Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Exterior photoSafestay Edinburgh Cowgate Exterior photoSafestay Edinburgh Cowgate Exterior photo
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From137US$ /night
Check-in
03May2026Select date
Check-out
04May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

96 Cowgate Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JN
-
In the Historic Old Town
Very good
7.0
/10
1.0
/5

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate - A budget hostel in Old Town with mixed dormitories, private rooms, and shared kitchens

Located in Old Town, a bustling area of centuries-old buildings and narrow alleys, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate offers mixed dormitories and private rooms with shared kitchens and shower facilities. The twin room features heating, a private bathroom with a shower, and a terrace, while dormitory rooms include shared bathrooms and beds ranging from 2 to 6 per unit. Guests can prepare meals in the shared kitchen, equipped with a stovetop, microwave, and toaster. The hostel provides free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and an outdoor terrace. Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is within walking distance of landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle (0.5 km), The Writers' Museum (0.5 km), and St Giles' Cathedral (0.5 km). Edinburgh Airport is 11 km away.

Pros

The hostel is centrally located in Old Town, within walking distance of major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and The Writers' Museum.

Guests have access to shared kitchens, allowing for self-catering.

Free Wi-Fi and luggage storage are provided.

The outdoor terrace offers a seating area for relaxation.

Cons

Towels are not included in the room rate and must be rented or purchased.

The surrounding area can be noisy due to its central location in Old Town.

“The central location, just off the Royal Mile, is a real advantage; rooms are spacious, and beds earn high marks for comfort, many offering privacy features. It's a social spot with friendly staff, so you may make some friends. For a stay that balances convenience and value, this is a solid option.”
Hotel logo
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
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Select your room type

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Bed 4-Bed Female Dorm Ensuite
2 persons
18 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bunk Twin Room Ensuite
2 persons
15 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite
2 persons
18 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dorm
2 persons
18 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate Location

96 Cowgate Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JN
Map view
96 Cowgate Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1JN
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
590 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
290 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
60 m
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
390 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
130 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
190 m
Monument
Scott Monument
470 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
290 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
270 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
310 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
120 m
Museum
John Knox House
340 m
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
530 m
Church
Mercat Cross
210 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
270 m
354 Castlehill
The Scotch Whisky Experience
430 m
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
580 m
Restaurants
Oink
350 m
34 Victoria Street 82 Canongate
Deacon's House Cafe
490 m
304 Lawnmarket Brodies Close
Wings Edinburgh
100 m
7 Old Fishmarket Close
Uncle's Fish & Chips
440 m
52 George IV Bridge
National Library of Scotland Cafe
480 m
National Library of Scotland 92 Cowgate George IV Bridge
Yum Yum
440 m
48 George IV Bridge Old Town
The City Cafe
260 m
19 Blair Street
The Deli Global
450 m
13 George IV Bridge
Pizza Paradise
350 m
4-6 South Bridge EH1 1LL
Angus Fling
370 m
27 George IV Bridge
The Piemaker
380 m
38 South Bridge
ClamShell
90 m
148 High Street
The Tron
320 m
9 Hunter Square
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
10 minutes' walk
Iconic fortress with stunning views, rich history, and the Crown Jewels of Scotland on display.
National Museum of Scotland
8 minutes' walk
Cultural hub showcasing Scotland's history, science, and art with free admission and family-friendly exhibits.
The Real Mary King's Close
1 minute walking
Historical underground tour revealing stories of Edinburgh's past, combining history with an immersive experience.
Holyrood Park
19 minutes' walk
Expansive park featuring Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views and outdoor activities.
Arthur's Seat Hike
35 minutes walking
Thrilling hike up an extinct volcano for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Yoga at The Meadows
14 minutes' walk
Relaxation in a picturesque park setting. Classes available for all levels, promoting wellness and mindfulness.
Oink
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery specializing in tasty hog roast sandwiches. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.
Deacon's House Cafe
6 minutes' walk
Charming cafe with traditional Scottish fare and cozy ambiance. Vegetarian options available.
The Stand Comedy Club
8 minutes' walk
Comedy club hosting local and national acts. Fun atmosphere with regular events for all ages.
The Bongo Club
12 minutes' walk
Vibrant venue offering live music and club nights. A great spot for nightlife with a diverse crowd.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh4 min  ·  300 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  13.6 km
Glasgow (GLA)132 min  ·  88.0 km
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  200 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hostel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
141
Former name
cowgate hostel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 1492 verified reviews
6.6/10
Nice
61%
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.1/10
Comfort
7.1/10
Facilities
7.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.9/10
Location
8.8/10
Staff
8.3/10
Value for money
7.7/10
Pros
Great location
Comfortable bed
Delicious breakfast
Cons
Unclean bathrooms
Noisy bar
Aggressive staff
Guest reviews
based on 2869 reviews
7.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate
What is the distance from Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate to Edinburgh Castle?
The hotel is located 1 km from Edinburgh Castle, which is a 10-minute walk.
How far is Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate from the nearest airport?
Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is 11 km from Edinburgh Airport.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
Check-in is available from 15:00, and check-out is required by 11:00.
Is Wi-Fi available in the rooms at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
Free Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms.
Are there any restaurants close to Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
Nearby restaurants include Deacon Brodie's Tavern (0.5 km), BrewDog Edinburgh (0.5 km), and The Outsider Restaurant (0.5 km).
What dining options are available at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
The hotel features a lounge bar and a snack bar.
What services are offered at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
The hotel offers laundry facilities, luggage storage, and grocery delivery service.
Is there an outdoor space available at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
Guests can enjoy an outdoor terrace and seating area.
What room amenities are provided at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
Rooms offer an electric kettle, parquet floors, and shared shower facilities.
Is luggage storage available at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
The hotel offers luggage storage for a fee.
What shopping amenities are nearby Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
Guests can find grocery stores and shopping options within walking distance.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate?
Staff at the hotel converse in English.

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Check-in
03May2026Select date
Check-out
04May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room