Kick Ass Grassmarket

The 7 Best Hostels in Edinburgh (Updated 2025)

"In the heart of the Old Town right under the castle, Kick Ass Grassmarket is a cool, arty hostel with bright décor, lots of common spaces, and a very social bar area (plus a beer garden and Netflix for rainy nights). I love the big kitchen and the standard dorms are bright and airy with comfy mattresses, individual lights, outlets, and lockers; some rooms have en suite bathrooms and there are female-only dorms. The highlight for me are the pod-style beds in the “superior” dorms — they have thick curtains and real privacy for a good night’s sleep — though you must be at least 18 to stay here." - Matthew Kepnes