19 Best Hostels in Scotland put on a map – The Guide to Backpacker and Family-Hostels

19 Best Hostels in Scotland put on a map - The Guide to Backpacker and Family-Hostels
Photo by Robert Bye

Welcome to a handpicked collection of all the best hostels in Scotland. In total, there is more than 100 hostels around Scotland. For us, this was quite surprising.

We narrowed it down to make things easier for you.

As always, we tracked down the coolest hostels in Scotland, and did the leg work for you. You will find many family-friendly hostels as well as fun backpacker hostels.

Looking for the best hostels in the world? Check out all 5 Star Hostels worldwide.

Are these the best Hostels in Scotland?

Yes!

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All featured backpacker accommodations are Eco-friendly, design driven, unique, social, and working with great hostel staff!

If you are into social, unique and design accommodations, this is your place to be! Many of the hostels in Scotland are perfect for families too.

That being said, a few hostels are adults-only and do not allow kids. Keep an eye on that!

Hot off the press: Check out our new guide to the 24 best hostels in Ireland and 14 best hostels in Iceland.

In this Backpacking Scotland guide we cover:

Below we included the map already. It will help you planning your backpacking Scotland and to get an orientation.

At least I love to use maps for better planning. Hope it is useful for you too.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🏰 Best Hostel in Edinburgh:CoDE Pod Hostels – THE LoFT
🌳 Best Hostel in Glasgow :Youth Hostel
πŸ‰ Best Hostel in Dundee:Dundee Backpackers Hostel
🏞️ Best Hostel in Inverness:Bazpackers
⛰️ Best for Nature-Lovers in Lochaber, Onich:Corran Bunkhouse
πŸŽ’ Best Hostel for Backpackers in Fort William:Fort William Backpackers
🌊 Best for Sea-Lovers in Anstruther: Murray Library Hostel
😍 Best Boutique Hostel in Edinburgh: The Baxter Hostel

Best Hostels in Edinburgh

Obviously you will be kicking off your Scotland trip in Edinburgh. Besides staying at a comfortable hostel, you should also explore this city at its best.

We wanna help you. So we wrote up this guide on fun things to do in Edinburgh – outside the tourist box.

The 3 best hostels in Edinburgh are:

  1. Castle Rock Hostel (top choice for backpackers)
  2. CODE Hostel (perfect for couples, solo travellers and digital nomads)
  3. The Baxter Hostel (number one for female solo travellers)

Full guide: the best hostels in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Budget Tips: Edinburgh budget travel guide.

1. Castle Rock Hostel

The Only-Adults Hostel in Edinburgh guarantees a good time for every backpacker.

The hostel has clear house rules. Some very important points:

  • Strictly 18+ only
  • No hen or stag parties
  • 7-night maximum stay
Book Castle Rock Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

One of the best hostels in Edinburgh Scotland: Castle Rock Hostel

2. CoDE Pod Hostels – THE LoFT (high tech modern design)

Is this the absolute coolest hostel in Edinburgh? We certainly think so!

CoDE Pod Hostels – THE LoFT is a modern design hostel in the New Town of Edinburgh. It is modern in the sense of design and technology as well.

There are no bunk beds at CoDE Pod Hostels – THE LoFT but fancy, modern pods which give you the privacy you’ve been waiting for when staying at a hostel.

Each pod has its own socket-outlet and lighting, so you can simply close your curtains to get your rest.

Those pods have the same idea behind as those popular capsule beds around Asia.

Book CODE Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

CoDE Pod Hostels – THE LoFT (high tech modern design)

3. The Baxter Hostel (custom built + quirky)

The Baxter Hostel, with its tartan wallpaper, ancient oak floors and traditional Georgian panelling is the perfect place to stay if you wish to dive into the Scottish spirit.

This custom built hostel wants you to laugh loudly, sleep deeply and quickly fall in love with Edinburgh.

That might be easier than you think!

The Baxter is the new kid in town, a luxury boutique hostel. There is not a lot of boutique hostels in Edinburgh, Scotland So consider this one a big score.

Looking more for backpacker options? Check our selection of 5 coolest backpacker hostels in Edinburgh.

Book The Baxter Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

The Baxter Hostel one of the best hostels in Edinburgh, UK
The Baxter Hostel

Best Hostels in Glasgow, Scotland: Youth Hostel

Glasgow Youth Hostel offers 4-star VisitScotland accredited accommodation in a Victorian townhouse overlooking Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow’s lively West End, close to award-winning Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, numerous cafes, restaurants and bars.

Read: a guide to the best hostels in Glasgow.

Book Youth Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Glasgow, Scotland: Youth Hostel

Best Hostels Stirling: Willy Wallace Hostel

Update: This hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.

Getting out of the cities, we recommend staying at one of the nicest backpacker hostels Scotland has to offer.

In Stirling you will feel like home at Willy Wallace Hostel. It is self-catering and comes with all facilities you need.

The staff really stands out here, ask them for things to do in the area. They know their things!

Best Hostels Stirling: Willy Wallace Hostel

Best Hostels in Callander, near Stirling: Callander Hostel

A warm welcome awaits you at Callander Hostel, not far from Stirling.

Situated in Callander and set within the gentle beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park we provide a unique hostel experience with free WiFi access throughout, free private onsite parking, 24-hour front desk, the hostel also features a shared guest lounge and a bistro.

Book Callander Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Callander, near Stirling: Callander Hostel

Best Hostels in Crianlarich: Youth Hostel

Great for groups, families and individual travellers and yet another Youth hostel.

Here you can choose between comfortable private rooms, some en-suite, to spacious shared accommodation. Clean, simple and straight-forward accommodation like you would expect from any great Youth Hostel.

Book Youth Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Crianlarich: Youth Hostel

Best Hostels in Oban: Oban Youth Hostel

The Youth hostel network in Scotland is well connected, and again in Oban our best hostel is from Youth Hostel.

Oban is known as β€œThe Gateway to the Isles” and the ferry port is just a 15-minute walk from the hostel.

The hostel is located at the sea side and we really love their actual building. In the morning you can enjoy your cup of coffee with an amazing sea view. Come down early to secure your spot at the window!

Book Oban Youth Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Oban: Oban Youth Hostel

Best Hostels in Lochaber, Onich: Corran Bunkhouse

Corran Bunkhouse is set in Lochaber near Onich, on the banks of Loch Linnhe. This charming property offers rooms set in a former bunkhouse with a steam room and kitchen.

Book Corran Bunkhouse here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Lochaber, Onich: Corran Bunkhouse

Best Hostels in Fort William: Fort William Backpackers

Fort William Backpackers is a charming Victorian building with a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The super experienced staffs knows how important it is to be able to relax after a hard day’s exploring, and this cosy hostel is the perfect place to re-charge your batteries and share the tales of your adventures.

One of the few real backpacker hostels in Scotland!

Book Fort William Backpackers here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Fort William: Fort William Backpackers

Best Hostels in Loch Ness: Great Glen Hostel

You are backpacking Scotland, and there is no way you can miss Loch Ness.

So here is the best hostel in Loch Ness, or better near Loch Ness.

Nestled between mountains and Lochs in the heart of the Great Glen, 15km north of Fort William and 6 km south of Loch Ness, the Great Glen Hostel is welcoming and comfortable place to stay when you’re touring the Highlands.

Both Urquhart and Eilean Donan castles are within an hour’s drive and are easy day trips from here.

Book Great Glen Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelz.com

Best Hostels in Loch Ness: Great Glen Hostel

Best Hostels in Inverness

Up in the North, in the town of Inverness you can find two cool backpacker places to stay:

  1. Black Isle Hostel
  2. Bazpackers
  3. Inverness Youth Hostel

Good To Know: We also got a detailed guide to the best hostels in Inverness.Β 

1. Black Isle Hostel

Featuring a shared lounge, Black Isle Hostel is situated in the Inverness City Centre. Anything is in walking distance. You can even walk from here to the castle.

The dorms are spacious and modern; that is a big plus!

Book Black Isle hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Inverness; Black Isle Hostel

2. Bazpackers in Inverness

Situated in Inverness, Bazpackers features BBQ facilities and free WiFi. Among the various facilities are a garden and a shared lounge.

Book Bazpackers in Inverness here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Bazpackers in Inverness

3. Inverness Youth Hostel

When you stay at Inverness Youth Hostel, you will be delighted by its location close to Loch Ness and its tranquil riverside setting. The building offers a cozy atmosphere with features like open fireplaces and big windows.

You can choose from dormitory rooms with 5 to 10 beds, and the helpful staff provide guests with complimentary tea, coffee, and cocoa.Β Additionally, you can enjoy live music events and socialize with other travelers.

Book Inverness Youth Hostel here

Check prices at:Β HostelworldΒ |Β Booking.comΒ |Β Hostelz.com

Inverness Youth Hostel Common Area Inverness Youth Hostel Room

Best Hostels in Isle of Skye, Scotland: Skyewalker Hostel

One of the most amazing hostel names in this world; no doubt!

A warm welcome awaits you at the award winning, family run Highland Skyewalker Hostel!

You can chose between 10 bed dorm and twin en suite rooms. The highlight is the Skyewalker Jedi Huts (listed as Deluxe Tent!)

Important: This hostel is not family-friendly. It is an adults-only hostel!

Read: The 3 best hostels in Isle of Skye.

Book Skyewalker Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Portsoy: The Sail Loft Bunkhouse

Located in Portsoy, just around 11 km from Banff, The Sail Loft features BBQ facilities, garden and shared lounge. Popular points of interest nearby include Delgatie Castle.

Just so you know: We consider The Sail Loft one of the 3 best hostels in Scotland! We love their bunk beds and especially the view around from the rooms.

This place is a must-visit for Nature and Ocean Lovers!

Book The Sail Loft Bunkhouse here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com

Best Hostels in Portsoy: The Sail Loft Bunkhouse

Best Hostels in Aberdeen: Youth Hostel

Refurbished in 2018, the hostel offers guests comfortable private en-suite rooms as well as spacious shared accommodation with private lockers for those exploring the city on a budget.

Book Youth Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Aberdeen: Youth Hostel

Best Hostels in Dundee: Backpackers Hostel

Centrally located, the Dundee Backpackers boasts the pedestrianized centre, with numerous shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs, right on its doorstep.

There is no parking spot offered by the hostel. Keep this in mind in case you are traveling with a car or van.

They do have a Library, Billiard pool and even a games room.

Book Dundee Backpackers Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Dundee: Backpackers Hostel

Best Hostels in Anstruther: Murray Library Hostel

We are about to finish our round trip around Scotland. But let us end with an amazing place: Murray Library Hostel is situated in Anstruther.

The rooms have a beautiful sea view, even the dorms!

Book Murray Library Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Anstruther: Murray Library Hostel

Our Favorite Hostels in Scotland put on a map + sights

Below we share our map of Scotland and all its recommended hostels.

We included all budget accommodations listed here. This should answer your questions on where to stay in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scotland all around.

In this guide we started in Edinburgh and we went clockwise around.

Any questions about hostels in Scotland? πŸ€”

Join our Facebook Group!

Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers πŸ”₯

FAQ

Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.

How to book Hostels in Scotland?

In every destination guide and hostel review we give you the options to book (Hostelgeeks does not offer a booking service). For the other hostel-destination guides we give you the most popular booking platforms, and ways to get better prices. The websites are:

Hostelz.com is a hostel price comparison tool. You need to know this website when backpacking Scotland and the world.

Read our guide on how to book hostels (with websites to use). Here’s a guide on how to book hostels with Hostelworld.

Hostel Guide

We know so many hostels in Europe, Asia and the rest of the world; we actually stayed in so so many hostels across the world. We are traveling since 2007, staying in the coolest places around.

Therefore, we decided to put together this list of the worlds best hostels and great European Hostels.

We stayed in a former winery in Santorini, in a former jail-now 5 Star Hostel and many more.

And not just that. We also created a big guide to Hostels for you.

We will show you how to book your hostel in a smart way, what to take into account and more smart tips.

Here you find ALL our articles about hostels.

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BEST Hostels in Scotland form Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and around

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