dating all the way back to 1693 – so it’s really one of the most unique places to stay in Scotland. But inside it’s not all bricks and cobwebs – they’ve taken full inspiration from an “Asian-style pod concept” to deliver an all-out comfy, well-designed place to stay.
It’s all about the dorms here, and they’re impressive – much more than you’d expect of a cheap hostel in Edinburgh. As the name implies, they’ve got pods galore. These are spacious, specially designed bunks that come with privacy curtains, USB sockets and your very own light.
Because it’s a historic building it can’t be changed architecturally, all the jail cells have been transformed into budget rooms for backpackers. Pretty cool, right? Also, the bathrooms in this place are super clean which is what you want from a cheap hostel in Edinburgh!
The Baxter Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $30/night
- Address: 5/2 West Register Street, Edinburgh
Baxter Hostel is a trendy Edinburgh spot right next to Waverley Train Station near the famous Princes Street, everything is cute, clean, and well-decorated. The free breakfast was certainly a win for a budget backpacker, and the dorm beds are comfy with both an electrical socket and a reading light.
While it might not be the cheapest hostel in town, the staff are great and the location is just about unbeatable. So all around, it’s a great pick for a budget-friendly stay in Edinburgh.
Royal Mile Backpackers
- Dorm (mixed): From $27/night
- Address: 105 High Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH11SG, United Kingdom
Royal Mile Backpackers is at the very heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and The Royal Mile team are super clued up about Edinburgh. They always do their best to help backpackers plan a fun-filled, informative, and budget-friendly experience of the city.
Be sure to time your trip so that you’re at Royal Mile Backpackers on a Thursday to join their free bar crawl. This is just one reason why Royal Mile Backpackers is a top choice if you’re looking for a budget hostel in Edinburgh.
Haystack Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $30/night
- Private Room: From $117/night
- Address: 5/3 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH22AA, United Kingdom
Haystack Hostel is one of the best-located hostels in Edinburgh, you can find it just a 5-minute walk from The Old Town. Admittedly, the dorm rooms are quite cozy. But, the free breakfast, free wi fi, and brand new chill-out room are what make Haystack Hostel a highly recommended hostel in Edinburgh.
Haystack Hostel employs an awesome team of local staff who know Edinburgh like the back of their hands and are always around to help out backpackers as best they can.
Edinburgh Backpackers
- Dorm (mixed): From $31/night
- Private Room: From $103/night
- Address: 65 Cockburn Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1BU, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Backpackers is a great youth hostel in Edinburgh and is actually spread across four neighboring buildings. Edinburgh Backpackers has a fully equipped guest kitchen which is where you’ll find the majority of guests hanging out in the early evening. The cafe downstairs, Southern Cross Cafe, is perfect for digital nomads who need to get focused or for those meeting friends from other hostels.
The dorm rooms offer great views over Edinburgh’s skyline, make the most of the free WiFi and splash your stay across social media!
High Street Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $21/night
- Address: 8 Blackfriars St, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE, United Kingdom
High Street Hostel is run by a fun and adventurous team who ensure that each and every guest leaves Edinburgh with a smile and a whole heap of memories. High Street Hostel has a buzzing common room complete with a pool table; things get rather competitive around here!
If you wanna cook for yourself, then let loose in the huge kitchen but if you fancy some local grub you don’t have to walk too far (literally 10m) before you reach your first classic Scottish eatery.
a&o Edinburgh City
- Dorm (mixed): From $24/night
- Private Room: From $151/night
- Address: 50 Blackfriars Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE, United Kingdom
a&o Edinburgh is a cool little hostel on Blackfriars Street, right in the heart of the city. One major plus point for the sapce is the en-suite bathrooms that accompany each dorm room, as well as the free WiFi available throughout the building.
Bar 50 is one of the best Edinburgh hostel bars and is always buzzing. Be sure to join in with the open mic night, surely you know the words to the Scottish classic 500 Miles?
Argyle Backpackers
- Dorm (mixed): From $30/night
- Private Room: From $90/night
- Address: 14 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1JL, United Kingdom
Argyle Backpackers is a highly recommended hostel in Edinburgh and for good reason. Within a 10-minute walk to Argyle’s front door, you have supermarkets, organic veg markets, cafes, and countless pubs; this is the Scottish capital after all!
Argyle Backpackers have no curfew and no lock-out so if you’re heading to Edinburgh for Hogmanay or to enjoy the Fringe Festival, you can stay out as late as you like, just don’t make too much noise if you come back after 11 pm!
The Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $25/night
- Private Room: From $77/night
- Address: 3 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5DR, United Kingdom
Creatively named The Hostel is a popular youth hostel in Edinburgh for travelers on a shoestring budget. They have some discounted tours available at their travel desk, so be sure to get chatting with the team to complete your Scottish experience.
Around the pool table is where you’ll find many of The Hostel’s residents each evening. In the summer months, the outdoor terrace is a great little spot from which to watch the sunset over Edinburgh.
The Westend Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $24/night
- Address: 35 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH125AU, United Kingdom
The Westend Hostel offers dorm room beds within a building fit to be a luxury hotel. The old-fashioned features of the Westend Hostel are typical of a stately Scottish townhouse. Both the dorm rooms and the private rooms are spacious, meaning if you need to explode your backpack to find your final pair of clean socks you totally can!
The Westend Hostel is a great budget hostel in Edinburgh and offers continental breakfast for just £2 or a hearty Scottish breakfast for £6.50. If you’re looking for a luxury boutique hostel, this is a great choice.
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $38/night
- Private Room: From $129/night
- Address: 9 Haddington Place, Edinburgh, EH7 4AL, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is ideally placed right at the heart of Edinburgh’s city center while being within easy walking distance of the city’s major train stations and nationwide bus stops. This means if you plan on heading off on any day trips in Edinburgh then it’s ideally placed to make the most of your time.
The on-site Haddington Place cafe is the perfect spot for digital nomads who need space to get tapping away. As a top hostel in Edinburgh, Central Youth Hostel is popular with party animals, culture vultures, and of course those who come to watch the rugby at Murrayfield Stadium.
Blossom
Blossom is one of the most popular bed and breakfasts in Edinburgh, be sure to book your place ASAP as they fill up fast. Offering guests heartfelt Scottish hospitality, Blossom really is a home-from-home for backpackers who want to escape the dorms for a couple of nights.
Although not technically an Edinburgh youth hostel, Blossom is an affordable step up from rowdy dorms and shared bathrooms. If you’re traveling with friends you can share a triple room to help reduce costs.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Edinburgh
Good travel insurance is always a good idea before hitting up the Edinburgh hostel scene.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ’s on the Best Hostels in Edinburgh
Booking a hostel is never easy, especially when there are so many options. To help you out, I’ve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on hostels in Edinburgh below.
What to Pack for your Edinburgh Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Edinburgh??
Edinburgh hostel’s average price ranges from $27-31 USD/night for a dorm (mixed or female-only) and $72-84+ USD/night for private rooms.
What are the best hostels in Edinburgh for couples?
St Christopher’s Edinburgh is an amazing hostel for couples in Edinburgh. It’s cute, cozy and one of the Edinburgh backpackers hostels that has private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
What are the best hostels in Edinburgh near the airport?
The Hostel, a great budget hostel in Edinburgh, is 6.4 mi from Edinburgh Airport.
Final Thoughts on Edinburgh’s Hostels
Overall, Edinburgh was one of my favorite cities I’ve ever backpacked in. Hopefully, with the help of this list, you’ll have a great idea of what you need from your hostel, so you can book quickly and get exploring this awesome city!
And just a reminder, if you can’t decide where to stay, I recommend … Castle Rock Hostel!
Photo: @taya.travels
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in UK for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Edinburgh covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Edinburgh if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Edinburgh before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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