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Choosing where to stay in Edinburgh is actually much easier than it looks.
If it’s your first visit, I would stay somewhere in the Old Town. You’ll be within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and most of the city’s major attractions, which means you can spend more time exploring and less time commuting.
If you’d prefer a slightly quieter atmosphere with beautiful Georgian streets, cafés and restaurants, then New Town is another excellent choice. Meanwhile, Leith is perfect if you’ve already visited Edinburgh before or want a more local, waterfront experience.
I’ve been to Edinburgh several times over the years, staying everywhere from a backpacker hostel at 18 to comfortable hotels just off the Royal Mile.
Personally, I almost always choose somewhere central. Edinburgh is a very walkable city, but it’s also surprisingly hilly, and after a full day exploring you’ll appreciate being able to walk back to your hotel instead of relying on buses or the tram—especially during the colder months.
One thing to keep in mind is that hotel prices during August and early September can easily jump by 200% or more, especially if you’re booking last minute. I’d reserve a refundable hotel well in advance, then check my guide to the best free things to do in Edinburgh to help balance the budget.
🥳 FAVORITE HOTELS AT A GLANCE
- Best Overall: The Scotsman Hotel — Historic luxury, unbeatable location next to Waverley Station. $400–600/night.
- Best Value: Stay Central Hotel — Walk everywhere without paying luxury prices. $170–250/night.
- Best Modern Hotel: Moxy Edinburgh City — Stylish, comfortable and great value near the city centre. $180–250/night.
- Most Unique Stay: Fingal Hotel — Luxury cabins aboard a beautifully restored ship near Leith. $280–400/night.
Best Budget Pick (with Privacy): CoDE The Court — My favourite budget option if you don’t want to sleep in a shared bunk room. Private pods from ~$50 most of the year and private rooms from ~$120+ in peak season. Right on the Royal Mile.
I update articles like this often, so you’re working with the most up to date information on prices and hotels.This article was last checked in July 2026 and updated on hotel options and prices for the 2026 season.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh: My Experience
I’ve been to Edinburgh a handful of times over the years and have stayed everywhere from a backpacker hostel on Cockburn Street when I was 18 to comfortable hotels just off the Royal Mile.
Nowadays, I almost always choose somewhere central. While there are dozens of hotels across the city, I’ve found that location makes a much bigger difference in Edinburgh than many other European cities.
Of course, it all depends on whether you’ve been to Edinburgh before and how much you want to see during your trip.
If this is your first visit, here are a few things I’ve learned after several visits:
- Stay near the Royal Mile if it’s your first visit—it’s worth paying a little extra.
- Edinburgh is hillier than it looks. Walking back to your hotel beats waiting for a bus.
- Waverley Station is the sweet spot for trains, airport trams and day trips.
- Book August accommodation early. Fringe Festival prices can double or triple.
- Skip the rental car unless you’re leaving the city.
- Breakfast is worth paying for, especially during winter visits.
Best Areas to Stay in Edinburgh
If you’re only visiting Edinburgh once, I wouldn’t overcomplicate it. For most travellers, the choice comes down to three neighbourhoods.
Old Town is my top recommendation for first-time visitors. You’ll be within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Grassmarket and most of the city’s major attractions. It has the atmosphere most people imagine when they think of Edinburgh, although you’ll generally pay a little more for the location.
New Town is ideal if you’d prefer wider streets, elegant Georgian architecture, great cafés and slightly quieter evenings. It’s still an easy walk to the Old Town and often offers better value than staying right on the Royal Mile.
Leith is the neighbourhood I’d choose if you’ve already visited Edinburgh before or want a more local experience. The waterfront, excellent restaurants and relaxed atmosphere make it feel like a completely different side of the city, while trams and buses make getting into the centre straightforward.
If I had to summarise it simply:
- First visit? Stay in Old Town.
- Quieter trip with cafés and restaurants? Stay in New Town.
- Second visit, foodie or want to avoid the city? Stay in Leith.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EDINBURGH
Edinburgh has no shortage of things to do. While many of the city’s highlights are completely free, these are a few experiences I think are genuinely worth paying for.
- Original Harry Potter Locations Tour (from $20 per person) – A fun walking tour covering the places that inspired the Harry Potter books.
- Underground Vaults Walking Tour (from $33 per person) – One of the city’s most unique experiences and a great introduction to Edinburgh’s darker history.
- Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip (from $60 per person) – The easiest way to see the Scottish Highlands if you only have one day.
- Islander Harris Tweed® Mini Satchel Making Workshop (from $110 per person) – A brilliant hands-on workshop where you make your own Harris Tweed satchel. I absolutely loved this experience and you can also read my full review.
- 3-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness, Highlands & Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour (from $244 per person) – My favourite multi-day tour from Edinburgh. It’s an excellent way to combine transport, accommodation, and a knowledgeable guide while seeing some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes.
Best Hotels in Old Town
As already mentioned, this is the place if you want the full Edinburgh experience. I would particularly push for a hotel here if you have a short trip and you want the background of medieval buildings, bagpipes and short walking distances.
🔥 BEST CHARACTER
Photo Credit: Booking.com
The Scotsman Hotel
From around $300/night
If I were splurging in Old Town, this is where I’d book.
It is set inside the former Scotsman newspaper building right next to Waverley Station which means you’ll get those insane views across Princes Street and Balmoral Hotel.
This is a spot if you appreciate the interior, decor and history of a place. But the amenities are modern and worth the $400+ a night you’ll be paying. Expect over $1.4k during August Fringe Festival season.
🔥 BEST VALUE
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Stay Central Hotel
From around $180/night
If price and location are a priority but without going the hostel route, this is one of the better value picks inside Old Town.
When going budget friendly, I opt for something with a bit of character or a social atmosphere.
Stay Central combines all the above, it’s right next to Cowgate and the Royal Mile, the rooms have cool decor and don’t feel like a shoebox and the common areas are warm and inviting, so you can spend time working or socializing over drinks.
Best Hotels in New Town Edinburgh
Depending on where you book in New Town, you are practically in the Old Town. There is an overall calmer and less chaotic vibe during the day but it is still walkable if the opportunity arises.
🔥 BEST FOR SPACE
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Moxy Edinburgh City
From around $140/night
You can grab a bus or walk into town but it is close enough to Grassmarket and Chambers Street. The rooms are large, with nice thoughtful details and the common areas and breakfast are awesome.
I would pick this over big chain hotels, if you want the amenities at a lower price than Old Town, or if you are travelling as a family and need extra space.
You can walk to Grassmarket in under 15 minutes, or head to Deans Village easier as well. Bennets Bar is also nearby if you want to try a historic pub and different whiskeys.
🔥 BEST FOR TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre
From around $180/night
On the other side of the city, about a 10 minute walk from Waverley station, you’ll find the Holiday Inn Express.
It’s right on Picardy Place, so it is very convenient if you are grabbing the tram from the airport as well. Breakfast is usually included and the rooms are clean comfy.
This is great for first time visitors, as you’ll be very close to Old Town, the Palace and the short hike up to Calton Hill.
Best Hotels in Leith
If you do pick Leith as your spot, then you must stay near the water. It’s less touristy, more local and has that commercial port feel that I personally love. It is also quite a foodie area if you want to try a few different restaurants.
You won’t be walking into the city from here, but the tram and buses connect you easily in under 20 minutes.
Both my options in Leith are focused on the unique angle they offer, so check them out as they are both stunning.
🔥 BEST BOUTIQUE STAY
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Malmaison Edinburgh Leith
From around $210/night
This is THE spot in Leith, without a doubt, and the price is not terrible either. At under $200 per night, you are set right on the Shore, with an industrial and boutique feel. Think exposed brick, moody lighting and of course harbor views. I would also add breakfast here as it is very good. I usually use my Booking Genius perks to see if breakfast is included.
🔥 BEST LUXURY STAY
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Fingal Hotel
From around $310/night
As you start to look for hotels in Leith, this unique spot will definitely catch your eye. It is more of an experience stay, with luxury accommodation in the beautifully restored ship that once serviced Scotland’s remote lighthouses. At around $300 per night, it’s actually not outrageous compared to Old Town prices. The decor and beautifully adorned rooms make for a memorable experience. It also won Hotel of the Year in Scotland in 2023.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEITH
- Edinburgh: Port of Leith Distillery Tour & Tasting (from $40 per person)
- Edinburgh: The Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket (from $33 per person)
- Edinburgh Sky to Sea Bike or E-Bike Tour with Transfer (from $94 per person)
- Walk around The Shore (my favourite area in Leith for cafés, pubs, and waterfront views)
What about hostels in Edinburgh?
There are a lot of hostels in Edinburgh, so this is actually your cheapest option.
I actually stayed at Cockburn Street in a hostel during my first stay in the city when I was only 18 years old.
Nowadays, I opt for hostels if a private room is cheaper than staying in a hotel but has a good social atmosphere. Since I barely drink anymore and like to head to bed early, I haven’t found a good spot in the city that is not geared towards pub crawls or nightlife. Plus, the private hostel rooms in Edinburgh are similar in price to a budget hotel.
For example, one of the options I like is CODE. But a private room with ensuite bathroom is $170 in the off season and measures only 9m2 in size. At $210 you get a much more comfortable 18m2 sized room at Moxy with wonderful breakfast included.
🔥 BEST FOR PRIVACY
Photo Credit: Booking.com
CODE - The Court
From around $40/night
Of all the hostels, I would opt for CODE as a budget-friendly but semi-private option. The pod-style beds provide much more privacy and security than a standard dorm bed, and each pod comes with its own locker for your valuables. Even in August, you can often find a bed for around $50–60 per person, making it one of the best-value hostels in Edinburgh if you don’t mind sleeping in a shared room. Of course.. you can’t be claustrophobic either! They also have private rooms starting at $280.
🔥 BEST FOR SOCIAL LIFE
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Kick Ass Grassmarket
From around $20/night
There are both traditional bunk beds and private pod beds, so you can choose based on your budget and how much privacy you want. The standard mixed dorms can drop to around $20 per night during quieter months, while the pod beds are usually around double the price. The hostel has a very social atmosphere, with regular activities and events that make it easy to meet other travellers. There’s also an optional continental breakfast for £6 per person, and plenty of large communal spaces to relax, work, or meet fellow backpackers.
FAQs About Staying in Edinburgh
- Is Old Town or New Town better in Edinburgh?
It really depends on how many times you’ve visited before. Old Town is great atmosphere and higher prices for most hotels.
- Is Leith a good location?
Yes, but only if you want to stay and explore stuff outside the Old Town. Leith is perfect if you’ve been to Edinburgh before and want to see the port, the Royal Yacht Brittania or do some foodie tours and excursions with bikes.
- How far in advance should I book a hotel in Edinburgh?
If you are visiting in the summer – earliest you can. August prices are insane due to Fringe festival so every single establishment will be booked in advance. The same is true for Hogmanay during winter break and Christmas. Any other season you can start looking a few months in advance. I prefer to pre-book refundable places in advance so I have extra options if needed.
🥳 FAVORITE HOTELS AT A GLANCE
- Best Overall: The Scotsman Hotel — Historic luxury, unbeatable location next to Waverley Station. $400–600/night.
- Best Value: Stay Central Hotel — Walk everywhere without paying luxury prices. $170–250/night.
- Best Modern Hotel: Moxy Edinburgh City — Stylish, comfortable and great value near the city centre. $180–250/night.
- Most Unique Stay: Fingal Hotel — Luxury cabins aboard a beautifully restored ship near Leith. $280–400/night.
Best Budget Pick (with Privacy): CoDE The Court — My favourite budget option if you don’t want to sleep in a shared bunk room. Private pods from ~$50 most of the year and private rooms from ~$120+ in peak season. Right on the Royal Mile.
