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Edinburgh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe thanks to its impressive historic buildings, rich cultural scene, and bustling nightlife. It boasts a huge variety of tourist attractions and a friendly, buzzing atmosphere, particularly during the summer when arts and comedy festivals are in full swing.
If you want to visit Scotland’s capital and are wondering where to stay, look no further than this travel guide. We’ve compiled a list of the city’s best neighborhoods for tourists and highlighted some popular Edinburgh hotels to help you get started planning your trip.
Old Town & The Royal Mile for First-Time Visitors
Highlights: St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, Museum of Edinburgh, Scottish Parliament Building, Writers’ Museum, Museum of Childhood
Old Town is the most historic part of the city and a great location for first-time visitors to stay in. There are lots of sights crammed into a relatively small and highly walkable area, so you can sightsee easily without having to rely on public transport. When you do want to venture further afield, you can head to Waverley Station, which offers convenient rail links to various parts of Edinburgh and many other major cities within the United Kingdom, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
The Royal Mile is a famous stretch of Old Town that begins at Edinburgh Castle and ends at the Palace of Holyrood. Along the way, you’ll see various attractions, including St. Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament Building, and several museums.
There are also lots of fascinating alleyways leading off from the Royal Mile, where you’ll find eclectic attractions, boutique stores, and no shortage of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, the Royal Mile becomes packed with street performers, actors, and comedians.
Old Town has a fantastic atmosphere and beautiful medieval architecture which means it’s packed with tourists throughout the day, but it does get a little quieter at night. There’s a huge range of accommodation on offer but keep in mind that it’s one of the most expensive areas to stay in.
Where to Stay in Old Town & the Royal Mile
Popular hotels in Edinburgh’s Old Town and the Royal Mile include:
- The Witchery by the Castle is set within a collection of 16th-century buildings that lie right next to the gates of Edinburgh Castle. It’s an opulent hotel that is lavishly decorated with gothic touches, making it an atmospheric choice for those who love a touch of flamboyance.
- Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile is a chic, contemporary hotel known for its inviting atmosphere and friendly staff. The modern rooms are equipped with all the essential amenities, including free Wi-Fi.
- Market Street Hotel puts a modern twist on Scottish baronial style in its elegant, boutique guest rooms, which feature bespoke furniture and locally-made fabrics and artworks. The front desk is open 24/7 for convenient check-in or support at any time of day or night.
New Town & Edinburgh City Centre for Culture Vultures
Highlights: Pubs and bars, Princes Street Gardens, Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Calton Hill, Edinburgh Playhouse
Edinburgh’s New Town lies immediately north of Old Town and is famed for its beautiful Georgian properties. The area acquired its name after a great fire in 1824 wiped out a huge swathe of buildings and the neighborhood was rebuilt. The area is now recognized as a World Heritage Site due to its architectural importance, and you can easily spend hours wandering these beautiful streets.
There’s no shortage of shops, bars, pubs, and restaurants to enjoy in New Town, particularly on Princes Street, Rose Street, and George Street. You’ll also find several important cultural attractions here, including the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish Portrait Gallery. When you’re ready to take a break, head to Princes Street Gardens, which lie right beside Edinburgh Castle and are a pretty green haven in the busy city center. For epic views of the city, head to Calton Hill, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to several important historic monuments.
Not only is there plenty to see and do in New Town, but the area is also well-connected to other parts of the city. Old Town and The Royal Mile are a short walk away, and Edinburgh Airport is accessible via tram from Princes Street. Plus, you’re within easy walking distance of Waverley Train Station. Some of the best hotels in the city can be found in New Town, including some indulgent luxury hotels in gorgeous historic properties.
Where to Stay in New Town & the City Center
Popular hotels in Edinburgh New Town and the city center include:
- The Caledonian is a Hilton hotel that sits within a former Victorian railway station, and it’s one of the city’s most iconic properties. Each room is equipped with designer toiletries, soft bathrobes, and unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
- The Balmoral Hotel, known for its legendary clock tower, is quintessentially Scottish in design. It offers indulgent drink and dining options, including award-winning afternoon tea and 4 AA Rosette French bistro dishes.
- Gleneagles Townhouse is a 5-star boutique hotel with fine rooms and impeccable service. Amenities include continental or full English/Irish breakfast, room service, airport transfers, and free Wi-Fi.
Stockbridge for Families
Highlights: Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh, National Gallery of Modern Art
Stockbridge is a 15-minute walk northeast of New Town. It was once an outlying village before being encompassed by the expanding city, and it maintains its relaxed, community atmosphere. Despite its slower pace, it’s home to some of the city’s most beloved sights, such as the National Gallery of Modern Art and the gorgeous Royal Botanic Gardens.
Raeburn Place is Stockbridge’s main high street. It’s around here where you’ll find cool artisanal delis and cafes, eclectic boutique stores, and hip pubs selling locally brewed beers. There’s also a popular weekly Farmer’s Market on Sundays where you can pick up tasty produce, baked goods, and hot food.
Where to Stay in Stockbridge
Stockbridge is a predominantly residential area with just a couple of high-quality hotels. If you’re looking for self-catering accommodation, you’ll have a good chance of finding an entire apartment or house here.
The Raeburn is set within a beautiful Georgian building and manages to perfectly blend period features with modern design in its comfortable rooms, which are equipped with minibars, TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a brasserie-style restaurant where it serves classic British dishes made with local produce.
Leith for Foodies
Highlights: High-quality cafes and restaurants, Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith Walk, Leith Docks
Leith sits on the Firth of Forth shores and was first established as Edinburgh’s port in the 14th century. There’s now a fascinating mix of old and new architecture in the neighborhood. Leith has been a welcome base for immigrants for decades and it now has a reputation for offering some of the best international cuisine in the city. It’s even home to some Michelin-starred restaurants.
Head to the areas around Albert Dock Basin and the Waters of Leith to find a huge array of restaurants. You can expect Japanese, Thai, Turkish, Indian, Middle Eastern, Scandinavian, and many more cuisines represented. Plus, there are some excellent ale, cocktail, and whisky bars. Head to Leith Walk to find cool independent shops and vintage stores, and don’t miss Leith Market in Dock Place on Saturdays for food, crafts, and clothes.
Where to Stay in Leith
It’s a good 45-minute walk up to Leith from the city center, but just 20 to 25 minutes by tram or bus. There are fewer hotels in the area but those that are here are fairly high-end. There are even a couple of eclectic hotel boats you can stay in for a truly unique vacation.
Grassmarket for Night Owls
Highlights: Bars, pubs, and clubs, The White Heart Inn
Grassmarket is technically a part of Old Town but its unique charm makes it a standout neighborhood in its own right. It was once a medieval market and execution site, but over centuries it evolved into the food and drink hub that it’s known as today. Some of the city’s most iconic nightclubs, pubs, and bars lie here, including the White Heart Inn which is Edinburgh’s oldest pub.
A great way to experience Grassmarket’s nightlife is to book a boozy tour. The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour is a fantastic way to learn about some of Scotland’s most colorful literary figures while enjoying a few drinks. The Scotch Whisky Experience gives you an overview of the history of whisky-making in Scotland and lets you sample some of the goods.
Where to Stay in Grassmarket
Since it sits in the center of the city, Grassmarket has a good range of accommodations within its borders and nearby. You can expect a mix of boutique hotels, affordable hostels, and charming guesthouses.
Apex Grassmarket Hotel is right at the heart of Edinburgh’s nightlife and offers fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle. This 4-star hotel has a stylish restaurant and swimming pool.
West End & Haymarket for History Buffs
Highlights: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Zoo, boutique stores, Dean Village, The Georgian House, St. Mary’s Cathedral
The West End is Edinburgh’s popular shopping district and home to charming boutiques tucked inside colorful buildings. Wander along Stafford Street and William Street to see quirky window displays and discover clothing and jewelry items that are a little out of the ordinary. The neighborhood is also a good place to take in Edinburgh’s history. It boasts plenty of beautiful Georgian buildings and is home to the historic Dean Village, which was once packed with water mills.
Haymarket lies a little south of the West End, with the recently refurbished Haymarket Railway Station at its heart. Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Scottish Rugby Union, is a short walk away and is well worth checking out on match days for those who love the buzzing atmosphere of live sports events.
If you want the charm of Old Town with a slightly more peaceful pace than in the very city center, the West End and Haymarket are great neighborhoods to base yourself in.
Where to Stay in West End & Haymarket
Holiday Inn Edinburgh is a spacious, comfortable hotel with a pool, a gym, free parking, and Wi-Fi. Enjoy breakfast and dinner at the on-site international restaurant and indulge in a few drinks in the evening at the hotel’s cocktail lounge.
Newington for Backpackers and Budget Travelers
Highlights: Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, National Museum of Scotland
Situated south of Old Town and flanked by The Meadows Park and Holyrood Park, Newington is a pretty area with convenient access to lovely green space. The vast Holyrood Park is a popular spot for hikers. Its famed vantage point, Arthur’s Seat, offers fantastic views over the city.
Newington is something of a cultural hub, home to the Festival Theatre, The Queens Hall live music venue, and the National Museum of Scotland. It also boasts lovely Georgian townhouses and cobbled streets, as well as plenty of coffee shops, bars, and eateries. The University of Edinburgh lies nearby and the high population of students gives Newington a cool, youthful atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Newington
You’ll find some affordable guesthouses, hostels, and quirky boutique hotels in Newington. If you don’t mind a 30-minute walk into the city center, staying here is a great way to visit Edinburgh on a budget.
Morningside & Bruntsfield for Fans of Peace & Quiet
Highlights: Bruntsfield Links, Surgeon’s Hall Museum, Dominion Cinema
Morningside and Bruntsfield are two of the city’s most desirable residential areas. These leafy adjoining neighborhoods have cool village vibes, and you can expect to see plenty of excellent cafes, restaurants, tearooms, and bistros on their streets. There are also some popular cultural venues here, including the independent art deco Dominion Cinema, and the impressive Church Hill Theatre which sits inside a Gothic-revival former church.
Where to Stay in Morningside & Bruntsfield
If you want a relaxed experience of Edinburgh and a taste of what life is like for the city’s well-to-do locals, stay in Morningside or Bruntsfield. There are some quirky guest houses and boutique hotels in the area, or you can look out for entire apartments or houses to rent instead.
Book Your Edinburgh Accommodation
These are some of Edinburgh’s best areas for tourists, but there are great hotels and vacation rentals all over the city. Now you have a lay of the land, get started searching for the perfect accommodation for your Edinburgh adventure.
