Castle Rock Hostel

Come for the Castle, Stay for the Rock, Leave with New Pals! 🏰🤘
(18+, we are an Adults-Only Hostel)

Your Scottish adventure starts here - at one of Edinburgh city centre's most characterful backpackers' hostels, sitting right beneath the mighty Edinburgh Castle in the heart of the Old Town and steps from the world-famous Royal Mile. Experience our buzzing social atmosphere, daily social events, pub crawls, free walking tours, Cinema, and three cosy communal lounges. We're not usually the type to toot our own bagpipes, but we think you're bound to have a cracking visit to Edinburgh with us, whether you're a backpacker, student, city breaker, digital nomad, or just passing through. 🎒👫

Meet people, make memories and experience Edinburgh at your own pace, whether you're looking for new friends to explore the cobbled streets with, wanting to head out on the town and check out incredible live music and unforgettable nightlife, or relax at home in our expansive, laid-back and welcoming common areas. Plus, you'll be staying a stone's throw from some of the city's most popular sights, including Victoria Street, the National Museum of Scotland, the National Galleries, Princes Street, Dean Village and beyond. 🌆🏞️

Since 1997, we've been helping travellers of all stripes experience more of Scotland for less. You can get continental breakfast each morning for just £4, towel hire for £2, free lockers for every guest, and you can use our well-equipped communal kitchen to cook your own food. As one of our guests you also get exclusive discounts at 35+ restaurants, cafes, bars, tours and more across Edinburgh, just for booking a stay. Hoping to see the Scottish Highlands while you're here? Our in-house tour operator Macbackpackers will take you to the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Fort William, Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct and beyond. And if you ask nicely at 24/7 reception, we'll even tell you where to find our world-famous Scottish Highland Coos 🐮

You might have heard we occasionally have some rainy days in Scotland (less than you'd think, actually!), but we've got you covered. In our Main Lounge you'll find free tea & coffee 24/7, board games, jukebox and free pool table. Every Thursday night it transforms into the pre-party for our world-famous Free Backpackers' Pub Crawl, with Beer Pong boards and ice-breaker games for everyone. If you're looking for a more relaxed vibe, you can lay back in our Posh Lounge, truly fit for a king with views over the city and up to the Castle. Hang out in the Groove Lounge if you're keen on finding new bandmates, if you can strum a few chords, or if you're willing to listen to that guy playing an Oasis song. Head over to our Cinema Room for free movies every night, and an all-day movie marathon every Sunday. Some people say our hostel is like an Art Gallery, or a well-known wizarding Castle, and we like it that way 🧙🏳️‍🌈

There's chances to meet folk every day and night of the week - with a nightly Solo Traveller Meet-Up it's easier than ever to find new pals on the road. Head out on our Free Walking Tours led by local guides throughout the week, or let our volunteers take you for a night on the town in our regular Karaoke nights and Traditional Scottish Folk Dances, called 'Ceilidhs'. You'll be sure to have an unforgettable experience at Castle Rock! 💃🍻☕

To round all of that up for you, we've got:
- 18+ (Adults Only) mixed or female-only dorms and private rooms, where every guest gets their own locker for free during their stay.
- 24/7 reception where you can check in any time from 3pm, rent a towel for £2, borrow a hairdryer, or ask for tips about exploring the city.
- Free luggage storage for all of our guests on their day of check-in & check-out.
- Continental Breakfast served every morning for just £4, no reservation needed.
- Fully equipped self-catering kitchen open until midnight every night.
- 4 character-filled communal lounges with free tea & coffee, all open 24/7, and a Cinema Room open in the evenings.
- Free Wi-FI throughout the building for our guests.
- Daily Social Events & Activities to take part in.
- And an unbeatable location beneath Edinburgh Castle, right in the heart of the Old Town.