Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
About About this youth hostel
We welcome the recent announcement by the Scottish Government on the responsible lifting of restrictions and are delighted to be able to plan for the re-opening of our self-catering kitchens from 1st November. Drying room facilities are now available at many of our hostels but we would ask you to please contact the hostel team directly to allow them to manage your access. The health, safety and wellbeing of our guests, employees and the communities in which we operate remains our main priority at this time. For more information on what to expect when staying with us please visit the FAQ's section of this website.
As you’ll appreciate, advice on Covid-19 is constantly changing and we would ask all our guests to continue to refer to Scottish Government guidelines and Transport Scotland advice on travel and social distancing when making their booking. Please remember, this guidance may be different in England and Wales.
Edinburgh Central offers 5 star VisitScotland accredited hostel accommodation in the heart of the city, close to major transport links and ideally positioned for exploring Scotland's capital.
Various room types are available from singles and family rooms to dorms with individual lockers. All are en-suite and premium rooms come with a TV, USB sockets and coffee making facilities.
Relax in the hostel’s welcoming vibrant spaces - perfect for eating, drinking and socialising. Enjoy the delicious range of food and drink offered in the restaurant and café bar (food served from 07.00-21.00 / bar open from 11.00 to 01.00). If you prefer to self-cater, there’s the option of a small but well-equipped guest kitchen. Or, if you’re looking for a little more privacy, rooms are also available to hire for functions, meetings and special events.
WiFi is free for all guests and other amenities include a laundry, a secure bike store and luggage storage for anyone arriving early and eager to head off right away to explore the city!
The hostel is just ten minutes on foot from Waverley railway station, the bus station and close to York Place tram stop. Parking near Edinburgh Central is possible, with on-street Pay & Display spaces in the surrounding area and at nearby Greenside Car Park (contact the hostel directly for more information).
For information on hostel accessibility please click here
We’re committed to delivering the highest levels of cleanliness. To find out more about our Cleanliness Commitment please click here.
Book with Confidence. To find out more about our Covid-19 Flexibility Guarantee, please click here.
Please note, there are currently road restrictions in place on Leith Walk due to the ongoing tram works. As a result there is limited access to the hostel by car.
Why stay?
- Central Location
- Great Breakfast
- Comfortable Private rooms
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
Open all year
Reception Hours
Open 24 hours
Check in
16:00 - 21.00
Check out
07.00 - 10:00
Access Hours
We are happy to welcome you at any time, though room access will only be available after 15:00. Early check-in and late check out available for an extra £10 per room (subject to availability)
Amenities
Free Wifi
Private Rooms
En Suite Rooms
Family Rooms
Suitable for Groups
Catering
Cafe
Alcohol Licence
Lounge/TV Room
Laundry Room
Secure Lockers
Luggage Store
Bike Store
Towel Hire
Shopping Nearby
Conference/Meeting Facilities
Free Tea and Coffee in Guest Kitchen
Suitable for Wheelchair Users
Access with limited mobility
Guest Reviews
19/10/21
The staff were fantastic. Very friendly, helpful and hard working. The hostel is in a great location for the centre of Edinburgh.John
18/10/21
Friendly staff at check in. Room clean and warm. Used before and will use again.Lorraine
17/10/21
Friendly and helpful staff. Great location. We had a private 6 bed room (2 adults and 3 kids). Plenty of space compared to other hostels we have used. Our room faced onto Leith Walk which was a little noisy however this didn't affect sleep. Everyone commented on how comfortable they found the beds and slept well. Warm and powerful shower.Marianne Bradley
17/10/21
A wonderful base from which to explore Edinburgh, comfortable, clean and great value. There is also a relaxed cafe/bar area which was great for chatting, chilling and hanging out.Kate
16/10/21
A comfortable hostel in a fantastic location with kind and informative staffJohn
14/10/21
It's a suberb location and excellent value for money. Room was spotless, bed very comfortable, surprisingly little noise from the street.Rona
04/10/21
Friendly and hospitable staff, central location, good food, excellent service.Zoltán
20/09/21
A great hostel, perfect location, friendly service and a fair price.Mark Twemlow
19/09/21
This is a modern hostel in an excellent location at the top of Leith Walk. Communal areas are excellent, as is the breakfast. Our room was large and at the back of the hostel, so very quiet. Most of the staff are excellent and friendly, overall we would highly recommend this Hostel.Rich&Sabine
18/09/21
Just had a great stay in Edinburgh Central YH. Clean, safe (in all respects, including COVID-19) and well fitted out.Cathy Ratcliff
14/09/21
Everything was fine, as usual :)Andrew Irvine
12/09/21
Very good value for a one night stop in Edinburgh in comfortable single en-suite room, with all facilities required, including generous breakfast. Welcoming and helpful staff on arrival and throughout stay.Hamish
11/09/21
Youth Hostel Edinburgh Central is very well located in City Center.Winfried Winterstein
07/09/21
Perfect in every wayIan J
31/08/21
Everything about our stay was excellent. We particularly enjoyed the hearty breakfasts which were delicious.Elizabeth
31/08/21
we had a very pleasant stay. the hostel is very well situatied , with only being a 10 minute walkand you are in the city.david and harriet watson
31/08/21
Our first stay in a Youth Hostel, but we were impressed. It is difficult to compare as, due to Covid restrictions, some facilities were unavailable but Covid safety was excellent. The room was basic but as we were out all day and so it was not required to be any more than it was. We were very impressed with the staff who were extremely friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. Breakfasts were amazing. Probably the best Full English and Continental that we have had!Vanessa
25/08/21
The staff were amazing; cheerful and helpful.Julia Dance
23/08/21
Great stay. We had 3 nights as a family of 6. We stayed in one of the ensuite family rooms. Everything was really good. Unfortunately we couldn't use the kitchen due to COVID restrictions but fully understandable. Ongoing tram works made parking nearby a little tricky but will be great when that's all completed.Simon
19/08/21
This hostel was great. It was in a good location and thanks to the friendly and helpful staff all was smooth. If you want to eat, go to Slumdog opposite.Paul
11/08/21
Absolutely great stay. Loved it! Clean rooms. Great beds and super location. Will return soon. Highly recommend.Saikat
11/08/21
It was just the city break we needed. Thank you allStuart Packer
08/08/21
Janet on reception was wonderful; very pleasant and willing to help.Matt
06/08/21
Really nice stuff and great location would recommend.Ross
04/08/21
Booked it for my 16 year old son and his friends,, they said it was awesome and it was a great way for them to have their first break on their own in a safe way.Richard Marsh
30/07/21
My daughter and I had a wonderful time in our family room. Location was ideal to explore Edinburgh.Till Geiger
30/07/21
We loved the seating areas and the atmosphere. The breakfast was great, especially the porridge with banana and cinnamon ??. The staff were kind and friendly and helpful ??.Belinda Edgeworth
23/07/21
A very enjoyable stay. Comfortable single room with view of Calton Hill. Very full breakfast. The hostel was a bit quiet and lacking in atmosphere but that was inevitable in the current situation.RB
16/07/21
Excellent. Very helpful staff, good local knowledge and activity suggestions. Clean, modern and spacious. Separate room,ensure and double bed.Mandn
06/07/21
The 6 bed dorm was affordable, clean and had adequate facilities. During check in the staff were helpful and we checked in quickly and easily. It is well situated to get into the centre of Edinburgh, I would stay here again.Scott
Reasons to visit
More than just Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to one of the world's most famous summer festivals. One of the UK's most popular tourist destinations, Edinburgh boasts a plethora of world-class visitor attractions including a number which are free: the National Museum of Scotland, Royal Botanic Gardens, Scottish National Gallery, St Giles Cathedral, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre. Many attractions also offer regular free guided tours.
From film locations to museums and galleries, fantastic shopping, a vibrant nightlife and fine or relaxed dining - you can even climb Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano! Add to this the spectacular surroundings of the majestic Lothians, or the opportunity to take a rail trip to the Scottish Borders, and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable break.
Whatever you're looking for Edinburgh has it in bundles and will have you coming back for more!
Some experiences not to be missed:
- Sunrise from Arthur's Seat
- The Forth Bridges and the new Queensferry Crossing
- Underground streets of Mary King's Close
- The Old Town and Royal Mile
- Lunch in the Grassmarket
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Palace of Holyrood
- The Elephant House Café (famous from the Harry Potter films)
- Take in a free performance at the 'Fringe Festival'
- Whisky tastings!
Look out for free walking tours including: 'Old Town Tour ' and the 'Potter Trail' (muggles welcome).
