Hostels are the ideal choice for budget-savvy travelers and those looking for a more social visit to the city. Offering shared lounges, kitchens and dormitories, this style of accommodation provides a great way to meet like-minded travelers and make new friends to explore the city with. What’s more, each hostel has its own unique personality, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!
Hostel Favourites
- Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
- a&o Edinburgh City Hostel
- CoDE Pod Hostels – THE CoURT
- Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel
- Royal Mile Backpackers
- High Street Hostel
- Castle Rock Hostel
- St Christopher’s Inn
- Princes Street Hostel
- Kick Ass Hostels
- Argyle Backpackers
- Belford Hostel
- The West End Hostel
- The Hostel
- Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate
1.
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
Situated close to the top of Leith Walk, Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is a 5 star accredited hostel. Just 10 minutes on foot from Waverley Railway Station, Edinburgh Bus Station and Edinburgh Tram’s York Place stop, it’s also a convenient location for exploring the nearby neighbourhood of Leith.
Room types vary from single and family rooms to dorms with individual lockers. All are en-suite and premium rooms come with a TV, USB sockets and coffee making facilities.
Choose to dine in the hostel’s restaurant and café bar, or if you prefer to self-cater, there’s a small but well-equipped guest kitchen. Wi-Fi is free for all guests and other amenities include a laundry, a secure bike store and luggage storage.
2.
a&o Edinburgh City Hostel
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE
Located close to the bustling Royal Mile, a&o Edinburgh City Hostel is the chain’s first hostel in the UK and 40th across Europe.
Budget-conscious travellers can choose between single, double, family or multi-bed rooms for up to 6 people. Each of the bright and modern 131 rooms offer a spacious stay and have private bathrooms.
They also boasts a central courtyard with bar, as well as a 24 hour snack bar.
3.
CoDE Pod Hostels – THE CoURT
1A Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF
Once a former courthouse and jail, this Victorian A-listed building has been transformed into CoDE Pod Hostels – THE CoURT. Combining the historical aspects of the building with innovative, modern design, CoDe offers a unique experience for the discerning traveller. Hopefully, it’s the closest you’ll ever come to a night in the cells!
Holding cells are now private rooms (some ensuite) and the courtroom is a sleeping studio with pod beds designed to make you feel like you are staying in a private room. The pods have curtains to provide privacy while you sleep, as well as being equipped with USB sockets, LED reading light, hooks and a shelf. If you want your own privacy, THE LoFT has a penthouse apartment on the top floor complete with kitchen, your own bathroom and roof terrace with a view on the castle (roof).
4.
Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel
65 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BU
Set in a 19th century building in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel is within easy walking distance of several iconic Edinburgh attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, Dynamic Earth and The Real Mary King’s Close.
With over 100 beds, and accommodation ranging from dorm rooms, quads, triples, twins and doubles, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs. A self-catering kitchen, poolroom and lounge area with internet and Sky TV are also available.
For those days when you’re not in the mood for cooking, pop by the neighbouring Southern Cross Café where hostel guests receive a 15% discount on their food bill.
5.
Royal Mile Backpackers
105 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG
Located – yes, you’ve guessed it! – on the Royal Mile, this hostel is right in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
Whether you’re staying for a week or a night, so many of Edinburgh’s major attractions are right on the doorstep of Royal Mile Backpackers. Need help deciding what attraction to see next? Their staff will happily recommend walking tours, restaurants, bars and anything else you may need.
And once you’ve seen everything, there’ll be a warm fire welcoming you in the cosy lounge.
6.
High Street Hostel
8 – 18 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1NE
Just off the historic Royal Mile, High Street Hostel is a lovely old building full of charm. Relax in comfortable shared dorms, a well-equipped lounge, or take part in one of their weekly events, such as burger night, movie night, pub crawl or pool tournament – the choice is yours!
7.
Castle Rock Hostel
15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW
As the name suggests, Castle Rock Hostel is very close to Edinburgh Castle, right beneath it to be exact. It’s also minutes away from the popular Grassmarket area, where you’ll find an abundance of bars, cafes and restaurants.
8.
St Christopher’s Inn
9-13 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
A few minutes’ walk from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, St Christopher’s Inn is also next door to Edinburgh Dungeon, should you fancy some fright-filled entertainment!
This well-equipped hostel has a range of amenities for travellers, including a chillout room, internet lounge, laundry facilities and even an outdoor terrace.
Their on-site bar, Belushi’s Bar, serves a range of affordable food, as well as hosting weekly parties and live DJs.
9.
Princes Street Hostel
5 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA
Right in the heart of Edinburgh’s main thorough-fare, Princes Street Hostel is across the road from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station and within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions.
Spilt over 4 levels, guests can choose from double or shared rooms. Choose to rustle up something in the communal kitchen, or dine out at one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes on the hostel’s doorstep.
10.
Kick Ass Hostels
37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR | 2 West Port, Edinburgh, EH1 2JA
Located in the beating heart of the Old Town, Kick Ass hostels provide an ideal base for exploring the city. Situated at either end of the Grassmarket square, both Kick Ass Grassmarket and Kick Ass Greyfriars afford spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle.
With both private double/twin rooms and shared dorms, residents can also make use of a bar and a shared lounge, as well as taking part in fun weekly events like a pub quiz, pub crawl, whisky tasting events and DJ nights.
Kick Ass Greyfriars is also home to a beer garden offering spectacular views of the city’s Old Town.
11.
Argyle Backpackers
14 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1JL
Close to the popular Meadows area, which locals flock to on a sunny day, Argyle Backpackers offer a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere with a wide range of facilities, including a conservatory, garden area and a cosy living room. Choose from single/double/twin/triple rooms and mixed/female dorms.
12.
Belford Hostel
6-8 Douglas Gardens, Edinburgh, EH4 3DA
Located between Edinburgh Haymarket and Waverley train stations, Belford Hostel is a stunning 19th century church building with many original features.
Ideally located for Murrayfield Stadium, you’ll find the building decked with sports memorabilia from all corners of the world. There’s also a darts board, a pool table and a big screen for watching all the live matches.
Dorm sizes range from 4-10 beds. Private double and twin rooms are also available.
13.
The West End Hostel
35 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AU
Minutes from Haymarket train station and the West End tram stop, The West End Hostel is a bright and spacious Victorian townhouse with 9 rooms comprising dorms and small private rooms.
Each of the small private rooms have LCD TV, tea/coffee making facilities and en-suite bathroom. With stylish contemporary décor and crisp white cotton sheets, the rooms are attractive, modern and comfortable. The dorms are more basic but have access to a fully fitted self-catering kitchen and lounge area with free internet access.
14.
The Hostel
3 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5DR
Also in the West End is The Hostel, which is conveniently located opposite Haymarket train station and on the Edinburgh Tram stop from Edinburgh Airport.
Although the building dates to Victorian times, you’ll find all the modern conveniences you’d expect from a modern hostel. Sleeping up to 102 people in dormitory style accommodation, they have varied sized rooms capable of holding both small and larger groups. They even have original artworks by contemporary artist, Jade Carrerra on the bedroom walls!
15.
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate
116 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JN
Safestay Hostel is located in Cowgate, best known for its lively pub, club, bar, restaurant, and café scene. They offer communal spaces, a bar, and 230 beds in a variety of rooms from 8-bed dorms to two-bed private rooms with en-suite facilities. Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, the hostel is only steps away from some of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions and sites, including a 2 minute walk to the Royal Mile and 10 minutes to Edinburgh Castle.
Guide to accommodation in Edinburgh
From budget to luxury, there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from for your next Edinburgh city break.
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Luxury Accommodation in Edinburgh
Edinburgh boasts a wealth of sumptuous 5-star, luxury hotels which will ensure you have a memorable stay.
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Serviced apartments and self-catering accommodation in Edinburgh
Enjoy space and flexibility in a Services Apartment or total privacy in your own self-catered accommodation.
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Boutique hotels in Edinburgh
You’ll be spoiled for choice by the range of boutique hotels offering just that across the city.
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B&B and Guest Houses in Edinburgh
Enjoy a sense of exclusivity and personal touches at one of the city’s many Bed & Breakfasts and Guesthouses.
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Campsites, caravans, glamping and lodges
Choose from a range of accommodation nestled within Edinburgh’s nearby countryside.
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Exclusive Use in Edinburgh
Rest, relax and plan your adventures undisturbed from a home away from home in Scotland’s capital.
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Hotels in Edinburgh
Enjoy comfort, security and great service in one of the city’s many hotels.