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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.

It does what is says it does, just sleep :). It was all clean, close to tram station which takes you to airport, nice neighborhood. So I had good sleep.

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8.1
Very good
1,498 reviews
Price from
£63
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.

- You can leave your luggage there and come back later to check in. - There are many toilets and bathrooms (and very clean). - They also have a fully equipped kitchen and a common room for you to enjoy your food. - Free tea and coffee. - There's a USB outlet for you. - There are lockers, but remember to bring your own lock. - Central location.

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8.5
Very good
1,571 reviews
Price from
£29
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.

Great location, staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms, bathrooms and other facilities were kept very clean!

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8.7
Fabulous
7,692 reviews
Price from
£38.52
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.

Really loved here,So nice and will definitely recommend to my friends!!

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8.2
Very good
7,363 reviews
Price from
£20.70
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

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8.1
Very good
1,296 reviews
Price from
£49.04
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.

The property was very clean and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

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8.2
Very good
2,512 reviews
Price from
£24
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.

It is a very friendly hostel. You can see it in the vibe and the receptionists are also great. You can have a decent breakfast for very cheap price, which is a good deal. I completely recommend this place in case someone wants to stay here, either as a solo traveller or in a group. Also, the location is amazing!

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8.4
Very good
1,351 reviews
Price from
£27.60
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.

The medieval theme in every room and area is amazing

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8.6
Fabulous
3,112 reviews
Price from
£26.40
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 excellent, a small hostel with big rooms. The fact that the hostel isn't big made it feel very cozy, and it being a small hostel didn't make it cramped at all, just the right size. The room I was in was very spacious. The lockers were quite big, a lot of space to put your stuff. The beds have curtains and I was able to have a lot of privacy, even in a room of 12! The kitchen was very functional, the reception room was comfy, the showers were big and the toilets were very clean. I really enjoyed my stay, very comfortable, very clean, and the location is awesome!

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8.2
Very good
940 reviews
Price from
£35
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.

Stayed in a private room, top floor. Huge room with everything needed for three nights.

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7.4
Good
1,312 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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  • CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,296 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

  • Royal Mile Backpackers
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,351 reviews

    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 !!!!

  • Castle Rock Hostel - Adults Only
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,112 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.

  • Haystack Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 940 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 .

  • The Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,967 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

  • Argyle Backpackers
    Budget options available
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 926 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.

  • THE EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    6.1
    Scored 6.1
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 49 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.

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

  • CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 7,690 reviews

    Attractively situated in Edinburgh, CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT is 100 metres from The Real Mary King's Close.

    Location was perfect and staff where lovely and helpful.

  • Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,363 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.

    Everything... Great staff, comfortable, pool table

  • Edinburgh Central Accommodation
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,169 reviews

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

    The check in was easy, everything was very simple.

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,989 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.

  • The Baxter Hostel
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,737 reviews

    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.

    Great atmosphere. Great staff. International guests

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Original
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,589 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.

    Great location. Clean. Very helpful staff esp Sulley.

  • a&o Edinburgh City
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,842 reviews

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

    staff were very friendly and helpful. food was amazing

  • Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

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

FAQ about hostels in Edinburgh






Hostels that guests love in Edinburgh

  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,448 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
  • Avg. price/night: £114
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,112 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
     · 2,589 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
     · 2,989 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
     · 1,312 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
     · 7,690 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
  • Avg. price/night: £177
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,169 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
  • 7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,640 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
  • 8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,363 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
     · 1,351 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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