Best Party Hostels
in Edinburgh

Kick Ass Hostels Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s nightlife doesn’t just live in its pubs. Kick Ass Hostels Edinburgh is in Cowgate, which puts it at the start of that circuit. The Banshee Labyrinth on 29 Niddry Street, Cowgate. A subterranean warren of rooms spread over three floors, this pub feels like a dungeon crossed with a rock club. The hostel runs karaoke nights, useful for people arriving without a plan. The on-site bar handles pre-drinks before the city takes over. At €14 a night and rated 9.1. At 9.1, it's near the top of Edinburgh's hostel field without being the standout leader.

St Christopher's Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s nightlife doesn’t just live in its pubs. St Christopher's Edinburgh is in Cowgate, which puts it at the start of that circuit. The Banshee Labyrinth on 29 Niddry Street, Cowgate. A subterranean warren of rooms spread over three floors, this pub feels like a dungeon crossed with a rock club. The on-site bar handles pre-drinks before the city takes over. At €16 a night and rated 8.2. Rated 8.2, which is adequate. Not the city's best, but not the worst either.

St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town

Dive into the heart of Edinburgh's party scene with St Christopher's Edinburgh Old Town. Steps from the city's iconic attractions, this hostel offers vibrant nights at Belushi's Bar, thrilling bar crawls, and the charm of mediaeval pubs nearby, promising an unforgettable stay.

Kick Ass Greyfryers

Edinburgh’s nightlife doesn’t just live in its pubs. Kick Ass Greyfryers is in Cowgate, which puts it at the start of that circuit. The Banshee Labyrinth on 29 Niddry Street, Cowgate. A subterranean warren of rooms spread over three floors, this pub feels like a dungeon crossed with a rock club. The on-site bar handles pre-drinks before the city takes over. At €11 a night and rated 9.0. At 9.0, it's near the top of Edinburgh's hostel field without being the standout leader.

West End Hostel Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s nightlife doesn’t just live in its pubs. West End Hostel Edinburgh is in Cowgate, which puts it at the start of that circuit. The Banshee Labyrinth on 29 Niddry Street, Cowgate. A subterranean warren of rooms spread over three floors, this pub feels like a dungeon crossed with a rock club. Club Love on 69 Cowgate is the fallback option if the first place is packed. The on-site bar handles pre-drinks before the city takes over. At €23 a night and rated 7.1. The 7.1 rating is honest about the experience, book with the price (€23) as the main argument.

Cowgate

Cowgate is the backbone of Edinburgh’s nightlife. A narrow, cobbled street packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues, it’s where the city comes to party. By day, it’s quiet, but after 10pm, the street fills with revellers spilling out of venues like The Banshee Labyrinth and Club Love. It’s also home to some of the city’s best hostels, so you won’t have far to stumble home.

Grassmarket

A wide, open square just below Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket is lined with pubs, restaurants, and hostels. It’s a bit more touristy than Cowgate but has a great atmosphere, especially in summer when the outdoor seating fills up. The nightlife here is more pub-focused, with places like The Last Drop and Finnegan’s Wake offering live folk music and cheap pints.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s most famous street, stretching from the castle to Holyrood Palace. By day, it’s all tartan shops and tourist attractions, but by night, its closes and side alleys hide some of the city’s best bars. It’s not as rowdy as Cowgate, but you’ll find everything from whisky bars to underground clubs. Stay here if you want to be in the heart of the action, both day and night.

A subterranean warren of rooms spread over three floors, this pub feels like a dungeon crossed with a rock club. Live bands play most nights, and the crowd is a mix of locals and travellers. Entry is free, but drinks are £5–£6. It gets packed after 10pm, so arrive early if you want a seat near the stage. The basement cinema screens horror films. perfect if you need a break from dancing.

Edinburgh’s answer to Ibiza, this club takes over a former cinema on Cowgate. Expect house and techno, laser shows, and a crowd that’s up for dancing until 3am. Entry is £5–£10, depending on the night. Drinks are pricey (£6 for a beer), but the atmosphere makes up for it. Dress to impress. bouncers can be picky on weekends.

A student favourite, The Hive is a two-floor club with cheesy pop upstairs and R&B downstairs. Entry is usually £3–£5, and drinks start at £4 during happy hour (9–11pm). It’s loud, sweaty, and unapologetically fun. The crowd is young, so if you’re looking for a more mature vibe, try elsewhere. Open until 3am on weekends.

Tucked away on Chambers Street, this intimate bar hosts live jazz, blues, and soul every night. Entry is £5–£10, which includes a drink. The crowd is a mix of ages, and the atmosphere is relaxed. a good spot for a chilled evening before hitting the clubs. Happy hour runs from 5–7pm, with £4 cocktails.

A legendary venue in Edinburgh’s nightlife scene, Bongo Club mixes live music, club nights, and performance art. The programming is eclectic. expect anything from reggae to drum and bass. Entry varies (£5–£15), and drinks are reasonably priced. It’s a bit further out, near the Pleasance, but worth the walk for the unique atmosphere.

A whisky bar with over 300 malts, this place is a must for spirit lovers. It’s hidden down a close off the Royal Mile, so it’s quieter than most bars in the area. Whisky flights start at £12, and the staff know their stuff. The crowd is older, but it’s a great spot for a pre-night-out tipple if you want something stronger than a pint.