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Edinburgh is one of the best weekend escape places in all of Europe.
It doesn’t hurt that it is insanely photogenic, and has a ton of free things to do.
What I love the most about Edinburgh is the size. It’s not too big and not too small either. And while it isn’t a “hidden gem” or a secret spot, it is still a destination that you might have overlooked.
In this little guide, I’ll share some of my favorite areas and places to stay in Edinburgh, plus recommendations on when to book ahead, when to wait and where I would stay if I had the money to splurge on a special trip.
My Top Picks for Edinburgh
⭐ Best Character Stay (Old Town): The Scotsman Hotel
⭐ Best Budget in Old Town: Stay Central Hotel
⭐ Best Mid-Range in New Town: Moxy Edinburgh City
⭐ Best Practical Option Near Tram: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre
⭐ Most Unique Stay: Fingal Hotel
Where to Stay in Edinburgh: My Experience
I’ve been to Edinburgh a handful of times and usually aim for something near the Royal Mile, with decent breakfast or more space, depending on the season.
Of course, there are dozens and dozens of hotels and options to stay so this list is not trying to be extensive but helpful.
If this is your first time, you might have questions so it’s nice to get some help with narrowing down options.
I definitely prefer places near the Royal Mile rather than commuting into town.
This is personal preference because I don’t want to waste time on the tram, or rent a car. Plus, I tend to visit during the winter or autumn months when it tends to be colder.
I would have the same strategy in the summer though, especially in August when the city is paaaacked with tourists for the festival.
The first time I visited Edinburgh was way back in 2012 and I have vivid memories of dragging a suitcase from Waverley Station to the Backpackers Hostel I was staying in on Cockburn St.
Best Areas to Stay in Edinburgh
I usually stay in the Old Town or the New Town and I think they both make sense for first time visitors. Obviously, Old Town is more photogenic but you can’t go wrong with the Georgian architecture houses alongside some streets in New Town either. When we say “New Town” afterall, we mean after 1850 here.
There is also good public transportation though if you want to stay further out and save money. The areas I would consider briefly are as follows:
Old Town: The best place for first time visitors and you are in the heart of everything
New Town: Great choice if you want something slightly quieter and want to see some other neighborhoods with cute cafes. Can be slightly cheaper as well.
Leith: If you are not a big city person or have been to Edinburgh before the area of Leith near the water will offer a different perspective.
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.
The Scotsman Hotel (Best Character Stay)
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.
Browse rates and rooms: here
Stay Central Hotel
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.
Browse rates and rooms: here
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.
Moxy Edinburgh City
At about $200 per night this hotel is a solid mid to high end option for outside the Old Town. 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 inside 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 try different whiskeys.
Browse rates and rooms: here
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre
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.
Browse rates and rooms: here
Best Hotels in Leith Edinburgh
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.
Malmaison Edinburgh Leith
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.
Browse rates and rooms: here
Fingal Hotel
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 set inside the old repurposed lighthouse.
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.
Browse rates and rooms: here
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.
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.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting the UK
- Emergency: Dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire. 112 also works as an emergency number. English is spoken everywhere, so communication won’t be an issue in emergencies.
- Language: English is the main language across the UK. You may hear strong regional accents (especially in Scotland, Wales, Northern England, or Northern Ireland), but visitors generally won’t have trouble communicating.
- Currency: The UK uses the British Pound. Card payments are most common and a lot of food halls or shops don’t accept cash anymore. It’s only useful for random things like laundromats or certain markets.
- Transport: Uber operates in most major cities (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, etc.). Taxis are widely available and are usually metered, especially in cities. Trains connect the entire country and are fast but can be expensive if booked last-minute — booking in advance saves money. Buses are cheaper but slower. Renting a car is easy, especially outside London, but driving is on the left. I would not rent a car if you stay in one city. If you rent, check out Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com is always my preferred first choice.
- Safety: The UK is generally considered safe for travelers. In recent years, phone snatching is quite common in London, so be extra careful when using your phone, especially near a road where motorbikes can come close.
- Tours & Activities: For city tours, day trips, museums, and experiences, platforms like GetYourGuide offer plenty of options, especially in London, Edinburgh, and major tourist hubs. Prices are higher than Eastern or Southern Europe, but tours are well organized and professional.
