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8.3

1,855 reviews

Royal Mile Backpackers

Royal Mile Backpackers

105 High Street, Edinburgh, EH11SG, United Kingdom

Choose dates to view prices

Adults only

Free wifi

Tour desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Royal Mile Backpackers

Welcome to the Royal Mile Backpackers, Edinburgh’s perfect pitstop for adventurous souls! Nestled at 105 High Street, just a stone’s throw (0.4mi, to be exact) from the buzzing city center, this funky haven is ideal for those looking to explore all that the Scottish capital has to offer. With a starting price of only £12 per night, you can enjoy an affordable stay without skimping on the fun!

Get ready to mingle! The Royal Mile Backpackers is an adults-only retreat that boasts a vibrant atmosphere – perfect for meeting fellow travelers. Enjoy free Wi-Fi while you share stories and tips on your latest adventures. Don’t miss out on the live music and performances that keep the spirit of exploration alive; it’s a delightful touch that will make your evenings unforgettable. Plus, with a dedicated tour desk on hand, planning your next escapade in the city has never been easier!

Guests rave about the friendly vibe and convenient amenities that make Royal Mile Backpackers a beloved spot among the backpacking community. With over 1,500 reviews showcasing the charm and camaraderie found here, it’s clear why this spot is a favorite. So pack your bags and get ready for a spirited stay where every corner is buzzing with energy – you’re in for a treat!

At Royal Mile Backpackers, adventure is just a dormitory away! Choose your sleeping arrangement from a lively selection of dormitory options that cater to solo wanderers and groups alike. Whether you’re bunking in a cozy 10-bed female dormitory or a lively 8-bed mixed dormitory, you’re bound to find a comfortable space to crash after a day of exploration. Each room accommodates two adults and one child, making it a fantastic choice for families venturing into the heart of Edinburgh. Who knows, you may even make a new friend or two while you’re at it!

As you wake up to the Scottish sun, grab a cup of coffee and prepare to chart your next adventure. The communal areas are buzzing with energy, making it the perfect spot to compare notes on which historic sites to visit or where to find the best haggis in town! Unleash your inner storyteller as you engage in lively chats with fellow travelers. And with free Wi-Fi available throughout the hostel, you'll have all the tools you need to share updates or post your latest Edinburgh selfies in real-time.

Ready to explore the world beyond? The tour desk at Royal Mile Backpackers is your ticket to an unforgettable experience in the city. Take a peek at the local tours available, from haunted history walks to captivating day trips. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or cultural experiences, these expertly organized activities ensure that every moment spent in Edinburgh is remarkable. Embark on a journey that you’ll eagerly recount for years to come!

Closest airports

Edinburgh Airport

7.1mi

Dundee Riverside Airport

35.3mi

Glasgow Airport

48.5mi

Most popular amenities

Adults only

Free wifi

Tour desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Rooms

Bed in 10-Bed Female Dormitory Room in Royal Mile Backpackers

Show 5 photos

Dormitory, 10 Bed, Female Only

1 Bunk Bed

195 sqft

City view

Shower

+

More details

A bunk bed in a female-only dorm with lockers and shared bathroom.

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in Royal Mile Backpackers

Show 5 photos

Dormitory, 4 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

110 sqft

City view

Shower

+

More details

Rooms are 10 square yards.

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in Royal Mile Backpackers

Show 4 photos

Dormitory, 8 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

170 sqft

City view

Shower

+

More details

A bunk bed in a mixed dorm with lockers and shared bathroom.

Guest reviews

8.3

1,855 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇿

Adi

9.1

August 2025

My friend and I were wanting cheap accommodation in Edinburgh, and you can't get more value for money then backpacker accommodation. Located on the Royal Mile so a fantastic location to explore cental Edinburgh. Royal Mile Backpackers organize lots of activities for guests, so if you're travelling on your own, would be a great way to meet people.

I'm not sure if they had the option of smaller dorm rooms. By the time I booked there was only mixed 8 bed dorms available. Or maybe I'm just getting too old / fussy to stay in a backpacker - I did turn 60 this year! Although it was noisy being on the Royal Mile, I found the street noise to be oddly hypnotic. I can't say the same for the snoring - but then, I probably snored too!

🇵🇱

Jasonmckenzie

10

July 2025

Royal Mile Backpackers was better than I had expected, especially given its location on the busiest tourist street in Edinburgh. I thought it would be insanely noisy, but in fact we had the window open in the dorm room every night, and while there was street noise, it wasn’t anywhere near enough to keep anyone awake. The pubs and attractions are all within a 5-minute walk, and the hostel itself organises so many activities and events that it is impossible to be bored or not make at least a half dozen new friends during your stay. The staff is AMAZING, friendly, helpful, and so welcoming and everyone makes you feel at home during your stay. I loved staying here and I look forward to staying again in a couple of months on my return to Europe. WELL DONE!

Nothing could be better. It was a perfect stay.

🇷🇺

Ekaterina

9.1

February 2025

Everything was great and felt comfortable, cozy and safety like home! I thought it would be a big hostel but it was tiny, which was great for me. Very close to the train station and to all the landmarks I needed. Supermarkets are also close to the hostel as well as pubs. If you arrive early or check-out lately you can keep your luggage at the nearby hostel - I found it absolutely fine.

The only negative aspect was stairs to the hostel - I couldn`t lift my heavy luggage by myself but staff helped me with that. Thank you!

🇺🇸

Sarah

9.1

June 2025

The location is great: walking distance from Royal Mile, but also not right in the midst of the super-touristy part of the strip. The staff were super friendly and helpful, and there are great tips of access to different spots throughout the hostel. The bedding was also very comfy for a hostel! Also, extremely LGBTQ+ inclusive!

This is not on Royal Mile, just that it is a hostel, so you may get some guests who are a bit nosier/inconsiderate in making a lot of noise in the earlier AM, but the staff does a great job of putting up reminders to be quiet!

🇵🇱

Dhruv

8.2

July 2025

The hostle is nicely located only a few min walk from the train station on the famous Royal Mile street. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The hostle is well organised, clean and confortable. The staff even helped me with food recommendations, information regarding the buses, and view points in and around the city.

The very central location on the royal mile street makes the nights a bit uncomfortable due to all the pubs and bars nearby. We couldn't close the windows because it was too warm and opening them let in a lot of street noise. I used ear plugs but it was still a bit hard to fall asleep.

🇦🇺

Kiah

8.2

May 2025

The location was great, rooms were fun and the hostel had overall good vibes. When we arrived the lady on the desk was super friendly, accomodating and helpful which made us feel right at home. Had a very homely feel to it. Kitchen was great area and free towels ect was a great way to enjoy the stay.

The 2 ladies on the desk were lovely and so professional whenever we had interactions with them, However unfortunately we didn’t have the same experience with the other staff, they treated the hostel like it was their personal playground and made us feel uncomfortable a handful of times, cleaners coming in and blasting music when we were clearly sleeping & complaining about having to work their shifts in front of us.

🇬🇧

Vaishali

9.1

June 2023

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Royal Mile Backpackers Hostel during my visit to Edinburgh, and I must say it was an absolute delight! From the moment I stepped inside the hostel, I was greeted with warm smiles and a friendly atmosphere that made me feel right at home. First and foremost, the location of the hostel is outstanding. Situated right on the iconic Royal Mile, I was within walking distance of all the major attractions and landmarks. Whether it was exploring Edinburgh Castle, wandering through the charming streets of the Old Town, or visiting the vibrant bars and restaurants nearby, everything was conveniently accessible. The staff at the hostel deserves special mention. They were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and always ready to offer recommendations on places to visit and things to do in Edinburgh. Their passion for the city was infectious, and they went above and beyond to ensure every guest had an unforgettable experience. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, providing a cozy retreat after a long day of exploring the city. The common areas were spacious and inviting, perfect for socializing and meeting fellow travellers from all over the world. The hostel also offered a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their meals and save some money. One aspect that truly stood out to me was the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of the hostel. The communal areas were always buzzing with conversation, laughter, and shared experiences. It was incredibly easy to strike up conversations with fellow travellers, making for memorable connections and friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.

🇬🇧

Hildburg

10

May 2025

The friendly and welcoming service at the reception. The spacious and homely atmosphere of the reception area. The very comfortably bed and the soft bed linen. The individual lamp for reading. The cleanliness of the bathroom and showers. The spacious kitchen with a dining table and the equipment of the kitchen. The free offerings of tea and coffee. In the middle of the night I could make myself a breakfast before leaving for the airport. The start of the airport bus 100 is close by and in walking distance.

The stairs to the reception area and the bedrooms might be a challenge if you have heavy luggage.

🇮🇪

Phillipe

10

March 2025

I had a great time staying at Royal Mile Backpackers in Edinburgh. The location is unbeatable – right in the heart of the historic city center, close to everything. I was able to explore all the main attractions on foot, which made my trip even better. The staff were truly outstanding – super friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help. Everything I needed during my stay was provided at no extra cost, including towels, a hairdryer, and even earplugs, which was a nice touch. I stayed in the Gotham City room, which was spacious, bright, and well-ventilated. Each bed had its own power outlet, USB port, and individual light, which made things really convenient. Highly recommend this hostel to anyone visiting Edinburgh!

🇱🇺

June-si

9.1

May 2025

It has a welcoming cozy atmosphere. The facilities were generous. Especially, the kitchen! The staff was helpful and friendly and I like how they arrange luggage storage to make it convenient to explore the city as we arrived a bit early to the hostel. The key arrangement was convenient too as each of us got our own set of keys PLUS locker keys, which I haven’t seen before at other hostels I’ve been to so far.

The carpet flooring and the room could get very stuffy. The plug-in socket didn’t always work reliably and the lockers were a bit narrow but it’s still a great that they provide

Points of Interest Around Royal Mile Backpackers

Attractions

The Canongate

0.2mi

Greyfriars Kirk

0.3mi

Scottish National Gallery

0.3mi

Royal Scottish Academy

0.3mi

Royal Observatory

1.9mi

Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith

2.3mi

Rosslyn Chapel

6.6mi

Aberdour Castle

8.4mi

Forth Bridge

8.8mi

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

13.5mi

Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot

20.8mi

Falkland Palace and Garden

21.1mi

Melrose Abbey

30.4mi

Swilcan Bridge (Swilken Bridge)

30.9mi

St. Andrews Golf Course

31mi

Amenities of Royal Mile Backpackers

Adults only

Free wifi

Tour desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Stay rules - Royal Mile Backpackers

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property