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‘Where to stay in Edinburgh’ is a great question, but one that is a little tricky to answer! The best Edinburgh neighbourhood, or ‘area’ as we call them, depends on what you are looking to do with your time, if you’re travelling alone, as a couple or with family and your budget.
So we’ve taken each Edinburgh area, detailed the best things to do there and made hotel suggestions so you can choose the best option of your trip.
Edinburgh is a diverse city with many different areas to choose from, each with a different appeal. So whether you’re looking for the best budget hotels in Edinburgh City Centre or something with a bit more luxury, read on!
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The Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh Summary
- City Centre – Super central, quite pricey
- Old Town – Heart of history, immersed in attractions
- New Town – Shopping, restaurants and bars
- Stockbridge/Dean Village – Pretty, upmarket
- Leith – Local’s pick, lots of bars, food & nice walks by the water
- West End – Shopping and dining
- West Edinburgh – Up and coming, home to Murrayfield
- Where to Stay During the Fringe – Edinburgh’s art festival
- For Edinburgh Airport – Overnight stays for quick getaways
Visiting in winter? Check out the most festive hotels in the city here.
Getting Around Edinburgh
Before getting stuck in to where you might like to stay in Edinburgh, it’s useful to think about how you will get to and from your accommodation to the fantastic sights that Edinburgh has to offer.
Edinburgh has a great transport system which is similar to many European cities.
Lothian Buses serve the vast majority of the city – you can almost guarantee that you’ll be close to a bus stop wherever you stay.
Lothian also run NightBus services every night of the week on selected routes.
Here’s our guide to Edinburgh Bus Station.
Edinburgh Trams serve one route with stops through the West of Edinburgh from the Airport to York Place at the East End.
ScotRail trains serve stops further afield, although there are some local stops throughout the city.
So, if you are looking for the cheapest way to stay in Edinburgh, you might want to consider staying a little further out of the City Centre and using the public transport options available to visit attractions around the city.
And, public transport is a great way to get around if you are heading out for a drink or two.
With some services running 24-hours, you could check out a pub quiz or things to do at night and get the bus home.
City Centre Hotels
Who’s it for? Everyone!
The City Centre is a bustling mix of people.
Just because it is home to some of the most prestigious hotels in Edinburgh doesn’t mean some budget options are available.
So, the City Centre is perfect for a romantic couple’s retreat or a group of friends or families visiting the Capital.
Things to Do in Edinburgh City Centre
Edinburgh City Centre is actually two popular areas of the city combined.
This is where parts of the Old Town and New Town live harmoniously, so you can have the history and the hype on your accommodation doorstep.
Take Princes Street Gardens as the divider; the south of the Gardens is classified as the Old Town.
- The Edinburgh Dungeons – scary stories, underground
- The Fruitmarket Gallery – contemporary art gallery/cafe
- Scott Monument – 287 steps for city views
- Princes Street Gardens – picnics, gigs and the Christmas Market
- RSA and National Gallery museums – exhibitions and art
- Waverley Shopping Centre and popup rooftop bar
- St Andrews Square – green space next to George Street
Here’s our guide the best photo spots in Edinburgh
Best Hotel – Edinburgh City Centre
Like every major city, some of your most expensive and prestigious hotels reside in the City Centre.
Some of the industry’s biggest names such as:
- Hilton Waldorf Astoria (The Caledonian)
- Rocco Forte (The Balmoral) – image of Deluxe Castle View Room below, read our honest review
- Grand Sheraton Hotel and Spa
These popular and established hotels are a stone’s throw away from Princes Street, the epicentre of Edinburgh.
These hotels are a great option if you have a large budget and are looking for a central location.
Did you know? You can stay in the very room where J.K. Rowling finished her final novel – the Deathly Hallows.
Room 552 at The Balmoral is available for booking!
Check out our Edinburgh Harry Potter guide to find out more.
The Balmoral also features in our most romantic hotel guide.
Edinburgh Budget Hotels – City Centre
However, the City Centre is not simply reserved for the rich and famous!
There are several budget options available for travellers looking to save some cash.
Jurys Inn is located 5 minutes from Waverley Station, at the base of the Royal Mile close to Cockburn Street, which has lots of food and drink options.
Rooms are basic yet clean, and the staff are friendly.
Some rooms have views of Calton Hill.
Not bad for under £100 per night!
A friend of the website, Joella (US), also recommends Hotel Indigo, which is across from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station.
Check out our guide to budget hotels in Edinburgh for more.
Old Town Hotels
Who’s it for?
The Old Town is certainly one of the more pricey areas in Edinburgh, so it would suit anyone with cash to splash!
The cobbled streets and winding closes (alleys) make this a very magical and romantic area so that it would be perfect for a romantic city break.
The Old Town is a relatively small area centred around the Royal Mile.
Due to its central and picturesque location, hotels here are likely to attract a higher cost.
Things to do in Old Town, Edinburgh
This is where first-time visitors will spend at least a day in Edinburgh.
- Rub Hume’s toe on the Royal Mile
- Spend a morning at Edinburgh Castle
- Spit in the Heart of Midlothian
- Drink a pint at the Grassmarket
- Get a selfie with Greyfriars Bobby
- Visit the graveyard which inspired Harry Potter characters
- Spend a day at the many Old Town museums, see our guide for Edinburgh with kids for more
- Hike up Arthur’s Seat at Holyrood
- See a debate at the Scottish Parliament
- Visit the royal residence of Holyrood Palace
Here’s everything you can’t miss in the Old Town.
Best Hotel – Edinburgh Old Town
Looking for Edinburgh hotels near the Royal Mile? Look no further.
If you want to be in the middle of the action, Raddison’s collection hotel on George IV Bridge is only a few minutes walk from the castle, the Grassmarket, Princes Street and local bus services.
The plush furnishings, great location and excellent service, make this a great hotel for couples looking for a romantic weekend getaway.
The contemporary Scottish decor also makes it one of the more unique places to stay in Edinburgh.
One of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh has to be The Dunstane House.
A boutique hotel with standalone copper baths just off the Royal Mile. Bliss.
Like a sexier vibe? House of Gods is the hotel to stay at this year.
Read our impartial review of House of Gods. We stayed in a suite!
New Town Hotels
Who’s it for?
This is Edinburgh’s main shopping district, so it’s a perfect place to stay if you plan to hit the shops while you’re here!
There are also lots of high-end clubs, bars, and restaurants here, making this an excellent base for foodies.
The New Town encompasses Edinburgh’s Princes Street and George Street, along with areas such as Stockbridge.
The difference in the layout is stark – this area is recognisable for having a much more structured grid layout, and the buildings appear much larger and grander than the Old Town.
Things to Do in Edinburgh New Town
- Shop ’til you drop at St James Quarter
- Enjoy a drink with a view at Juniper Edinburgh
- Visiting at Christmas? Don’t miss The Dome
- Drink cocktails on George Street
- Pub crawl along Rose Street
- See a show at The Stand
- People watch over St Andrews Square from Harvey Nichols
- Consider Edinburgh’s link with the slave trade, many of the New Town buildings were built by merchants who profited from it
Hotels in Edinburgh New Town
The New Town was designed to be much more open than its neighbouring Old Town, as seen in its many public parks and gardens.
So, if you want to be in the centre but prefer a stroll through some beautiful parks, this area might suit you.
Best Hotel – Edinburgh New Town
The Malmaison Edinburgh City on St Andrew Square is right in the centre of the city and a stone’s throw from the tram stop, meaning it is a great location for travellers wishing to stay in the New Town and travel to Edinburgh Airport.
It’s also perfectly located for some evening drinks at the Harvey Nichols bar, which offers incredible views of the North of Edinburgh and the Forth.
Stockbridge & Dean Village
Stockbridge is an affluent area in Edinburgh located north of the city.
Once a small village outside the city boundaries, this area is popular with the families who reside there and hungry visitors at the weekend.
Pretty streets pull in the Instagram fans, and trendy tourists will find the second-hand shopping a steal.
Dean Village is a photographer’s dream, with crooked buildings surrounding the water and yellow buildings on everyone’s social media.
Known as “Water of Leith Village”, this is an old gran milling industrial area in Edinburgh.
It feels completely detached from city life.
Things to Do in Stockbridge & Dean Village
- Shop at the Stockbridge Market on Saturdays
- Shop at the second-hand shops
- Dine at the many cafes and restaurants
- See the flowers at the Potted Garden
- Get ‘that shot’ on Circus Lane
- Walk along the river to Dean Village
- Stop off at St Bernard’s Well (Greek Goddess of Health, Hygeia)
Read our full guide on things to do in Stockbridge.
Hotels in Stockbridge
The Raeburn Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel.
This Georgian House Hotel has a popular restaurant, ten bedrooms, outdoor terraces and private dining.
The perfect hotel for a romantic getaway.
For more, here’s our guide on where to stay in Stockbridge.
Learn the lingo! Here are 40 Scottish words you need to know
West End
Who’s it for?
Hipsters and art lovers.
Close to the Gallery of Modern Art, the West End is for culture seekers.
(Check out the famous ‘no miracles’ sign outside the Modern Art Gallery – it’s a great Instagram shot!)
The West End is home to some of Edinburgh’s best independent shops, bars and restaurants.
It’s also home to the Scottish First Minister – if it’s good enough for them…!
West End Edinburgh Hotels
Some of the best hotels in Edinburgh are located in the West End.
The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh—The Caledonian is one of the most luxurious hotels in the capital, and some rooms feature views of the Castle.
It is also featured in our most festive hotels in Edinburgh for Christmas.
The Kimpton on Charlotte Square is another luxurious hotel with stunning architecture.
Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the indoor Garden area is worth a visit for a cup of tea, a cake, and some quiet in the city’s hustle and bustle.
Leith
Who’s it for?
Younger visitors, travellers looking to save some cash on accommodation and seafood lovers.
Leith is located in the North of Edinburgh, where the city’s port is.
This might be the best location for boarding a cruise ship in Edinburgh!
The Royal Yacht Britannia is the main tourist attraction in Leith, and it is a museum on the water.
There are also lots of lovely walks along the water of Leith, connecting this area of Edinburgh with the upmarket Stockbridge and picturesque Deans Village.
Read more about this walk in our free things to do in guide.
Leith is also famous for its incredible seafood restaurants and lively bars, so if you’re interested in those, this might be a great place to base yourself.
The bars in Leith are plentiful and varied, from cocktail bars to old man pubs.
This area has been extensively redeveloped in the last twenty years, so you are more likely to find apartments in Edinburgh here.
Apartments along the Waterfront are likely to have stunning views of the Forth and Fife, so look out for this when booking.
It is close to both Portobello and Cramond Beach. Here’s more on beaches near Edinburgh,
Things to Do in Leith
The Leith vibe is about lazy mornings musing about the independent shops and boozing at the bars.
- Enjoy a long brunch
- Buy from Edinburgh’s makers at the Scottish Design Exchange
- Take a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Enjoy a breezy walk along to Cramond or Portobello Beach
- Wander along the Waters of Leith to Stockbridge
- Enjoy the views and drinks at the vertical distillery, Port of Leith
- Into fine dining? Eat at Martin Wishart
- Have a pint by the fire at The Carriers Quarters
- Do a Leith Walk pub crawl into town
Read more: Things to do in Leith and Newhaven
Hotels in Leith
If you are still looking for affordable luxury, the Malmaison is on the Shore.
This is where Gemma and her family stayed for her wedding party night at Leith Theatre.
Malmaison is a modern chain of hotels, but don’t let the chain aspect put you off.
Right by the water, it is the perfect location for visiting Michelin star restaurants, such as The Kitchin and Restaurant Martin Wishart.
Read more in our where to stay in Leith guide.
Getting to Leith
The great thing is that Leith is served by several different Lothian Buses services, so you can easily get into the city centre.
West Edinburgh Accommodation
West Edinburgh extends along the tram and bus routes towards Edinburgh Airport.
The West of the city is home to many great attractions, such as Murrayfield Rugby Stadium, so it would be a great place to stay for rugby fans!
This area is principally served by the 26 and 31 bus routes and the tram, so although it is not quite in the thick of the action, it is easily accessible and should not be dismissed.
For these reasons, West Edinburgh is a great place to stay for families wondering where to stay with kids.
Hotels in West Edinburgh
West Edinburgh is fairly quiet and residential, so there are several bed and breakfast-style accommodations available.
The Holiday Inn on Corstorphine Road is also served by the 12, 26 and 31 buses and the Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield Hotel on Clermiston Road is served by the 26 bus.
Staying in West Edinburgh? Check out Corstorphine Hill for a forest walk.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh for the Fringe
The great thing about the Edinburgh Festivals is that they take place all over the city, weaving into everyday life for a few weeks of the year.
This means that any part of the city mentioned in this guide will be suitable for festival-goers.
One area that really comes to life during the Fringe is the University area around Bristo Square and George Square, edging on to Edinburgh’s Meadows and Southside.
Any apartments in this area would be perfect for festival attendees.
The plush Quartermile development is home to some of Edinburgh’s most luxurious apartments and the Marriott Residence Inn, which is excellent for longer stays.
The atmosphere around this area during the festivals is electric, and you won’t regret booking here.
Where to Stay Near Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport is located in the West of the City, near to Newbridge and Ratho.
The great news is that the Lothian airport bus service runs 24 hours a day to connect the City Centre with air travellers.
There are also early morning and late evening trams connecting the airport to the city’s heart.
There are a few options if you are looking for a hotel to stay in at the airport.
The Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport, and Moxy Hotel (Gemma’s recommendation) are all ideally located for the airport and are either a short walk or complimentary shuttle bus away from departures.
The Premier Inn and Travelodge hotels located at the airport are actually a considerable distance from the terminal, and so you should use caution if you are catching an early morning flight and looking to book into these hotels.
Both are around an hour walk to the airport, six minutes by car, or would cost £12 to £14 in a taxi.
If you are planning on paying to leave your car at the airport, these may be an option for you.
Don’t miss our guide on how to get Edinburgh Airport from the city.
“Can you stay at Edinburgh Castle?”
Although this sounds like an awesome idea, sadly, the answer is no! And you’ll probably be glad of it.
This many-hundred-year-old building may be incredible, imposing and impressive, but it is almost certainly draughty!
You would be much better off checking out hotels in the surrounding area with excellent views of the Castle.
Our Edinburgh Accommodation Guides
Overall
- Really unique Airbnbs in Edinburgh
- Hotels with indoor pools & spas
- Budget-friendly hotels in the city
- Edinburgh hotels that love our dogs
- Very festive hotels for Christmas
- Most romantic hotels for couples
- Hotels with parking (free & paid for)
Old Town
City Centre
West End
Leith
Stockbridge
Any questions or comments?
Let us know below.
I plan to attend the Fringe in 2023!
Where should I stay? 72 , Widow
Hi Deborah, that’s great news! You can read all about the different Fringe accommodation options in our guide here.