About

Edinburgh's original backpackers hostel. We offer a fun, friendly, comfortable, easy-going historic place seconds from the Royal Mile right in the heart of the centre of Edinburgh. Backpackers, budget travellers, students, explorers, revellers and friendly folk are all welcome to experience the best of our beautiful and historic city. Open year-round, we offer up daily events for travellers to come together and make the most of being right in the middle of it all. We are an 18+ hostel, no children are allowed to stay at any time.

Alongside our awesome vibe, we have two comfortable lounges, a kitchen, and terrace in a building that was once the mansion of the Earl of Morton, the right-hand man of the King of Scotland. We offer a laundry service for £5, breakfast every morning for just £4, towel hire for £2 and more in both our communal dormitory and private rooms. There's free luggage storage on the days that you check in & out, and we have a 24/7 reception so you can arrive to the building at any time, and check in any time after 3pm. Since 1986, we've been the original choice for travellers to explore Scotland's compact, beautiful and hilly capital city.

House Rules

Check In

15:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Adaptors
  • Jobs Board
  • Luggage Storage
  • 24 Hour Reception
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Reviews

9.2Superb(9173)
  • Value for Money
    9.1
  • Security
    9.4
  • Atmosphere
    9.1
  • Cleanliness
    8.7
  • Staff
    9.5
  • Location
    9.8
  • Facilities
    8.8
Summary of traveller reviews

High Street Hostel in Edinburgh boasts an unbeatable central location, perfect for exploring the city. Guests praise the friendly and helpful staff, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent communal areas, especially the well-equipped kitchen. It's ideal for solo travellers and those seeking a social experience.

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Stayed in Aug 2026
10
A
Anonymous
Male, 31-40, Romania
This Hostel has to be hands down in the top 3 from my whole 22 years of experiences with Hostels all over the planet. It has absolutely everything one needs, conveniently located, and staff is 5 big stars ⭐. I could write more praising, but it would be too much
Stayed in Aug 2026
7.4
A
Abigail
Female, 41+, England
No sleep as people are coming and going all night, its a spot to leave your things and lie down but sleep? No.
Stayed in Aug 2026
8.3
A
Anonymous
Male, 41+, USA
Great location and easy going atmosphere. I’d stay there shain
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Location

8 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
0.9km from city centre
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Hostelworld says

We're proud to say that High Street Hostel has been with Hostelworld for more than a decade, and it's little wonder why, as one guest said, they have a "top location right off the Royal Mile, very friendly and helpful staff, great steady beds, hot showers at every time of the day, free Wi-Fi...what more can you wish for?!" We like that they also have a high standard of security, with free lockers and safes and staff on-hand 24 hours a day. Many of our users say they'd stay here again.