Royal Mile Backpackers

Smack bang in the middle of town, you can’t get closer to the action than Royal Mile Backpackers. Our comfortable accommodation looks over Edinburgh’s most iconic street – with attractions, bars, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs on your doorstep.

Join us for backpackers’ events throughout the week, from lively Pub Crawls to traditional Scottish dancing. We accept travellers aged 18+ to book with us for an exciting, energetic stay.

The hostel also offers Wifi, free tea and coffee. Our friendly receptionists can offer you some great advice on what to see and do and where to eat and drink during your stay in Edinburgh. They can arrange for you to make the most of your time while you are in Scotland and book you on a MacBackpackers Tour to the Highlands. We aim to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible - here is a wee list of what else we have to offer:

Clean bed linen
Breakfast available at our sister hostel for £3 from 8am until 10:30am
Cash and credit card payment
Receptionist available to help you during opening hours (8am - 11am and 3pm - 10pm)
Easy access to the bus and train station
Tour booking service and advice
Kitchen/Dining area open 24 hours
Towel Hire for Free
Secure lockers in rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Free tea and coffee
Free hairdryers and straighteners for use
Local Food & Drinks discounts
24hour access after check-in
Book exchange

Step outside and be at the centre of it all.

-- Edinburgh Visitor Levy (Tourist Tax) --
From 24/07/26, Edinburgh will introduce a Visitor Levy (similar to a Tourist Tax). Any bookings checking in from this date onwards will be subject to an additional 5% charge on the accommodation cost, payable at check-in.

If your reservation requires payment of the levy, you will receive an email with further details.

-- Group Bookings --
For group bookings of more than 4 guests, you must contact the hostel directly.

-- Age Restrictions --
Minimum age: 18 years.
(Sorry, no children are permitted)

-- Maximum Stay --
Maximum stay: 7 nights.
(Sorry, no long-term accommodation is available)

-- Check-In Requirements --
Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID for check-in.

-- Cancellation Policy --
Cancellation terms are subject to the rate type selected at the time of booking.

For refundable bookings, this property operates a 2-day cancellation policy. Failure to cancel within this period may result in a cancellation charge of up to the first two nights of your stay. Non-refundable bookings are not eligible for refunds if cancelled.

Please note that different conditions apply during August and Hogmanay.

-- August Bookings --

For any bookings during August, the full balance will be charged 14 days before arrival. If you book less than 14 days before arrival, the full amount will be charged within 24 hours of booking.

Once payment has been taken, no refunds will be given.

-- Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) Bookings --

For any bookings over Hogmanay (New Year's Eve), the full balance will be charged on 1st December. If you book after 1st December, the full amount will be charged within 24 hours of booking.

Once payment has been taken, no refunds will be issued.

-- No-Shows --

If you do not arrive on your booked arrival date, you will be charged according to our cancellation policy.

Your reservation will then be cancelled unless you have notified us directly of your late arrival.