Where to Stay in Edinburgh for a Relaxed, Cosy Backpacker Experience
- Jay
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 20
Edinburgh is a city that offers much to backpackers looking for all kinds of experience - but if you're not visiting the Scottish Capital looking for late-night pub crawls and crowded dorms, you'll be pleased to hear about Royal Mile Backpackers. Located just steps from the famous Royal Mile (as the name suggests!), but at the same time feels like a calm safe haven where you can make genuine connections with other travellers without the fuss.
Many travellers - especially solo visitors and couples - are looking for a hostel that feels relaxed, safe, and genuinely cosy after a long day exploring the city. The good news is that Edinburgh suits this style of slow travel perfectly - with a compact street layout, walkable pedestrianised streets, and quiet public gardens just steps from the major attractions.
If you use the code TRAVEL15 when making a reservation, you can get 15% off your stay midweek this April at Royal Mile Backpackers, exclusive to the Scotland's Top Hostels Travel Guide:
The Quick Answer - Which Edinburgh Hostel is the most relaxed, cosy and safe?
It's Royal Mile Backpackers - with just 38 beds the hostel feels sometimes more like a backpackers' flatshare. There are board games stacked high in the cosy nook lounge, a book exchange on the shelves in the reception lounge, with free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate 24/7.
Meanwhile in the well-equipped kitchenette, there's limited space to cook which avoids overstimulating smells, and if you need a little more space to cook you can head across the road to High Street Hostel where use of their larger kitchen is included in your stay. This makes Royal Mile Backpackers a perfectly quiet hostel in Edinburgh Old Town.
The best part - you can take advantage of the events taking place at nearby sister hostels High Street and Castle Rock - where there's something happening every evening. Staying at this hostel is like a choose-your-own-adventure book, where you get to decide whether you want to have a cosy night in with a book, or you can decide last minute to join in for Scottish Folk Dancing or a Pool Tournament.
What Makes a Hostel Relaxed and Cosy?
For backpackers, a 'relaxed and cosy hostel' isn't just about size, it's also about atmosphere. The team at Royal Mile Backpackers do their absolute most to create a laid-back, friendly atmosphere where it's easy to chat with new friends without feeling overwhelmed.
There are thoughtful touches like a Pride Flag hung over the reception to let you know everyone is welcome, alongside a board of pictures of the volunteer team so you're aware of who to speak to if you need a quick tip on where to go for lunch, or if you just want to make some new friends while travelling. Volunteers at the hostel only stay for a couple of months, meaning they're just as much backpackers as everyone else staying.
Location plays a role here too - being close to the centre of Edinburgh means you're not returning to the hostel after a long trek into the suburbs or having an overstimulating journey on public transport. Edinburgh's Old Town is itself is a relatively relaxing environment compared to many other European Capitals' city centres, meaning the whole experience is likely to match your preferred vibe.
Who This Hostel Is Perfect For (Solo Travellers & Couples)
When you're travelling with a partner, you may find the busy nature of Edinburgh's larger hostels makes it difficult to spend relaxed time with one another after a long day exploring the sights or wandering up and down Arthur's Seat. That's why Royal Mile Backpackers is the clearest option for a balanced, cosy stay if you're on a city break or travelling long-term together.
An added perk is the hostel's focus on making solo female travellers feel safe. A bright and spacious 10 bed female dormitory makes Royal Mile Backpackers the safest, friendliest and most welcoming option for solo female travellers, with dedicated women-only bathroom and shower spaces (in Edinburgh, many other hostels have mixed bathrooms and showers).
Solo travellers who seek a little respite in the mornings and evenings will also feel most at home in the inclusive, easy-going atmosphere created at Royal Mile Backpackers, as well as being able to cross the street and take part in some great evening activities at neighbouring High Street Hostel.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay at Royal Mile Backpackers in 2026?
You'll be pleased to hear that a stay at this central hostel will leave you far away from digging deep in your pockets - with beds starting from £23 per night in April 2026. You can also take advantage of free towel hire, and a continental breakfast from just £4 that you can decide whether to pay for each morning.
What Alternatives Are There for a Relaxed Backpackers Stay in Edinburgh?
If you find Royal Mile Backpackers all booked up - check out our table below for a comparison of the atmospheres and sizes:
Hostel | Atmosphere | Size / Capacity | What It’s Like for a Relaxed Stay |
Calm, cosy, social but quiet | Small (approx. 40–50 beds) | Ideal for relaxed stays, easy to meet people without a party vibe | |
Social, lively, community-focused | Medium (approx. 150 beds) | Friendly and welcoming, but more social activity | |
Very social, event-driven | Large (200+ beds) | Great for meeting people, less suited for quiet evenings | |
Belford Hostel | Mixed – relaxed spaces + group energy | Large (up to ~98 guests) | May feel busy depending on capacity |
Princes Street Hostel | Functional, central | Medium | Good location, less emphasis on atmosphere or social spaces |
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Hostel for Your Trip
If you're looking to meet lots of people and fill your evenings with events, then larger more social hostels may suit you. But here we've outlined why a stay at Royal Mile Backpackers suit travellers seeking a relaxed and cosy base for their time exploring the city.
Royal Mile Backpackers particularly suits couples, LGBTQIA+ backpackers, and solo female travellers thanks to its inclusive atmosphere.
If you use the code TRAVEL15 when making a reservation, you can get 15% off your stay midweek this April at Royal Mile Backpackers, exclusive to the Scotland's Top Hostels Travel Guide: