5 reviewed party hostels · from €11.47/night · Hostelworld rated
Edinburgh’s nightlife doesn’t just live in its pubs. it spills onto the streets. Cowgate, a narrow lane packed with bars and clubs, turns into a pedestrian river after midnight, especially on weekends. The Royal Mile might be tourist central by day, but by night, its closes and side alleys hide some of the city’s best-kept drinking spots. Hostels here aren’t just places to sleep; they’re social hubs. Many run their own pub crawls or have bars downstairs, so you can start the night without even leaving the building. Stay in Grassmarket or Cowgate, and you’ll be within five minutes of most venues, meaning you can stumble home without worrying about the last bus.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Luxury party hostel. Central location, with a café, bar and daily social events like pub crawls and karaoke. Their industrial-style lively bar is always busy and has special offers on meals and drinks. They also organise weekly movie night in their comfy chill-out room.
Buzzing social hostel with friendly staff. Discounted drinks and burgers at their on-site Belushi's Bar. Nice and lively common room and outdoor terrace where there is always people hanging out and having fun. Regular events and activities, including their famous crazy pub crawl.
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, nestled in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, is your gateway to vibrant nightlife and historic sights. With praised pub crawls, a beer garden boasting castle views, and bustling common areas, it's the ultimate haven for party enthusiasts and social butterflies.
Featuring a great Bar & Bistro offering a 20% off the price for their tasty food & great selection of drinks throughout your stay, with weekly pub quiz and Live Music every Friday and Saturday. The atmosphere is always lively and friendly.
Organised nights out with a local guide
This student-run pub crawl visits four bars and one club, with free shots and drink deals included. The crawl starts at The Hive Nightclub on Cowgate and moves through a mix of student bars and underground venues. Entry to all venues is covered, and the night ends at Club Love, where you can carry on until 3am. It’s a great way to meet other travellers and locals.
A more structured crawl that focuses on Edinburgh’s Old Town, this tour visits historic pubs and hidden closes. It includes a local guide, drink discounts, and entry to a late-night club. The group size is smaller, so it’s less chaotic than other crawls. The crawl ends at a venue on Cowgate, where you can stay until closing time.
How Edinburgh's nightlife zones break down
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.
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.
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.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
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.
Run by local students, this pub crawl hits four bars and a club, with free shots and drink deals along the way. It starts at 9pm outside The Hive and costs £10, which includes entry to all venues. The crowd is mostly backpackers and gap-year travellers, so it’s easy to meet people. The crawl ends at Club Love, where you can carry on until 3am.
More party hostel destinations