High Street Hostel

Stay green- we are completely carbon neutral. Enjoy our easy-going vibe in our character-filled, city-center, historic hostel - dating back to 1564! - yet leave no carbon footprint. We offer Edinburgh's most environmentally friendly backpacker hospitality, and pretty cool with it!

High Street Hostel is Edinburgh’s original independent backpacker’s hostel, (open since 1985). Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town just off the historical Royal Mile, (midway between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace). The 400yr old building offers lots of character as well as offering a fun, chilled out atmosphere for the weary traveler.

Located centrally we are only 5-10 minutes from the Edinburgh castle, Princes Street, Waverley train Station, the bus station, Holyrood Palace and the Grassmarket. The City’s wonderful night life also just round the corner.

Your room is cleaned daily, with a personal locker in most rooms including a safe for your peace of mind. Otherwise you have access to the receptions 24 hour safe. Our large self-catering kitchen is well stocked with everything you might need.

We have free wi-fi in our reception lounge, and internet access for a small charge. Our large lounge area enables you to sit and relax, chat with other travelers, or even have a game of pool.

Our friendly staff are always willing to answer questions about things to do in and around Edinburgh and Scotland. We are also able to help you book accommodation in one of our other hostels throughout Scotland. We are a Macbackpackers tour pickup and sale point.

Free, Free, Free
-Walking tour (Everyday)
-WI-FI
-Pub crawl (Thursday)
-Evening movie (Sunday-Wednesday)
-Lockers in rooms (£10 deposit)
-Bike storage
-Tea, coffee & Hot chocolate
-All bedding
-Use of the kitchen
-Advice on a wide range of things to do in and around Edinburgh and Scotland.

Here are some other things that we offer for a small charge:
-Laundry service £2.50
-Breakfast £1.90
-Long-term luggage storage
-Join us on our burger nights run every Friday and Sunday evening.
-Pool competition Sunday afternoon £0.50 entry fee with a first prize to be won.


Carbon Neutral/ environmentally friendly. Twelve years ago we bought A 75+ hectare woodland that absorbs more than the total CO2 emissions from fuel used in our hostel and also the other properties in our small MacBackpackers hostel and bus co chain. We also try our best to re-cycle everything (with your help) and our electricity is all sourced from renewable non-nuclear supplies. Stay with us for a great holiday and minimal environmental impact!

Scottish owned, Backpacker run.
No hidden charges
If you want to make a booking for more than 6 people we ask you to please contact us directly beforehand.
Please no Stag or Hen parties.
Minimum age to stay in this hostel is 18 years.
Please note that our bathrooms are unisex.
High Street Hostel 'Helping backpackers sleep together since 1985'.