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Cowgate Hostel
Budget Double Bed Room - Bed, Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh
Balcony/terrace, Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh
Balcony/terrace, Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh
Reception, Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh
Kitchen, Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh
Kitchen, Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh

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6.9

Good

194 reviews

194 reviews

See map
See map

7.7

Very good

Location rating score

Very good location - Inside city center
Popular neighborhood
Exceptional for walking
Walkable places
Edinburgh Old Town
60 m
Parliament Hall
70 m
National Library of Scotland
80 m
Opium
80 m
The Great Scottish Tapestry
90 m
Popular landmarks
National Museum of Scotland
140 m
The Real Mary King's Close
150 m
Royal Mile Street
270 m
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
320 m
Edinburgh Castle
590 m
Closest landmarks
Red Vodka Club
80 m
Edinburgh Sheriff Court
110 m
George IV Bridge
130 m
St Giles' Cathedral
140 m
St Patrick's Church
140 m

Cowgate Hostel

96 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JN - See map

Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Strategically situated in Edinburgh Old Town, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Edinburgh Castle.

Highlights

Located in heart of Edinburgh

Check-in/out [express]

390 meters to public transportation

Inside city center

60 meters to Edinburgh Old Town

Facilities

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Check-in/out [express]

Luggage storage

Laundry service

Wi-Fi in public areas

Smoking area

Vending machine

Shared kitchen

Your dates are popular among travelersUsers are booking a place in Edinburgh every 4 minutes on Agoda.com
Value for money7.1
Location rating7.7
Nearest airportEdinburgh Airport (EDI)
Distance to airport10.7 km

Rooms available at Cowgate Hostel

Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
...
  • Room size: 2 m²/22 ft²
  • Non-smoking
  • 3 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices
Bed in 4 Bunk-Bed Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 2 m²/22 ft²
  • Non-smoking
  • 2 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices
Budget Twin Bed Room
...
  • Room size: 2 m²/22 ft²
  • Non-smoking
  • 1 bunk bed
Enter dates to see prices
Budget Double Bed Room
...
  • Room size: 2 m²/22 ft²
  • Non-smoking
  • 1 double bed
Enter dates to see prices
Budget Double Room
...
  • Room size: 1 m²/11 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 1 m²/11 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Budget Twin Room
...
  • Room size: 1 m²/11 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 1 m²/11 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 1 m²/11 ft²
  • Shared bathroom
  • 2 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices
Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 1 m²/11 ft²
  • Shared bathroom
  • 3 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices

Frequently asked questions

What interesting attractions are near by Cowgate Hostel that are in walking distance?

While residing at Cowgate Hostel, jump start your vacation by checking out the nearest points of interest that are within close proximity to the property which include Royal Museum, Central Library, and George IV Bridge.

What bars are in close proximty of Cowgate Hostel?

While lodging at Cowgate Hostel, indulge in your evening or night out at Henry’s Cellar Bar, CC Blooms, and Bennet’s Bar to get the most out of your nightlife.

What are the property's policies for children's bedding at Cowgate Hostel?

Cowgate Hostel's policy concerning children's bedding considers guests age 13 years and older as adults, and therefore requires an extra bed which will incur an additional cost. You can find additional information about specific child policy and age range for this property, by checking the "Property policies" section located in the property page for more details.

What do past guests love most about Cowgate Hostel?

Past guests that stayed at Cowgate Hostel have given this property a rating of 7.675 for its outstanding location as the main highlight for their stay.

What is the typical rating that past Solo travelers' have given to Cowgate Hostel?

Verified solo travelers that have stayed at this property have given Cowgate Hostel an average rating of 6.9. You can look up more detailed customer reviews and remarks by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the average rating that verified Business travelers' have given to Cowgate Hostel?

Past business travelers that have stayed at this property have given Cowgate Hostel an average rating of 7.8. You can look up more detailed customer evaluations and comments by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the average rating that verified Families with older children have given to Cowgate Hostel?

Verified families with older children that have stayed at this property have given Cowgate Hostel an average rating of 7.4. You can check out more comprehensive customer reviews and remarks by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the nearest train, metro, or bus station to Cowgate Hostel?

The closest train, metro, or bus station is Edinburgh Trams, 10589.57 m away from Cowgate Hostel.

What restaurants are nearby Cowgate Hostel?

Cowgate Hostel’s neighborhood is Edinburgh Old Town which includes popular restaurants such as The Three Sisters, Brewdog, and The Outsider Restaurant.

What time is check-in and check-out at Cowgate Hostel?

Check-in is from 02:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM. You may request early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability. Travelers checking in or out before or after the designated periods may be charged an additional fee.

Is breakfast offered at Cowgate Hostel?

Wake up to a great continental breakfast at Cowgate Hostel. Visitors can enjoy breakfast offered with an additional charge of 5 GBP for adults if not included in the room rate. You may save on breakfast costs with Agoda by booking a room with breakfast, which is generally included for less than buying it at the property.

What people love about Cowgate Hostel

  • 9.2

    Exceptional
    Location

    "Excellent location."

    Peter

    |

    February 2, 2020

  • 8

    Very good
    Location

    "Great location."

    Peter

    |

    December 29, 2019

  • 9.2

    Exceptional
    Location

    "With plenty of restaurant around it, you can always find a place to eat and hangout."

    Nok

    |

    November 5, 2019

Property ranking|Compared to 1,760 Edinburgh properties
See all rankings
Value for money score
7.1/10
Location score
7.7/10
Service score
7/10
Cleanliness score
6.5/10
Better than
91
%
of Edinburgh properties
Better than
91
%
of Edinburgh properties
Better than
90
%
of Edinburgh properties
Better than
89
%
of Edinburgh properties
Overall rating:

6.9

Good
194 reviews
Cleanliness
6.5
Facilities
6.0
Location
7.7
Read all reviews >
More about Cowgate Hostel

More about Cowgate Hostel

Experience Comfort and Convenience at Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh, UK

Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh, UK offers a range of facilities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. With its laundry service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, designated smoking area, and express check-in/check-out, this hostel is perfect for travelers who want to stay connected while enjoying their vacation. The hostel also features luggage storage, a shared kitchen, and a shared lounge/TV area, allowing guests to relax and socialize with other travelers. Daily housekeeping, grocery deliveries, and continental breakfast are also available to ensure a hassle-free stay.

Room Types at Cowgate Hostel

Cowgate Hostel offers a variety of room types to suit different preferences and budgets. Guests can choose from shared dormitories, including 6-bed and 8-bed mixed dormitories, as well as 4-bunk bed dormitory rooms. For those who prefer more privacy, the hostel also offers private double and twin rooms. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for the budget double or twin rooms, which provide a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Discover Edinburgh's Iconic Landmarks and Attractions

Cowgate Hostel is conveniently located near some of Edinburgh's most iconic landmarks and attractions. Within walking distance, guests can explore the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile Street. For those interested in Scotland's rich history, the National Museum of Scotland and The Real Mary King's Close offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The hostel is also surrounded by the charming architecture of Edinburgh Old Town and the exciting exhibits at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Other nearby attractions include the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, St Giles' Cathedral, and The Scotch Whisky Experience. With so much to see and do, Cowgate Hostel is the perfect base for any Edinburgh adventure.

Friendly Staff, Excellent Location, and Clean Rooms

Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, has received numerous positive reviews from customers. One of the most common praises is for the hostel's friendly and helpful staff. Guests have also raved about the hostel's excellent location, which is within walking distance to many popular attractions. The rooms have also received high marks for cleanliness, comfortable mattresses, and spaciousness. Additionally, guests have appreciated the decent facilities, including fast wifi. Overall, Cowgate Hostel is a great choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay in Edinburgh.

Discover the Best Value Hostel in Edinburgh

Cowgate Hostel in Edinburgh, United Kingdom has been receiving rave reviews from its customers for its unbeatable value and excellent location. Despite receiving an overall rating of 6.8, the hostel scored an impressive 7.1 for value and 7.7 for location, making it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. The staff performance was also highly rated at 7.0, ensuring that guests receive the best possible service during their stay. While the cleanliness rating of 6.5 may not be the highest, the hostel still offers a comfortable and affordable accommodation option in the heart of Edinburgh. Book your stay at Cowgate Hostel today and experience the best value hostel in town!

Show less

Amenities and facilities

Review score
Facilities

6

Most talked about facilities

Housekeeping

7 mentions

Internet

3 mentions

Languages spoken
  • English
  • Spanish
Internet access
  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
  • Internet
  • Wi-Fi in public areas
Dining, drinking, and snacking
  • Breakfast [continental]
  • Grocery delivery
  • Shared kitchen
  • Vending machine
Services and conveniences
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Elevator
  • Laundry service
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke-free property
  • Smoking area
Access
  • Check-in/out [express]
  • Pets allowed
  • Security [24-hour]

Food and dining

Breakfast options
  • Continental

Location

96 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JN
Very good
Location

7.7

Airports
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
    10.7 km
  • Perth Airport (PSL)
    55.3 km
Public transportation
  • Edinburgh Train Station
    390 m
  • Haymarket Train Station
    1.8 km
Hospital or clinic
  • Bristo Square Pharmacy
    340 m
Shopping
  • Ocean Terminal
    3.7 km
Convenience store
  • Tesco Express
    290 m
Cash withdrawal
  • ATM
    50 m

What's nearby

Popular landmarks
  • Edinburgh Old Town
    60 m
  • National Museum of Scotland
    140 m
  • The Real Mary King's Close
    150 m
  • Royal Mile Street
    270 m
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
    320 m
  • Edinburgh Castle
    590 m
  • Calton Hill
    760 m
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse
    1.2 km
  • Arthur's Seat
    1.8 km
  • Royal Yacht Britannia
    3.9 km
Nearby landmarks
  • Edinburgh Old Town
    60 m
  • Parliament Hall
    70 m
  • National Library of Scotland
    80 m
  • Opium
    80 m
  • Red Vodka Club
    80 m
  • The Great Scottish Tapestry
    90 m
  • Mercat Cross
    90 m
  • Villager
    90 m
  • Memorial Duke of Buccleuch
    90 m
  • Edinburgh Sheriff Court
    110 m
Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.

Property policies

Children and extra beds

Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

All children are welcome.

Children 0-12 year(s)
Stay for free if using existing bedding.
If you need an extra bed, it will incur an additional charge.
Guests 13 years and older are considered as adults
Must use an extra bed which will incur an additional charge.
Others
  • When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Some helpful facts

Check-in/Check-out
  • Check-in from14:00
  • Check-in until23:00
  • Check-out from08:00
  • Check-out until10:00
Extras
  • Breakfast charge (unless included in room price)5 GBP
The property
  • Number of rooms 36

Reviews of Cowgate Hostel from real guests

Provided by verified guests of Agoda
Cleanliness6.5
Facilities6.0
Location7.7
Service7.0
Value for money7.1
High score for Edinburgh
Rating
9+ Exceptional (18)
8-9 Excellent (10)
7-8 Very Good (16)
6-7 Good (19)
<6 Below Expectation (26)
Time of the year
Mar - May (15)
Jun - Aug (28)
Sep - Nov (21)
Dec - Feb (25)

Show reviews that mention 

Showing 89 verified guest comments
12345
9.2
Exceptional
João from United States
Solo traveler
Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
Stayed 3 nights in June 2017

Nice location, safe and cheap”

It is in a nice location, downtown Edinburgh. This place is actually better than most of the reviews I read about it. I felt safe since the rooms are allocate by "flat" (no more than 3 rooms) which only allows people from those rooms to have access to that area, not the whole hostel. Besides there are at least 3 doors, well locked, before you get to your room. Again, I do not understand why some reviews mention did not feel safe. I highly recommend.

Reviewed July 21, 2017

See room deals

9.6
Exceptional
James from United Kingdom
Couple
Stayed 1 night in September 2016

Great value and location, and friendly staff ”

We actually got a better deal with Agoda website than paying directly, so it only cost us just over £21 for two of us in a six bed dorm. Facilities were basic but clean, and much better than another hostel in the city (which we won't name). We would have given 5 stars for facilities if there had been lockers in the room. A towel would have been nice but, as it's a backpackers, perhaps that's being unfair - especially for the price we paid.

Reviewed September 27, 2016

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7.2
Very good
Chen from Singapore
Couple
Budget Twin Bed Room
Stayed 1 night in May 2018

Great value and location!”

The hostel is located on the quieter side of Edinburgh town. We stayed in the bunk bed room with separate bathroom for one night. Everything was really comfortable. It’s a 15min walk from the train station, and just a mere 5 min away from all the sights and attractions. Will definitely recommend this place to the budget-conscious and will likely stay here if I visit Edinburg again!

Reviewed November 19, 2018

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9.2
Exceptional
CHEN-HUI from Taiwan
Group
Stayed 4 nights in May 2016

Really nice staying!”

Just like home, if you'd like to stay in Edinburgh a bit longer, and need kitchen to cook, a good choice here!

Reviewed May 25, 2016

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9.2
Exceptional
Pierre from Canada
Solo traveler
Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
Stayed 1 night in October 2018

Better than expected”

In fact I stayed 7 nights. First night: horrible because of drunken girls and nobody to fix the problem. But perfect the others nights. Commune kitchen and 2 toilet (1 with shower) for about 4 rooms. I was thinking that the rooms/ kitchens would be all ugly but that wasn't the case. Large rooms. One computer with internet available on request for free. No real commune room except the kitchens. The loud music from the bar beside didn't bother me. Very helpful staff.

Reviewed October 27, 2018

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6.4
Good
Jose from China
Group
Budget Twin Bed Room
Stayed 2 nights in September 2018

DOWN THE HILL”

Maybe was our fault, but didn't know that Edinburgh has such a topography. Room ok, bathroom can improve.

Reviewed December 10, 2018

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7.2
Very good
SAI from United Kingdom
Family with teens
Budget Twin Bed Room
Stayed 5 nights in January 2018

Good location but ....”

smelly bed sheets in the room. Dirt in the corridor. Kitchen doesn’t seem to be cleaned by the staff regularly. There is a lot for the hostel management to learn from his counterparts e.g. Dream Hostel in Lviv or the Archipelago in Stockholm.

Reviewed January 25, 2018

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10.0
Exceptional
Xianhui from Singapore
Solo traveler
Stayed 4 nights in September 2016

Basically perfect”

Great location, minutes from royal mile and surrounded by good food and all kinds of shops. Short walk from bus and train stations too. Rooms were in an apartment style with self catering kitchen with24 hr access and all necessary equipment. Most importantly rooms and bathrooms were extremely clean!

Reviewed October 06, 2016

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6.4
Good
Gareth from United Kingdom
Group
Budget Twin Bed Room
Stayed 2 nights in April 2019

Visited for Beltane Fire Festival.”

Pros; good location, cheap price, close to good spots. Easy to access. Cons; inefficient checking in system (waited 25 minutes), cleanliness not great, leaking in ceiling of the shower room causing the lights to trip out. Overall an average experience and actually better than most stays in similar hostels elsewhere.

Reviewed May 03, 2019

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10.0
Exceptional
Lara from United States
Solo traveler
Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
Stayed 2 nights in July 2017

Perfect hostel in Edinburgh”

The rooms can be crowded, but you can't ask for much more for the price

Reviewed November 10, 2017

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6.4
Good
ischa from Netherlands
Couple
Budget Double Bed Room
Stayed 1 night in May 2018

Uncomfortable, extremely noisy but cheap.”

I've been to many hostels, and the level of comfort is always limited, as they are often cheap accommodations. But this one was much more uncomfortable than most. Extremely noisy, you could here every word spoken by neighbours, very uncomfortable beds and showers and nothing of the great hospitality or friendliness I've come to expect from hostels in the UK.

Reviewed May 08, 2018

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6.8
Good
Jon from Philippines
Solo traveler
Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
Stayed 2 nights in August 2018

Good Location”

Bit confusing as the beds assigned to me were occupied. The rooms were stinky but I don't think this is the fault of the hostel. My roommates were messy! The bathroom and common area were nice though.

Reviewed August 06, 2019

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9.6
Exceptional
Jorge from Spain
Solo traveler
Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
Stayed 2 nights in September 2017

Exceptional”

Very good location, to Royal Mile at right and Grassmarket at left only 5 minutes on foot. Staff is very nice and rooms are OK. And it was so cheap!! I will repeat, no doubt

Reviewed September 23, 2017

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6.4
Good
HSIN from Canada
Group
Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
Stayed 3 nights in August 2019

Keep minimum expectation ”

Nice location and staff and that’s all. Room is old and dirty, one of the shower is out of order which leaves only 1 shower working on the whole floor probably shared by 10+ people. Also there’s a club right next to the building, good luck getting decent sleep. But if you can’t beat them, join them :)

Reviewed August 29, 2019

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9.2
Exceptional
Michelle from United States
Solo traveler
Budget Twin Bed Room
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

Exceptional”

Good staff, fast wifi, 10-minute walk from the train station. I like they have a lift for accessibility. I gave 4 stars only because of some inconsiderate guests who are very noisy in the hallway. So if you don’t mind taking the chance with noise, I would recommend staying here.

Reviewed May 18, 2019

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6.4
Good
Rebecca from Malaysia
Solo traveler
Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
Stayed 2 nights in July 2018

Good”

Nice enough for a cheap hostel but internet was down both nights and very loud due to location. That being said, location is very close to the heart of everything and easy to get around.

Reviewed July 29, 2018

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9.2
Exceptional
Nok from Hong Kong SAR, China
Couple
Budget Twin Bed Room
Stayed 1 night in October 2019

Very good hostel”

It is close to the royal mile and the train station. With plenty of restaurant around it, you can always find a place to eat and hangout. Staff are friendly and helpful. It has a large shared kitchen and bathroom. The facilities are decent.

Reviewed November 05, 2019

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10.0
Exceptional
Lebin from China
Solo traveler
Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
Stayed 1 night in August 2017

GREAT”

The room was quite big, quite convenient to the main street and train station

Reviewed September 20, 2017

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6.4
Good
Brigitta from Hungary
Solo traveler
Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - Shared Bathroom
Stayed 3 nights in June 2017

Not my favourite hostel...”

Not my favourite hostel. The room was very cold. I did a lot of trouble with the lock. The kitchen is very good.

Reviewed July 27, 2017

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8.0
Excellent
caris from Australia
Group
Budget Twin Bed Room
Stayed 3 nights in September 2017

Great location accommodation as expected”

We stayed in a private room shared bathroom. Accommodation very basic no furnishing but the bed in the room but was clean and shower hot.

Reviewed October 05, 2017

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