🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: GBP 70/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: May, Jun, Aug

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Quick Answer

Stay in Leith

Provides more affordable accommodation and dining options while still offering a vibrant local scene and good transport links.

See full Edinburgh neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Edinburgh

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

Leith

Bustling waterfront area with a maritime heritage, trendy restaurants, and a creative arts scene.

Our top picks in Leith

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Malmaison Edinburgh City$$$

Boutique hotel in a former church with a lively bar and restaurant.

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Fingal$$$$

A luxury floating hotel permanently berthed in Leith, offering a unique experience.

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Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront$$

Reliable and affordable option with good views of the waterfront.

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🛡️ Generally safe, especially aro...Mid-rangefoodiesbudget

View Hotels in Leith

Stockbridge

Charming village feel with independent boutiques, artisan cafes, and a lovely riverside walk.

Our top picks in Stockbridge

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The Raeburn$$$

Stylish boutique hotel with a popular gastropub and rooms overlooking Dean Gardens.

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Fingal$$$$

A luxury floating hotel permanently berthed in Leith, offering a unique experience.

Book Now

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Kimpton Charlotte Square$$$

Elegant hotel around a private garden square, with a great spa and dining options.

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🛡️ Very safe day and night; a pea...Mid-rangecouplesfoodies

View Hotels in Stockbridge

Old Town

Historic and atmospheric, this is the heart of medieval Edinburgh with its famous Royal Mile.

Our top picks in Old Town

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The Witchery by the Castle$$$$

Luxurious, gothic-inspired suites offering an opulent experience.

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The Balmoral Hotel$$$$

Iconic landmark hotel with a famous clock tower and elegant rooms.

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh$$$

Modern hotel with excellent amenities located right on the Royal Mile.

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🛡️ Generally safe during the day,...Luxuryfirst-timersculture

View Hotels in Old Town

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

Neighbourhood	Budget	Vibe	Best For
#1Leith	Mid-range	Bustling waterfront area with a maritime heritage, trendy restaurants, and a creative arts scene.	foodiesbudget
Old Town	Luxury	Historic and atmospheric, this is the heart of medieval Edinburgh with its famous Royal Mile.	first-timersculture
New Town	Luxury	Elegant Georgian architecture, high-end shopping, and a sophisticated urban atmosphere.	luxurycouples
Stockbridge	Mid-range	Charming village feel with independent boutiques, artisan cafes, and a lovely riverside walk.	couplesfoodies

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Find budget-friendly hostels in Edinburgh

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Edinburgh

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Edinburgh. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in Edinburgh

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Browse on GetYourGuide

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Edinburgh

Leith

Mid-range

Bustling waterfront area with a maritime heritage, trendy restaurants, and a creative arts scene.

foodiesbudgetnightlifedigital nomads

+Vibrant and diverse food scene
+More affordable than central Edinburgh
+Good transport links to the city center

-Not within walking distance of major historic sites
-Can feel a bit industrial in parts

🏨 Malmaison Edinburgh City 🏨 Fingal 🏨 Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront

Old Town

Luxury

Historic and atmospheric, this is the heart of medieval Edinburgh with its famous Royal Mile.

first-timersculturefoodiesnightlife

+Incredible history and architecture
+Central location for sightseeing
+Abundant pubs and restaurants

-Can be very crowded, especially in peak season
-Steep streets and many stairs can be challenging

🏨 The Witchery by the Castle 🏨 The Balmoral Hotel 🏨 Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh

New Town

Luxury

Elegant Georgian architecture, high-end shopping, and a sophisticated urban atmosphere.

luxurycouplesfoodiesculture

+Beautiful neoclassical architecture
+Excellent shopping and dining options
+Easier to navigate than Old Town

-Can feel less historic than Old Town
-Can be more expensive

🏨 The George Hotel 🏨 The Raeburn 🏨 Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Stockbridge

Mid-range

Charming village feel with independent boutiques, artisan cafes, and a lovely riverside walk.

couplesfoodiesculturedigital nomads

+Relaxed, local atmosphere
+Excellent independent shops and eateries
+Beautiful Water of Leith walkway

-Further from main tourist attractions
-Can be pricier for dining

🏨 The Raeburn 🏨 Fingal 🏨 Kimpton Charlotte Square

Daily Budget (Budget)

GBP 70/day

Castle Rock Hostel dorm bedGBP 25

Sausage roll and coffee from GreggsGBP 5

Fish and chips from The Witchery by the Castle (takeaway)GBP 15

Walking and occasional Lothian Buses single ticketGBP 5

Explore the Royal Mile and Greyfriars KirkyardGBP 0

Hike up Arthur's SeatGBP 0

Visit the National Museum of ScotlandGBP 0

Free walking tour of Old TownGBP 10

See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Edinburgh

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Victoria Street

FREE

This charming, curving street with its colourful buildings is often compared to Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. It's packed with independent boutiques, quirky shops, and delightful cafes, perfect for a leisurely browse.

streetOld Town

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Stockbridge Market

FREE

Experience the vibrant local atmosphere at this Sunday market, offering a fantastic array of artisan foods, crafts, and vintage treasures. It's the perfect place to sample local produce and mingle with residents.

marketStockbridge

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Edinburgh

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Edinburgh Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Edinburgh on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details

Edinburgh Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Edinburgh with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details

Best of Edinburgh: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Edinburgh's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details

Day Trip from Edinburgh: Scenic Excursion

Escape Edinburgh for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details

Local cultural experience and traditions

Edinburgh Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Edinburgh's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Edinburgh

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1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Edinburgh

Backpackers in Edinburgh: FAQ

What is the best area in Edinburgh for backpackers?

Leith is our top pick for backpackers in Edinburgh. Bustling waterfront area with a maritime heritage, trendy restaurants, and a creative arts scene. It is a mid-range area known for foodies, budget, nightlife.

Is Edinburgh safe for backpackers?

Edinburgh is rated "Safe" overall. Most areas are safe at night, but stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially in the Old Town where pubs can get rowdy. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist spots. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.

How much does it cost per day in Edinburgh for backpackers?

Expect to spend around GBP 70 per day in Edinburgh as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.

When is the best time for backpackers to visit Edinburgh?

The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.

Where are the cheapest hostels in Edinburgh?

The most affordable hostels in Edinburgh are typically found in Leith. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More Edinburgh Guides

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