The city of Edinburgh stands as one of the most captivating cities in the United Kingdom. As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh proudly displays St Andrew’s flag alongside its extensive and diverse history.
Rich in cultural and historical treasures, Edinburgh’s Old Town, particularly known for the renowned Royal Mile, serves as a primary attraction for those exploring the city. Dominating the landscape is Edinburgh Castle, an enduring symbol of the city perched upon a hill and regarded as its most significant landmark.
It is accurate to say that Edinburgh remains vibrant throughout the year, with the Scots commencing the new year in grandeur through the Hogmanay festivities that commence on New Year’s Eve and extend into January 1st. Furthermore, during the summer, specifically in August, Edinburgh welcomes talented performers from around the globe, as it hosts the Edinburgh Fringe Festival—one of the world’s largest comedy and performing arts festivals, where securing accommodations can become quite challenging.
This article aims to assist you in determining ideal accommodation options in Edinburgh to enhance your stay in this festival-laden city.
Old Town
The Old Town of Edinburgh brims with historical allure. Arguably the most iconic district in Edinburgh, it frequently serves as the initial destination for newcomers to the city. This neighborhood has undergone substantial investment to maintain its heritage, featuring Reformation-era structures and a medieval street layout.
For travelers wishing to purchase tartan while in Scotland, the Old Town is an excellent starting point. It is filled with souvenir shops offering a variety of products, from rich Scottish shortbread and tartan blankets to Highland cattle plush toys and traditional postcards.
Perched on Castle Hill within the Old Town is the city’s emblem, Edinburgh Castle. Visitors can admire the castle from the streets below or opt to hike up to its entrance. Edinburgh Castle’s history dates back to the Bronze Age; it has withstood numerous conflicts and remains a testament to Scotland’s resilience.
Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Aficionados, Food Enthusiasts, Families, First-Time Travelers, Sightseers, Whistle-Stop Travelers
Neighborhood Highlights: Edinburgh Castle, Real Mary King’s Close, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile, National Museum of Scotland, William Chambers Monument, Russell Collection of Early Keyboard Instruments, Tron Kirk & Royal Mile Market, Darwin Plaque, Greyfriars Bobby Memorial Statue, Surgeons’ Hall Museums, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Hotel Recommendations:
- Old Town Chambers – Located in the heart of Old Town, just a two-minute walk from Waverley train station, Old Town Chambers features full apartments equipped with kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms, alongside complimentary WiFi.
- Radisson Blu Hotel – A favored choice in Old Town, Radisson Blu Hotel combines modern rooms with a stylish greyscale palette and offers room service and a dining experience at their in-house restaurant.
- Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Centrally located on the iconic Royal Mile, this hotel provides travelers with easy access to various attractions, and boasts a contemporary ambience.
George Street – New Town
Adjacent to Edinburgh’s Old Town lies New Town. Although it may not seem particularly ‘new’ in comparison to inner-city neighborhoods worldwide, this area is undeniably vibrant and worth exploring. For visitors seeking to stay amidst the city’s pulse, New Town is an ideal choice.
Centered around George Street, New Town is characterized by high-end retail shops and various prominent restaurants. Additionally, the area boasts numerous nightclubs and popular bars, complementing Edinburgh’s lively nightlife, which is further enriched by its university demographics.
A notable feature of New Town is its remarkable collection of neo-Classical architecture, making it particularly appealing to architecture enthusiasts. Visitors can capture stunning photographs from Castle Terrace to Princes Street, where photogenic structures abound.
For a tranquil escape, visitors may wander to the scenic Queen Street Gardens.
Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Aficionados, Foodies, Families, First-Time Travelers, Sightseers, Whistle-Stop Travelers
Neighborhood Highlights: George Street, Prince Street, Queen Street Gardens, The Scottish Gallery, Library of Mistakes, James Clerk Maxwell Foundation, Edinburgh Gin Distillery, Edinburgh Castle, Carlton Hill, Royal Terrace Gardens, Edinburgh Playhouse, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, The Standing Order, Thistle Street Bar, Georgian House
Hotel Recommendations:
- Tigerlily – A popular hotel in New Town, Tigerlily features generously sized rooms equipped with Bluetooth speakers and complimentary toiletries by The White Company. It also hosts a renowned cocktail bar offering unique concoctions.
- Eden Locke – Situated just 500 meters from Edinburgh Castle, this hotel provides spacious accommodations, including large apartments with kitchenettes, appealing particularly to those passionate about interior design.
- Frederick House Hotel – Nestled within a traditional Georgian townhouse, this four-star hotel is known for its comfort and exemplary service. Guests enjoy a 25% discount at Rabble, the popular restaurant and bar located on-site. WiFi is provided.
Leith
The neighborhood of Leith is positioned north of Edinburgh’s city center and sits at the confluence of the Water of Leith. As a thriving port town, Leith boasts a warm and welcoming community. Like many waterfront regions in the UK, it has undergone considerable revitalization and now stands as one of Scotland’s most fashionable areas.
Though hipster influences are present, long-standing residents still shape the neighborhood’s character, resulting in an environment featuring traditional Scottish pubs and local artisan shops.
Leith is an exceptional location for gastronomes, with numerous fine dining establishments offering daily seafood specials sourced fresh from the ocean.
A highlight of any visit to Leith is experiencing a Royal High-Tea aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, providing an insight into royal elegance.
Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Aficionados, Foodies, Families, Local Experience Seekers
Neighborhood Highlights: The Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith Citadel, Victoria Quay, Genting Casino Leith, Water of Leith Walkway, Leith Links, Newkirkgate Shopping Centre, Pilrig Park, Easter Road (Hibernian FC), Trinity House Maritime Museum, The Biscuit Factory, The Pitt Market, Keddie Gardens Play Area
Hotel Recommendations:
- Rooms at GPO – This budget accommodation in Leith offers free WiFi and basic toiletries in every room, representing excellent value. Each room is well-sized, with ensuite bathrooms, wardrobes, and bedside tables available.
- The Baltic Apartment – Ideal for those desiring a local experience in Leith, this apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, accommodating up to two guests comfortably.
- The Shore – Offering affordability and ample space, The Shore is a fitting lodging for families or groups, featuring two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a dining area.
Bonnington
Bonnington is located just northeast of both New Town and Old Town, making it a valuable spot for those seeking to experience authentic Edinburgh. Even within the bustling city center, Bonnington retains a small-town atmosphere characterized by a strong sense of community. Given the university presence in Edinburgh, opportunities to connect with new individuals abound. The Other Place pub ranks as a neighborhood favorite.
Situated less than a thirty-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle, Bonnington’s layout facilitates easy exploration on foot, enhancing visitors’ experiences. The area offers numerous activities and attractions.
King George V Park serves as a spacious, grassy area beloved for picnics and leisurely afternoons spent reading in the shade. Additionally, the Water of Leith flows through Bonnington, offering multiple scenic walking trails to explore.
Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Aficionados, Foodies, Families, Local Experience Seekers
Neighborhood Highlights: King George V Park, The Yard Edinburgh, The Other Place, Water of Leith, Inverleith House Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, CrossFit MTS, Spitaki Greek Taverna, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh New Town, St Marks Park
Hotel Recommendations:
- Ardenlee Guest House – This locally owned and managed establishment offers a hearty traditional Scottish breakfast included with the room. Each room features a TV, radio, and complimentary tea and coffee.
- Hot-el-Apartments Canon Court – Perfect for long-stay travelers in Bonnington, this accommodation option features all necessary amenities, including fully equipped kitchens and living areas.
- The Inverleith Hotel & Apartments – An ideal selection for attendees of the Fringe Festival, this hotel offers the tranquility of a residential street only a short walk from the city center, with a cooked breakfast provided each morning.
Stockbridge
The suburb of Stockbridge lies within Edinburgh’s inner circle and is a brief walk from the major landmarks and attractions. The name Stockbridge is derived from the Anglic term ‘stocc brycg,’ signifying timber bridge.
Stockbridge presents an exceptional neighborhood option in Edinburgh, offering visitors a blend of local life and sightseeing opportunities, similar to Bonnington.
This area is traversed by the Water of Leith, where multiple walking routes along the banks provide exciting experiences for active travelers. One of the neighborhood’s notable features is St Bernard’s Well, found in Dean Private Gardens.
Cafe culture thrives in Stockbridge, with numerous establishments alongside a selection of bars and gastropubs. Local favorites include Hamiltons, Hectors, and The Stockbridge Tap.
Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Aficionados, Foodies, Families, Local Experience Seekers
Neighborhood Highlights: Water of Leith, St Bernard’s Well, Dean Private Gardens, Saint Stephen’s Stockbridge, St Vincent’s Chapel, The Stockbridge Tap, Hamiltons, Hectors, Artisan Roast Stockbridge, Rollo Restaurant & Wine Bar, Stockbridge Sunday Food Market, Patriothall Gallery
Hotel Recommendations:
- The Raeburn – Offering top-notch service and elegant accommodations, The Raeburn impresses with spacious rooms featuring heritage designs and local tartan blanket touches. The luxurious ensuite bathrooms are particularly noteworthy.
- A Georgian Residence – This stunning apartment rental on Moray Place showcases regal design and an opulent atmosphere, ideal for those interested in Georgian history and décor. Breakfast is provided within the charming dining hall.
- Nira Caledonia – Housed in a historic Georgian townhouse, Nira Caledonia offers beautiful rooms with an exceptionally high service standard. Many accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Edinburgh skyline, and premium rooms provide private gardens and luxury spa baths.
Dean Village
Once a village inhabited by humble agricultural communities, Dean Village has transformed into a prominent tourist destination in Edinburgh, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It serves as a fantastic locale for travelers seeking a quick getaway without venturing too far from the city.
This charming village is filled with 19th Century homes that are delightful to explore. The village leads into Dean Private Gardens, providing access to Dean Bridge and St Bernard’s Well. Well Court, an iconic structure in Dean Village, is often likened to a scene from Harry Potter.
Another highlight is the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, which opens daily at 10 AM, featuring an impressive collection of artwork and a charming coffee shop.
Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Aficionados, Foodies, Families, Local Experience Seekers
Neighborhood Highlights: Dean Village, Well Court, Dean Bridge, St Bernard’s Well, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh Gin Distillery, Edinburgh Castle, Usher Hall, Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Murrayfield Sports Stadium, Murrayfield Golf Club, Ravelston Golf Club
Hotel Recommendations:
- The Edinburgh Residence – Located in Dean Village, this hotel exudes elegance with a heritage feel and offers a traditional Scottish breakfast daily. The spacious rooms guarantee exceptional comfort, featuring kitchenettes, tea and coffee amenities, and minibars.
- The Chester Residence – A sophisticated hotel within a splendid Georgian townhouse on Rothesay Place, The Chester Residence is known for its unparalleled service and most requests being well accommodated. Each apartment comes equipped with a generous living space, a fully stocked kitchen, and luxurious ensuite bathrooms.
- The Bonham Hotel – This outstanding hotel located near Dean Village provides modern amenities such as free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, and premium toiletries in ensuite facilities. Dining options available include an impressive cocktail bar serving innovative drinks and an array of light fare.
