The Best Hostels in Scotland for Backpackers and Students

The Best Hostels in Scotland for Backpackers and Students
Edinburgh | Glasgow | Stirling | Inverness | Isle of Skye | Scottish Highlands | Oban | Aberdeen | Glencoe | Pitlochry | Isle of Islay

Scotland is the second largest nation of the United Kingdom. The is Edinburgh and the largest city is Glasgow. Scotland has a lot to offer visitors in the form of beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and a fascinating culture. If you're traveling on a budget, there are hostels throughout the area that are affordable and fun places to stay.


An affordable and fun hostel for backpackers and budget travellers in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Dorm Bed from $24.91
Private Room from $36.90
Overall Rating: 95%
15 Johnston Terrrace, Edinburgh
Castle Rock Hostel is a favorite place to stay for backpackers in Edinburgh. It's one of the most popular hostels in the city, and there always seem to be people around that you can hang out with. The hostel is conveniently located very close to Edinburgh Castle and it's accessible to many popular places including the Royal Mile and the grassmarket.

The hostel is located in a building that dates back to 1846 and was converted to a hostel in 1997. The rooms are pleasant and the amenities are nice. There's a movie room, a patio, and friendly staff that can help you with anything you might need.

The hostel has a wide range of dorm options that sleep anywhere from four to sixteen people. There are also three and four bed private rooms available.


A fun party hostel in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Dorm Bed from $17.66
Private Room from $26.70
Overall Rating: 84%
Above Belushis Bar 9-13 Market Street, Edinburgh
With an on-site bar that often has live music, St Christopher's in Edinburgh is a fun place to stay. Head to the bar to meet other guests, watch sports, or listen to music. The hostel also has a variety of amenities available for guests including a continental buffet breakfast and discounts to nearby restaurants and bars. The hostel also has a lounge with comfortable places to sit and a large television.

St Christopher's is located just across the street from Waverley Train station. It's also near Princes Street, which offers some great shopping in Edinburgh. The atmosphere and the location make this is a great option if you're looking for an affordable but fun place to stay in town.


An affordable hostel for students, backpackers, and small groups of travellers in Glasgow, Scotland.

Dorm Bed from $31.42
Private Room from $31.86
Overall Rating: 90%
7/8 Park Terrace, Glasgow, Glasgow
There are surprisingly few great hostels in Glasgow, but Glasgow Youth Hostel is a decent option a bit outside of the city center. It's located in a Victorian townhouse in the historic West end of the city and is close to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It's also near Kelvingrove Park and is a significant walk to the city center.

The hostel has a nice lounge, tv room, and game room. There's also a shared kitchen available to guests and a dining room. If internet access is important to you, do take note that Wi-fi access is limited to the common space and isn't always the most reliable.

The hostel has eight bed dorms that are split by gender. There are also a wide variety of private rooms to choose from. These include singles, doubles, twins, and four or six bed rooms. There's also a six bed apartment available.


A quiet and safe hostel for backpackers and hikers outside of Stirling, Scotland.

Private Room from $22.29
Overall Rating: 91%
6 Bridgend Callander, Stirling
If you're planning to spend time hiking in the area, then Callander Hostel is a good option. It's located a bit outside of Stirling in the town of Callander. It's possible to take a bus into Stirling for a reasonable price. There's also on-site parking if you have your own vehicle.

The hostel is relatively small, with just five rooms in total. There are two eight bed dorms, one six bed dorm, and two twin private rooms. The hostel has a lovely garden area with barbecue facilities and a beer garden.

If you're hoping to relax in a peaceful setting, then Callander Hostel is a good option.


A quiet and affordable hostel for backpackers and students in Inverness, Scotland.

Dorm Bed from $45.36
Private Room from $18.05
Overall Rating: 95%
4 Culduthel Road Inverness, Inverness
Bazpackers Hostel is a basic but affordable hostel in Inverness. It's conveniently located right near Inverness Castle and is housed in an old Victorian townhouse that dates back to 1826. It's been a hostel since 1996 and is a small but pleasant place to stay. The hostel is about five minutes from the city center and has a variety of amenities available for guests. There's a small kitchen where guests can prepare their own food and a friendly staff that can help you with any questions you might have.

The hostel has both private rooms and dorms available. The private rooms include twins, doubles, and a four bed apartment. There are also dorms that sleep either four or six people with both co-ed and female only rooms to choose from.


An affordable hostel for climbers, hikers, and backpackers near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.

Dorm Bed from $45.58
Private Room from $42.65
Overall Rating: 89%
Great Glen Way Lochiel Crescent, Banavie, Fort William
Chase the Wild Good Hostel is a pleasant place to stay for a few days near Fort William. It's located at Banavie, which is close to the Caledonian Canal and a bit outside of Fort William. It's also close to the Lochy Bar and Moorings Hotel, which is a good option for meals and snacks. There's also a shared kitchen on-site where guests can prepare their own meals.

The hostel is basic but comfortable. There are 42 beds in total that are spread between doubles, twins, family, and dorm style rooms. The hostel can accommodate a variety of different travel types including solo travelers, backpackers, or small groups.


An affordable hostel for backpackers, students, or small groups of friends in Oban, Scotland.

Dorm Bed from $22.06
Overall Rating: 91%
Breadalbane Street, Argyll Oban, Oban
Oban Backpackers is a convenient place to stay with a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The hostel is located just a ten minute walk from the bus, train and ferry terminals. It makes a good base for exploring the area, whether you're going to spend some time here or you're just passing through.

The hostel has dorms that are comfortable and modern. The showers have plenty of hot water, and the shared kitchen is convenient if you want to prepare a meal. There's a living room where guests can hang out or play pool. The staff is also readily available to answer any questions you might have.

The hostel has dorms that sleep six, ten, or twelve people with female only, male only, and mixed rooms available.


A cabin that is popular with walkers and hikers near Glencoe Village.

Dorm Bed from $35.42
Private Room from $36.75
Overall Rating: 92%
Glencoe, Ballachulish, Glencoe
Glencoe Youth Hostel is a cabin not far outside of Glencoe Village. It's used mostly as a base for hikers and climbers and it makes a cosy place to spend a night or town. The hostel makes a good option for walkers headed up the Lost Valley or the Aonach Eagach, which ends at the hostel.

The hostel has family rooms and dorms available. There's also a kitchen and dining room that guests can use.


An affordable hostel for backpackers and students in Pitlochry, Scotland.

Dorm Bed from $25.40
Private Room from $25.40
Overall Rating: 94%
134 Atholl Road, PH16 5AB, Pitlochry
Pitlochry Backpackers is a friendly place to stay with a great common area. There's a movie lounge with sofas a dvds to choose from. There's also free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, and a pool table or musical instruments you can borrow if you want to hang out with other guests.

The hostel has a shared kitchen that guests can use and a supermarket is just a short walk away. Breakfast is also available for a small fee.

The are six double rooms, six twin rooms, and three four bed rooms available. There are also two five bed dorms, five six bed dorms, and one eight bed dorms.

If you're looking for someplace affordable and comfortable, then this is a good option.


An affordable hostel on the Isle of Islay.

Dorm Bed from $39.43
Private Room from $40.76
Overall Rating: 100%
Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay
This hostel is located in an old warehouse. It has nice sea views and a comfortable setting. The area has beaches, cliffs, RSPB Nature reserve, and the Museum of Island Life. There are also a variety of restaurants nearby. If you want to prepare your own meals, there's a shared kitchen that guests can use. There's also a television lounge with comfortable furniture.

The hostel has a few private rooms as well as dorms that sleep four or six people, split by gender.
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The Best Hostels in Scotland for Backpackers and Students | Budget Your Trip

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