Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

EN

Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh

High Street Hostel - Over 18S Only, Backpackers Atmosphere (Adults Only)

An adults-only, backpackers-style hostel on Blackfriars Street, a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

  • Adults-only atmosphere for a focused social scene
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas and 24-hour reception
  • Shared kitchen, lounge, and terrace for guest use
8.4 Great 2394 reviews Booking.com 8.4 · 2394 reviews

About

High Street Hostel - Over 18S Only, Backpackers Atmosphere (Adults Only)

High Street Hostel is an adults-only hostel with a backpackers atmosphere, located on Blackfriars Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The property is a 6-minute walk from The Real Mary King's Close and close to Edinburgh Castle.

Guests can relax on the terrace, use the shared kitchen, and socialize in the leisure/TV room. The hostel offers luggage storage, 24-hour reception, and a range of dormitory and private rooms.

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Central Old Town location — Set on Blackfriars Street, it's a short walk from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
  • High staff ratings — Guests consistently highlight the helpful and friendly staff, with a Staff category rating of 9.2.
  • Social and well-equipped common spaces — A shared kitchen, lounge/TV room, billiard tables, and board games encourage meeting other travelers.
  • Secure storage and 24-hour access — Luggage storage, lockers, and 24-hour reception/security give flexibility for early arrivals or late explorations.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Noise from hallways — One guest noted minor noise from the hallway, which may affect light sleepers.
  • Adults-only policy — The hostel does not accept guests under 18, which may not suit families or younger travelers.
  • Shared bathroom facilities — Most rooms are dormitories with shared bathrooms, which may not appeal to those seeking private en-suite options.
  • No on-site parking — No parking is listed, so guests arriving by car will need to use public parking nearby.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Standard Shared Bathroom Twin Room

  • 2 Bunk beds,1 King-size bed

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

10 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • 24-hour reception
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only

Services

  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Common Areas

  • Terrace
  • Shared kitchen
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Board games
  • Billiard tables

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.4
Great 2394 reviews

Guest-rated 8.4/10 from 2,394 reviews

Booking.com · 8.4 · 2394 reviews
8.4Verified guest

“We had a really good stay at High Street Hostel. The staff were helpful and accommodating, especially the manager Andy. The location was excellent, right on the Royal Mile, making it easy to explore the city. The rooms were comfortable and clean, and the shared facilities were well-maintained. We also enjoyed the affordable and delicious breakfast. It was a great place to stay in the heart of the city. Cons: Nothing for me.”

8.4Verified guest

“Clean rooms, central location, helpful staff, spacious common areas, well-equipped kitchen, and free tea/coffee.”

8.4Verified guest

“The staff were laid back and helpful, creating a fun and friendly atmosphere. The facilities were clean and well-maintained, including the toilets and showers. The large kitchen and lounge area were convenient for socializing and cooking meals. I would definitely recommend this hostel for a great stay in the heart of the city.”

8.4Verified guest

“Friendly female receptionist, lockers with mini safe, animal kingdom assigning system, compact beds, convenient location near the train station, traditional building. Nice staff, cheap towel rental, good kitchen and rooms, chargers near every bed, youth atmosphere, central location with bus stop to the airport. Great location, quiet at night, decent room, storage facilities, beds with light and outlet, spacious and clean rooms. Big shared kitchen, common room with computer and books, bag storage, printing available, spacious rooms with sockets and lights, separate shower and toilet. Breakfast available with cereals, milk, toast, jam, butter, fruits.”

8.4Verified guest

“I recently stayed at High Street in Edinburgh for a few nights and had a fantastic experience. The hotel had spacious rooms and bathrooms, as well as helpful and friendly staff. The breakfast was delicious and the atmosphere was great. I especially loved the unique shower design and the fish tank in the lobby. It was a wonderful stay and I will definitely be returning in the future.”

8.4Verified guest

“Just off the Royal Mile, there were plenty of historic sites, great pubs, and restaurants nearby. The staff was super helpful and friendly, making sure I had everything I needed. The beds were comfy and the bathrooms were clean. The hostel had a spacious kitchen with all the amenities for cooking.”

04 — Location

Getting around Edinburgh

The property sits in Edinburgh.

Old Town: The hostel sits on Blackfriars Street in the Old Town, minutes from the Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle is within a short walk, and The Real Mary King's Close is about 6 minutes away.

Getting around: Edinburgh Waverley train station is within easy reach, and a bus stop to the airport is nearby, according to guest reviews.

8 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
120 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00.

Is breakfast available at the hostel?

Yes, breakfast is available for a small fee, with options like cereals, milk, toast, jam, butter, and fruits, according to guest reviews.

Does the hostel allow pets?

No pets are allowed on the property.

Is there parking at the hostel?

No on-site parking is listed. Guests arriving by car may need to use public parking nearby.

Are there luggage storage facilities?

Yes, the hostel offers luggage storage, and some reviews mention early luggage drop-off.

The bottom line

High Street Hostel delivers a well-rated, social backpacker experience in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. It's a strong pick for solo travelers and groups who prioritize location, value, and a lively atmosphere over quiet luxury.

8.4Who it's for and who might look elsewhere

Ready to book High Street Hostel - Over 18S Only, Backpackers Atmosphere (Adults Only)?

Tap through and we’ll open our booking partner’s site, with live prices and availability for your exact dates.

No payment on this site — you complete the booking on our partner’s site.