where to stay in edinburgh scotland
Finding Your Perfect Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a city of contrasts: cobbled streets and sandstone spires meet cutting‑edge galleries and world‑class restaurants. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the Royal Mile, the tranquility of Arthur’s Seat, or the fresh sea breeze of the waterfront, there’s a spot for you. Below is a practical guide to help you decide where to stay, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.
1. The Neighborhoods that Matter
| Neighborhood | Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, local history | History buffs, first‑time tourists |
| New Town | Georgian streets, Princes Street Gardens, shopping | Style‑savvy travelers, relaxed strolls |
| Leith | The Shore, seafood bars, trendy bars | Nightlife seekers, food lovers |
| Stockbridge | Farmers’ market, boutique cafés, close to the Calton Hill | Quiet get‑away, families |
| Southside (Murrayfield / Tollcross) | Closer to the City Bypass, budget-friendly | Students, long-stay visitors |
| Dundee Road | Arts and cultural venues, nightlife | Young crowds, weekend events |
Old Town
The hardest part is that it’s the most popular district. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia (near the Water of Leith), and backpacking staples like the Bluebird Café. Expect stone‑washed streets that will wind up a few flights of stairs, giving you great views of the city.
New Town
By contrast, New Town offers cleaner, wider streets, boutique hotels and luxury apartments. Princes Street Gardens is a green oasis and the best place to watch the street performers. For daytime exploring, there’s a bishop’s street—walking amongst the 18th‑century architecture gives you a PBS documentary vibe.
Leith
Leith’s main draw is its waterfront. The Shore area has great restaurants and bars, while the historic schooners and the Scottish Fisheries Museum provide a genuine “sea‑quaint” feel. It’s a great location if you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife scene.
Stockbridge
Think of Stockbridge as “Edinburgh’s boutique neighbourhood.” Farmers’ market on Thursdays means fresh produce, and the vibe is very local. The street has a little “Tuscany” feel, and the walkway down to the Holyrood Palace is just a stroll away.
2. The Types of Accommodation
| Type | Status | Price Range | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Hotels | 5★ | £200–£400+ per night | Iconic deals, spa services, panoramic views |
| Mid‑Range Hotels | 3–4★ | £80–£150 per night | Good balance of amenities, very accessible |
| Bed & Breakfast | 1–3★ | £50–£90 per night | Local hosts, hearty breakfast, smaller rooms |
| Hostels | Shared | £20–£35 per night | Budget, social atmosphere, unique themes |
| Serviced Apartments / Airbnbs | 1–5★ | £70–£250 per night | Fully equipped, kitchen, longer stays |
| Hotel‑Guesthouses | 1–3★ | £40–£80 per night | House‑style rooms, more personal vibe |
Luxury Hotels
These often straddle the Old and New Town border: The Balmoral, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, The Caledonian, & The Scotsman Hotel. You’ll find 5‑star service, a BUTTERWORTH BAKERY‑SHAPED fine‑dining experience, and sometimes a private balcony overlooking the Firth of Forth.
Mid‑Range Hotels
If you’re balancing a budget but still want a little comfort, choose from The Balfour (trendy bed‑and‑breakfast‑hospitality) or Hotel du Vin (the French‑owned boutique chain right on Princes Street). These hotels usually come with free Wi‑Fi, on‑site breakfast, and plenty of affordable nearby dining options.
B&B and Guesthouses
For a local feel, consider staying at The People’s House in the Old Town or The Bridge Hotel in Stockbridge. These inns seat you right in the heart of Edinburgh’s favoured streets, at a fraction of the cost of a large hotel.
Hostels
Edinburgh’s hostels go far beyond the stack‑of‑bunk‑beds stereotype. Yes! Live Edinburgh on the Royal Mile is a tiny, creative space that mesmerizes travelers with a laid‑back vibe. Richmond’s Cottage in the old town offers a “green hostel” that’s been renovated into an environmental hub.
Serviced Apartments & Airbnbs
Travelers who wish to cook their own meals, or those staying for a week or longer, should look at Brockwell House, a serviced apartment chain, or an Airbnb at the corner of Drumsheugh Road. Such ‘styled’ airbnbs often provide a home‑like experience, plus usually more space than a hotel room.
3. Top Picks at Every Budget
| Budget | Recommended Property | Why |
|---|---|---|
| £300+ | The Balmoral, The Scotsman Hotel, Waldorf Astoria | Iconic luxury, with great award‑winning dining |
| £100–£200 | Hotel du Vin, The Balfour, Radisson Blu | Mid‑range with great location |
| £50–£90 | The People’s House, Caledonia Living, The Bridge Hotel | Budget-conscious but comfortable |
| £30–£50 | Yes! Live Edinburgh, Richmond’s Cottage, Airport Hostel | Backpacker ideal, extremely affordable |
4. Booking Tips & Timing
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book Early for Throught the Year | Edinburgh’s peak season is July‑August. Book at least 4 months ahead. |
| Check the Cancellation Rate | With ongoing travel uncertainties, opt for free cancellation if possible. |
| Use Crowd‑Nav or Reward Programs | Many hotels provide “collect + spend” where you earn points for free nights. |
| Check for a Breakfast Combo | Some hotels run a selection of French croissants or Scottish tea. |
| Location over Price | A cheaper bed near a tram stop often saves you transport costs and travel time. |
The Secret: Off‑Peak Discounts
If your schedule is flexible, travel in October or February and you can snag rates that are 30–50% lower for the same hotel. Keep an eye on travel blogs or discount sites like Booking.com that sometimes run “off‑season” deals.
5. What to Expect
- Weather: Scotland throws fog and rain. Always have a waterproof jacket. In summer, expect a 12‑hour daylight period with sunny skies – great for walking tours.
- Public Transport: Edinburgh’s tram network (TFE) runs 24‑hour on weekends, with two stops only a few minutes apart: New Town and Leith. A single ticket (about £2) covers a single ride; a day pass at £7 is cheaper if you plan to jump hop.
- Safety: Edinburgh is pedestrian‑friendly, especially in the Old/New Town. One can usually rent a “metro locker” at the entrance to the Royal Mile for a few hours if you need to store luggage while exploring.
- Cuisine: Do not miss the “haggis” at The Royal Oak, the “cricket” at The Scotchman (yes – the pastry is called cricket), and the world‑famous Cullen Skink in the northern restaurants.
6. A Sample 3‑Day Itinerary (Pushing 4‑star Options)
Day 1 – Old Town Magic
- Morning – Check into The Balfour on Lauriston Terrace (free breakfast included).
- Late Morning – Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.
- Afternoon – Shop at Forrester’s and Harris & Sons.
- Evening – Dinner at The Edinburgh Castle Hotel.
Day 2 – New Town Culture
- Breakfast – At café Auntie’s overlooking Princes Street.
- Morning – Visit the National Gallery of Scotland.
- Lunch – The Bow Bar in Calton Hill (check for a 50‑pound menu).
- Afternoon – Stroll to the Scottish Parliament, then leave a tip for the city maintenance.
- Dinner – Cora at the Macallan Distillery – a modern Asian fusion, just 500m from your hotel.
Day 3 – Leith & Highland Views
- Morning – Transfer to Leith via tram.
- Brunch – The Waterfront restaurant – sampling a fresh fish & chips.
- Afternoon – Walk around the Historic Priory and the Naval Stores.
- Evening – Return to the Old Town for the Bedrock jazz show (chambre + beer for £20).
7. Final Thoughts
Where you stay in Edinburgh largely depends on the story you want your trip to tell. If you want the buzz, soak up the history and the very ghost‑like streets, Old Town feels like a charmer dressed in stone. A bit more modern, you’ll be in the crisp, quiet streets of New Town. For a laid‑back night life and food, Leith wins. The choice is yours, and every borough has an accommodation type to cover that range from hostel on the Royal Mile to a 5‑star hotel simply overlooking a painted clock tower.
A careful correctly‑budgeted booking can give you the best of Edinburgh without the stewing guilt. Remember to stay respectful, keep your eyes on your bag, and enjoy the magical city that lived and still lives in every stone.
Bon voyage (in Scots: Mòran-bhòth)! 🏰🍻
