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The Best Hostels in Edinburgh? Explore Our Multi Award-Winning Social Backpackers Hostels (2026)

The Best Hostels in Edinburgh? Explore Our Multi Award-Winning Social Backpackers Hostels (2026)

  • Writer: Jay
    Jay
  • Jun 16
  • 5 min read

We're not usually the ones to blow our own bagpipes, but when the global travel community speaks, it's rude not to. Our Edinburgh hostels have consistently won Hostelworld's HOSCARs, among the most well-recognised awards in the backpacking industry, for their inclusive atmospheres, incredible buildings, commitment to sustainability, central location, and welcoming staff.


All three of these hostels have also been recognised by Hostelworld for their commitment to Sustainability, introducing practices that "result in a positive social and environmental impact", and proudly displaying their Sustainability Badges on their Hostelworld profiles.


If you're planning a trip to Scotland and filtering through thousands of reviews to find a place that is safe, affordable and social, you can be sure that our three Edinburgh backpacker hostels have been recognised for all these things and more. Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels to always get the best price and flexibility:


Castle Rock Hostel: Edinburgh’s Award-Winning Social Backpackers Hub



Castle Rock Hostel is located just off of the Royal Mile, right in the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town. But it's far from just its central location that has given it the reign over a vast number of awards over the years. At the 2026 Hostelworld HOSCARs, Castle Rock took home 1st place for the Best Large Hostel in Europe, 1st in Best Hostels in Scotland, and 1st in Most Popular Hostels in Edinburgh.


The hostel has appeared in the winners for Most Popular Hostels in Edinburgh, Best Hostels in Scotland, and Best Large Hostels in Europe consistently as far back as 2010, and it's easy to see why. With nightly social events for backpackers, the majority of which are free, it's incredibly easy for backpackers to meet new people and explore the city together.



Totalling nearly 300 beds within its walls, Castle Rock also offers a remarkable number of social spaces, quiet spaces, and even including a room full of guitars and instruments for jamming, as well as a cinema room, and expansive well-equipped kitchen. The truth is that Castle Rock offers a little bit of something for everyone, whether you're a solo traveller or in a large group.


Find out more about what the daily social life is like for backpackers staying at Castle Rock in this article from Scotland's Top Hostels:



Book your stay at Castle Rock through Scotland's Top Hostels for the best price and flexibility:




High Street Hostel: The Gold Standard for Solo Travelers & Friendly Vibes



In 2025 our central, vibrant High Street Hostel took home 2nd Best Hostel in Scotland as part of the Hostelworld HOSCARs. But we think second best is a massive undersell for our friendly, social and laid-back backpackers hub. Housed inside a 16th century townhouse, the place is buzzing with history, and as Edinburgh's original backpackers hostel dating back to 1986, the team at High Street have been focused on offering up what many social backpackers are actually looking for: a vibe that is buzzing but never overwhelming.



The focus at High Street is on warm welcomes, laidback vibes, and meeting new people to explore the city with. Every Saturday morning you can take part in a Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, and throughout the week you'll find inclusive energy at the nightly social events, many of which take place in the relaxed main lounge. From Pub Quizzes to Movie Nights, if you're looking for a hostel that gets the balance right, High Street Hostel is for you.


Find out more about what the daily social life is like for backpackers staying at High Street in this article from Scotland's Top Hostels:



Book your stay at High Street through Scotland's Top Hostels for the best price and flexibility:




Royal Mile Backpackers: Popular for Inclusive Vibes & Solo Female Travellers



Despite having just 38 beds total, Royal Mile Backpackers took home Most Popular Hostel in Scotland in 2020 at the Hostelworld HOSCARs - and its maybe easy to see why it took that prize home. Those 38 beds are usually filled with folks looking for the most relaxed and laidback backpacker experience in the city. Located just off the Royal Mile, we're often told that RMB feels more like a backpackers' flatshare than a traditional hostel.


You'll find nice places to relax and chill after a day exploring the city, including the cosy Snug Lounge and comfy Reception Lounge. There's a kitchenette attached to the lounge where you'll just as likely find people enjoying a cheese board together or playing a board game or two. The cosy atmosphere naturally gives way to chats with other travellers from around the world, and the hostel is well-known for its reputation with solo female travellers, backpacking couples, and with LGBQTIA+ travellers.



Find out more about what the daily social life is like for backpackers staying at Royal Mile Backpackers in this article from Scotland's Top Hostels:



Book your stay at on the Royal Mile through Scotland's Top Hostels for the best price and flexibility:




Castle Rock vs. High Street vs. Royal Mile: Which Award-Winner is Right for You?


While all three hostels offer free coffee, fast Wi-Fi, and a legendary Old Town location, they each cater to a different travel style. Pick the one that fits your energy:

Hostel

The Vibe

Best For...

Castle Rock

High-Energy & Lots of Space. Big lounges, castle views, and daily social events.

Social butterflies and backpackers looking to meet a bigger crowd.

High Street

Friendly & Laid-back. A historic 15th-century hub with a chill, social feeling.

Solo travellers who want a cosy, welcoming "middle ground."

Royal Mile

Intimate & Inclusive. Small-scale, safe, and feels like a big shared flat.

Backpackers seeking a quiet, inclusive, and tight-knit community.

Ready to book? No matter which hostel you choose, you're getting an award-winning Scottish welcome.


Explore our three legendary Edinburgh backpackers hostels here:


For the most social and lively party vibes:



To stay right in the middle of town and close to the action, but a bit more laidback:



For the best mix of social and chill:




Are There Social Hostels Like These Edinburgh Hostels in the Scottish Highlands?



Heading further North during your stay? Don't miss the opportunity to stay at Lochside Hostel, located directly on the shores of Loch Ness. With daily social events, kayak hire, hikes on the doorstep, warm welcomes, spacious rooms, a well-equipped kitchen and much more on offer, it's the perfect base to explore the vast Scottish Highlands with new pals:



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