Hostels in Scotland

About Scotland

Scotland might be part of the United Kingdom, but it's also its own unique country which is home to some of the warmest and friendliest people on earth. The Roman Emperor Hadrian might have said he built his wall to keep the Scots contained, but it's just as likely that they scared the bejeezus out of him. A fiercely proud people, Scotland's residents are more than happy to make you feel at home.

Scotland is more than bagpipes, kilts and whisky, though those are all fine things. This most northerly country in the UK is also home to the glorious city of Edinburgh, the up-and-coming city of Glasgow, the highest point in the United Kingdom, the Highland city of Inverness and more islands than you can shake a stick at. The rugged and beautiful "Highlands and Islands" each draw plenty of visitors (with good reason, even if Loch Ness is a little too touristy), and the Wisky Trail in the northeast is more than just a tour of distilleries - it's a charming winding road through lovely countryside. With so much of the country largely uninhabited, it's no wonder the Scots are avid outdoors enthusiasts. Hike up enough hills in the middle of Scotland and even you could become a Munro bagger*.

Not widely known for its cuisine, Scotland is more recently making its mark on the food world with inventive chefs using local ingredients. Still, meat-eating tourists would be remiss if they didn't at least give the traditional haggis a try before leaving the country. The traditional Scottish breakfast, however, might take some getting used to.

The famous Scottish warmth also means that the Scots make great hosts. If you're a good guest, they'll go out of their way to make your stay pleasant. Scotland hostels are a great way to get to know the local culture, as well as other travelers, and save a bit of money in the process. The personality of hostels varies, from quiet and peaceful rural retreats to party-hearty urban hives of activity. All you need to do is find the one whose personality matches your own. Choose the cities you'll be visiting from the list on this page and let your virtual fingers do the walking. You can also read more about Edinburgh hostels in particular.

And if you need anything more for your trip, you can search for international airfare to Scotland and read about what to do and see in our Scotland Travel Guide.

* A mountain in Scotland with a height of more than 3000 feet is called a "Munro," and anyone who climbs them is "bagging" Munros. You may now impress your friends with this information.

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