Where to stay in Edinburgh: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexEdinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city full of attractions and things to do, most of which are concentrated in Old Town. The Scottish capital is not too large, and it is really easy to get used to, with lots of accommodation to choose from, suitable for all budgets!
Here are our tips on where to sleep in Edinburgh!
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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
| CATEGORY | RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION |
|---|---|
| 👑 5-star / luxury | Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | Stay Central Hotel |
| 🎒 Hostel and low-cost | High Street Hostel |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | Cheval Old Town Chambers |
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Edinburgh
| target | area | rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Stay on a budget | Stockbridge | £70,00 |
| Newington | £75,00 | |
| Bruntsfield | £75,00 | |
| Families | Old Town | £80,00 |
| New Town | £80,00 | |
| Bruntsfield | £75,00 | |
| Stockbridge | £70,00 | |
| Young | Old Town | £80,00 |
| New Town | £80,00 | |
| Newington | £75,00 |
Not recommended Areas: Leith, Gorgie and Dalrie are peripheral districts that are not very safe, especially in the evening, and insignificant from a tourist point of view
The best neighbourhoods to stay in are Old Town and New Town, separated from each other by the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Here you will find many solutions suitable for everyone and you will be within walking distance of the main attractions. Obviously, these are also the most expensive areas of the capital.
If you are looking for budget accommodation we recommend the neighbourhoods of Stockbridge, Newington and Bruntsfield. These are located just a 15/20-minute walk from the centre, so they represent an excellent compromise between affordable price and good location. Bruntsfield and Stockbridge are great for families, while Newington is very lively in the evenings, as it is close to The University of Edinburgh.
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Edinburgh. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
If you are in Edinburgh for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com
Old Town, best for history enthusiasts
- Pros: Rich history and atmosphere, home to major attractions, excellent for walking
- Cons: Can be very crowded, especially during the Edinburgh Festival, potentially more expensive
- Main Attractions: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, St. Giles' Cathedral, Holyrood Palace, Scottish Parliament, Real Mary King's Close.
- Average Prices: From £80,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
The Old Town is definitely the best area to stay in the city, and, of course, also one of the most expensive. Here you will find the capital's main attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. But not only that, the neighbourhood is crossed by the famous Royal Mile, the main street of the city, and by characteristic streets such as the unmissable Victoria Street. Also not to be missed are the Cathedral and Holyrood Palace.
This is an area with something for everyone! If you are looking for nightlife, we recommend that you look for accommodation along Cowgate Street, a street full of pubs and all kinds of clubs. If, on the other hand, you are traveling with your family, we advise you to focus your research on the Royal Mile and areas such as Grassmarket or Holyrood Road.
Staying in the Old Town, you can easily move around on foot. The attractions are all close to each other and New Town is only ten minutes away
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about £80,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
New Town, best for shopping and architectural beauty
- Pros: Stunning Georgian architecture, excellent shopping along Princes Street and George Street
- Cons: Can feel less "historic" than the Old Town, some areas can be busy with traffic, pricy accommodation
- Main Attractions: Princes Street, George Street, Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Calton Hill, Charlotte Square.
- Average Prices: From £80,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
New Town is the second-best neighbourhood to stay in the city. The name could be misleading: it is not a modern neighbourhood, but is characterized by Georgian buildings and large, elegant streets. One of the main streets is Prince Street, which runs alongside the beautiful Princes Street Gardens and goes all the way to the Scott Monument. This street borders the southern side of the neighbourhood, while the northern side is bordered by Queen Street Gardens.
Like Old Town, New Town is also recommended for all travellers, but it is also one of the most expensive areas. If you are looking for nightlife, then we recommend that you stay in George Street, the street that cuts the whole neighbourhood in half, full of exclusive clubs and pubs. If, on the other hand, you are traveling with your family and are looking for more tranquillity, stay in Princes Street or Queens Street.
Staying here makes it easy to get around on foot. Old Town, with all its attractions, is just 10 minutes away.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about £80,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Stockbridge, the Bohemian district
- Pros: Quaint and charming village feel, independent boutiques and artisan shops, excellent cafes
- Cons: Slightly further from the main tourist attractions (though easily accessible by walking or bus)
- Main Attractions: Stockbridge Market (on Sundays), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (nearby), Water of Leith walkway, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (nearby).
- Average Prices: From £70,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
Just north of New Town is the borough of Stockbridge and Canonmills, with the wonderful neighbourhood of Stockbridge, ideal for those looking for a more authentic experience. In fact, more than a neighbourhood in Edinburgh, this place is still a small village! Within walking distance are the marvellous Royal Botanic Garden, the quaint Dean Village and the famous Circus Lane, one of the most popular streets in the whole capital.
It is an ideal area for those on a budget and those looking for tranquillity. Prices are lower than in Edinburgh's Old Town and it is easier to find deals. In addition, the area is full of apartments, which allows you to have greater autonomy. It is also ideal for families, due to the many green areas and tranquillity.
Staying here, you can walk or use the bus. The district is only a 10 minute walk from New Town, alternatively you can take advantage of one of the many bus routes present.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about £70,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Newington, best for budget travelers
- Pros: More affordable accommodation options, lively atmosphere due to the student population
- Cons: Further from the main tourist attractions (requires a bus ride or longer walk), can be noisy at times.
- Main Attractions: Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat (accessible), Summerhall (arts venue), Queen's Hall (music venue), independent shops and cafes along Clerk Street.
- Average Prices: From £75,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
Newington is a neighbourhood located just south of Old Town. As with Stockbridge it is a small village within the city with a truly unique atmosphere. It is also a very lively neighbourhood, as the University of Edinburgh is located here. It is bordered by the wonderful Meadows park and the hill of Arthur's Seat and S Clerk St, the main thoroughfare, runs through the middle.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for those who want to save on accommodation. Here, it is easier to find excellent offers and lower costs. But it is also recommended for younger people given the presence of the University. It is a very lively district both at night and during the day, with many restaurants, pubs, cafes and clubs of all kinds!
Staying here, you can move on foot or by bus. It will take you 10 to 15 minutes on foot to reach Old Town, depending on where your accommodation is located. The area is also served by numerous bus routes, with the main stops along S Clerk St.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about £75,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Bruntsfield, best for families
- Pros: More residential and quieter atmosphere, green spaces like Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows
- Cons: Further from the main tourist attractions (requires a bus ride or longer walk)
- Main Attractions: Bruntsfield Links (park), The Meadows (park), independent shops and restaurants along Bruntsfield Place.
- Average Prices: From £75,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
Another wonderful neighbourhood surrounded by greenery located in the immediate vicinity of Old Town is Bruntsfield. It is a very quiet residential neighbourhood, surrounded by the large Bruntsfield Link park on one side and on the other by an artificial canal where you can take boat trips. The main thoroughfare, which runs throughout the neighbourhood, is Bruntsfield Pl.
It is an area recommended especially for families, due to its tranquillity, large green areas and proximity to Old Town. At the same time, it is also ideal for those on a budget, with lower costs than in the centre and numerous offers.
By staying here, you can move mainly on foot. The centre is about 15 minutes away. Alternatively, you can use one of the many bus routes that serve the area!
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about £75,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Places to stay near Edinburgh
Staying in the city is the best solution. Usually, travellers spend just 3 days in Edinburgh, so it is important to stay in a strategic location. Hotels, hostels, B&Bs and apartments, there are lots of options.
If you want to stay outside the city you have to take into account the train journeys, which are not very long, but could still take up precious time. Furthermore, staying outside the city you will not be able to enjoy the nightlife of Old Town and New Town to the fullest. If you travel by car, you can stay in one of the aforementioned districts and walk to the centre as many accommodations offer parking to their guests.
Edinburgh accommodation price map
Guide to the areas of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a very friendly city, and it is very easy to acclimate. It extends for about 269 sq km and has just under 500,000 inhabitants.
The Scottish capital is divided into 7 districts. The central districts are the Old Town of Edinburgh and the New Town of Edinburgh. These are also the best areas to sleep in, given the central location and proximity to major attractions. After these two districts, we find another 5:
- Stockbridge and Canonmills, where the Stockbridge neighbourhood is located, recommended for families and those who want more affordable accommodation;
- South Edinburgh, where the Newington district is located, suitable for those on a budget and young people, given the presence of the University of Edinburgh;
- West Edinburgh, home to the quiet Bruntsfield neighbourhood, with more affordable and family-friendly prices;
- East Edinburgh, district overlooking the sea, with the town of Portobello;
- Leith, the port area, very characteristic but not entirely recommended to stay.
Cool Things to do in Edinburgh
- Explore Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcano, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland's history. More info here.
- Tour of Loch Ness: discover the beautiful landscapes anbd surroundings with this tour. Book your tour here.
- Harry Potter Tour: if you are a fan of the most famous wizard of the world, you need to do this tour! Bookings here.
- Walk the Royal Mile, the historic thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops, pubs, and historical sites.
- Hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
- Discover the secrets of the Real Mary King's Close, an underground network of 17th-century streets.
- Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
- Wander through the elegant New Town, admiring the Georgian architecture and exploring Princes Street and George Street for shopping.
- Climb Calton Hill for iconic views of the city skyline, including the National Monument and Nelson's Monument.
- Explore the charming village atmosphere of Stockbridge, Browse independent shops and enjoying the Water of Leith walkway.
- Visit the Scottish National Gallery to admire a collection of fine art.
Travel Tips for Edinburgh
- Be prepared for all types of weather, as Edinburgh's weather can change quickly, even in the same day. Layers are recommended.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as Edinburgh is a hilly city with many cobblestone streets.
- Utilize Edinburgh's public transportation, including buses and trams, to get around the city.
- Be aware of peak tourist seasons, especially during the Edinburgh Festival in August, when booking in advance is essential.
- Try traditional Scottish food and drinks, such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and local whisky or beer.
- Learn a few basic Scottish phrases; while English is the main language, some local dialect might be heard.
- Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season and for events.
- Explore beyond the main tourist areas to discover the unique character of neighborhoods like Stockbridge and Newington.
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