What better destination in Scotland than the beautiful, historic city of Edinburgh? An ancient city dominated by its 11th-century medieval castle, it underwent a notable evolution towards Georgian and Victorian architecture in the 19th century. As we shall see, however, the city is divided into different districts, each with its own ambience and more or less convenient location. So, to make the most of your stay, it’s important to choose where to stay in Edinburgh . All the more so if it’s a short city-trip.
In this guide, we’ll come back to the theme of accommodation in the Scottish capital. We’ll recommend the most interesting places to stay in each district, grouped by budget.
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Edinburgh, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. They should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Edinburgh:
- $ This hotel in the Old Town, offering affordable rooms,
- $$ This hotel complex, ideally located close to many places of interest,
- $$$ This luxury hotel offers spacious rooms with views of Edinburgh Castle.
Map of where to stay in Edinburgh
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Edinburgh, you’ll find on the map below all the Edinburgh accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Edinburgh
Where to stay in and around Edinburgh
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Edinburgh.
Stay in Old Town: the spirit of Scotland's capital!
If you come to Edinburgh, it's certainly because you appreciate authentic cities that can boast a centuries-old past. This is particularly true of this Scottish capital, which boasts medieval buildings dating back to the 12th century. And it's via the main thoroughfare known as the Royal Mile that you'll reach the immense Edinburgh Castle, its historic symbol, atop the old volcano from which it dominates the entire city.
From here, you can explore Old Town, with its street artists, stores and medieval buildings. You'll love the atmosphere, even if you'll find plenty of tourists. If you don't know, this is the part of town from which author JK Rowling drew inspiration for her famous Harry Potter novels. So it's an ideal place to stay and experience the special atmosphere unique to Scotland's capital.
On the other side of the thoroughfare lies the no less impressive Palace of Holyrood. Be aware that some members of the Crown like to stay there during the summer months, and are no longer available to visitors. So be sure to check whether the castle is open on the dates you plan to visit.
Here's a list of places you can see in this area:
- Edinburgh Castle: A 12th-century landmark, it houses a war museum, gardens and the Crown Jewels
- Palace of Holyrood : This medieval palace surrounded by gardens and ruins dates back to the 11th century. A landmark in Scottish history.
- Greyfriars Kirkyard: A former graveyard that can be visited day and night, including ghost tours that will make you break out in a cold sweat.
- The Scotch Whisky Experience: Museum retracing the history of this Scottish spirit, with tastings of its different varieties.
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This affordable hotel welcomes you in an English pub-style decor, with tartan-style tapestries reminiscent of the famous Scottish kilt. You'll enjoy spacious, comfortable rooms to stay in, just 5 minutes from all the center's attractions.
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Behind Saint Gilles Cathedral, you'll be welcomed to this 130-year-old hotel with character, restaurant and boutique. Enjoy staying in one of the hotel's spacious rooms with a view of the city, and a hearty breakfast.
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Dating back to the Belle Epoque, this classically-decorated 4-star hotel welcomes you to spacious rooms with bow-window views of Edinburgh Castle. You'll appreciate the Egyptian cotton linen, in-house cinema and excellent bedding.
Staying in New Town: the contemporary part
If you've enjoyed Old Town, we invite you to continue your discovery in the more contemporary part of the capital, known simply as New Town. You'll find it further north than Old Town, just past the Gothic Scott Monument. It's also an area that offers a wide range of accommodation options, so we strongly recommend staying here during your visit to Edinburgh.
When you arrive on Princes Street, you'll discover streets lined with Georgian-style buildings, shopping streets lined with department stores and chic bars where Scots like to go out in the evening to enjoy the surrounding charm. To stay here is to enjoy this unique experience, so we recommend a number of things to do in this charming area.
- Calton Hill: A lush green hill offering breathtaking views
- Charlotte Square Kimpton: a place of Georgian architecture, some of which you can visit (Georgian House no. 7)
- Scottish National Gallery: Neoclassical-style museum featuring works of art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Free
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Just a 5-minute walk from Princes Street, you'll find this hotel in a Georgian house where you can stay in classically decorated, elegant rooms. Family rooms are also available.
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Occupying 3 houses ofGeorgian architecture, this hotel can accommodate you in spacious, cosy rooms that will guarantee you a restful stay. Facing the bus station and close to everything, you'll also be won over by its luxurious bar.
Stay in West End, near Dean Village
To the west of the city lies the charming West End, and in particular the little village called Dean Village. It's a must-see if you want to discover Edinburgh in the most authentic way possible. The village was founded in the 12th century by the friars of Holyrood Abbey.
Also known as Water of Leith Village, it's a fifteen-minute bus ride from the historic railway station. A popular residential area that has preserved its fine stone houses, it's an ideal place to stay in Edinburgh and stay in one of its charming hotels and traditional guesthouses. However, you'll mainly find guest houses or apartments for rent, which are not very popular with hotels.
On William Street, you'll find pretty boutiques and pubs among old buildings, each as charming as the next. It's an area with a very bohemian atmosphere.
There are many places to visit in this area:
- Dean Village walking trail: Along the river, you can take a bucolic stroll that will tell you all about the history of the area
- Shopping and relaxation: The streets of William and Stafford Street are full of pretty boutiques and bars for you to explore without moderation.
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Dating back to the end of the 19th century, this Victorian-style boutique hotel offers rooms with bay windows. Just 20 minutes from the airport, you'll also find a restaurant serving traditional cuisine.
Neighbouring areas where to stay: Bonnington, Newington and Bruntsfield
To the north of New Town lies the Bonnington area. Built from a village that had spread out from a ford near the River Leith, today it's a place where it's easy to stay. Following the decline of its industrial activity, the area has focused on the development of housing and residences, while at the same time allowing the installation of new offices.
To the south of the Old Town, a 15-minute walk from the Royal Mile, the very green areas of Bruntsfield and Newington, developed around the 19th century, are sure to charm the most curious of Scottish culture. A residential district for the wealthy classes, you'll find a wide range of accommodation in Victorian buildings. The area's independent stores and restaurants are sure to enhance your stay in Scotland.
We've selected a few places to visit in these areas:
- Summerhall: a complex that hosts many of the city's events and a former whisky distillery.
- Arthur's Seat & Holyrood Park: A park offering easy walking and breathtaking views over the whole of Edinburgh.
Here's a selection of B&Bs in the area.
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Located in Bonnington's Northern Quarter, this pretty Victorian guesthouse offers sumptuous, fully-equipped rooms and English or Irish breakfast. It's the ideal place to stay, between Dean Village and the port of Leith.
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This sublime Victorian-style hotel welcomes you to its sumptuously decorated and colorful spaces. Located in Bruntflield, it offers trendy, spacious rooms, some of which offer the chance to stay with a beautiful view through the bay windows.
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This guesthouse in the Newington district, with its old-fashioned, classic decor, will welcome you into its charming spaces, from which you can access the characterful rooms. Our attentive hosts can help you discover the area's many attractions.
Stay in Leith: the old port of Edinburgh
Half an hour by bus from the center, in the north of the Scottish city, lies the former port of Leith, now fully integrated into the capital. With its rich industrial past, it's a charming area that's sure to entertain you if you want to stay here during your stay in Scotland. The port area is clearly the one that best represents the spirit of this historic city.
Arriving via Leith Walk, you'll discover many unique boutiques, oriental grocery stores and charity shops. At the end of this street, head for the river and then The Shore, where you'll find a myriad of cute little cafés not to be missed. These streets are the perfect place to stay for a truly authentic Edinburgh stay.
We've selected the most interesting things to do in Leith:
- Shopping at Ocean Terminal: A shopping center in the harbor area from which you can access the Brittania.
- Royal Yacht Brittania: The Royal Family's personal yacht, which you can visit for half a day.
- The Biscuit factory: A venue for artistic initiatives
- Market: Saturdays and Sundays until 5 p.m. (next to Custom House)
There's less accommodation in Leith than in other parts of the city, but here's our selection if you want to stay.
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This hotel is unique in that it is a historic ship moored in the old port of Leith. Built in the early 1920s, it offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms and luxurious relaxation areas in an Art Deco style.
Summary
You now have all the information you need to easily discover the magnificent city of Edinburgh. Scotland is a region that’s sure to charm you, and staying here will be a whole lot easier thanks to this guide to the best places to invest in for this picturesque getaway.
Whether you’re attracted by thehistoric aspect of the city by choosing to stay in Old Town, or whether your desire is for a relaxing stay close to the locals, taking in the residential corners of Dean Village, West End or Newington; Edinburgh will be a destination that will satisfy you for a few days or a week.
If you have the time, we can’t stress enough the importance of discovering the old port of Leith. Book your accommodation early and you’ll be won over by the many seafood restaurants and attractions around the harbour’s liabilities.