Scotland’s capital is one of the most striking cities in the UK, with medieval closes, a castle on a rock and elegant Georgian squares. The city is compact and walkable, but the character of each neighbourhood is very different. This guide answers where to stay in Edinburgh area by area, with standout hotels and what to keep in mind when you book.
Old Town: The Castle and the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile, running from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the narrow closes around it are the soul of Old Town. It is the most practical area if you want museums, pubs and underground tours on your doorstep. House of Gods Royal Mile on the Cowgate, Market Street Hotel beside Waverley station and EdinBnB are all here. Some streets get lively on weekend nights, so if quiet matters, ask for a room at the back.
New Town: Georgian Elegance and Shopping
Planned in the 18th century, New Town is Old Town’s orderly sibling, with wide streets, graceful squares and the shops of Princes Street and George Street. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also rich in restaurants and bars. Being close to Waverley station and the tram makes getting around easy.
Stockbridge: A Village Feel
North-west of New Town, Stockbridge is one of the city’s best-loved neighbourhoods, with the Water of Leith walkway, its Sunday market and plenty of cafés. The adults-only New Town Guest House on Saint Bernard’s Crescent captures this calm atmosphere. The Royal Botanic Garden and Dean Village are within walking distance.
Haymarket and the West End: Easy Connections
The area around Haymarket station, where the airport tram and Glasgow trains stop, is one of the best-connected parts of the city. Hotels such as Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket on Morrison Street suit short city breaks and business trips. It is also a good base for matches and concerts at Murrayfield Stadium.
Holyrood and Arthur’s Seat
Staying at the eastern end of the Royal Mile, next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament, is ideal if you want to climb Arthur’s Seat in the morning. Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments offers apartments with kitchens, practical for families and longer stays.
Portobello: Edinburgh by the Sea
East of the centre, Portobello is Edinburgh’s seaside district, with a sandy beach and a promenade, around twenty minutes from the centre by bus. Guest houses such as Georgian Guest House on East Brighton Crescent are a good alternative if you want to escape the festival crowds.
Types of Accommodation
- Historic hotels: in restored buildings in Old Town and New Town, full of character but sometimes with small rooms.
- Guest houses: in Stockbridge, Newington and Portobello, friendly and usually with breakfast.
- Serviced apartments: with kitchens, for families and longer stays.
- Modern city hotels: in Haymarket and the West End, close to transport with standard comfort.
When to Go
May to September brings long days and milder weather. In August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the International Festival turn the city into one of the liveliest places on earth, and hotels fill months ahead. December’s Christmas market and the Hogmanay New Year celebrations are also very popular. Winter and early spring offer a quieter visit.
Getting There and Around
From Edinburgh Airport, the tram or the Airlink bus takes you into the centre easily. Trains from London reach Waverley station in around four and a half hours. The centre is walkable, and Lothian buses and the tram cover Leith, Portobello and other areas. Bring comfortable shoes for the hills and cobbles.
A Sample Three-Day Plan
On day one, visit the castle and walk down the Royal Mile to Holyrood, then watch the sunset from Calton Hill. On day two, climb Arthur’s Seat early, then spend the afternoon at the National Museum of Scotland and in the Grassmarket. On day three, follow the Water of Leith from Dean Village to Stockbridge, or take a trip down to the port of Leith for its waterfront restaurants. If you have an extra day, the train to Glasgow or a coach tour to the Highlands makes an easy and rewarding excursion.
How to Book
On the hotels in Edinburgh page, enter your check-in and check-out dates and the number of guests to see the available room types and board options. Compare the room types, what the price includes and the cancellation terms before the payment step. Card payments are processed securely. Your card is not charged now; the amount is taken once your booking is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for first-timers?
Old Town is the most practical choice for a first visit, within walking distance of the castle, the Royal Mile and the museums. If you prefer calmer, more orderly streets, choose New Town.
Is it hard to find a hotel in Edinburgh in August?
During the August festivals the city is extremely busy and hotels fill quickly. If you are travelling then, book as early as you can.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
The tram links the airport with the city centre via Haymarket and Princes Street, and the Airlink bus runs to Waverley station.
Do I need a car in Edinburgh?
No. The centre is walkable and buses and the tram make other areas easy to reach. Parking in the centre is limited and expensive.
Which area is quietest?
Stockbridge, the western streets of New Town and seaside Portobello are calmer than Old Town.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
May to September brings long days; August is the liveliest and busiest month because of the festivals. December stands out for the Christmas market and Hogmanay.
