Should I stay in a hostel in Edinburgh?

Hostels are a great way to stay for a lower cost, so you can save your money for fun things to do. You can check out the historic sites and other cultural highlights in this destination, as well as activities like shopping.

No two hostels look identical, but these dormitory-style accommodations all offer shared rooms (though many have private options too), budget-friendly prices, and a social atmosphere.

How many hostels can I expect to find in Edinburgh?

If you're hoping to find a low-cost place to stay in Edinburgh, one of Expedia's 34 hostels might be a great option.

When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Edinburgh?

The weather is important when you're experiencing new places, so here's a little information that may be helpful: The hottest months are usually July and August with an average temp of 56°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 39°F. Average annual precipitation for Edinburgh is 28 inches.

What is there to see and do in Edinburgh?

Depending on your interests, you might like to explore these things around Edinburgh. Get out into nature with places like Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill, and The Meadows. Cultural attractions include Museum on the Mound, Scotch Whisky Experience, and Writers' Museum. Visit landmarks like Gladstone's Land, Edinburgh Castle, and Edinburgh Dungeon.

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Other property types in Edinburgh

Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket

1 Morrison Link, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland

4/5 Very Good! (979 reviews)

"Very happy with the hotel, staff and service. I will stay at this hotel in the future. Thank you all."

Reviewed on Oct. 14, 2021

YOTEL Edinburgh

Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland

4.5/5 Wonderful! (704 reviews)

"Great hotel.. and location. Took my 16year old daughter for a shopping trip in Edinburgh. Would definitely book again"

Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2021

Jurys Inn Edinburgh

43 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, Scotland

3.8/5 Good! (1,117 reviews)

"The only thing that was a pain was having to find parking; very expensive in Edinburgh"

Reviewed on Oct. 6, 2021

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What Is a Hostel?

If you're searching for somewhere affordable to stay in Edinburgh, one of the 35 hostels here could be a great option. These dorm-style accommodations come in many different forms, but they have a few things in common:

Budget-friendly prices
A social atmosphere
Shared rooms (though many hostels also have private rooms)

By choosing a hostel in Edinburgh, you can cut your spending on lodging and save more of your money for exploring during your trip. You can check out this destination's cultural highlights, such as its historic sites and museums.

Hostels in Edinburgh

You might be wondering, what are some favorite hostels in Edinburgh? Based on our customers' reviews, these options have the highest ratings:

West End Hotel - Hostel - Located within a 10-minute walk of Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Princes Street. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a bar, and tour/ticket assistance.

Safestay Edinburgh Royal Mile - Located steps from Royal Mile. Property features include free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar. Rooms come with showers and free toiletries.

Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel - Located within a 5-minute walk of Princes Street and Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre. You can take advantage of free WiFi and a restaurant, as well as a bar. You'll find showers in all rooms.

Cowgate Tourist Hostel - Located steps from National Museum of Scotland. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a shared/communal kitchen, and tour/ticket assistance. You'll find showers in all rooms.

Castle Rock Hostel - Located steps from Scotch Whisky Experience. You can take advantage of free WiFi and a shared/communal kitchen, as well as a 24-hour front desk. You'll find showers in all rooms.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh?

The weather can be important when you're discovering new places, so here are some stats about the local climate:

The hottest months are typically July and August, while February and January are the coldest months
January-March: Daytime temperatures average 48° F and nighttime temperatures average 34° F
April-June: 63° F is the daytime average and 37° F is the nighttime average
July-September: Daytime averages are around 65° F and nighttime averages are around 46° F
October-December: The average temperatures are 56° F during the day and 35° F at night
Average rainfall is 0.94 inches in a year

What Can I Do in Edinburgh?

Depending on what interests you, you might appreciate these places:

Top Sights

Princes Street Gardens
National Gallery of Scotland
Scott Monument

Natural Features

Calton Hill
Arthur's Seat
Royal Botanic Garden

Cultural Attractions

Scotch Whisky Experience
Edinburgh Castle
National Museum of Scotland

In general, Edinburgh is known for its:

Historical sites
Museums
Tours
Festivals
Art
Shopping
Theater

How to Get to Edinburgh and Around the Area

You can find the closest airport in Edinburgh (EDI), located 6.5 mi (10.5 km) away from the city center. Another option is Dundee (DND), which is 35.3 mi (56.8 km) away. Once you've arrived, you might want to use public transit during your trip. To see more of the area, take a train from Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh Haymarket Station, or Slateford Station.

Frequently asked questions

Based on reviews from our guests, these hostels in Edinburgh have the highest ratings: Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+ hostel) - Close to public transit, this property is within a 10-minute walk of Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) and Edinburgh Waverley Station. Property features include free WiFi, a bar, and a 24-hour front desk. You’ll find showers, lockers, and bed sheets in all rooms. St. Christopher’s Inn Edinburgh - Hostel - Close to public transit, this property is within a 5-minute walk of Edinburgh Waverley Station and Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station). Property features include free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar. You’ll find showers and lockers in all rooms. A&o Edinburgh City - Close to public transit, this property is within a 10-minute walk of Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) and Edinburgh Waverley Station. Property features include free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar. You’ll find showers in all rooms. Argyle Backpackers - Property features include free WiFi, a shared/communal kitchen, and tour/ticket assistance. You’ll find showers and TVs in all rooms. High Street Hostel - Close to public transit, this property is within a 5-minute walk of Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station). You can take advantage of free WiFi and a bar, as well as a shared/communal kitchen. Rooms come with showers.

Keep this information about transit options in and around Edinburgh on hand to make the most of your stay: You can fly into the nearest airport, which is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), 6.5 mi (10.5 km) away. Another option is Glasgow International Airport (GLA), situated 48.3 mi (77.8 km) away. After you’ve arrived, you may want to use public transit to get around. To see more of the surrounding area, hop on a train at Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station), or Edinburgh Haymarket Station.

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Browse Select Edinburgh Hostels

Kick Ass Greyfriars (18+ hostel)

St. Christopher's Inn Edinburgh - Hostel

Argyle Backpackers

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High Street Hostel

Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel

a&o Edinburgh City

Castle Rock Hostel

The Hostel

Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+ hostel)

St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town - Hostel

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The University of Edinburgh, Baird House

The Baxter Hostel

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Cowgate Tourist Hostel