6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh
Edinburgh Backpackers - Over 18S Only
A sociable, adults-only hostel in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, within easy walking distance of the train station and the Royal Mile.
- Central Old Town location
- Adults-only atmosphere
- Shared kitchen and lounge
7.7
Very good
2306 reviews
Booking.com 7.7 · 2306 reviews
About
Edinburgh Backpackers - Over 18S Only
Edinburgh Backpackers sits on Cockburn Street, a few minutes' walk from St Giles' Cathedral and the Writers' Museum. The hostel offers a shared lounge, luggage storage, and a kitchen for self-catering. All guests must be 18 or over.
Rooms range from mixed dorms (5-, 6-, and 8-bed) to private doubles and quads, some with shared bathrooms and others with private facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and there is 24-hour security with key card access.
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
- Luggage storage
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Central Old Town location — A 5-minute walk from St Giles' Cathedral and just metres from the Writers' Museum, with easy access to the Royal Mile and train station.
- Adults-only atmosphere — Over-18s only, which contributes to a calmer, more social vibe in common areas.
- Friendly and responsive staff — Guests repeatedly praise the helpfulness and local knowledge of the front desk team.
- Good value for money — With dorms and private rooms, the hostel offers competitive rates for its central location.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Central location can be noisy — Being in the heart of the Old Town means street noise at night may disturb light sleepers.
- Some rooms have shared bathrooms — Several dorm and private options use shared facilities, which may not suit everyone.
- Limited ventilation in some rooms — A guest mentioned that ventilation can be an issue, likely due to the old building.
- Steep stairs and tight shower — The historic building features steep stairs and compact shower spaces, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
5 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Heating
Guest Room
- 1 Bunk bed,2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
Shared Bathroom Double Room
- 1 Double bed,1 King-size bed
Private Bathroom Double Room
- 1 Double bed
- Private bathroom
Shared Bathroom Quadruple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- No smoking on site
- Adults only
- 24-hour security
- Key card access
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Heating
Food & Drink
- Shared kitchen
- Electric kettle
Entertainment
- Leisure/ TV room
- Flat-screen TV
Services
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.7/10 from 2,306 reviews
Booking.com · 7.7 · 2306 reviews
7.7Verified guest“Stayed near the train station. Basic but clean room; shower had towels and hand wash. Bonus discount card for the cafe next door. Great location in the old centre, with friendly staff who knew the area well.”
7.7Verified guest“Location was perfect for exploring on foot – cafes, restaurants, pubs, and shops were all nearby. Room was clean and beds comfortable.”
7.7Verified guest“Great location, separate rooms, good price, nice view, and a kitchen nearby.”
7.7Verified guest“Clean, quiet private room in a separate building. Perfect for exploring, with very helpful staff and great kitchen facilities. Close to the station and attractions, plus a 15% cafe discount. Walkable from the airport; they accommodated my lower-floor request and offered efficient luggage storage.”
7.7Verified guest“Fantastic location right in the centre. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and my private room felt secure. Facilities were good and there were nice relaxation spaces. Only downside: not easy to find at first.”
7.7Verified guest“Convenient location, cozy rooms, though ventilation could be better. Separate toilets and showers by gender, spacious common areas, and games available. Friendly staff. Recommended for budget travellers and for its proximity to the train station.”
04 — Location
Getting around Edinburgh
The property sits in Edinburgh.
Old Town: The hostel sits on Cockburn Street, a short walk from St Giles' Cathedral and the Writers' Museum. The Royal Mile is close by, lined with shops, pubs, and historic closes.
Transport links: Edinburgh Waverley train station is just a few minutes' walk away, making it easy to arrive or head out on day trips. The airport is reachable by tram or bus from the city centre.
65 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1BU, United Kingdom
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 59 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00.
Is parking available at the hostel?
The listing does not mention on-site parking. Given its central location, public transport or nearby car parks are recommended.
Does the hostel allow pets?
No, pets are not allowed.
Is smoking permitted on the property?
No, the hostel is a no-smoking property.
Are there private rooms with private bathrooms?
Yes, there is a Private Bathroom Double Room with an en-suite shower. Other private rooms may share bathroom facilities.
Is there luggage storage available?
Yes, the hostel offers luggage storage.
The bottom line
For budget travellers who want to be steps from Edinburgh's top sights and don't mind a bit of character (and noise), Edinburgh Backpackers delivers a clean, friendly base with a sociable adults-only vibe.
7.7Based on 2,306 guest ratings
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