Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel offers budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Edinburgh, ideal for travelers seeking a social atmosphere. Located on Cockburn Street, it provides easy access to major attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The hostel features mixed dormitory rooms as well as private accommodations, catering to both solo travelers and groups. Guests can enjoy communal areas including a lounge and kitchen, fostering a friendly environment for meeting fellow travelers. The staff is known for their helpfulness, providing local tips and information to enhance your stay.
What each source says
- Priceline 3.8 716
- Google 3.8 655
- Tripadvisor 3.5 474
- Expedia 4.4 120
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Excellent value for money While basic, the accommodation offers a cost-effective choice for travelers who prioritize a prime location and clean facilities without the high price tag of city center hotels.
- Helpful and welcoming staff Guests consistently praise the reception team for being friendly, providing great local recommendations, and assisting with luggage or travel inquiries to ensure a pleasant stay in the city.
- High standards of cleanliness Despite being an older building, the hostel and its shared facilities—including bathrooms and kitchens—are frequently highlighted by travelers as being kept spotlessly clean and well-maintained throughout their visits.
- Unbeatable central location Situated steps away from the Royal Mile and Waverley Station, this hostel puts you within walking distance of Edinburgh’s main attractions and transit hubs, saving significant time and travel costs.
- Well-equipped shared kitchen Guests appreciate having access to a communal kitchen, allowing them to prepare their own meals, which is a significant bonus for budget-conscious travelers staying in expensive Edinburgh.
Criticised
- Confusing check-in at separate buildings Guests often report frustration when assigned to an annex or separate building away from the main reception, sometimes requiring extra time to find the correct entrance upon arrival.
- Cramped and basic room setups Some private and dorm rooms can feel tight or basic, with limited space for storage, particularly regarding lockers which may not accommodate larger bags or backpacks securely.
- Inconsistent shower performance Multiple reviews mention issues with water pressure and temperature fluctuations in the showers, where water can unexpectedly shift between boiling hot and freezing cold during use.
- Limited accessibility and many stairs The hostel features steep staircases with no elevator, making it difficult for guests with heavy luggage or mobility issues to navigate between floors and buildings easily.
- Street and building noise Being in the heart of the city means it can be quite noisy at night; thin walls and external street activity mean light sleepers might struggle without earplugs.
The longer read
Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel is defined primarily by its exceptional location, situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town just steps from the Royal Mile and Waverley Train Station. This makes it an ideal, unbeatable base for tourists who prioritize walkability, as major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and New Town are easily accessible on foot. Reviewers consistently praise the hostel for its incredible value, noting that for a central city-center accommodation, the price point is difficult to beat. The staff receive widespread acclaim for being friendly, helpful, and welcoming, often going out of their way to provide local recommendations, assist with luggage, or facilitate tour bookings. While it is not a luxury destination, the hostel functions well as a clean, functional home base for travelers primarily interested in exploring the city rather than staying indoors.
However, guests should approach their stay with realistic expectations regarding the architecture. The property is housed in an old building, meaning there are no elevators and a significant number of stairs, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Prospective guests should also be aware that the hostel operates across multiple buildings. Some private rooms are located in separate annexes down the street or around the corner from the main reception. While these private wings can feel more like quiet apartments or guest houses, they lack the immediate convenience of being attached to the main hostel’s social hub. The building’s age also contributes to thin walls and creaky floors; noise from the street, neighbors, and slamming doors is a recurring theme in reviews. Light sleepers are strongly advised to bring earplugs, as street noise—especially on weekends—can penetrate even upper-floor rooms.
The facilities generally meet the basic needs of backpackers, though with some caveats. Shared bathrooms and showers are standard for the hostel experience and are usually described as clean, though guests report inconsistencies regarding water pressure and temperature, with some showers oscillating between scalding and freezing. The communal kitchen is well-equipped for those looking to prepare meals, though cleanliness depends heavily on the habits of other guests during busy periods. Locker security is a standard feature, but reviewers emphasize the need to bring your own padlock, as rentals can be expensive or unavailable. Luggage storage is available, though it is important to note that this is often a paid service after checkout. Ultimately, this hostel is best suited for budget-conscious travelers, solo backpackers, and young tourists who value location and camaraderie over high-end comfort. It is not recommended for those requiring accessibility, silence, or luxury amenities.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 (1312) 201717 ext 0
- Website
- edinburghbackpackershostel.com
- Check in
- 14:00 · out 10:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Baggage Storage
- Heating
- Internet
- Laundry
- Microwave
- Non Smoking Hotel
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Shared Bathroom
- Shared Kitchen
- Television
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.8 against a median of 4.4 across the 93 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What types of shared and private rooms does Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel provide, and what are the key differences between them?
- How does Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel ensure guest safety and security, especially regarding lockers, key card access, and nighttime staffing?
- What facilities and services, such as kitchen access, Wi‑Fi, laundry, and common areas, are included in the price at Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel?
- How far is Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel from attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and what transport options are available for getting around the city?
- What is the typical social atmosphere at Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel, and are there organized events or tours for guests to meet other travelers?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.