Edinburgh Youth Hostels

When planning your backpacking trip through the UK, there is a wide variety of hostels in the Edinburgh area. You will find unique facilities in buildings previously used as churches, historic townhomes, as well as traditional dorm style rooms. Here are a few highlights to get you started.

Probably the most popular hostel in Edinburgh is Castle Rock. Centrally located in a historic building under the Castle ramparts, it provides easy access to the city center and airport bus stations, as well as the train station. Despite these conveniences, the rooms are quiet at night with minimal car traffic noticeable in the rooms. It is not specifically a youth hostel, but it is geared towards backpackers. In addition to beautiful views, this hostel also offers free bed linens, free WiFi, individual bedside safes, a large kitchen and a garden. If you did not bring a laptop, they also have computers for use - you can pay for internet access by the hour. Economical breakfast and laundry service are offered on-site as well.

A beautiful youth hostel is the A1 - Playfair House. It is conveniently located nearby the east end of Princess Street, in the Edinburgh New Town Preservation area. It is a historic town house that was built in 1821, with beautiful architecture. The A1 - Playfair is independent, so you do not need to have a youth hostel membership card to stay there. Private rooms are available, and hot showers and bed linens are included free of charge. A garden and fully equipped kitchen are on site as well.

A very trendy hostel is also located near Princess Street and the Royal Mile: Edinburgh Central. Stylish and modern, they offer dorm style, twin and private rooms. A kitchen is available for use, along with an on-site restaurant and cafe. They offer special bed and breakfast packages for flexible dining options to meet every budget. Make this your home base while visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, or Arthur's Seat.

At the west end of Edinburgh you will find the trendy Belford Hostel. It's a converted 19th century historic church, complete with stained glass windows and high ceilings. They offer a communal kitchen, garden, and free hot showers. They often have live music at their bar, which is adorned with a humorous Braveheart caricature. They also have a lounge with pool table for residents to use, and internet access is available. Old Town and Murrayfield Stadium are nearby attractions.

In the heart of Edinburgh's party and cultural district, you can opt to stay at the Cowgate Hostel. This hostel is comprised of apartments sleeping eight to 20 people, each with an en-suite bathroom and fully fitted kitchen. For travelers on a budget, they offer free internet access, tea and coffee, and a luggage storage area. This hostel is conveniently located for visiting Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle.

The newest hostel in Edinburgh is the Caledonian Backpackers. Bedding is provided, and the rooms are bright, comfortable and clean. There are fully fitted kitchens, TV rooms and hot showers on every floor. They offer internet facilities and 24 hour laundry facilities as well. Some of the rooms even have nice views of the Castle.

These are just a few of the many options you can choose from when looking to book a hostel in the Edinburgh area. Whether you prefer a youth-oriented facility, or one catering to backpackers, you will find the perfect hostel to fit your style and budget.