About

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.

***FOR GROUP BOOKINGS FOR MORE THAN 4 GUESTS YOU MUST CONTACT THE HOSTEL DIRECTLY***

WE HAVE A MINIMUM AGE OF 18 YEARS. Sorry - no children

We have a maximum stay of 7 nights sorry, no long-term accommodation.

Please bring a government-issued photo ID for the check-in.

This property has a 2 day cancellation policy. Failure to cancel within this time will result in a cancellation charge equal up to the first two nights of your stay. Different conditions apply for August and over Hogmanay!

- HOGMANAY (NEW YEAR'S EVE): For any bookings over Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) we will charge you the full amount on the 1st December. Should you book after the 1st December the whole amount will be charged within 24 hours after booking. Once this payment has been taken, no refunds will be issued.
- AUGUST: For any bookings for August we will charge you the full amount 14 days before arrival. Should you book less than 14 days before arrival the whole amount will be charged within 24 hours after booking. Once this payment has been taken, no refunds will be given.

If you do not show up on the date you booked for you will be charged according to our cancellation policy and your reservation will be cancelled unless you've notified us directly about your late arrival.

House Rules

Check In

15:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Free Luggage Storage
  • Luggage Storage
  • Fax Service
  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Housekeeping
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Reviews

9.0Superb(3524)
  • Value for Money
    9.0
  • Security
    9.7
  • Atmosphere
    8.1
  • Cleanliness
    8.8
  • Staff
    9.1
  • Location
    9.8
  • Facilities
    8.7
Stayed in Feb 2026
8.9
J
Julia
Female, 18-24, USA
safe and cozy. but little ventilation in the rooms making it quite stuffy.
Stayed in Feb 2026
6.6
H
Hasan
Male, 25-30, Turkey
Quiet and Ckean but It was boring
Stayed in Feb 2026
10
M
May
Female, 41+, Philippines
Location is perfect which is in the old town area. Amazing price for someone on a budget. Clean and comfortable bed and rooms. Cozy dining area, and common area. With hot and cold shower. Can cook food with available basic kitchen essentials. Friendly staff. And they have nightly activities which is amazing.
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Location

105 High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
0.9km from city centre
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Hostelworld says

Hostelworld travellers rate Royal Mile Backpackers very highly for its location and it?s little wonder why - it's located in the very centre of Edinburgh on the pedestrian section of the Royal Mile, close to the Castle and Waverly Train Station. Guests have told us it's "nice and cosy and full of character...this hostel really makes you feel at home". We like that the laid-back, friendly and helpful staff provide a number of thoughtful extras like shelves in the showers, hooks to hang clothes on and power sockets by each bed.