8 Best Hostels in Edinburgh

8 Best Hostels in Edinburgh

Written by Undercover Phoenician | Last update: Feb 26, 2024

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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.

And what better way to immerse yourself in the city's rich culture than by staying in one of its best hostels?

Here are the best hostels in Edinburgh!

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Edinburgh

  1. Castle Rock Hostel - best for Solo Traveller
  2. CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT - best for Female Solo Traveller, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
  3. High Street Hostel - best for Solo Traveller
  4. Princes Street Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  5. Kick Ass Greyfriars - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  6. Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  7. Haystack Hostels - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  8. Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller

How much are hostels in Edinburgh?

Let us talk about prices. Here is a graph showing you 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 Dorm Price Graph

Average Private Room Price per Month in Edinburgh

Average Private Price Graph

Full List of best Hostels in Edinburgh

1 Castle Rock Hostel

#1 Top Rated Hostel in Edinburgh! Rating: 9.0

Castle Rock Hostel is a grand building that turned into a hostel in 1997. The hostel is packed with art, character, and antiquity, so much so it's more of a museum or art gallery. It's located beside Edinburgh Castle and is just a minute's walk from the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket. You will love the bright and spacious rooms, FREE Wi-Fi, and great facilities.

The helpful receptionists are happy to answer any questions about Edinburgh and Scotland travel. The hostel offers open lounges, a movie room, a delightful patio, a fireplace, and laundry service for an additional fee.

Prices start from $27.25 for a dorm and $87.54 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

City Tours

Other Amenities

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Walking Tours

Book here Castle Rock Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | HostelsClub | Get the Best Deal

2 CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT

Rating: 9.0

CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT offers premium quality sleeping quarters at an affordable price with a unique Asian-style pod design and secure keypad entry systems.

CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT, formerly a courthouse and jail, now offers private holding cells, pod beds, and an underground bar. They pride themselves on clean rooms and bathrooms, high-quality bedding, healthy breakfast options, and helpful staff. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, attractions are within walking distance, and breakfast includes continental and buffet options.

Prices start from $39.18 for a dorm and $115.05 for a private room.

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Kitchen

Laundry

Walking Tours

Book here CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

3 High Street Hostel

Rating: 8.8

High Street Hostel is a historic property located in central Edinburgh, just off the Royal Mile. Free hostel-wide WiFi, personal power points with USB, and bedlights are available to guests. The hostel boasts state-of-the-art facilities while maintaining a backpacker's atmosphere. Weekly pub crawls, trivia nights, live music events, and discounts at local establishments are offered.

The hostel has single beds in shared dormitory rooms with lockers and bedside safes. Guests have access to self-catering kitchens, a quiet internet lounge, and a party lounge for dining. High Street Hostel offers a unique and fulfilling experience in Scotland's favorite city at competitive prices.

Prices start from $26.90 for a dorm and $85.25 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

City Tours

Extra Services

Bike Rental

Other Amenities

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Book here High Street Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | HostelsClub | Get the Best Deal

4 Princes Street Hostel

Rating: 8.7

Located in the heart of the city, just steps away from all modes of transportation, including the train, bus, and tram stations, is the newly refurbished Princes Street Hostel. With private rooms and shared dormitory-style rooms available, guests can enjoy a comfortable and safe stay with amenities such as comfy beds, free wifi, and multiple USB/power sockets.

As if that wasn't enough, the Hostel is located close to popular attractions such as Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and the National Museum of Scotland.

Prices start from $36.91 for a dorm and $113.35 for a private room.

Other Amenities

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Book here Princes Street Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

5 Kick Ass Greyfriars

Rating: 8.5

Kick Ass Greyfriars is a 4-star hostel situated in Edinburgh's Old Town, just around the corner from Grassmarket square. With modern and spacious rooms that include free Wi-Fi, USB charging points, bed lights, and hotel-quality mattresses, guests can relax and enjoy their stay. Security is provided with CCTV throughout the hostel, 24-hour reception, secure electronic swipe cards, and lockers for every bed.

The hostel offers a great atmosphere for meeting new people, and its Kick Ass Crew can give insider tips on the best spots in the city. The bar serves breakfast, dinner, and drinks, and popular attractions like the Royal Mile and The Real Mary King's Close are within walking distance.

Prices start from $32.39 for a dorm and $109.29 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

City Tours

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Evening Entertainment

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Book here Kick Ass Greyfriars
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

6 Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)

Rating: 8.3

Situated in Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket, Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is perfect for those who seek a lively, adult-only environment. Steps from Edinburgh Castle, it's ideal for exploring the city's heritage and nightlife.

Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) is known for its social atmosphere. With a bustling bar and communal areas, it's great for meeting fellow travelers. Regular events like pub crawls add to the experience.

Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) offers comfortable dorms and private rooms, emphasizing cleanliness and security. It's a superb choice for young, adventurous travelers eager to dive into Edinburgh's vibrant scene.

Prices start from $28.86 for a dorm and $177.87 for a private room.

Extra Services

City Tours

Other Amenities

Bar

Evening Entertainment

Gameroom

Kitchen

Book here Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
Check: Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

7 Haystack Hostels

Rating: 8.7

Haystack Hostels offers travelers an ideal spot to explore, just moments away from the historic Edinburgh Castle and the lively Royal Mile. This hostel is known for its friendly atmosphere, appealing to both solo adventurers and groups keen on making new connections. With a variety of room options and communal spaces like a cozy lounge and a well-equipped kitchen, it's a haven for those looking to blend exploration with relaxation.

Haystack Hostels enriches the travel experience by organizing free city tours and social gatherings, making it not just a place to stay, but a hub of activity and camaraderie. This combination of location, comfort, and community makes Haystack Hostels an exceptional choice for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Edinburgh's charm and connect with fellow wanderers.

Prices start from $32.88 for a dorm and $105.06 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

Breakfast

Extra Services

Bike Rental

City Tours

Other Amenities

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Walking Tours

Book here Haystack Hostels
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

8 Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel

Rating: 8.3

Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel offers centrally located 5-star hostel accommodation with en-suite rooms that fit solo travelers, families, and groups. Guests can choose to socialize in vibrant spaces, try a delicious range of snacks and drinks at the café bar or opt for self-catering with a well-equipped guest kitchen.

The hostel provides free WiFi, luggage storage, secure bike storage and laundry facilities. The hostel is close to major transport links like Waverley railway station and York Place tram stop, and within walking distance to Princes Street and Edinburgh Rail Station. Don't miss out on the fun nightlife in Cowgate and George Street.

Prices start from $32.85 for a dorm and $66.82 for a private room.

Extra Services

Breakfast (From £4.50)

Other Amenities

Bar

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Book here Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

On the map: Hostel Locations 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!

slp name

Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character

🏆 Overall Best Hostel:

Castle Rock Hostel

🙋‍♀️ Female Solo-Traveler:

CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT

🤹 Solo-Traveler:

Castle Rock Hostel

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel with Kids:

Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel

🎉 Party Hostel:

CoDE Pod Hostels - THE CoURT

Still not sure? Pick this!

#1 Top Hostel in Edinburgh: Castle Rock Hostel

This is the overall best rated hostel in Castle Rock Hostel. The overall rating is 9.0. 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 $13.63.

Book Castle Rock Hostel here

#1 Best Hostel in Edinburgh
Castle Rock Hostel

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?

Unleash the Power of Hostel Price Comparison

Welcome to Hostelz.com, your reliable gateway to finding the best prices for hostels worldwide! Our platform allows you to compare prices from major booking portals, saving you valuable time and money in the process.

Rest assured, there are no hidden costs or fees - our services are completely free for you to use. We take pride in maintaining transparent and unbiased pricing information, and we never manipulate prices or rates.

So go ahead and start comparing prices and availability for all hostels in Edinburgh with us!

More Edinburgh Guides for you

Hostel Blog Writer Undercover Phoenician

About the author: Undercover Phoenician

Hostelz.com is your #1 hostel guide to find the best prices for every single hostel worldwide. We show you all prices and hostels at a glance - save money by using the right booking platform.

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Best Hostel in Edinburgh is...

Castle Rock Hostel!

Castle Rock Hostel, Edinburgh

Book Castle Rock Hostel here

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