Hostels · Edinburgh · United Kingdom
We reviewed all 26 hostels in Edinburgh and selected the 26 best-value stays for your trip.
C
Adults-only near castle
Edinburgh Hostel
Stay steps from Edinburgh Castle in an adults-only hostel with high guest ratings, free Wi-Fi, and a lively social scene.
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Adults-only backpackers
Adults-only hostel on the Royal Mile with a social vibe, central location, and high guest ratings.
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Church conversion
Edinburgh Hostel
A social hostel inside a former church, with a huge kitchen and easy access to Dean Village.
C
Pod-style hostel
Edinburgh Hostel
Pod beds, free breakfast, and a central Edinburgh location—a hostel that feels private.
C
Old Town favorite
Edinburgh Hostel
Pod-style hostel in the thick of Edinburgh's Old Town, with spotless shared bathrooms and a social lounge.
E
Central & sociable
Edinburgh Hostel
Adults-only hostel in Edinburgh's Old Town, a short walk from the train station and the Royal Mile.
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Social & Central
Edinburgh Hostel
An adults-only hostel with a social bar, live music, and a central Old Town location.
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Central & budget-friendly
Edinburgh Hostel
A stone's throw from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, this budget hostel offers clean dorms, a lively bar, and optional breakfast — all at a very friendly price.
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On the Royal Mile
Edinburgh Hostel
A sociable, adults-only hostel right on the Royal Mile with secure lockers, a shared kitchen, and staff who go out of their way to make you feel at home.
K
Central & social
Edinburgh Hostel
Central Edinburgh hostel with a 9.1 staff rating and strong value score of 8.4, close to the Royal Mile and castle.
A
Quiet & sociable
Edinburgh Hostel
A sociable, well-kept hostel in a quiet Edinburgh neighbourhood, with a garden, shared kitchen, and easy access to the city centre.
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Central & sociable
Edinburgh Hostel
A well-run hostel right beside Waverley Station and Princes Street, with a cooked breakfast and genuinely friendly staff.
S
Central & Social
Edinburgh Hostel
A central hostel with a lively vibe, friendly staff, and a location that makes exploring Edinburgh easy.
E
Central & sociable
Edinburgh Hostel
A central Edinburgh hostel with a 9.1 staff rating and strong value, steps from historic sites.
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Reliable & Friendly
Edinburgh
Friendly staff, comfy beds, and a convenient location with easy street parking – a solid pick for a no-fuss Edinburgh stay.
P
Central & Social
Edinburgh Hostel
A central, social base in Edinburgh with high staff ratings and spotless shared bathrooms.
H
Central & sociable
Edinburgh Hostel
A 7-minute walk from Edinburgh Old Town and right opposite Waverley Station, this hostel earns high marks for its friendly staff and clean, comfortable dorms.
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West End hostel
Edinburgh Hostel
A friendly West End hostel with a great bar, clean dorms and easy access to the city centre.
E
Budget value
Edinburgh
Budget-friendly Edinburgh stay with free Wi-Fi, parking, and a shared kitchen.
T
Budget stay
Edinburgh Hostel
A budget hostel across from Haymarket Station, with free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a social vibe.
S
Central & sociable
Edinburgh Hostel
Privately curtained bunks, a lively bar, and Waverley Station right across the street make this a smart base.
E
Budget-friendly
Edinburgh
A 4-star hostel in Broughton, close to Calton Hill and a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
E
Central Old Town
Edinburgh
A 5-minute walk from the Royal Mile, this budget hostel has free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen and a 24-hour desk.
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Value Stay
Edinburgh Hostel
A well-equipped hostel in Edinburgh with strong facilities and a central location for sightseeing.
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Budget Stay
Edinburgh
A budget-friendly adults-only basement hostel with high staff ratings and a city-centre location in Edinburgh's New Town.
E
Free parking
Edinburgh
Free parking, a bus stop out front, and clean dorms make this a practical base for exploring Edinburgh on a budget.
Map & live prices by our partner
For travellers who want to be in the middle of it all, Edinburgh's city centre is where you'll find the liveliest hostels. Many are located within walking distance of Princes Street, the Royal Mile, and the main train stations, making it easy to explore on foot. This central area commands slightly higher prices, with dorm beds typically from £16 to £33, but you trade that for convenience and a buzzing atmosphere. Options like Code - The Loft and Princes Street Hostel offer easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, while still providing a comfortable base.
If you're looking for a hostel that puts you within stumbling distance of the action, the central options in Edinburgh are a solid choice. Properties like Edinburgh Central Accommodation and St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh - Original are within easy walking distance of Waverley Station and the Royal Mile. Expect to pay a bit more for this prime location—prices often run from £12 to £33—but you get the benefit of being near many of the city's historic sites and vibrant nightlife. These hostels are also well-rated for their staff and social atmosphere.
Staying in the West End gives you a quieter, more local feel while keeping the city centre within reach. Revolver Edinburgh is a standout choice here, offering a friendly bar and clean dorms at prices around £30 per night. The area is well-connected by buses and trams, making it easy to reach the Old Town and other attractions. The West End also boasts great bars and restaurants, letting you experience a more residential side of Edinburgh while still being close to the action.
The Old Town is the historic heart of Edinburgh, packed with narrow closes, centuries-old buildings, and, conveniently, a concentration of hostels. This is where you'll find social hubs like Kick Ass Grassmarket, Edinburgh Backpackers, and Royal Mile Backpackers, all within a short walk of the castle and the Royal Mile. Prices here vary widely, from budget dorms around £24 to more premium stays at £67 or more, but you're paying for the atmosphere and proximity to the city's main sights. Many of these hostels are adults-only, creating a more mature and sociable vibe.
For a convenient base near a major transport hub, Haymarket is a great choice. The Hostel, a budget option, sits across from Haymarket Station and offers dorms from just £7 per night. This area is well-served by trams and trains, making it easy to get into the centre or out to the airport. You'll find a more local vibe here, with plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby, and you can walk to the West End or Old Town in about 15-20 minutes.
The Hostel, across from Haymarket Station, offers the lowest prices at around £7 per night. Other budget choices include Just Sleep At Matrix Hostel at £10 and High Street Hostel from £12.
For first-timers, staying in the Old Town or city centre is ideal for sightseeing. Hostels like Kick Ass Grassmarket, Edinburgh Backpackers, or St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh - Original are all within walking distance of the castle, Royal Mile, and Princes Street.
The Airlink 100 bus runs from the airport to Waverley Bridge in about 30 minutes, and the tram goes to the city centre in roughly 35-40 minutes, both dropping you within easy reach of most central hostels. Haymarket is also a major stop for both services.
Yes, several hostels are adults-only, including Castle Rock Hostel, High Street Hostel, Kick Ass Greyfriars, Edinburgh Backpackers, Royal Mile Backpackers, and New Town Rooms. These tend to have a more mature and sociable atmosphere.
Edinburgh's hostel scene is as varied as its skyline. You'll find social backpacker hubs on the Royal Mile, pod-style sleeps in the Old Town, church conversions near Dean Village, and budget bunkhouses beside the city's main stations. Whether you want to stumble from a pub to your bed or retreat to a quiet garden, there's a bed here that fits the way you travel.
Prices start from as little as £7 per night, but the real differences come in atmosphere and amenities: some hostels are adults-only and lively, others offer private pods and free breakfast, and a few are set in converted churches or townhouses. With most of the action concentrated around the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and Waverley Station, you're never far from the city's main sights.
This collection of hostels is ideal for budget-conscious travellers, backpackers, and groups who value social atmosphere and central locations over hotel privacy. If you're travelling with family or prefer a private room and more amenities, you might prefer the hotels on our dedicated pages like Family Friendly hotels in Edinburgh or cheap and budget hotels in Edinburgh. For a quieter stay with more space, consider guest houses or 4-star hotels, which offer a different experience than a shared dorm. Whatever your preference, Edinburgh has a base that suits your travel style.