Edinburgh is compact, but each part of the city feels a little different. You can stay among medieval closes and grand Georgian streets, wake up beside the castle, or find a quieter spot with pubs and cafés around the corner. The good news is that most of the city center is easy to explore on foot.
The Old Town is the obvious choice for first-timers, with Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and plenty of centuries-old buildings. New Town feels more polished, with elegant squares, shops and Georgian architecture. Then there’s Stockbridge, where we’d happily spend a slow morning browsing independent shops and grabbing coffee.
Other areas have their own appeal. Leith has a more local feel and a strong food scene, while Bruntsfield is popular with students and locals. Haymarket is handy if you care more about transport than historic charm.
Edinburgh also has a wonderfully odd habit of putting history right in your path. You can turn a corner and find a tiny alley that has been around for hundreds of years.
Here are the Edinburgh neighborhoods we’d look at first.
In this travel guide:
Old Town & Royal Mile
Best area for: history, attractions, tourists
The Old Town is the part of Edinburgh where we usually tell ourselves we’ll just have a quick look around. That rarely works. There’s too much packed into these old streets. The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, linking two royal landmarks through the heart of the Old Town. It’s technically about a Scots mile, which is slightly longer than the modern mile.
This is Edinburgh at its most historic. St Giles’ Cathedral sits right in the middle, while narrow closes and steep little wynds disappear between the tall buildings. Some of them are centuries old. Riddle’s Close, for example, dates back to the 16th century and once hosted King James VI and Anne of Denmark for a royal banquet.
It’s also the city’s biggest tourist zone. Expect crowds around the castle and Royal Mile, especially in summer. The Old Town isn’t just a museum, though. People still live here, and there are plenty of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops tucked between the historic buildings.
For a quieter break, we’d duck into one of the closes or head to Dunbar’s Close Garden. It’s a tiny recreated 17th-century garden hidden just off the Royal Mile.
Best place to stay in Old Town & Royal Mile
The Witchery by the Castle. Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF, United Kingdom.
Cheaper alternative:
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel. Address: 61 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HJ, United Kingdom.
Leith
Best area for: seafront, hipster, trendy
Leith is located in the northern section of Edinburgh. Situated on the shore of the Firth of Forth.
It operated as a busy trade harbor for centuries, handling everything from imported wine to timber. The area was even its own independent burgh for a while before Edinburgh officially absorbed it in 1920.
Nowadays, Leith stands out as a vibrant residential hub with a distinct identity. You get a great mix of long-time locals, artists, and young families. It does draw tourists, but it feels far more like a genuine living neighborhood than the crowded Old Town.
People head down to see the Royal Yacht Britannia permanently docked at the waterfront. The Shore is another massive draw. It offers scenic cobblestone paths alongside old stone warehouses turned into trendy watering holes.
When we grab lunch, we snag a table at Teuchters Landing right on the water. They serve incredible fish & chips, Haggis pots, and a massive selection of single malt whiskies. Sitting out on their floating pontoon on a sunny day is unbeatable.
Best place to stay in Leith
Sheridan Guest House. Address: 1 Bonnington Terrace, Edinburgh, EH6 4BP, United Kingdom.
New Town
Best area for: families, shopping, luxury
New Town feels very different from Edinburgh’s Old Town. The streets are wider, the buildings are grander, and everything feels a little more orderly. It was planned from the 1760s onwards, partly because the old city had become seriously overcrowded. The area now forms part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We usually start around Princes Street, where the views towards Edinburgh Castle are hard to beat. The Scott Monument is impossible to miss. It rises 61 metres above the gardens and is one of the world’s largest monuments dedicated to a writer.
George Street is the main artery. It is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, but there is still plenty of Georgian architecture to admire. Charlotte Square is another favorite, especially if you want to see what life looked like in Edinburgh a couple of centuries ago. The Georgian House gives a particularly good glimpse inside one of these elegant townhouses.
Despite all the visitors, New Town is not just a tourist zone. People actually live here. There are quiet residential streets, leafy squares and handsome terraces tucked behind the busy shopping streets. That mix makes it a good base for a city break.
Best place to stay in New Town
Sonder Royal Garden Apartments. Address: 2 York Buildings, Edinburgh, EH21HY, United Kingdom.
Stockbridge
Best area for: food, shopping, upscale
Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most charming pockets. Back in the 18th century, it was just a small outlying village centered around a wooden bridge over the Water of Leith. The stone bridge built in 1786 gave the neighborhood its current name. Today, it acts as a gorgeous mix of a quiet residential area and a popular spot for visitors.
The main attractions draw us back continuously. The weekly Stockbridge Market serves up amazing local food and handmade crafts. Circus Lane offers one of the most photographed, picturesque cobblestone streets in Scotland. St. Bernard’s Well sits right along the river trail, looking like a tiny Greek temple tucked into the trees. High Street boasts a thriving scene of independent boutiques, secondhand bookshops, and cozy pubs.
When lunchtime rolls around, we snag a table at The Pantry. They dish out some of the best eggs Benedict and brunch plates in the entire city. Pair that with a flat white from Artisan Roast down the street, and you have the perfect afternoon in the neighborhood.
Best place to stay in Stockbridge
The Raeburn. Address: 112 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HG, United Kingdom.
Morningside & Bruntsfield
Best area for: shopping, life like a local
Morningside and Bruntsfield feel a world away from the busy streets around Edinburgh Castle, even though the center is still close. We like this part of town for exactly that reason. It feels lived-in. Locals walk their dogs, kids head to school and independent shops spill onto Morningside Road and Bruntsfield Place.
Morningside started out as a village and agricultural area. By the 19th century, it had become a popular residential suburb for Edinburgh’s middle classes. You can still see that history in the Victorian villas and old tenements. It is mainly residential today, rather than a tourist district, but there is plenty to keep visitors busy.
Bruntsfield has a slightly livelier feel. Bruntsfield Links is a great place to sit with a coffee or watch golfers tackle one of the oldest short-hole golf courses in the world. The area also has some fun little surprises. Morningside’s Wild West Street, for example, was built as a quirky marketing stunt for a furniture company and even involved former Euro Disney designers.
Food is another reason to stay here. We usually make a stop at The Edinburgh Larder on Morningside Road for breakfast or lunch. It is casual and handy for a break between exploring. For coffee in Bruntsfield, Artisan Roast Bruntsfield is a solid choice.
Best place to stay in Morningside & Bruntsfield
Black Ivy Hotel. Address: 4 Alvanley Terrace, Whitehouse Loan, Edinburgh, EH9 1DU, United Kingdom.
Where travel critics stay in Edinburgh
Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Edinburgh? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels and accommodations in Edinburgh.
Budget
“This boutique hotel in the city center is just a few minutes’ walk from nearly every tourist site. Each room has a custom-made sleigh bed and a hand-sprung mattress, but the hotel’s best feature might be the ultra-cozy, tartan-carpeted whiskey “snug,” a cozy room, all too tempting on a gray Scottish day.” – New York Times.
Address: 11 Bristo Place, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1EZ, United Kingdom.
Mid-range
“Flowerpots filled with colorful blooms line the steps of this little haven hidden away north of the New Town. The eight bedrooms (all en suite) blend crisp colors with contemporary furniture, stylish lighting and colorful paintings, which complement the house’s clean-cut Georgian lines.” – Lonely Planet.
Luxury
“For sheer class, this grande dame still has the edge. Yes there are other luxury hotels in the Scottish capital but they haven’t got the Olga Polizzi pizzazz. Taste, style and luxury seep out of the walls.” – Frommer’s.
Address: 1 Princes Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom.
FAQ: Edinburgh hotel tips
Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Edinburgh? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Edinburgh.
How much does a night in a hotel in Edinburgh cost?
If you want to stay in a 3-star hotel in central Edinburgh, you would be looking at an average price of $120 per night. For 4-star hotels, the average price is around $190 per night. For a 5-star hotel in central Edinburgh, the average rate is around $280 per night.
What is the best affordable hotel in Edinburgh?
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel, then check out Point A Edinburgh. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. You should also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Edinburgh.
What is the best boutique hotel in Edinburgh?
You like some luxury but don’t like famous chain hotels. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in Edinburgh, you should check out The Raeburn Hotel. It’s a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts. For more cool hotels, check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Edinburgh.
What is the best luxury hotel in Edinburgh?
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Edinburgh, then go for The Balmoral. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. For more 5-star hotel recommendations, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
What is the best hostel in Edinburgh?
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Edinburgh? Check out Castle Rock Hostel. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our shortlist of the best hostels in Edinburgh, it’s based on thousands of reviews from backpackers.
Which Edinburgh hotel serves great breakfast?
Try Sheridan Guest House if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in Edinburgh. It has magnificent guest review ratings for its breakfast.
Best time to visit Edinburgh
The months of May to September are generally considered the best time to visit Edinburgh because the weather is mild and pleasant, and the days are longer.
During these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the city’s beautiful parks and gardens. Plus, Edinburgh hosts several festivals during this time, including the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which attract thousands of visitors from around the world.
If you want to experience Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations, then the best time to visit is during New Year’s Eve. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, and it features a spectacular fireworks display, live music, and street parties.
However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then the best time to visit Edinburgh is during the shoulder season, which is from March to April and October to November. During these months, you can find cheaper flights and accommodation, and the crowds are much smaller than during the peak season.
Best things to do in Edinburgh
There are numerous things to do in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Edinburgh:
Underground Vaults Tour
Visit the vaults beneath Old Town in Edinburgh, dating back to the early 18th century. Your guide will tell you about murders, witches and the people who inhabited this supposedly haunted location. Price: $19. More info.
Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour
Head for the Highlands, whether in search of the Loch Ness Monster or just a scenic day trip from Edinburgh. After pickup, relax on the bus and listen to the guide’s entertaining commentary. Price: $64. More info.
Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
Take a magical walking tour of Edinburgh and discover the city where the world of Harry Potter was conceived. Test your knowledge with an audio-visual quiz, find out your Hogwarts House, and visit Tom Riddle’s grave. Price: $17. More info.
More things to do in Edinburgh
Deciding where to stay in Edinburgh
Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Edinburgh above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!
Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Edinburgh
- Old Town/Royal Mile
- New Town
- Stockbridge
- Morningside/Brunsfield
- Leith
As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Edinburgh is important. Whether you stay in Old Town/Royal Mile, New Town, Stockbridge, Morningside/Brunsfield or Leith, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.
The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great stay in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh overview
| 🏨 Hotel prices: | Medium |
| 🛏 Budget hotel: | $110 |
| 💑 Boutique hotel: | $170 |
| ⭐ 5-star hotel: | $270 |
| 🌎 Best area for first visit: | Old Town |
| 👪 Best area for families: | New Town |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | The Balmoral |
| 👫 Best boutique hotel: | The Raeburn Hotel |
| 💰 Best cheap hotel: | Point A Edinburgh |
| 🎒 Best hostel: | Castle Rock Hostel |
More Edinburgh tips
Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Edinburgh:
