Edinburgh Central
About About this youth hostel
Edinburgh Central offers contemporary hostel accommodation in the heart of the city, close to major transport links and ideally positioned for exploring Scotland's capital. The hostel offers a wide variety of private rooms and shared dorm accommodation making it a perfect base for couples, families and solo travellers looking to explore and enjoy Scotland’s capital city on a budget. All rooms have en-suite facilities and individual lockers.
The hostel’s welcoming and vibrant communal spaces are perfect for relaxing and socialising. Our Café Bar is open from 7am to 11pm daily offering a wide selection of delicious food and drink. WiFi is free for all guests and other facilities include: a small but well-equipped guest kitchen, meeting rooms, laundry, secure bike storage and a luggage store 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 more information on the hostel, accessibility and the local area please click here
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel


Facilities & Services
Season
Open all year
Reception Hours
Open 24 hours
Check in
16:00 - 23.00
Check out
07.00 - 10:00
Access Hours
We are happy to welcome you. Subject to availability: early check-in and late check out may be available for an extra £10 per room
Amenities
Free Wifi
Secure Lockers
Towel Hire
Catering
Games Room
Pool Table
Lounge/TV Room
En Suite Rooms
Family Rooms
Guest Kitchen
Laundry Room
Alcohol Licence
Bike Store
Cafe
Suitable for Groups
Private Rooms
Shopping Nearby
Parking - Charges Apply (nearby or onsite)
Free Tea and Coffee in Guest Kitchen
Guest Reviews
28/03/2025
The Staff are really nice and amenable. Everything you need is within walking distance. Nice kitchen and Dining Room.Terry
28/03/2025
The Staff are really nice and amenable. Everything you need is within walking distance. Nice kitchen and Dining Room.Terry
22/03/2025
Worth the price, extremely central area. Would definitely use againJanice
22/03/2025
Worth the price, extremely central area. Would definitely use againJanice
22/03/2025
Worth the price, extremely central area. Would definitely use againJanice
17/03/2025
All good. Location a winner. Bath U13 mini rugby tour.Bath U13 rugby.
17/03/2025
All good. Location a winner. Bath U13 mini rugby tour.Bath U13 rugby.
15/03/2025
gooddave osborn
15/03/2025
gooddave osborn
15/03/2025
gooddave osborn
14/03/2025
Five out of fiveYes
14/03/2025
Five out of fiveYes
14/03/2025
Everything is good. I couldn't recommend it more!Stanley C
14/03/2025
Everything is good. I couldn't recommend it more!Stanley C
10/03/2025
Really enjoyed it, the modernisation has enhanced the stay.Justin
10/03/2025
Really enjoyed it, the modernisation has enhanced the stay.Justin
10/03/2025
Really enjoyed it, the modernisation has enhanced the stay.Justin
10/03/2025
Having enjoyed our previous stay at this Hostel, my colleague and I made the suggestion that it would be good if Edinburgh could ‘mirror' Glasgow's system used to dispense ‘cereals' & do away with the ‘small' cartons. We were delighted that this has been implemented. In addition to the very comfortable beds & hot showers, this has been a most excellent experience.Sandy
10/03/2025
Having enjoyed our previous stay at this Hostel, my colleague and I made the suggestion that it would be good if Edinburgh could ‘mirror' Glasgow's system used to dispense ‘cereals' & do away with the ‘small' cartons. We were delighted that this has been implemented. In addition to the very comfortable beds & hot showers, this has been a most excellent experience.Sandy
09/03/2025
I had a comfortable relaxing stay, & it was handy for my venues.Mags
09/03/2025
I had a comfortable relaxing stay, & it was handy for my venues.Mags
07/03/2025
I would recommend this hostel to anyone looking for clean, comfortable basic accommodation. The hostel staff are very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is friendly and respectful amongst the other guests.Yes
07/03/2025
I would recommend this hostel to anyone looking for clean, comfortable basic accommodation. The hostel staff are very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is friendly and respectful amongst the other guests.Yes
02/03/2025
Very friendly / safe modern clean and relaxed with everything you need and well located. Even though I'm nearly 60 .. it's never to late to start Youth Hostelling It's an experience not just a stay.I'm new to Youth hostels having always assumed I'm too old Turns out age is just a number You are as young and adventurous as you feel and a Youth hostel is the best place to be in to explore a new city ,to feel safe and meet new people and explore Edinburgh. Great friendly staff/ team ??????Kate
02/03/2025
Very friendly / safe modern clean and relaxed with everything you need and well located. Even though I'm nearly 60 .. it's never to late to start Youth Hostelling It's an experience not just a stay.I'm new to Youth hostels having always assumed I'm too old Turns out age is just a number You are as young and adventurous as you feel and a Youth hostel is the best place to be in to explore a new city ,to feel safe and meet new people and explore Edinburgh. Great friendly staff/ team ??????Kate
02/03/2025
Very friendly / safe modern clean and relaxed with everything you need and well located. Even though I'm nearly 60 .. it's never to late to start Youth Hostelling It's an experience not just a stay.I'm new to Youth hostels having always assumed I'm too old Turns out age is just a number You are as young and adventurous as you feel and a Youth hostel is the best place to be in to explore a new city ,to feel safe and meet new people and explore Edinburgh. Great friendly staff/ team ??????Kate
02/03/2025
Great location and friendly and helpful staff. Will definitely stay again. ThanksMorag Smith
02/03/2025
Great location and friendly and helpful staff. Will definitely stay again. ThanksMorag Smith
02/03/2025
Great location and friendly and helpful staff. Will definitely stay again. ThanksMorag Smith
27/02/2025
Edinburgh Central Hostel is clean, comfortable and centrally located. The staff are all very friendly and helpful and go the extra mile for you. It's basic but very affordable and I enjoyed my stay there. I would stay here again and recommend it to anyone looking for good quality budget accommodation in Edinburgh.Nicole S
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).