If your backpacking trip is taking you to Edinburgh and you're looking for a hostel where it's actually easy to meet people, you'll likely find Castle Rock Hostel popping up on Hostelworld and elsewhere. Set right in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle in the middle of the Old Town, it's known for its huge and varied common areas, relaxed social atmosphere, and daily social events that bring travellers together naturally - where that's over drinks, games, pub crawls, Scottish danc

Planning a backpacking trip around Scotland? Want to make the most of your experience without breaking the bank? Where you stay can shape the whole experience - Edinburgh is a bustling backpacker hub full of museums and history, while the Highlands offers scenic views alongside incredible activities from hiking Ben Nevis to kayaking on Loch Ness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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...