Top Ten Edinburgh Hostels

Edinburgh's not just a city packed with history and entertainment - for the budget traveler, the good news just keeps rolling as there are plenty of great Edinburgh hostels too!

With so many cheap beds on offer, and most hostels having top central locations and modern conveniences like free internet and a 24-hour reception as standard, it's easy to find great budget accommodation for your Scottish break.

But how to find the right Edinburgh hostel for you? Here's a pick of the city's best affordable hotspots:

1. Castle Rock Hostel
This hostel benefits from a large lounge with a juke box and a lively atmosphere complementing its proximity to the city center. Worth a mention for its location overlooking the castle alone, it's housed in a grand, traditional building, the inside of which is a unique and funky mix of bright décor and artwork on every wall.

2. Budget Backpackers
In the heart of the city's student district, Budget Backpackers is on the doorstep of the most vibrant pubs and clubs. Great value-for-money and well-equipped, there's even a 42 inch plasma screen for guests to relax in front of but it's hard to imagine wanting to sit still in this top-notch Edinburgh hostel.

3. Bus Station Backpackers
With the same central location, modern facilities and low rates as many other hostels in the city, this hostel stands out due to its friendly owners and the intimacy of its small size. There are free tours of the city every day and nightly pub crawls and, with only 20 or 30 guests here at one time, there's a real chance to make some new friends during your stay.

4. High Street Hostel
High Street Hostel is the most eco-friendly of the Edinburgh hostels . It has everything you might need during your stay - and you can use it all without leaving a carbon footprint. There's a 75+ hectare of woodland that offsets more than the CO2 emissions from fuel consumed each year, all their electricity is sourced from renewable non-nuclear supplies and as many materials as possible are recycled.

5. Ballantrae West End Hotel
With tall ceilings and attractive period detail, Ballantrae West End Hotel provides a slice of the city's regency grandeur for the fraction of the cost you'd expect. There's a comfortable residents' lounge and private garden to relax in after a long day of exploring the city - a cut above your average hostel in Edinburgh .

6. Smart City Hostel
Boasting a great central location just off the Royal Mile and all the best modern facilities that come with a purpose-build, Smart City Hostel is the newest of the cheap stays in the city. With a licensed café selling food and drink and a bar with entertainment every night, it's also one of the liveliest.

7. Argyle Backpackers
Laid-back, friendly and situated just off Edinburgh's central park, Argyle Backpackers is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city, while still only a 10 minute walk from the castle and the Royal Mile. Guests can relax in the conservatory and private garden in the sunshine or keep cozy by the real fire in the living room during the winter months.

8. Globetrotter Inn
The largest of the good quality hostels in Edinburgh with nearly 400 beds, Globetrotter Inn is the budget choice for travelers looking for a fun and lively break in the city. There's a fantastic bar and the opportunity to do paintballing, sphering, go-karting, bridge jumping, quad biking and more during your stay.

9. Caledonian Backpackers
Travelers can get budget rooms with a view at this hostel overlooking the famous castle. Their traditional set-up is perfect for those looking for a sociable backpacking vacation. The bar is open for cheap drinks and swapping anecdotes until 5am on weekends.

10. Edinburgh Central Hostel
Find high-quality, modern and spacious accommodation at the Edinburgh Central Hostel, a newly renovated and high-quality cheap stay. In the heart of the city center, Edinburgh's renowned entertainment scene beckons when you want to head further afield than the well-equipped kitchens, stylish bistro and comfortable lounge of the hostel itself.