So You've Booked Your Trip to Edinburgh - What Next?
- Jay
- Mar 12
- 6 min read
We can't wait to see you! As a guest at one of our Scotland's Top Hostels in Edinburgh, you get access to exclusive discounts on some of the best experiences, bars, restaurants, cafes, tours and more during your stay.
Use this handy guide to find out how you can get more out of your unforgettable backpacker trip to Scotland.
Contents
Explore the Scottish Highlands with a Discount on a Macbackpackers Bus Tour
Discover Your Exclusive Guest Discounts at the Best Places to Eat, Drink & Explore in Edinburgh
Experience More with Free Events At Our Hostels Throughout Your Stay in Edinburgh
Go Nessie-Hunting at our Beachfront Loch Ness Lochside Hostel
Explore the Scottish Highlands with a Discount on a Macbackpackers Bus Tour
Keen to see more of our breathtaking country during your stay? Our tour company Macbackpackers makes it easy, with tours exclusively designed for 18-39 year olds, which creates the best atmosphere and helps create long lasting friendships. We often have groups keeping in touch even years later. Our tours explore mythical destinations like Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the legendary Isle of Skye.
Our tour guests stay overnight in our fantastic, social hostels across the Highlands, including beachfront on Loch Ness, and directly on the Isle of Skye, meaning you get to spend the evenings hanging out with new friends, and waste no time in the mornings as you're already on the doorstep of phenomenal things to see and do.
The best part of all - the tours we offer are all active and full of experiences - from walks, hikes, swims, Scottish folk dances, whisky tastings and more. Meaning you're not waiting for a long time on the bus for the next adventure, it's always just around the corner. With 3 Day and 5 Day options, you're sure to find the right Highlands backpacking experience for you.
Use code EXPLORE10 to get 10% off your tour booking in 2026, with prices starting from just £189!
Discover Your Exclusive Guest Discounts at the Best Places to Eat, Drink & Explore in Edinburgh
We've partnered with some of the best places to eat, drink, tour and explore throughout the city to offer our guests exclusive discounts. Whether you're wanting to give our national dish Haggis a try, sip on some amazing Scottish whisky with a knowledgeable bartender, head out on a spooky underground ghost tour, or dance the night away, there's something for everyone.
For a local dining experience, check out our partners at The Fiddlers Arms, George IV Bar, and The Royal Mile Tavern who will all give you 20% off your food & drink bill when you show your check-in card before ordering. Then head a short walk to McGonagall's Gin & Whisky Emporium for a discounted whisky tasting session as a nice aperitif!
Our partners at City of Edinburgh Tours offer us an exclusive backpacker discount on their tours, some of which will take you down into the South Bridge Vaults, the secret buried section underneath the Old Town!
Meanwhile, you can enjoy great live music and discounted drinks with our friends at the Jazz Bar, or Irish fiddle tunes and great pints of stout at Dropkick Murphys. Finish your evening off with cocktails at independent bars including Mortal Kocktail and the West Port Oracle, and you're sure to have an unforgettable time while visiting Edinburgh.
Experience More with Free Events At Our Hostels Throughout Your Stay in Edinburgh
All of our hostels offer something for you to do to meet people and spend time either hanging our in our cosy, welcoming lounges or getting out to see more of the sights together.
From Free Walking Tours to Bar Crawls, Traditional Scottish Folk Dancing to Hikes up Arthur's Seat, you'll find it hard to be bored during your stay. Our events update on a weekly basis, so make sure to check your booking confirmation email for the most up to date news on what'll be going on during your stay.
Go Nessie-Hunting at our Beachfront Loch Ness Lochside Hostel
Nestled amongst towering pines and perched on the very edge of the mythical Loch Ness! Our amazing hostel with its unique location makes for a wonderful place to stay on your Highland holiday.
With direct access to the shore and, of course, fabulous views over the dark and mysterious waters, it’s the perfect place to spot the monster of the Loch (or even to swim with her!). Our location in the centre of the Highlands also means we are a great base to explore the whole area and situated on the Great Glen Way, we have some excellent walks starting at our doorstep.
We offer dorms (from around £22), a large lounge, sun deck, kitchen appliances (Microwave, ovens, kettle and more), a shop on site, free Wi-Fi, free tea and coffee, large grounds and direct access to Loch Ness shoreline, drying room, cycle shed, free parking, electric car charging points and a Citylink bus-stop at our door with direct connections to Inverness, Fort William and the Isle of Skye.
Best of all, as a guest staying at one of our Edinburgh hostels, you get an exclusive 15% discount on a stay at the Lochside Hostel. Just use code LOCHNESSYES when making a reservation to unlock your discount.
Frequently Asked Questions about our Edinburgh Hostels
What are the Check-in and Check-out Times?
Check in is any time after 15:00 (3pm) – however, if you arrive earlier you can drop your bags in our secure luggage room and enjoy our facilities until then.
Each key will require a refundable deposit of £10 or national ID when collected. This will be returned to you when the key is returned. Check out is no later than 10:30am – for those wanting to stay longer, you can store your bags and enjoy the hostel all day if you wish.
If you're staying at Royal Mile Backpackers, you'll need to store your bags at our sister hostel High Street Hostel just around the corner, as the door will be closed until 3pm.
Do I need ID to check in?
Yes, we require government-issued photographic ID for every person checking in to the hostel.
What is the latest I can check in?
You can check in any time after 15:00 (3pm) with our 24-hour reception, so there is no latest time you can check in, however, if you have booked for a night and will be arriving after 12am (midnight), please contact the hostel ahead of time.
Can I leave my bags at the hostel?
Yes, you can leave your bags free of charge before you check in and after you have checked out, up until 9pm. We also have long term storage available for a small fee.
Is linen included?
Yes, all bed linen is included.
Are there towels or hairdryers available?
Yes, towel hire is available for just £2 each, hair dryers are free to borrow from reception.
Are there laundry facilities?
Yes, laundry is available for just £5 and we handle the washing and drying for you! Please ask at reception to confirm availability and where you'll need to drop the laundry.
Can we drink alcohol in the hostel?
Yes. We don’t sell alcohol in the hostel, but there are many shops nearby where you can buy beer, wine, and spirits. Please note that Scottish shops are only allowed to sell alcohol between 10am and 10pm.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the day of check-in - 90% refund (10% administration fee).
After that you will be charged your first nights accommodation. No-shows may be charged the entire amount of their stay.
August and New Year’s cancellation policy: For bookings during August and Hogmanay/New Year’s Eve (or part thereof) additional terms apply: Cancellations up to 14 days prior to the day of check-in - 90% refund (10% administration fee). After that you will be charged the first nights accommodation. No-shows may be charged the entire amount of their stay.