Travel Guide

Your one stop shop for budget travel in Scotland - from trip plans to travel guides, local insights to stories from across our hostels and beyond.

Here you'll find everything that's happening, everything worth exploring, unbeatable travel deals or discounts, and how to make the most of your time in Scotland.

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Edinburgh
Loch Ness
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Edinburgh

Discover the best budget hostels and backpacker travel tips in Edinburgh. Scotland's compact, hilly and iconic capital is stuffed full of sights, history, nature and architecture. From historic Old Town streets to buzzing nightlife and festival culture, explore affordable places to stay, hidden gems, and must-see attractions. These guides explore backpacker experiences, trip plans, and the most convenient, social, and friendly hostels in the city.

People sat around couches socialising in Castle Rock Hostel.

The Best Hostel in Edinburgh for Digital Nomads Who Also Want to Meet People

Known as one of the most social backpackers hostels in the city, Castle Rock also offers the kind of flexible spaces and relaxed atmosphere that make it surprisingly workable for digital nomads. If you’re looking for a place where you can log on, get your work done, and then actually have people to hang out with afterwards, here’s what it’s really like to stay here.

Edinburgh

Jay

1 day ago6 min read

People jumping outside the front door of High Street Hostel in Edinburgh

What Are the Best Budget Hostels in Edinburgh? A Backpacker’s Guide With Prices for 2026

Looking for an affordable place to stay in Edinburgh without ending up somewhere dull, cramped, or far from the action? The good news is in Scotland's capital, you don’t have to choose between price and experience.

Edinburgh

Jay

5 days ago7 min read

Two people pointing at a chalkboard with recommendations for things to do in Edinburgh at Royal Mile Backpackers.

What Are the Best Hostels in Edinburgh for Couples? Why Royal Mile Backpackers Is Perfect for Two

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.

Edinburgh

Jay

Apr 146 min read

Three highland cows sitting on a hilltop, the city of Edinburgh skyline visible behind them.

Where to See Highland Cows Near Edinburgh (The Best Day Trip for Backpackers)

The good news is that you don’t need to head deep into the Highlands or book an expensive tour to see these big fluffy, friendly beasts! You can travel a short distance to Swanston Farm where you can spot Highland cows, and enjoy nearby walking routes in the scenic Pentland Hills.

Edinburgh

Jay

Apr 105 min read

A street of colourful housing with the sun setting over it.

Is Edinburgh LGBTQIA+ Friendly? A Backpacker’s Guide to Inclusive Travel, Hostels and Nightlife in Scotland's Capital

Absolutely - Edinburgh offers a diverse range of queer-inclusive social backpackers hostels, alongside an inclusive vibe as a city. With LGBTQIA+ owned bookshops, breweries, bars and walking tours, you can combine a day exploring with fantastic queer club nights and drag shows at night, all in a city with a walkable, friendly atmosphere.

Edinburgh

Jay

Mar 319 min read

A hostel overlooking a lake with the background of a forest. The sun is setting over the water.

How to Get to Loch Ness for £2: The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide for Backpackers

In this guide, we'll explain how the new £2 bus fare works, which routes you can take to reach unforgettable social hostels, and how you can use it to travel between some of the best backpacker destinations including Loch Ness without breaking the bank.

Loch Ness

Jay

Mar 236 min read

A street with colourful shops and sandstone buildings curving around a corner.

The Ultimate Backpacker Guide to Edinburgh (Where to Stay, What to Do, and Budget Tips)

Edinburgh is most backpackers' first destination when visiting Scotland, and its' easy to see why - the Scottish capital is compact, historic, walkable, and packed with things to see and do, from castles to museums, parks to hilltop hikes, bars to unmissable festivals.

Edinburgh

Jay

Mar 2111 min read

A group of friends sat around a table at a hostel, one is playing guitar.

Is There a Hostel in Edinburgh That’s Social But Not a Party Hostel?

With an entirely free social event programme offer up everything from relaxed quiz nights and pool tournaments, through to dance workshops and walking tours, you'll never be short of something to do at High Street Hostel - the perfect balance between social and chill.

Edinburgh

Jay

Mar 195 min read

A group of people celebrating halloween in costumes, holding red solo cups in a darkened lounge.

What is it Like Staying in a Large Hostel in Edinburgh?

Choosing a hostel that fits your needs best, even just for a night, can help you get the most out of your experience in any city, and especially in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh

Jay

Mar 187 min read

A backpacker checking into a hostel with a receptionist smiling at him. A group of people sit behind him, one is playing guitar and the others are smiling. A pride flag hangs on the wall.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh for a Relaxed, Cosy Backpacker Experience

Royal Mile Backpackers particularly suits couples, LGBTQIA+ backpackers, and solo female travellers thanks to its inclusive atmosphere.

Edinburgh

Jay

Mar 185 min read

Cartoon of two backpackers in front of the Edinburgh skyline with the sun over them.

So You've Booked Your Trip to Edinburgh - What Next?

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.

Edinburgh

Jay

Mar 126 min read

A night-time view of Edinburgh with a monument in the foreground and the city skyline behind in the distance.

Where Should Backpackers Stay in Edinburgh? A Local’s Honest Guide

I’ve put together this guide to help you locate the best place to stay to make the most of your time in the city, and keep your stay affordable.

Edinburgh

Jay

Feb 266 min read

View onto a Loch with green trees and a heather-topped hill in the background, with sun beaming down providing lens flare.

Edinburgh to Loch Ness: The Cheapest (and Best) Travel Options for Backpackers

Whether it's the draw of myths and legends or to experience the Scottish Highlands' dramatic landscapes and access to nature, our experienced team at Scotland's Top Hostels is often asked for the cheapest way to travel to go Nessie-hunting...

Loch Ness

Jay

Jan 248 min read