Edinburgh is compact enough that you can walk between most areas, but where you stay shapes your experience. The Old Town puts you in the heart of history, Leith offers foodie heaven, and Stockbridge has village charm. Here's how to choose.
Quick Recommendations
First Time Visitor
Walk to all major attractions. Classic Edinburgh experience.
Foodie
Two Michelin stars and Edinburgh's best restaurant scene.
Couples / Romantic
Atmospheric and charming. Close to romantic restaurants.
Families
Quieter, near parks, family-friendly restaurants.
Nightlife
Walk home from pubs and clubs. Lively atmosphere.
Budget
Better value, still accessible by bus or tram.
Business
Professional atmosphere, good transport links.
Neighbourhoods Guide
Old Town
£££-££££Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers
Historic, bustling, tourist-friendly
Pros:
- + Walk everywhere
- + Major attractions on doorstep
- + Atmospheric
Cons:
- - Touristy
- - Can be noisy
- - Premium prices
Walk to: Castle, Royal Mile, Grassmarket
New Town
£££-£££££Best for: Shopping, fine dining, elegance
Georgian elegance, upscale, sophisticated
Pros:
- + Beautiful architecture
- + Great restaurants
- + Central location
Cons:
- - Pricey
- - Less 'Edinburgh character'
- - Business-like
Walk to: Princes Street, George Street, galleries
Grassmarket
££-££££Best for: Nightlife, pubs, atmosphere
Lively, pub-centric, young
Pros:
- + Best pub district
- + Castle views
- + Central
Cons:
- - Noisy weekends
- - Stag/hen parties
- - Limited budget options
Walk to: Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Street
Leith
££-£££Best for: Foodies, local experience, waterfront
Trendy, diverse, creative
Pros:
- + Best restaurants
- + More affordable
- + Local feel
Cons:
- - 20 mins from centre
- - Need transport
- - Grittier in parts
Walk to: Royal Yacht Britannia, The Shore, Ocean Terminal
Stockbridge
££-££££Best for: Village feel, brunch lovers, couples
Bohemian, village-like, artsy
Pros:
- + Charming neighbourhood
- + Great cafes
- + Sunday market
Cons:
- - Limited nightlife
- - Uphill walk to centre
- - Few hotels
Walk to: Dean Village, Botanic Garden, Water of Leith
Bruntsfield & Morningside
££-£££Best for: Families, quiet stays, local life
Residential, family-friendly, peaceful
Pros:
- + Quiet
- + Good value
- + Local restaurants
Cons:
- - Bus ride to centre
- - Less exciting
- - Suburban feel
Walk to: The Meadows, local shops, Blackford Hill
Southside & University
£-££Best for: Budget travellers, students, museums
Young, diverse, energetic
Pros:
- + Near National Museum
- + Good value
- + Student atmosphere
Cons:
- - Less pretty
- - Can feel anonymous
- - Limited high-end options
Walk to: National Museum, The Meadows, Arthur's Seat
Types of Accommodation
Luxury Hotels
£250-500+/nightEdinburgh has grand historic hotels, many in landmark buildings.
Examples: The Balmoral, The Caledonian, Prestonfield House, The Witchery
Boutique Hotels
£150-300/nightCharacterful independent hotels with personality.
Examples: The Principal, Hotel du Vin, 94DR, The Dunstane Houses
Mid-Range Hotels
£100-180/nightReliable chains and independents with good locations.
Examples: Apex Hotels, Motel One, Hub by Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express
Budget Hotels
£60-100/nightBasic but clean options for budget-conscious travellers.
Examples: Travelodge, Premier Inn, ibis, easyHotel
Hostels
£20-50/nightSocial and affordable, Edinburgh has excellent hostels.
Examples: Castle Rock Hostel, CODE Hostel, St Christopher's, Kick Ass Hostel
Visiting in August?
The Edinburgh Festival transforms accommodation in August. Here's what you need to know:
- !Book 6+ months in advance
- !Expect to pay 2-3x normal prices
- !Consider staying outside the centre and taking the tram
- !Airbnb can be good value (but book early)
- !Some hotels have 3-night minimums
- !The earlier you book, the better the selection
Booking Tips
- ✓Book 3-6 months ahead for August (Festival season)
- ✓Hogmanay (New Year) sells out fast - book by September
- ✓Weekends are pricier - consider Sunday-Thursday stays
- ✓Check hotel locations on a map - 'central' can mean different things
- ✓Parking in the centre is expensive - stay outside if you have a car
- ✓Breakfast included can save £15-20/day per person
- ✓Booking.com and Hotels.com usually have the same prices
- ✓Direct booking sometimes includes extras like late checkout
- ✓Read recent reviews - quality can change quickly
- ✓Consider apartments for stays over 3 nights
Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Booking 'Edinburgh' hotels that are actually at the airport
- ✕Staying at the airport unless you have an early flight
- ✕Choosing hotels on the Royal Mile just for the address (some are poor quality)
- ✕Driving and expecting free parking (there isn't any)
- ✕Booking a basement room without windows (common in Georgian buildings)
- ✕Assuming all 'central' hotels are walkable to attractions