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The 10 Best Hostels in Edinburgh, UK

Some of the best backpacker spots in Edinburgh

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Superb: 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.

Overall, it was a pleasant experience and the staff are courteous. I enjoyed the atmosphere, which was neat and clean.

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8.1
Very good
1,498 reviews
Price from
CNY 9,603
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.

Really friendly and helpful staff. They helped me to find a place to have a job interview, thank you a lot! Great location and facilities.

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8.5
Very good
1,628 reviews
Price from
CNY 219
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.

I get privacy during the staying. Facilities are well-maintained. The locker with password is very handy.

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8.7
Fabulous
7,796 reviews
Price from
CNY 352
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 were very private and the lockers had a built in lock

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8.2
Very good
7,533 reviews
Price from
CNY 219
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.

The location was on the doorstep of the shopping area in the new town and walking distance to everywhere. 5mins to the old town, 15mins to Arthurs Seat. The pods were amazing to sleep in! Spacious and didnt even hear my neighbouring pod friends. Storage was good and bathrooms modern and clean.

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8.1
Very good
1,316 reviews
Price from
CNY 428
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.

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8.2
Very good
2,589 reviews
Price from
CNY 219
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.

The place was good value for Money I enjoyed the Thursday night there It is in the heart of Edinburgh

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8.4
Very good
1,370 reviews
Price from
CNY 240
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.

Castle rock is literally the best hostel I’ve ever been to. The place is amazing, the atmosphere is fabulous, the hall is great to chill out. I would definitely come back!! ❤️

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8.6
Fabulous
3,133 reviews
Price from
CNY 241
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.

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8.2
Very good
970 reviews
Price from
CNY 302
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.

lovely place in the heart of the city

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7.4
Good
1,344 reviews
Price from
CNY 274
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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  • JUST SLEEP Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,498 reviews

    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.

    Parking close to hostel Hot shower Quiet room Good wifi

  • The Hostel
    Budget options available
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,007 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
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 940 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.

  • Haymarket Hostel
    Budget options available
    10.0
    Scored 10.0
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 2 reviews

    Boasting a garden, a shared lounge as well as a terrace, Haymarket Hostel is situated in the centre of Edinburgh, 500 metres from EICC.

  • THE EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE - Boutique Hostel
    6.1
    Scored 6.1
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 66 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

  • Princes Street Hostel
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,626 reviews

    Princes Street Hostel is well set in the centre 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
     · 7,533 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

  • Haystack Hostel
    Central location
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 969 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 .

  • CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,315 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

  • Edinburgh Central Accommodation
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,231 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
     · 3,083 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.

  • St Christopher's Edinburgh Original
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,646 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.

    Ideal location. Had storage for our bags on check out.

  • a&o Edinburgh City
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,952 reviews

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

    Brilliant location and facilities rooms were really clean

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

    Featuring a garden, a shared lounge as well as a bar, Belford Hostel is set in the centre of Edinburgh, 1 km 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
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 125 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
  • Avg. price/night: CNY 2,528.52
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,533 reviews
    Amazing hostel !! Good breakfast for cheap. Great location. Confortable
    Gauthier
    Solo traveller
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,370 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 traveller
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,370 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 traveller
  • Avg. price/night: CNY 2,528.52
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,533 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 traveller
  • Avg. price/night: CNY 1,777.86
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 4,543 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
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,133 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
  • Avg. price/night: CNY 1,644.52
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,646 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
  • Avg. price/night: CNY 2,528.52
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 7,533 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
     · 1,370 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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