Edinburgh’s Old Town is the medieval heart of the city – a UNESCO World Heritage tangle of closes, cobbles and tenements strung along the Royal Mile between the Castle and Holyrood. Staying here means you can walk to almost everything, roll out of bed onto the Mile, and soak up the atmosphere after the day-trippers have gone. It is also the most in-demand place to sleep in the city, so it pays to know your options.
Below are our favourite places to stay in the Old Town for every budget – from a five-star design hotel and a castle-side splurge to modern four-stars and the city’s best-loved backpacker hostels. We have also flagged the self-catering apartment scene, which suits families and longer stays.
🏨 Boutique hotels: The Inn On The Mile · 👑 Luxury: The Witchery · 🏊 With a pool: Apex Grassmarket · 💰 Budget hostels: Castle Rock Hostel
Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh’s Old Town
The Inn On The Mile
CentralBoutique rooms above a lively bar in a grand former bank, right on the High Street. As central as the Old Town gets.
Nine theatrical, lavish suites beside the Castle gates – the Old Town’s most famous romantic splurge.
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Castle ViewsModern four-star on the Grassmarket with Castle-view rooms and a rare Old Town pool, sauna and gym.
House of Gods
LuxuryGothic-glam boutique hotel full of drama and character, tucked into the Old Town’s Cowgate.
Market Street Hotel
5-StarContemporary five-star design hotel by Waverley with a rooftop terrace for cocktails and small plates.
Kick Ass Greyfriars
HostelSociable hostel with big rooms and a rooftop terrace, steps from Greyfriars and the Grassmarket pubs.
Castle Rock Hostel
HostelFriendly, quirky hostel right below the Castle with a warm welcome and unbeatable central location.
High Street Hostel
HostelOne of Edinburgh’s original backpacker hostels, just off the Royal Mile with a big communal lounge.
Old Town Accommodation at a Glance
| Place | Type | Price | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Inn On The Mile | Boutique hotel | £££ | Royal Mile | Central couples |
| The Witchery by the Castle | Luxury suites | ££££ | Castlehill | Romantic splurge |
| Apex Grassmarket Hotel | 4-star hotel | £££ | Grassmarket | Pool & views |
| House of Gods | Boutique hotel | £££ | Cowgate | Style & drama |
| Market Street Hotel | 5-star design | ££££ | Market Street | Rooftop & design |
| Kick Ass Greyfriars | Hostel | £ | Grassmarket | Social backpackers |
| Castle Rock Hostel | Hostel | £ | Johnston Terrace | Location & welcome |
| High Street Hostel | Hostel | £ | Off Royal Mile | Classic budget |
Self-Catering Apartments in the Old Town
If you are travelling as a family, staying longer, or simply want a kitchen and more space, self-catering apartments are a strong alternative to hotels in the Old Town. The Grassmarket and High Street areas have some lovely options, from compact studios for couples to family-sized flats sleeping four or more, many set in characterful historic tenements with the Royal Mile on the doorstep.
Apartments here tend to be stylish but discreet, and can work out better value than a hotel for groups splitting the cost. Because individual short-let listings change often, it is worth searching current availability on the major booking platforms and filtering by the Old Town, Grassmarket or Royal Mile – and checking recent reviews and the exact street before you book, as noise varies a lot from one close to the next.
How to Choose Where to Stay in the Old Town
For a first visit, prioritise being on or just off the Royal Mile so you can walk to the Castle, Grassmarket and Waverley Station – The Inn On The Mile and Market Street Hotel are both superb for this. For a romantic occasion, the castle-side Witchery is the classic choice. If you want a pool – a real rarity in the Old Town – the Apex Grassmarket stands out. On a budget, the Old Town’s hostels give you an unbeatable location for very little, with Castle Rock Hostel our pick for friendliness and setting. One universal tip: the Old Town is lively and central, so if you are a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street and pack earplugs during festival season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best area to stay in Edinburgh’s Old Town?
The Royal Mile (High Street), the Grassmarket and Market Street are the prime spots. They put you within a 10-minute walk of the Castle, Waverley Station and most major sights. The Grassmarket is liveliest at night; Market Street and side streets off the Mile are a little calmer.
Is it worth staying in the Old Town or the New Town?
The Old Town wins for atmosphere and being surrounded by history and sights, while the New Town is a little calmer and better for shopping. For a first visit focused on the Castle and Royal Mile, the Old Town is hard to beat – just expect more evening buzz.
Are there budget places to stay in the Old Town?
Yes – the Old Town has some of the city’s best-loved hostels, including Kick Ass Greyfriars, Castle Rock Hostel and High Street Hostel, all offering dorm beds and some private rooms in prime central locations for a fraction of hotel prices.
Is the Old Town noisy at night?
Parts of it can be, especially the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile at weekends and during the August festivals. If you are a light sleeper, book a room at the back or on a higher floor, or choose a quieter side street off the Mile, and bring earplugs.