Hostel in Edinburgh cost $25 for a dorm. A private room in hostels in Edinburgh cost $180. (based on Hostelz.com Price Comparison)
8 Best Hostels in Edinburgh
Written by Anna Kiefer| Last update: Sep 1, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
Twice the Fun, Half the Price—This is your firsthand guide to the absolute best hostels in Edinburgh. Expect super social vibes, perfect for solo travelers to meet new friends, join fun events, and create those unforgettable travel stories we all love. My favorite hostels in Edinburgh truly have it all, loved by backpackers like you and me!
We are Hostelz — the only place where you can compare all hostels in Edinburgh to see all prices and full availability from Booking.com, Hostelworld, and more.
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
Edinburgh is one of those rare cities that balances history and edge. One moment you’re walking past a 12th-century castle, the next you’re grabbing coffee from a modern café blasting indie rock.
I arrived in Edinburgh on a misty afternoon, that kind of soft, cold rain that somehow feels poetic here. The streets were glistening, bagpipes echoed faintly from somewhere down the Royal Mile, and I instantly understood why travelers talk about this city like a love affair. It’s moody, magical, and made for wandering. And the best part? Edinburgh’s hostels make it ridiculously easy to feel at home, even when you’re traveling solo. Which I did... obviously!
What to Expect from Hostels in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s hostels are a dream mix of old and new. You might check into a 19th-century stone building with creaky staircases and fireplaces, or a sleek modern pod hostel with USB ports and privacy curtains. Either way, you’ll find the essentials: clean dorms, hot showers, free Wi-Fi, and staff who seem to have endless patience for lost travelers with soggy maps (aka me).
What social activities are we talking in Edinburgh? You can expect:
- group dinners,
- trivia nights,
- free walking tours,
- and hostel-organized pub crawls - Join those!
Some hostels (I go into detail which ones!!) feel like backpacker villages, with massive lounges and movie rooms. Others are smaller and calmer, ideal if you want to work remotely or just need some breathing space.
Female-only dorms are common, and most places have lockers, keycard entry, and well-lit hallways. Things I appreciated more than I expected.
For backpackers, it’s the perfect blend: walkable, packed with free attractions, and full of like-minded travelers. Every summer, the city explodes with festivals, live music, and comedy shows, turning the whole place into one giant street party. Even in winter, when it’s all fog and fairy lights, Edinburgh feels alive.
Most travelers choose to stay near theOld TownorGrassmarket, close to the Royal Mile, pubs, and the best viewpoints. It’s central, atmospheric, and you can reach almost everything on foot. Hostels here are social without being chaotic, which makes them perfect for solo travelers who want community but also a good night’s sleep.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Edinburgh
- Castle Rock Hostel - best for Solo Traveller
- Code - The Court, - best for +50 Reisende, Familien-freundliches Hostel, Female Solo Traveller, Paare, Ruhiges Hostel, Solo Traveller
- High Street Hostel - best for Solo Traveller
- Princes Street Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Jugendherbergen, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
- Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) - best for Jugendherbergen, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
- Kick Ass Greyfriars - best for Digital Nomads, Jugendherbergen, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
- CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh - best for Digital Nomads, Familien-freundliches Hostel, Female Solo Traveller, Paare, Ruhiges Hostel, Solo Traveller
- Haystack Hostels - best for Jugendherbergen, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
Full List of Best Hostels in Edinburgh
1 Castle Rock Hostel
- Dorm: from $28.67/night
- Private Room: from $105.53/night
- Based on our data, Castle Rock Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Castle Rock Hostel isn't your average hostel. It's a grand old building bursting with character and art – more like a museum than a place to crash! Perched right beside Edinburgh Castle, it's a stone's throw from the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, so you're in the heart of the action.
Bright, spacious rooms, FREE Wi-Fi, and friendly receptionists armed with local tips make Castle Rock Hostel a traveler's dream. Chill in the open lounges, catch a movie, enjoy the patio, or warm up by the fireplace. Plus, laundry service is available if you need to freshen up your backpacker wardrobe. It's the perfect blend of history, comfort, and convenience!
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Castle Rock Hostel
2 Code - The Court,
- Dorm: from $48.37/night
- Private Room: from $135.80/night
- Based on our data, Code - The Court, has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Code - The Court, turns a former courthouse and jail into a unique and affordable hostel experience. Swap jail cells for private holding cells and pod beds, and hit the underground bar for a nightcap.
Beyond the quirky concept, Code - The Court, delivers on comfort: think spotless rooms and bathrooms, top-notch bedding, a healthy breakfast spread, and a helpful staff. Located in central Edinburgh, you're steps away from major attractions. It's the perfect mix of history, quirkiness, and convenience!
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Code - The Court,
3 High Street Hostel
- Dorm: from $24.98/night
- Private Room: from $86.41/night
- Based on our data, High Street Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
High Street Hostel is your perfect Edinburgh launchpad, right off the iconic Royal Mile! This historic gem seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts like free Wi-Fi, personal power points, and bedside lights. It's a backpacker's haven with a social twist – think weekly pub crawls, trivia nights, and live music events.
Crash in cozy dorms with lockers and bedside safes, whip up a feast in the self-catering kitchens, or chill in the quiet internet lounge. The party lounge is perfect for socializing and fueling up for more adventures. High Street Hostel: budget-friendly fun in the heart of Edinburgh!
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at High Street Hostel
4 Princes Street Hostel
- Dorm: from $38.46/night
- Private Room: from $143.75/night
- Based on our data, Princes Street Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Princes Street Hostel is your freshly revamped retreat right in the heart of Edinburgh. Trains, buses, trams - they're practically waving at you from the doorstep, so you can ditch the heavy backpack and explore the city like a local.
Inside, it's all about comfy beds (think private rooms or social dorms), lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and enough power points to keep your entire digital life buzzing. Plus, the staff are a friendly bunch, always ready with insider tips and a good laugh.
Oh, and did we mention the location? You're practically neighbors with Edinburgh's coolest attractions. Camera Obscura? Check. The National Museum of Scotland? You betcha. It's all just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Princes Street Hostel
5 Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
- Dorm: from $29.55/night
- Private Room: from $84.16/night
- Based on our data, Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) isn't just a hostel; it's a party! Located in historic Grassmarket, steps from Edinburgh Castle, this adults-only haven is perfect for those seeking a fun, social atmosphere.
Think buzzing bar, lively common areas, and regular events like epic pub crawls. Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is designed for making memories and meeting fellow adventurers.
Clean, comfy dorms and private rooms ensure a good night's sleep after a day (and night!) of exploring. If you're 18+, ready to dive into Edinburgh's awesome scene, and crave a social hostel experience, Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is your spot!
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
6 Kick Ass Greyfriars
- Dorm: from $28.46/night
- Private Room: from $84.09/night
- Based on our data, Kick Ass Greyfriars has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Kick Ass Greyfriars is your ultimate Edinburgh basecamp, perfectly located in Old Town, just a hop, skip, and jump from lively Grassmarket square. Think modern, spacious rooms with all the goodies: free Wi-Fi, USB charging, bed lights, and mattresses so comfy you'll want to take one home.
Safety is a top priority here, with 24/7 reception, CCTV, secure key cards, and lockers for all your valuables. Plus, the Kick Ass Crew is ready to spill the beans on the city's hidden gems and coolest hangouts. Fuel up with breakfast, grab dinner, or have a drink at the hostel bar, then hit the town – the Royal Mile and The Real Mary King's Close are just minutes away!
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Kick Ass Greyfriars
7 CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh
- Dorm: from $53.91/night
- Private Room: from $146.55/night
- Based on our data, CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh is a hybrid co-living and hostel in Edinburgh, perfect for short-city trips or longer term stays of up to several months. Located within walking distance to most major sights, this fun and the cool hostel is conveniently located on airport connections.
Guests can relax and unwind in our sophistically designed pods, kitchen, and communal area. For the ultimate luxury experience, our penthouse apartment offers a double bed, private bathroom, kitchen, and roof terrace with castle views.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at CoDE Co-Living – The LoFT - Edinburgh
8 Haystack Hostels
- Dorm: from $45.21/night
- Private Room: from $171.53/night
- Based on our data, Haystack Hostels has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Haystack Hostels is your Edinburgh home base, perfectly perched near the historic Edinburgh Castle and the iconic Royal Mile. It's more than just a hostel – it's a community. Solo travelers and groups alike flock here for the friendly vibes and the chance to forge new connections.
Cozy rooms, a welcoming lounge, and a fully-equipped kitchen offer the ideal mix of relaxation and social fun. Plus, with free city tours and regular social events, Haystack Hostels makes it easy to explore Edinburgh's charm and meet fellow adventurers. It's your ticket to an unforgettable Scottish experience!
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Haystack Hostels
Map for 8 Best Hostels in Edinburgh
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Edinburgh. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character
| 🏆 Overall Best Hostel: | |
| 🙋♀️ Female Solo-Traveler: | |
| 🤹 Solo-Traveler: | |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel with Kids: | |
| 👩❤️👨 for Couples: | |
| 🎉 Party Hostel: |
Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Edinburgh
#1 Top Hostel in Edinburgh: Castle Rock Hostel
This is the overall best rated hostel in Castle Rock Hostel. The overall rating is 9.1. You cannot go wrong here.
It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.
The price for a dorm at Castle Rock Hostel starts from $14.34.
Safety in Edinburgh
Walking around Edinburgh at night as a solo woman felt surprisingly safe. The city center stays busy until late,especially around Cowgate, Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile.
Locals are friendly but respectful, and I never felt hassled walking home from a gig or late dinner, though I always stuck to main roads and avoided shortcuts through dark closes (alleys). Hostels usually have 24-hour receptions, so there’s always someone awake when you get back.
And yes, everyone uses the lockers, not because theft is common, but because it’s just smart backpacker etiquette.
If you’re heading out for a night, let someone in your dorm know or join the hostel’s pub crawl. It’s an easy way to make friends and avoid wandering home alone. I found that female-only dorms here often turn into mini support groups: everyone swapping safety tips, sharing hair straighteners, or planning a castle day trip together. It’s low-key comforting.
Nightlife & Local Culture
Edinburgh’s nightlife is a mix of cozy and wild, kind of like the weather. You can start your night sipping whisky in a candlelit pub, then end it dancing in a student club under neon lights. TheOld Townis full of character pubs with live folk music and cheap pints, whileCowgateis where backpackers gather for hostel-organized pub crawls and live gigs. I met half my travel friends at one of those pub crawls; we ended up watching sunrise from Calton Hill after a night of singing badly in tiny bars. Classic Edinburgh.
If you prefer mellow nights, grab a hot chocolate and walk the Royal Mile after dark. The cobblestones glow under the streetlights, buskers play acoustic covers, and it feels almost cinematic. This city has a way of slowing you down, even when you don’t want it to.
Best Areas to Stay
Here’s how I’d describe the main hostel zones from a backpacker’s lens:
- Old Town:All atmosphere. Cobbled streets, haunted closes, medieval buildings, and hostels with castle views. Perfect if it’s your first time in Edinburgh.
- Grassmarket:A mix of nightlife and charm. Great for sociable travelers who want easy access to pubs and cheap food spots.
- New Town:Quieter, with wider streets and fewer hills. Ideal for digital nomads or anyone wanting a calmer base.
- Leith:The artsy port area, full of creative studios and vintage shops. Slightly removed from the center but authentic and local.
Female Traveler Notes
Edinburgh is one of those rare cities where solo travel feels easy. The hostels cater well to women with private dorm sections, mirrors and hairdryers in bathrooms, and plenty of space to get ready before heading out. Locals are polite and used to solo travelers, and nightlife rarely feels predatory. Even walking home after midnight, I mostly passed students, couples, and other travelers, not the kind of silence that feels eerie.
If you’re staying during theFringe Festival(August), prepare for chaos in a good way. The entire city turns into a stage. Hostels buzz with comedians, street performers, and people chasing the next show. It’s intense but unforgettable. Book early; prices double and beds vanish fast.
Practical Tips for Hostel Life in Edinburgh
- Weather:Layers are your best friend. Bring a waterproof jacket because it’ll rain at least once a day.
- Coffee & Comfort:Elephant House (yes, where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter) is cozy but busy. Try smaller cafés near Grassmarket for a chill vibe.
- Food:Eat at “porridge bars” or cheap bakeries; Scottish pastries are no joke. Supermarkets like Tesco Express make easy dinner fixes.
- Walk Everywhere:The city is compact but full of hills and stairs. Good shoes are non-negotiable.
- Book Ahead:Especially in summer. Edinburgh’s hostels are legendary, and they fill up months in advance.
How much are hostels in Edinburgh?
Let's talk about hostel prices in Edinburgh. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Edinburgh
Average Private Room Price per Month in Edinburgh
FAQ about Edinburgh Hostels
We've collected the most common questions for hostels in Edinburgh. The more you know, the better you can plan with confidence and ease, right?
How much are hostels in Edinburgh?
How to find hostels in Edinburgh?
Which are the best hostels in Edinburgh for couples?
Which hostels in Edinburgh are good for families?
What are the coolest hostels in Edinburgh for female solo travellers?
What is the best way to find cheap places to stay in Edinburgh?
What are the best party hostels in Edinburgh?
Why I’d Stay Here Again
Edinburgh is one of those cities that gets under your skin—equal parts spooky, beautiful, and kind. Staying in hostels here made the experience even better: cooking pasta with strangers from five countries, getting lost together on the way to Arthur’s Seat, laughing over soggy shoes in the common room. There’s a sense of camaraderie that feels rare in big cities.
As a solo traveler, I felt safe, inspired, and never once alone. Edinburgh has that quiet confidence; it doesn’t try to impress you, it just slowly wins you over. And once it does, you’ll catch yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
Summary
The best hostels in Edinburgh aren’t just about price—they’re about connection. Whether you’re staying in a centuries-old stone building or a futuristic pod, you’ll find warmth, conversation, and stories waiting around every corner. This city invites you in, makes you laugh, and maybe, if you’re lucky, breaks your heart a little when you have to leave. Pack your boots, bring a journal, and give yourself time, because Edinburgh isn’t a stopover. It’s a chapter.
Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Whether you're a backpacker on a budget or a seasoned traveler looking for an authentic experience, Edinburgh has something to offer everyone, including the best hostels in Edinburgh for solo travellers.
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So go ahead and start comparing prices and availability for all hostels in Edinburgh with us!
Looking for hostels in a special neighborhood or near a popular landmark? Check out our special guides:
- Hostels near Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Broughton, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Calton Hill, Edinburgh
- Hostels in City Centre, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Corstorphine, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Duddingston, Edinburgh
- Hostels near Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Edinburgh
- Hostels near Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
- Hostels near Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Grange, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Grassmarket, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Haymarket, Edinburgh
- Hostels near Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Leith, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Marchmont, Edinburgh
- Hostels near Merchiston, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Morningside, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Hostels in New Town Edinburgh, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Newington, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Old Town, Edinburgh
- Hostels near Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Portobello, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Prestonfield, Edinburgh
- Hostels near Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Hostels near Royal Mile, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Southside, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Stockbridge, Edinburgh
- Hostels near The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh
- Hostels in Tollcross, Edinburgh
- Hostels near Waverley Station, Edinburgh
- Hostels in West End, Edinburgh
More Hostel Guides in Edinburgh for Backpacking
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About the author: Anna Kiefer
My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.
Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.
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