Last Updated on 1st April 2021 by Michael McGuinness
Best Hostels in Edinburgh
Check out our picks for the Best Hostels in Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh has exactly 47 hostels and we have narrowed this down to the 10 Best Hostels in Edinburgh.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of the best hostels in Edinburgh
Here’s an overview by category of the awesome hostels mentioned in this article. Scroll down to see a full description (and images) of each recommended hostel.
- Castle Rock Hostel - Overall Best Hostel in Edinburgh
- Kick Ass Hostel - Best Party Hostel in Edinburgh
- Budget Backpackers - Best Cheap Hostel in Edinburgh
- Kick Ass Hostel - Best Hostel in Edinburgh for Solo Travellers
1. Castle Rock Hostel
Castle Rock Hostel is easily the best hostel in Edinburgh because the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. The beds are extremely comfortable and the rooms are very spacious and clean. The hostel is situated in a superb location right next to Edinburgh Castle.
The hostel has some unique features such as a beautiful outdoor patio and a fireplace for those long cold winter nights. Breakfast is available for an extra fee of only £1.50.
Standout Features
- Superb location
- Beautiful outdoor patio
Prices
- Dorms from €15.10
- Privates from €63.00
2. Kick Ass Hostel
Kick Ass Hostels is located in an excellent central location, walking distance to all of Edinburgh's main attractions. All rooms have wifi access, USB charging points and a reading light at each bed. Bunks have been designed to give you maximum headroom and their mattresses are very comfy.
This hostel has a chilled out and social feel to it mainly due to its cheap onsite bar, large common area (where you get panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle), Guest Kitchen and free walking tours.
Kick Ass Hostel is one of the best hostels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers because they offer chic and cosy female-only dorms.
Standout Features
- Super chilled out bar
- Beautiful pod style dorm beds
Prices
- Dorms from €11.20
- Privates from €47.20
3. High Street Hostel
High Street Hostel is yet another hostel located in the heart of Edinburgh. This beautiful hostel is situated in a 470 year old building that comes with an interesting history.
All beds including dorm beds come with individual power points and reading lights. The hostel has a Guest Kitchen and a breakfast buffet is available every morning at an extra fee of £1.90.
Standout Features
- Excellent location
- Good guest kitchen
Prices
- Dorms from €12.40
4. Royal Mile Backpackers
Royal Mile Backpackers Hostel is another very good hostel in Edinburgh and is located on one of Edinburgh's most famous streets. This is a small and friendly hostel.
The hostel has a small kitchen, however, you can use all the facilities of their sister hostel (including the use of its large kitchen) which is just across the street. A Continental breakfast selection is served daily for a small fee (£2.00). All of this makes Royal Mile Backpackers one of the best hostels in Edinburgh.
Standout Features
- Super friendly staff
- Beautiful dorms
Prices
- Dorms from €11.40
5. Light House Hostel
By staying at the Light House Hostel you will encounter a more unique experience because it's more like a family home than a hostel. This is a very laid back and cosy hostel. It's only a 15-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle.
The hostel has many common areas including a spacious lounge, a garden and a fully equipped guest kitchen. Breakfast is served every morning and it's free.
Standout Features
- Free Breakfast
- Spacious lounge
Prices
- Dorms from €11.40
- Privates from €48.10
6. Budget Backpackers
Budget Backpackers is in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh and within walking distance of Edinburgh's famous sights.
It’s a very social hostel mainly due to its bar, free city tours, free daily events in the bar, fully equipped kitchen, and common areas.
Budget Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Edinburgh for backpackers who are on a tight budget as a bed in a dorm room starts at only €10.10 per night.
Standout Features
- Cool bar
- Free daily events
Prices
- Dorms from €10.10
- Privates from €42.70
7. The Baxter
The Baxter is a custom-built hostel with own very unique and vibrant design. They offer a range of dorm rooms with 4 to 12 beds. Each room has its own lockers to keep your luggage and belongings safe.
All rooms include Wi-fi, keycard security entry, cosy bunks with individual power sockets, reading light and complimentary breakfast is served every morning.
Standout Features
- Complimentary breakfast
- Well designed guest kitchen
Prices
- Dorms from €14.70
- Privates from €76.70
8. Safestay Edinburgh
Safestay Edinburgh is situated right in the heart of the Edinburgh just minutes from the historic Royal Mile. Reception is open 24 hrs, there’s no curfew and there's free WIFI throughout the building. This really is the ideal location for seeing Edinburgh’s historic sites during the day and you will be just a stone’s throw away from the trendy nightlife in the Cowgate area.
The reception is open 24 Hours and they have a few other unique services including an on-site ATM, Laundry Facilities and Vending machines. Safestay Hostel is one of the best hostels in Edinburgh for party-goers because of its lively bar and beautiful beer garden.
Standout Features
- Central Location
- Beautiful outdoor patio
Prices
- Dorms from €10.50
- Privates from €95.80
9. St Christopher’s Edinburgh Original
St Christopher's Edinburgh Original is located in the heart of Edinburgh's medieval Old Town. Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile (the city's oldest street), as well as the Scottish National Galleries are only walking distance from the hostel. At their onsite bar (Belushi's) you can avail of discounted drinks and food.
Their dorm rooms are clean, fresh and vibrant. You choose female only or mixed dorms. All beds have their own lockers and there are no worries if you stay out late as their reception is open 24 hours. St Christophers is one of the best hostels in Edinburgh for couples and small groups.
Standout Features
- Central location
- Cool bar/restuarant
Prices
- Dorms from €8.85
- Privates from €56.60
10. Belford Hostel
Belford Hostel is situated in a central location in Edinburgh's West End just a 15 minute walk to the Haymarket station. It has beautiful stained-glass windows as the hostel is housed in what used to be a church, a lively bar and an outdoor terrace.
Each bunk bed comes 2 sockets meaning you can charge two devices simultaneously. If you wish to save money by cooking our own food, then Belford Hostel is ideal for you as you get the use of their excellent guest kitchen.
Standout Features
- Lively bar
- Excellent guest kitchen
Prices
- Dorms from €10.50
- Privates from €95.80
Best Website to Book a Hostel
Hostelworld is by far the biggest and the best website for booking hostels because they have the best availability and prices. The website is designed to include many filters to help find a hostel that best suits your needs. For instance, you can filter hostels by price or by rating for a particular city.
Below are handy links to the best hostels in Edinburgh. Just click on any of the links to check prices and availability for your dates.
- Castle Rock Hostel
- Kick Ass Hostels
- High Street Hostel
- Royal Mile Backpackers Hostel
- Light House Hostel
- Budget Backpackers
- The Baxter
- Safestay Edinburgh
- St Christopher's Edinburgh Original
- Belford Hostel
Book a Tour in Edinburgh
I recommend GetYourGuide for Tours. They offer highly unique tours with Local Guides.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, cancellations and much more. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance.
