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!
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Edinburgh
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.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Stockbridge, Newington, Bruntsfield
- Recommended areas for families with children: Old Town (Royal Mile), New Town, Bruntsfield, Stockbridge
- Recommended areas for families with children: Old Town (Cowgate Street), New Town (George Street), Newington
- 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
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.
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
Old Town
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 range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Stay Central Hotel | 3-star hotel on Cowgate Street, in the heart of the nightlife. Modern rooms equipped with all comforts. Ideal for couples and young people |
| High Street Hostel | Hostel off the Royal Mile. Female or mixed dorm, up to 18 beds, shared bathrooms, shared kitchen and lounge. Ideal for young people |
| Old Town Chambers | Residence 5 min walk from the Castle. Modern and luxury apartments with equipped kitchens, city views and WiFi. Ideal for couples, families and groups of up to 6 people |
| Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh | 5-star hotel on the Royal Mile, 600 metres from Edinburgh Castle. Gym, pets allowed, great breakfast. Ideal for couples and families |
New Town
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 range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| The Old Waverley Hotel | 3-star hotel on Princes Street, overlooking Edinburgh Castle. 24-hour reception, restaurant. Ideal for couples and families |
| Haystack Hostel | Hostel 50 metres from Princes Street, in an 18th century Georgian building. 24-hour reception, free WiFi and fully equipped shared kitchen. Private rooms or bed in dormitory. Ideal for young people |
| Eden Locke | Apartment residence a few minutes from the Castle. With equipped kitchen, private bathroom, studio or one bedroom apartment. Ideal for couples |
| Nira Caledonia | 4-star hotel 800m from Princes Street. Elegant rooms and slate bathrooms, restaurant, parking. Ideal for couples and families |
Stockbridge
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 range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Ardenlee Guest House Edinburgh | Family-run Guesthouse in a Victorian style building. Rooms with private bathroom or shared bathroom. Ideal for couples and young people |
| Garden Rooms Edinburgh | Apartment surrounded by greenery with garden, barbecue, terrace and free WiFi. One bedroom, equipped kitchen. Ideal for couples |
| The Raeburn | 4-star hotel in a Georgian style building. Restaurant and room service, bar, elegant rooms equipped with all comforts. Ideal for couples and families |
Newington
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 range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €180,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Ceilidh-Donia | Family-run 3-star hotel in a very quiet area. Free on-street parking, WiFi, a bar and cosy rooms. Ideal for couples |
| Edinburgh Holiday Guest House | B&B a 10 min walk from the University of Edinburgh. WiFi, on-site parking, breakfast included. Ideal for couples and young people |
| Salisbury Court Campus Accomodation | Student residence with free WiFi, a garden with BBQ and city views. Units with shared kitchen. Ideal for young people |
| Southside Guest House Edinburgh | Elegant family-run establishment. Rooms with modern amenities, private bathrooms and views of Newington Road or the rear garden. Ideal for couples |
Bruntsfield
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 range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €180,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Black Ivy | Hotel with refined interiors, rooms with free WiFi, en suite bathroom and flat-screen satellite TV. Restaurant and bar. Ideal for couples and families |
| No 57 Residence | B&B accommodation with free WiFi and flat-screen TV. Rooms for up to 5 people. Ideal for couples and families |
| Valentine Guest House | Guest house in a Georgian building. Rooms with private bathrooms, family suites, excellent breakfast. Ideal for couples and families |
| Best Western Plus Edinburgh City Centre Bruntsfield Hotel | 4-star hotel of the well-known Best Western chain. Opposite Bruntsfield Links, large rooms with desk and bathroom, restaurant and room service, bar and parking. Ideal for couples and business travellers |
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.