Edinburgh is the busy Scottish capital, well known for its world-famous fringe festival. The ancient city streets are home to amazing pubs, interesting venues and a wealth of history – all overlooked by the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of hostels… and many of them aren’t highly reviewed.
Which is exactly why we have selected the best hostels in Edinburgh!
Written for travelers, by travelers, these cool Edinburgh hostels will help you save time and money so you can travel Scotland like a boss.
These are the top hostels in Edinburgh, some of them will definetaly surprise you…
Editor’s note – seen all the sights of the Scottish capital? Check out our 13 best day trips from Edinburgh!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Edinburgh
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Edinburgh – Safestay Hostel
#2 Best Party Hostel in Edinburgh – Kick Ass Hostels
#3 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Edinburgh – Light House Hostel
#4 Best Hostel near Edinburgh Castle – Castle Rock Hostel
#5 Best Hostel near Edinburgh Old Town – Royal Mile Backpackers
#6 Best Hostel near Edinburgh Airport – The Hostel
#7 Best Hostel near Edinburgh Train Station – Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
#8 Best High-end Hostel in Edinburgh – The Baxter
#9 Best Hostel for Couples in Edinburgh – Edinburgh Backpackers
#10 Best Budget Hostel in Edinburgh – Budget Backpackers
#11 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Edinburgh – The Blossom
#1 – Safestay Hostel
Best Overall Hostel in Edinburgh
Safestay Hostel is the best overall hostel in Edinburgh
Safestay Hostel is the best overall hostel in Edinburgh
Safestay Hostel is the best overall hostel in Edinburgh- Cost – $$
- Location – 50 Blackfriars Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Safestay Hostel…
With so many choices for accommodation in the city, Safestay Hostel is the best overall hostel in Edinburgh. We love this great hostel because of its prime location and overall good vibes. With a 24-hour reception and really clean dorms – which include all-female rooms, too – Safestay Hostel is a really safe and welcoming base for your Edinburgh holiday.
Safestay Hostel is perfect for…
If you are looking for a great all-round hostel in Edinburgh, Safestay Hostel is a recommended choice. In the evening the hostel’s bar bustles with people enjoying the fun atmosphere. Spend time in the bar playing pool or enter the open mic night and then, in the morning, enjoy breakfast on the terrace.
#2 – Kick Ass Hostels
Best Party Hostel in Edinburgh
Kick Ass Hostels is the best party hostel in Edinburgh
Kick Ass Hostels is the best party hostel in Edinburgh
Kick Ass Hostels is the best party hostel in Edinburgh- Cost – $$
- Location – 2 West Port, Grassmarket
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Kick Ass Hostels Edinburgh…
If the name of this top hostel in Edinburgh doesn’t catch your eye then the bright interiors will. Squeaky clean and brand new, the pod-style beds each come with their own TV and there’s plenty of space to get a good night’s rest after night spent in the hostel bar, drinking with locals. We also like that this hostel’s mission is to ‘Live life to the fullest’.
Kick Ass Hostels Edinburgh is perfect for…
A fun place to hang out with your friends, meet new people and have a drink, Kick Ass hostel is the best party hostel in Edinburgh. They’ve got the Kick Ass Cafe, the Kick Ass Bar and well as, just a simple chill out area but that sounds pretty chill out too because you get to chill out with views of the Kick Ass Edinburgh Castle.
Have some time? Get out of the city with these epic day trips from Glasgow!
#3 – Light House Hostel
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Edinburgh
Light House Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Edinburgh
Light House Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Edinburgh
Light House Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Edinburgh- Cost – $$
- Location – 20 Gilmore Place
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Light House Hostel…
Travelling by yourself and want to meet people? Light House Hostel is the best place to stay for solo travellers in Edinburgh. We love the vibe of this place so much. Singing around the campfire and always a warm welcome from the owners, you’ll never be stuck for things to do or friendly people to hang out with.
Light House Hostel is perfect for…
Youth hostels in Edinburgh are usually all about good times, but Light House Hostel goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome. This place will definitely make you feel like you’re at home. It’s not a party hostel, but a place to hang out and make new friends. The best thing about Light House is that they donate a portion of their profits to a housing charity.
Enjoy your stay in Edinburgh! Check out our guide for what to do while you’re there!
#4 – Castle Rock Hostel
Best Hostel near Edinburgh Castle
- Cost – $$
- Location – 15 Johnston Terrrace
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Castle Rock Hostel…
Castle Rock Hostel is the best hostel near Edinburgh Castle – its ideal location just next to this landmark means it has fantastic views of the beautiful old castle itself, which we love. We also like that this place is stylishly decorated and squeaky clean with plenty of space to chill out. Enjoy cooking meals in the big communal kitchen or playing pool with other guests.
Castle Rock Hostel is perfect for…
The coolest hostel near Edinburgh Castle, Castle Rock is perfect for travellers who want to take in Edinburgh’s cultural sights. Housed in an old, historic building, staff will help you with planning your tours of the city and give you recommendations of where to eat in the heart of the city’s historic quarter.
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#5 – Royal Mile Backpackers
Best Hostel near Edinburgh Old Town
- Cost – $$
- Location – 105 High Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Royal Mile Backpackers…
Just imagine waking up and seeing the vibrancy of the centre of the city from your bedroom window and you will know why we like this place. There’s chilled lounge areas, friendly staff and an open-plan kitchen for guests to use. With the ‘classic’ kind of hostel decor, this hostel isn’t modern and stylish, but rather comfy and friendly.
Royal Mile Backpackers is perfect for…
If you’re looking for the best hostel on the Royal Mile, this hostel could be the place for you. Surrounded by the buzz of the city centre, the location is ideal for seeing Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions. Much of the city is easily reached on foot from here and the hostel arranges tours and pub crawls to help show you around the city.
Editor’s note: Save a bit of cash in Edinburgh with our guide to budget hostels in Edinburgh!
#6 – The Hostel
Best Hostel near Edinburgh Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – 3 Clifton Terrace
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Hostel…
The Hostel focuses on its guests having a clean and safe place to sleep – and also on making sure everyone has a good time, which is why is has to be the best hostel near Edinburgh airport. There’s a lovely sun terrace to eat your breakfast on and a communal area with a pool table to spend time having a laugh with your friends.
The Hostel is perfect for…
The Hostel is also really close to the Edinburgh bus station, so it’s perfect for travellers who are arriving in the city by various modes of transport and need somewhere close by to rest their head. The coolest hostel near Edinburgh airport, the hostel itself is simple but very clean and has everything you could need for your stay in the city.
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#7 – Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
Best Hostel near Edinburgh Train Station
- Cost – $
- Location – 9 Haddington Place
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel…
Located just a short walk from the city centre, this is also the best hostel near Edinburgh train station. A vibrant and cool hostel, we like this place for its family-friendly atmosphere and hotel-style rooms at hostel prices. The location is ideal for easy access to public transport, meaning you don’t have to carry heavy bags around the city trying to look for your hostel when you arrive.
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is perfect for…
A big and modern backpackers hostel near to Edinburgh train station, there isn’t much not to like. There’s a big, social cafe where you can enjoy breakfast before exploring the city and staff are very helpful – so if you are looking for somewhere clean and welcoming to stay this could be it.
Don’t worry! We have more hostels in our article on the best party hostels in Edinburgh!
#8 – The Baxter
Best High-end Hostel in Edinburgh
- Cost – $$
- Location – 5/2 West Register Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Baxter…
If you think the name of the place sound high-end then wait until you see the interior. The kind of hostel that will literally wow you with its stylish decor, we can’t help but give this one the title of the best-high end hostel in Edinburgh. How could we not when it has rugged exposed brick walls and a communal kitchen that looks like its from the set of a trendy TV show?
The Baxter is perfect for…
This coolest of cool high-end hostels is perfect for people who want to stay somewhere a little more stylish than your average backpacker digs. With its thought-out design that has been meticulously maintained, the hostel’s cosy corners and homely feel will make you forget there’s a whole city out there to explore.
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#9 – Edinburgh Backpackers
Best Hostel for Couples in Edinburgh
- Cost – $$
- Location – 65 Cockburn St, EH1 1BU
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Edinburgh Backpackers…
Easily the best hostel for couples in Edinburgh, this place is spread across four buildings each with slightly different rooms. The private doubles come with big windows with seating areas that overlook the busy streets below, en-suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs.
Edinburgh Backpackers is perfect for…
It may be called a backpackers hostel but this is the coolest hostel for couples in Edinburgh. The hostel manages to mix a fun hostel atmosphere with the privacy of a hostel. The staff are always on hand to help you out with advice for seeing the city, plus the location in the middle of the city is almost unbeatable.
Editor’s Note: If you’ll be in Glasgow, check out the top things to do during your visit!
#10 – Budget Backpackers
Best Budget Hostel in Edinburgh
- Cost – $$
- Location – 37-39 Cowgate, Grassmarket
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Budget Backpackers…
Looking for the best budget accommodation in Edinburgh? Well, Budget Backerpackers is the place for you. Offering, you’ve guessed it, budget backpacker accommodation, we like this place not just for its low room rates, but also for the fact that its low prices don’t take away from the cleanliness and amenities on offer.
Budget Backpackers is perfect for…
Perfect for people who are travelling on a budget, this cool budget Edinburgh hostel has thought of everything. There is a fun bar to meet new mates in, a TV room to catch up on the latest Netflix show and it’s located in the Grassmarket area, so it’s surrounded by bars and cafes.
Editor’s Note – Have you seen our guide to the most underrated and coolest neighborhoods in Inverness?
#11 – The Blossom
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Edinburgh
- Cost – $$
- Location – 8 Minto Street, Edinburgh
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Blossom…
The Blossom isn’t located in the middle of the city, but its around a mile away from the business of the city centre, meaning that there’s more space to unwind. A cool hostel with private rooms only on offer, it’s run by a really friendly local lady that keeps The Blossom really clean and cultivates a welcoming atmosphere.
The Blossom is perfect for…
Easily the best hostel in Edinburgh with a private room, The Blossom is perfect for people who want to stay in a hostel that is a little more chilled compared to those in the city cenere. The city sites are an easy walk away of you can catch the bus from just outside the front of the hostel.
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More Best Hostels in Edinburgh
#12 – Argyle Backpackers
- Cost – $$
- Location – 14 Argyle Place, Marchmont
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Argyle Backpackers…
We can’t but like this place – mostly down to the staff who really helpful and will go above and beyond to make sure your stay is the best it can be. A great backpacker hostel in Edinburgh, the bunks are a little on the small side, but the shared living room is a really warm and welcoming space to meet other travellers. There is also a well stocked communal kitchen so you can keep to your holiday budget by making your own meals.
Argyle Backpackers is perfect for…
Argyle Backpackers is a basic but clean youth hostel in Edinburgh. Perfect for travellers who want somewhere with a nice outdoor space, its location along a calm backstreet is a welcome alternative to being located next to noisy pubs. If you are looking for somewhere for a good night’s sleep then this is the hostel for you.
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P.S. – Save a bit of cash in Glasgow with our EPIC guide to the best hostels in Glasgow!
#13 – St Christopher’s Inn
- Cost – $$$
- Location – Above Belushis Bar, 9-13 Market Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like St Christopher’s Inn…
We like this place for its little touches of stylish decoration in each of the rooms – this is easily one of the coolest hostels close to Edinburgh train station. Choose from either a dorm or private room and stay safe in the knowledge that you’re in clean, cool and secure surroundings.
St Christopher’s Inn is perfect for…
Its location! This place is great for being close to Edinburgh’s public transport, but still in walking distance to Edinburgh’s old town. The hostel’s fun staff arrange to take guests on pub crawls around the city starting at the bar downstairs, which is a cool environment to have a few drinks in the evening and mingle with travellers as well as locals.
If you are visiting Edinburgh you HAVE to check out our article about Edinburgh’s coolest neighborhoods to stay!
#14 – Haystack Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Location – 5/3 West Register Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Haystack Hostel…
We can’t help but love this cool Edinburgh backpacker hostel. It’s all newly decorated which means the dorms are all super chic, designed with plywood and metal frame, plus loads of plug sockets to charge your phone and other electricals. Staying here feels like staying over at your mate’s cool new flat rather than a hostel.
Haystack Hostel is perfect for…
A great backpacker hostel in Edinburgh for digital nomads, there’s enough clean and open spaces to get your head down for a few hours to do some work – and the communal kitchen means you can make yourself numerous cups of coffee to keep you going. And once all the work is done, head to some of the best pubs in town that are located in walking distance from here.
#15 – The Westend Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Location – 35 Palmerston Place
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Westend Hostel…
You know you are staying in a cool Edinburgh hostel if its located in an listed building. The Victorian townhouse is ideally located in the vibrant West End of Princes Street so you can enjoy the best of what Edinburgh has to offer. There is also a chic little restaurant and garden downstairs which serves up delicious dinners.
The Westend Hostel is perfect for…
Design-lovers! The best hostel in the Westend of Edinburgh, the interior has been completely renovated recently and is immaculately clean. Painted in a cool muted grey colour scheme, there’s soft plush carpets, shiny surfaces and a warm atmosphere to match. The dorm rooms have bathrooms too which means no wandering around corridors in the middle of the night trying to find the toilet.
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Edinburgh?
At most hostels a dormitory room will cost between $15 and $30 per night. If you want a private room, you'll need to budget for around $70 to $100 at most places.
What are Hostels in Edinburgh Like?
Depends a bit on the neighborhood! Some hostels have a cool, historic feel while other have an ultra modern vibe. With so many travelers coming to Edinburgh, there are plenty of places to chose from, but you can expect good modern facilities and a fun, artsy decoration at most!
How Safe are Hostels in Edinburgh?
Typically, very! There are rarely incidents in Edinburgh for travelers, and most hostels are in safe areas. Of course, you should always take standard precautions when you're traveling.
How to Find Hostels in Edinburgh?
The best place to see all your options is HostelWorld where you can compare prices, amenities, and location. If you're traveling around the United Kingdom, you can probably get a suggestion from other travelers as well!
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Best Overall Hostel in Edinburgh
Safestay Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Party Hostel in Edinburgh
Kick Ass Hostels Edinburgh
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Edinburgh
Light House Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel near Edinburgh Castle
Castle Rock Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel near Edinburgh Old Town
Royal Mile Backpackers
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel near Edinburgh Airport
The Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel near Edinburgh Train Station
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best High-end Hostel in Edinburgh
The Baxter
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel for Couples in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Backpackers
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Best Budget Hostel in Edinburgh
Budget Backpackers
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel with a Private Room in Edinburgh
The Blossom
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Check Best Price |
Conclusion to the top hostels in Edinburgh
There you have it, the best hostels to suit your every need. Jammed with character, fun areas to hang out and friendly faces, Edinburgh’s hostels are made for people to make friends and have a laugh.
Now that you know about the best places to stay, you’ll be able to enjoy partying and discovering the amazing sights of Edinburgh too.
The big selection of Edinburgh’s hostel’s are warm, welcoming places that will feel like you are staying in a friendly Scottish home rather than a backpacker dorm.
If you’re still finding it hard to pick the best hostel for you out of our big bunch of places, then you can always choose our best overall hostel, Safestay Hostel. What are you waiting for? Get booking so you don’t miss your spot for the biggest celebration of creativity in the world!
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