What Are the Best Hostels in Edinburgh for Couples? Why Royal Mile Backpackers Is Perfect for Two
- Jay
- Apr 14
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Travelling as a couple in Edinburgh usually means choosing between pricey hotels or rolling the dice on a hostel. How can you as a backpacker couple make the most of your time in the city while still finding space for valuable time with each other? Royal Mile Backpackers sits right in the sweet spot: cosy, central, and genuinely social without being loud or overwhelming.
In this guide we explore the hostel, including recent reviews from backpacker couples, to explore why it should be your first choice for a warm welcome and pleasant stay as a couple in Edinburgh.
Book your stay at Royal Mile Backpackers with Scotland's Top Hostels for the best price and flexibility:
Contents
Are Hostels Good for Couples in Edinburgh?
Yes, and for a city like Edinburgh they can be one of the best ways to make the most of your time, whether you're on a big travelling trip together or just a short city break. While hotels give you maximum privacy, they often miss out the social side of travel, that's where staying in a hostel comes into its own.
Hotel stays in Edinburgh's Old and New Towns (the central areas backpackers will want to be to experience the best of the city) are infamously expensive. For couples, the right hostel offers a balance - a relaxed, laidback atmosphere, cosy quiet nooks to relax wit one another in, and shared spaces when you feel like meeting people or swapping travel tips.
It's a much more affordable stay right in the centre, meaning you can spend more on experiences, attractions food and nights out. The key is choosing a hostel with the right vibe, not too party, still welcoming and social, which is exactly where smaller, more intimate spots stand out.
Is It Easy to Meet People as a Couple in a Hostel?
It certainly is, and often much easier than you'd expect. If you choose a smaller hostel like Royal Mile Backpackers, the atmosphere is naturally social without being pushy. That's owing to the fact that the hostel only has 38 beds, meaning you get to know everyone pretty much by name even if you just stay a couple of days.
As a couple, you've already got your own little team, so there's no pressure to constantly socialise. But when you feel like it, shared kitchens, lounge areas and small group settings make it easy to chat with other travellers. Taking part in hostel social events also breaks the ice without feeling forced. Couples often find they connect quickly with solo travellers and other pairs, whether it's over morning coffee, planning a day out, or heading for a drink together in the evening with new friends.
Which Hostels are Best Suited for Couples in Edinburgh?
You'll want to choose a hostel that gets the vibe right. Royal Mile Backpackers offers the perfect balance because it genuinely feels at times like a backpackers flatshare more than a hostel - with a relaxed lounge right next to reception, a well-equipped kichenette and dining area, and cosy reading nook to make your downtime easy.
The big pro of staying at Royal Mile Backpackers is as a Scotland's Top Hostels location, you can take advantage of the other two bigger hostels close by to maximise your social time too. Neighbouring High Street Hostel arranges daily social events, free walking tours, and outings that make it easy to connect with new travellers. And when you're ready to unwind, you can head back to your more chill, laidback base.
It's also located right on the most central street in Edinburgh's Old Town, the Royal Mile, connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Without shelling out on an expensive hotel, you have all the views and put yourself in easy walking distance of all the major attractions, places to eat, drink and visit, as well as the lively Cowgate party street. All while having a laidback environment to return to when you're done exploring for the day.
Plus, you'll get access to exclusive discounts that the team have negotiated with nearby cafes, restaurants, bars and tour companies to maximise your stay, and keep your wallet happy.
What Is It Like to Stay at Royal Mile Backpackers as a Couple?
You get the best of both worlds: time to explore Edinburgh as a couple, and the option to dip into the social side when you feel like it. The hostel only has a limited number of dorms, all of which are roomy and pleasant. A top tip - book into the 8 bed mixed dorm and send an email ahead of time to request the Gotham City room, it has a great big bay window overlooking the Royal Mile that's great for people spotting, and a nice relaxed feel.
Here's what recent couples who stayed at Royal Mile Backpackers had to say about their time there:
"Very cosy rooms, perfect location for everything. Lots of storage and clean bathrooms. Would recommend!" - Couple from the USA in 2024, from a review on Hostelworld.
And highlighting the cosy size of the place:
"Great location and just the right amount of people." - Couple from New Zealand in 2024, from a review on Hostelworld.
Continue Your Trip - What's the Best Hostel in the Scottish Highlands for Couples?
If you’re heading north after Edinburgh, the best next stop for couples is hands down Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness. It’s a completely different pace from the city, loch views, fresh air, and time to properly slow down together, but it keeps that same easy, social atmosphere you get at Royal Mile.
Days here will see you getting outside (kayaking on the loch, heading out on group hikes, or just sitting by the water), while evenings turn into group dinners, games, and campfire nights by the beach
It’s ideal for couples who want a mix of quiet moments and social connection, and it’s also where a lot of travellers you meet in Edinburgh end up crossing paths again. There's a mix of dorms and comfy twin rooms available that make it perfect for couples. If you’re looking at a route through Scotland, Lochside is definitely one of those places that turns a good trip into a memorable one.
Why Is Royal Mile Backpackers Good for LGBTQIA+ Couples?
Royal Mile Backpackers prides itself on being an inclusive environment, with pride flags on display as you enter the building, but also a genuine commitment to being a queer-inclusive space. There are gender neutral and women's only bathrooms, which means people of all identities are respected.
Staff at all Scotland's Top Hostels have been trained to recognise any homophobic, queerphobic and transphobic attitudes and respond with a duty of care to guests to ensure all gender identities are respected, represented, and above all that everyone is made to feel welcome.
Here's what a recent LGBQTIA+ traveller had to say about their stay at Royal Mile Backpackers:
"The cozy atmosphere and location were amazing. staff was absolutely lovely. also a big plus: very queer friendly, which made me feel very safe!" - Esmee, from the Netherlands, 2023
Is Royal Mile Backpackers Worth It for Couples Visiting Edinburgh?
If you’re visiting Edinburgh as a couple and want somewhere that feels personal, social, and genuinely good value, then yes, Royal Mile Backpackers is absolutely worth it.
It offers that rare balance: a cosy base right in the heart of the Old Town, the option for privacy when you want it, and a friendly, low-key social atmosphere when you don’t.
For couples who like the idea of meeting people but don’t want a party hostel, and who’d rather spend their budget on experiences than hotel rooms, it’s a smart, budget-friendly choice, with beds starting from just £18 in April 2026. And don’t be surprised if you end up extending your stay in the heart of Edinburgh!
Book your stay at Royal Mile Backpackers with Scotland's Top Hostels for the best price and flexibility:
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