Here are the top 7 hostels in Edinburgh (2024 edition).

Posted: 6/10/2024 | June 10th, 2024

Edinburgh is a city rich in history, featuring ancient architecture, charming pubs, and top-notch whisky. I’ve visited many times and always have an enjoyable experience. It’s one of my top destinations in Europe. My trips to Edinburgh began when I turned 30, which feels like ages ago.

Although Edinburgh is beautiful, lodging can be quite pricey. As the UK’s second most popular tourist destination, expenses can quickly add up (those drinks contribute!). And, while there are numerous hostels that can help limit your spending, I’ve discovered through experience that not all of them are satisfactory.

To assist you in selecting a hostel from the numerous choices available, here is my compilation of the top hostels in Edinburgh!

If you prefer not to go through the longer list, here are the top choices in each category:

Looking for details? Here’s my analysis of the top hostels in Edinburgh and the reasons why I adore them:

Price legend:

• – Less than 20 GBP per night
• £20-30 per night
• $$$ – More than 30 GBP per night

1. Castle Rock

Situated close to the castle, this hostel is absolutely stunning and my preferred lodging in the city. Housed in an old, charming residence with elegant wooden interiors, stone staircases, and a rich, royal ambiance, it feels like staying in an ancestral family mansion. The hostel boasts a spacious kitchen and common areas equipped with pool tables, a TV, newspapers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There’s also a patio for pleasant weather and a fireplace and movie room for colder days. The staff organizes events to foster social interaction. Its location is excellent as well, being right near the Royal Mile.

Although the mattresses aren’t very thick and there are no bed curtains, there are numerous outlets for charging your devices and bedside lockers available. Additionally, it’s one of the most affordable hostels in town, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Keep in mind that a £10 cash deposit (or identification) is necessary for securing your room key.

Overview of Castle Rock:

• $
• Amazing location
• Huge kitchen
• Numerous shared spaces facilitate social interactions and meeting new individuals.

Beds starting at £18, and private rooms beginning at £60.

Book here!
 

St Christopher’s Inn, Edinburgh Old Town

St Christopher’s hostels are a common feature throughout Europe, and this location lives up to expectations. Situated within walking distance of the major attractions, the hostel maintains a vibrant atmosphere that facilitates meeting new people. There’s an on-site bar offering affordable happy hour drinks, which is a significant advantage in an otherwise expensive city like Edinburgh. The staff frequently arrange pub crawls for those interested in experiencing the local nightlife, as well as free walking tours, providing an economical way to discover the area while connecting with other travelers.

The dormitories are spacious and well-lit, featuring curtains, USB outlets, and individual small lockers for each bed, even though the mattresses are relatively thin. It’s worth noting that most dormitories have three-level bunk beds. There is no guest kitchen available, but you can enjoy a substantial breakfast every morning for just 5 GBP. Restrooms are limited, leading to occasional wait times, but the excellent location makes it all worthwhile.

Overview of St Christopher’s:

• $$
• Trendy bar offering affordable happy hour beverages.
• An energetic, sociable environment simplifies meeting new people.
• Free walking tours

Beds starting at 25 GBP, private rooms starting at 299 GBP.

Book here!
 

3. Haystack Hostel

This hostel is small, cozy, and quiet, giving the impression of staying at a friend’s home. The décor has a DIY aesthetic, with plenty of handmade furniture, vibrant colors, and interesting art. The larger dormitory offers pod-style beds, whereas the smaller dormitory includes standard bunk beds. Although the beds lack curtains, there are lockers to store your belongings securely, and each bed is equipped with its own outlet and reading light. A small breakfast is available each morning.

What sets this location apart is that both dormitories are exclusively for females, although there are also private rooms available for all genders. This option is serene, peaceful, and immaculate—ideal for travelers who aren’t interested in partying. The staff is very friendly and always ready to assist you in discovering activities in town and the surrounding area. If you are a solo female traveler seeking a quiet stay, this is the place for you.

Overview of Haystack Hostel:

• $$
• Female-only dorms
• Quiet atmosphere
• Cozy common rooms

Beds starting at 30 GBP, private rooms starting at 103 GBP.

Book here!
 

4. Royal Mile Backpackers

This relaxed hostel is a typical backpacker’s spot, featuring comfortable common areas, a modest library, frequent social activities (such as pub crawls or Scottish dancing classes), and complimentary coffee and tea. There is a tour desk available if you’re interested in planning day trips, and you can enjoy a basic breakfast each morning for only 3 GBP. One attractive benefit I like is that the hostel provides free travel adapters during your stay (as someone who has forgotten mine multiple times, I find this a fantastic idea!).

Although I’m not particularly fond of the plain wooden bunk beds, they do come with individual reading lights, outlets, and lockers (though no curtains). The bathrooms may be a bit tight, but the showers offer strong water pressure and everything is well-maintained (which is the most crucial aspect). All in all, it’s a cozy and welcoming place that gives you the feeling of staying at a friend’s home.

Overview of Royal Mile Backpackers:

• $$
• Free coffee/tea
• Numerous enjoyable social activities
• Cheap daily breakfast

Beds from 24 GBP.

Book here!
 

5. Kick Ass Grassmarket

This is a trendy and artistic hostel situated in the center of the Old Town (right beneath the castle). It features vibrant decor and exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere. There are numerous communal areas to relax in, though my favorite is the bar area, as it is very social and provides an easy way to connect with people. There’s also a beer garden for pleasant weather and Netflix for rainy days, along with a spacious kitchen for guests who prefer to prepare their own meals.

The regular dormitories are well-lit and spacious, featuring comfortable mattresses along with personal lights, power outlets, and storage lockers. Certain dorm rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, and there are exclusive dorms for females as well. However, the main attraction for me is the pod-style beds in the “superior” dorms; they come with heavy curtains and provide significant privacy, ensuring a restful sleep. Please be aware that the minimum age requirement to stay here is 18 years.

A quick overview of Kick Ass Grassmarket:

• $
• Enjoyable activities (bar tours, trivia evenings)
• Extremely comfortable capsule beds
• A bustling lounge facilitates social interactions effortlessly.

Beds starting at £20, private rooms available from £179.

Book here!
 

6. Edinburgh Backpackers

This centrally positioned hostel operates within a grouping of historic buildings close to both the Old Town and the train station. It offers a cozy and quiet environment with a somewhat basic appearance, featuring dated decorations and old wooden floors. Although it’s not particularly social, the place is clean, comfortable, and feels well-used (unlike the overly sterile atmosphere of many modern hostels). The only drawback is the absence of an elevator, a consequence of its historic building status.

The accommodations here are somewhat basic and compact, but the beds are comfortable with good-quality mattresses. Although the beds lack curtains, there are lockers available for your belongings, and the bathrooms are consistently clean. The property features a spacious kitchen and offers several room options, such as private single rooms, female-only dormitories, and even a charming penthouse suite. In general, it’s an affordable and tranquil place to stay, situated in an excellent location.

Overview of Edinburgh Backpackers:

• $$
• Female-only dorms
• Great location
• Big kitchen

Dormitory beds starting at £26, private accommodations beginning at £65.

Book here!
 

7. Code Pod – The Courtroom

Situated in a repurposed courthouse and jail in the Old Town, this boutique hostel allows guests to easily explore the area on foot. Several of the original cells have been transformed into cozy private rooms, offering a one-of-a-kind lodging experience. Additionally, the hostel features an underground bar that hosts whisky tastings, adding to its unique appeal. Guests can also enjoy a delectable breakfast each morning, with options such as waffles, pastries, and oatmeal.

Regarding the dorms, the pod beds come with comfortable mattresses, along with personal lights, shelves, and power outlets for charging your devices. Curtains are provided for privacy, and you also get earplugs and eye masks to ensure a good night’s sleep. Additionally, the hostel offers dormitories exclusively for women.

For a distinctive and upscale hostel experience, this is the place to stay. It’s truly a remarkable spot!

Summary of Code Pod:

• $$$
• Extremely comfortable pod beds
• Cool underground bar
• Female-only dorm

Beds start at 43 GBP, and private rooms begin at 140 GBP.

Book here!
***

I never grow weary of wandering around Edinburgh, with its breathtaking architecture and rich history. It’s a delightful city to lose oneself in, hopping from one pub to the next, and from one café to another. There is an abundance of attractions and activities (including numerous eerie ghost tours), and even though the weather may not always be favorable, that adds to Edinburgh’s unique charm. By staying in one of the recommended hostels, you’ll have an enjoyable, budget-friendly, and pleasant accommodation.