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Royal Mile Backpackers Hostel Edinburgh People photoRoyal Mile Backpackers Hostel Edinburgh Interior photoRoyal Mile Backpackers Hostel Edinburgh Interior photo

Royal Mile Backpackers in Edinburgh: Photos and Reviews

8.4|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$32 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
29Oct
Check-out
30Oct
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

105 High Street, Edinburgh, EH11SG
-
Steps from the Old Town
Great
8.4
/10
4.3
4.6
/5

Royal Mile Backpackers: Adults-only hostel on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, 5 minutes' walk from Edinburgh Station

Location & Landmarks

Royal Mile Backpackers stands on the Royal Mile, 5 minutes' walk from Edinburgh Station and less than 10 minutes from Edinburgh Castle. The hostel is surrounded by bars, cafés and restaurants, and sits close to the University of Edinburgh. Holyrood Park, home of Arthur's Seat, is a little over 10 minutes' walk away; Grassmarket and Princes Street are 6-8 minutes away.

Dormitories & Rooms

Royal Mile Backpackers' mixed and female dormitories have bunk beds and lockers, and each bed has a reading light and plug sockets. Rooms are themed after films such as Harry Potter, Trainspotting and Gotham City, with beds and lockers named after characters. Royal Mile Backpackers is adults only, and hairdryers, adaptors and free towels are available.

Kitchen, Lounge & Dining

The shared kitchen at Royal Mile Backpackers stays open 24 hours a day and has free tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Guests can buy a continental breakfast at the hostel and use discount vouchers for local food retailers. The lounge at Royal Mile Backpackers has a fireplace, board games and a shared TV.

Services & Safety

Royal Mile Backpackers has a female-only and a mixed bathroom with hot showers and toilets, plus daily housekeeping and laundry services. Luggage storage and a tour desk are on site, and bicycle storage is available at the High Street Hostel across the road. Royal Mile Backpackers' safety systems include CCTV in common areas, a security alarm, fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

Highlights

Location: Royal Mile, 5 minutes' walk from Edinburgh Station

Rooms: Film-themed adults-only dormitories with reading lights and lockers

Facilities: 24-hour kitchen, lounge with fireplace and board games

Dining: Continental breakfast, free tea, coffee and hot chocolate

Activities: Evening entertainment, pub crawls, walking tours

Services: Free towels, hairdryers, adaptors and luggage storage

Safety: CCTV, security alarm, fire extinguishers and smoke alarms

Must-do experiences

  • Take a ghost tour down the Royal Mile after dark for spooky tales.
  • Try haggis at The Royal McGregor for an authentic Scottish meal.
  • Visit the hidden Dunbar's Close Garden for a peaceful retreat.
  • Explore the Scottish National Museum for fascinating exhibits.
  • Join a whisky tasting session at The Scotch Whisky Experience nearby.

Select your room type

Royal Mile Backpackers offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    10 m²
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Bed 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    16 m²
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Bed 10-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 Bunk bed
    Heating
    Shower

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Royal Mile Backpackers offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Adults only
  • Locker room
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Karaoke
  • Live entertainment
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Royal Mile Backpackers Location

105 High Street, Edinburgh, EH11SG
Map view
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
290 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
290 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
290 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
290 m
Monument
Scott Monument
290 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
290 m
32 Calton Hill
Nelson Monument
470 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
290 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
290 m
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
290 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
290 m
Museum
John Knox House
290 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
290 m
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
290 m
Church
Mercat Cross
170 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
290 m
Public Building
The Scottish Parliament
470 m
Restaurants
Cafe Edinburgh
90 m
Royal Mile
The Baked Potato Shop
180 m
56 Cockburn Street
The Tron
180 m
9 Hunter Square
Starbucks Royal Mile
140 m
124 High Street
Story Cafe
140 m
43-45 High Street
The Storytelling Cafe
100 m
Edinburgh 43-45 High Street
Gannet and Guga
280 m
3 East Market Street Arch 2
Tempting Tattie
190 m
18 Jeffrey Street
Explore Edinburgh
Local Experiences Near Royal Mile Backpackers
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
4 minutes walking
Engaging exhibits on Scottish history and culture. Free admission with stunning architecture and interactive displays.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
15-minute walk
Iconic fortress with rich history and panoramic views of the city. Explore the Crown Jewels and historical exhibits.
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
4 minutes walking
Historic street connecting the castle to the palace. Lined with shops, street performers, and local culture.
Scotch Whisky Experience
15-minute walk
Interactive exhibit on whisky production. Guided tours include tastings of premier Scotch whiskies.
Arthur's Seat Hike
30 minutes walking
Challenging hike with breathtaking views of the city. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Relaxing at The Meadows
20 minutes walking
Lush park ideal for picnics, walking, or a casual stroll. Great spot for relaxation amidst nature.
Cafe Edinburgh
Cafe Edinburgh
2 minutes walking
Cozy café serving local favorites and international dishes. Known for its delicious pastries and relaxed atmosphere.
The Baked Potato Shop
The Baked Potato Shop
3 minutes walking
Casual dining spot famous for its loaded baked potatoes. Offers vegetarian and vegan options with fresh ingredients.
The Tron
3 minutes walking
Historic pub with a vibrant atmosphere, offering live music and a great selection of drinks. Perfect for an enjoyable evening.
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
4 minutes walking
Victorian gothic monument featuring an observation deck. Offers stunning views of the city and is great for family outings.
Getting around Scotland
  • City Centre
    Edinburgh 2 min  ·  100 m
  • Airports
    Edinburgh (EDI) 21 min  ·  13.7 km
    Glasgow (GLA) 133 min  ·  88.4 km
  • Train
    Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 4 min  ·  300 m
  • Bus
    Bus stop 4 min  ·  300 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Royal Mile Backpackers from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Central location
Friendly staff
Clean bathrooms
Comfortable beds
Cons
Poor ventilation
Noisy rooms
Slow drain
Guest reviews
based on 1944 reviews
8.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About Royal Mile Backpackers
Can I expect a quiet atmosphere during the night hours?
20 November 2024
While efforts are made to maintain a peaceful environment at night, being located on the bustling Royal Mile means some street noise may be unavoidable.
If I arrive late, can I still check in after the reception has closed?
12 January 2025
Late check-in is possible if notified in advance. Instructions for accessing your accommodation will be provided upon arrival.
Are towels and linens provided, and what are the costs associated with them?
3 March 2025
Towels can be borrowed for free at reception, and bed linens are included at no additional charge.
What options are available for breakfast, and when is it served?
15 February 2025
A continental breakfast is available for just £3, served from 07:30 to 10:30, featuring cereals, toast, fruits, and beverages.
Is there a way to store my luggage after I check out?
25 March 2025
Complimentary luggage storage is offered at a nearby sister hostel until 23:00 on the day of check-out.
Are there lockers available in the rooms for securing personal belongings?
10 April 2025
Every guest has access to a private locker within the dorms, with keys provided for convenience.
Is there a specific time I need to be back at the hostel at night?
18 June 2025
There is no curfew, but guests are encouraged to be considerate and keep noise levels down after 22:00.
Are there any organized events or activities during my stay?
5 May 2025
A variety of events like ceilidhs and pub crawls take place throughout the week, making it easy to socialize with other guests.
Is parking available on-site at the hostel?
23 April 2025
Currently, there is no parking available at the hostel. Alternative parking arrangements need to be explored nearby.
What dining options are there close to the hostel?
30 October 2024
The hostel's central location on the Royal Mile provides easy access to numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars.

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