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
- What to Expect from the Best Hostels in Edinburgh
- The 5 Best Hostels in Edinburgh
- More Epic Hostels in Edinburgh
- What to Pack for your Edinburgh Hostel
- FAQ’s on the Best Hostels in Edinburgh
- More Epic Hostels in Scotland and Europe
- Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Edinburgh
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Edinburgh
- Overall Best Hostel in Edinburgh – Castle Rock Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Edinburgh – St Christopher’s Edinburgh
- Best Cheap Hostel in Edinburgh – Kick Ass Greyfriars
- Best Party Hostel in Edinburgh – Kick Ass Grassmarket
- Best Hostel for Couples in Edinburgh – Belford Hostel
What to Expect from the Best Hostels in Edinburgh
Before we start looking at your options for Edinburgh hostels, let’s talk about why you should be choosing a hostel in the first place. Obviously, they are the cheapest form of accommodation in general. You can save quite a few bucks by staying in a dorm room.
What’s even more important is the community aspect of hostels. You can meet like-minded travelers, share stories, and make new friends without having to leave the building. This is what really makes hostels so great for solo travelers.
In Edinburgh, you can expect quite a few fancy and modern hostels. Pretty much all of them have the option of dorms or private rooms. Some of them even offer freebies, which is ideal for budget backpackers.
There are a couple of hostel chains- while they might not be the most unique places, you are guaranteed great service and value, perfect for budget backpackers exploring Scotland.
By international standards, Edinburgh is quite expensive. However, by UK standards it’s a bit easier to pinch a penny here. Edinburgh costs the average backpacker around $70 a day to travel, but that can definitely be cut down by staying in a budget backpackers hostel. These are the average prices for hostels you can expect in Edinburgh:
- Dorm (mixed or female-only): $27-31 USD/night
- Private Room: $72-84 USD/night
Not all hostels are created equally. Each property will specialize in different things. Some offer the lowest prices, others offer the coolest experience. The trick is identifying your specific needs when visiting Edinburgh so you can book your hostel quickly and confidently.
Luckily, choosing where to stay in Edinburgh is easy. Don’t stress too much about where your hostel is located. With only 1/2 a million residents, Edinburgh is fairly small and compact.
It’s a joy to walk around, and even if the weather is poor (like a 95% chance in the UK) the bus system is great and can easily get you from place to place. Most of the coolest hostels are within walking distance of places like Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile.
When looking for a hostel, you’ll find most places in Edinburgh on HOSTELWORLD. There you can check out photos, detailed information about the place, and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel will have a rating, so you can easily pick out the hidden gems!
In general, most hostels can be found near the city center, in the heart and soul of all the cool attractions like The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. To find the best hostels in Edinburgh, check out these neighborhoods:
- Old Town – When visiting Edinburgh for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Old Town.
- West End – One of the best places to stay in Edinburgh for those on a budget.
- Grassmarket – The Grassmarket is a small and unique neighborhood in the heart of Edinburgh.
- Stockbridge – Stockbridge is a small neighborhood north of Edinburgh’s city center.
- New Town – This part of the city is where you’ll find stunning buildings in the Georgian architectural style.
The 5 Best Hostels in Edinburgh
1. Castle Rock Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Edinburgh
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 smart, 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 central location means it’s within walking distance of 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 for Solo Travelers in Edinburgh
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 solo 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 hostel 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 nightlife, 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
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 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 Hotel Superior quality.
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
If you think you want to stay in one of the Kick Ass hostels and also want to party, 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. 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 Couples in Edinburgh
Not only is Belford Hostel the best hostel for couples 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 couples, 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 Hostels in Edinburgh
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!
Royal Mile Backpackers
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.
Blossom – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Edinburgh
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.
Haystack Hostel
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 WiFi, 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
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
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.
SafeStay Edinburgh
StaySafe Edinburgh is a cool little hostel on Blackfriars Street, right in the heart of the city. One major plus point for SafeStay 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
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
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
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
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.
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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
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.
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?
Belford Hostel is an amazing hostel for couples in Edinburgh. It’s unique and located near old Dean Village and the start of the Leith Walk.
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.
Travel Safety Tips for Edinburgh
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.
More Epic Hostels in Scotland and Europe
Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Edinburgh. If not, then why not consider an Edinburgh Airbnb?
Planning an epic trip all across Scotland or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Scotland check out:
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Edinburgh
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!
Updated June 2023
- 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.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
