Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Choose the right neighbourhood in just minutes and ensure your stay in Edinburgh is perfect for your travel style and budget.
The city has something for everyone:
- History lovers can explore the Royal Mile or Old Town, where the average nightly cost for a mid-range hotel is around £150;
- Leith is great for a modern vibe, offering value with budget accommodations around £70 per night.
- The West End is ideal for relaxation, with prices similar to Leith, and Stockbridge or Dean Village provide a more residential feel with boutique options available.
Use this guide to help you decide the best area for your stay in charming city of Edinburgh.
6 Best Areas And Hotel Recommendations for your stay in Edinburgh
About 5 million people visit Edinburgh each year (Edinburgh by Numbers 2021, 2021).
To make the most of your visit, consider timing your trip wisely. For a more budget-friendly stay, aim for late January when rooms are often available at half price.
Alternatively, visiting during peak festival weeks, like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, will immerse you in vibrant city life but requires booking well in advance to secure accommodation.
With so many options, choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming.
Tourism has grown by 25% in the last decade, so booking early is important.
Whether you’re here for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a weekend trip, or to explore history, there’s a place for you.
Save this Edinburgh stay guide for later
Drop your email and I’ll send you the link — so you can come back when you’re ready to choose the right neighbourhood.
Accommodation in the Royal Mile
Where to Stay Near Iconic Edinburgh Castle
If you want to be close to Edinburgh’s history, the Royal Mile is a great choice.
This busy street runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is lined with cobbled roads, historic shops, and famous landmarks.
Why Stay Here:
Perfect for first-timers seeking proximity to landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
It has a special old-world charm and many cafes, pubs, and restaurants to try.
Atmosphere:
The area is lively and can get noisy, especially during tourist season.
Highlights:
- Edinburgh Castle
- Holyrood Palace
- St Giles’ Cathedral
- museums
- vibrant street life, bars & cafes
Price:
Staying in this central area is more expensive, with luxury hotels costing about £300–£450 per night and mid-range options about £150–£250 per night.
For comparison, mid-range hotels in West End or Leith typically cost £70–£100 less per night than similar hotels in the Royal Mile, making them more affordable alternatives.
Hostels, such as Edinburgh Backpackers, offer lower-budget options.
Booking early, staying off-season, or choosing weekdays can also help you save money.
Recommended Accommodation:
The Witchery by the Castle (£££££) offers a gothic, romantic atmosphere, ideal for couples seeking a unique stay.
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal (££) is modern, affordable, and centrally located for comfort without high prices.
Accommodation in Edinburgh Old Town
History at Your Doorstep
The Old Town is ideal for history lovers.
Its winding cobbled streets, old buildings, and famous landmarks make the city’s past feel alive.
You can walk where Burke and Hare once did, hear bagpipes, and smell roasting barley from local breweries.
Enjoy coffee at the café where J.K. Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter book.
Top Tip: arrive before 10AM for a quieter experience and to beat the crowds.
These experiences connect Edinburgh’s history to its lively present.
Why Stay Here:
- Ideal for history buffs and first-time visitors who want to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage.
- Close to major attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the National Museum of Scotland.
- A vibrant area filled with historic charm, quirky shops, traditional pubs, and unique cafes.
Atmosphere:
The Old Town is lively and busy, especially in the evenings when pubs and restaurants are open.
It can be noisy during busy times, but many people find this adds to its charm.
Highlights:
- Edinburgh Castle
- The Royal Mile
- Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Grassmarket area.
🎈Local Tip:
Arrive before 10AM to beat the tour-bus crowds at Greyfriars and enjoy a quieter experience while exploring its storied gravestones.
For a taste of local life, visit the Grassmarket area on a Saturday to find vibrant street markets.
Price:
Staying in the Old Town is more expensive due to its location.
Mid-range hotels here start at about £150 per night, while similar hotels in New Town start at around £100.
Booking early or visiting in the off-season can help you secure lower prices in either area.
For instance, last February, our team snagged rooms for just £95 per night during a mid-week stay at the Castle Apartments, showing how planning ahead can lead to great deals.
Recommended Accommodation:
BrewDog DogHouse (£££) is a hotel made for beer lovers, with in-room beer taps and a craft beer bar. Its fun vibe and modern features make it a unique place to stay.
Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh (££) occupies a restored townhouse, offering boutique rooms and refined dining.
Accommodation in Edinburgh New Town
Elegant and Refined
Why Stay Here:
New Town may sound modern, but it’s actually a historic area just a short walk from Old Town.
New Town is quieter than the animated Old Town, featuring stately Georgian facades, sweeping streets, and serene gardens.
Its elegant squares and calm pace suit those who admire classic architecture and refined surroundings. During winter, festive lights and the Christmas Market create a magical setting.
When summer crowds arrive for the Frindge Festival, New Town offers a peaceful sanctuary while keeping you within walking distance of the city’s art and excitement.
- Perfect for those who appreciate classic style and a refined atmosphere.
- Good for families, couples, or those seeking a quieter stay near Old Town and attractions.
- Many hotels have large family rooms and kid-friendly options.
Highlights:
- Princes Street Gardens
- The Scottish National Gallery
- George Street, and shopping districts.
Atmosphere:
Calm and refined, offering a peaceful place to stay that’s still close to the city’s main sights.
Price:
Staying in New Town usually costs less than staying in Old Town or the Royal Mile.
For instance, mid-range hotels in New Town start at about £100 per night.
In contrast, similar hotels start at £150 per night in Old Town and £150–£250 per night in the Royal Mile.
Therefore, choosing New Town can save you £50–£150 per night.
Off-season deals are often available for even lower prices.
Recommended Accommodation:
21212 (£££) – boutique-style elegant accommodations with a Michelin-Starred Dining Experience;
Royal Scots Club (££) – this historic club, once a meeting place for the Scottish military, offers an elegant stay with period features and charming décor. It’s a short stroll from Leith, and the location makes it a great spot for history buffs.
Accommodation in West End and Haymarket
Trendy Yet Tranquil
The West End and Haymarket combine leafy Victorian streets and stately townhouses with a laid-back, cosmopolitan energy.
Locally owned cafes, artisan shops, and hidden bars offer a warm, community-focused atmosphere.
This neighbourhood delivers relaxing residential charm while ensuring convenient access to central Edinburgh’s attractions.
West End and Haymarket are excellent choices for those who want easy access to the city centre but prefer a quieter setting.
Why Stay Here:
- Great for those looking for good value and a quiet stay without sacrificing convenience.
- This area is quieter than typical tourist spots but offers plenty of local cafes and cultural activities.
Vibe:
Trendy, quiet, and full of historic charm.
Atmosphere:
This area is quieter and more relaxed than Old Town, but still lively with a strong local community feel.
It offers a calm escape but still has plenty of energy, making it great for both relaxing and exploring.
Excellent public transport connections with Haymarket station make travelling around the city easy.
It’s just a short 10-minute tram ride or a 15-minute walk to Princes Street, offering guests convenient access to the heart of Edinburgh.
Trams operate frequently, with services every 7–10 minutes, and a single ticket costs approximately £2.20, providing a budget-friendly option for exploring the city.
Enjoy a peaceful stay with swift access to the city centre.
Vibe:
Trendy, quiet, and full of historic charm.
Highlights:
- Edinburgh’s West End
- Haymarket station
- the Usher Hall
- stylish cafes and boutiques
Atmosphere:
This area is quieter and more relaxed than Old Town, with a strong local community feel.
It offers a calm escape but still has plenty of energy, making it a great place to relax or explore.
Price:
Mid-range: £70-£120.
This area is more affordable than the Royal Mile or Old Town.
Mid-range hotels in West End and Haymarket typically cost £70–£120 per night, which is £30-£80 less than comparable hotels in Old Town or the Royal Mile, where rates are higher.
Budget hostels and boutique options are also available here, offering good value for the location.
Accommodation Recommendations:
B+B Edinburgh (££) – a very cool boutique hotel with a historic facade and a charming old staircase. It is located on the border of the West End and Dean Village. Suitable for family accommodation.
voco Edinburgh (£££) – a modern and stylish hotel with a relaxed, contemporary vibe, offering comfortable rooms and thoughtful details. Located close to Haymarket Station, it’s a convenient choice for travellers who want easy transport links while still being within walking distance of the city centre.
Leonardo Hotel (££) a reliable and comfortable hotel known for spacious rooms and good value for money. Ideal for city breaks and business travellers alike, with a practical location near Haymarket and straightforward access to Edinburgh’s main attractions.
Accommodation in Leith
A Trendy Waterfront District in Edinburgh
Leith bursts with a creative spirit and maritime grit.
Historic dockside warehouses and cobbled lanes are interspersed with artsy cafes, bustling pubs, and striking street art.
Visitors can wander the lively Shore area, where Victorian shipping heritage coexists with innovative restaurants, indie shops, and a vibrant nightlife.
Why to Stay in Leith?
Ideal for those seeking a blend of modern culture and maritime history.
Leith has a vibrant food scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants, independent galleries, and craft breweries.
You can also visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.
There is a waterfront promenade perfect for walks, plus a great selection of local pubs and coffee shops.
Offers a more relaxed, laid-back vibe than the bustling city centre.
Atmosphere:
The area is quirky and creative, with a welcoming, bohemian feel.
Some parts can be quieter than central Edinburgh, but with plenty of nightlife and cultural activities to enjoy.
Price:
Leith offers a range of affordable accommodations compared to the city centre.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel or a stylish boutique option, you’ll find great value for your money here.
Recommended Hotels in Leith
The Sandaig (££) is a charming Victorian-style, family-run guesthouse offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Malmaison Edinburgh (£££) is a chic boutique hotel in a beautiful former church building in the heart of Leith.
Sheridan Guest House (££) – a welcoming, family-run guest house offering comfortable rooms and a warm, personal touch. Located in Leith, it’s a great choice for travellers who enjoy a quieter neighbourhood with easy access to the city centre, local cafés, and the waterfront atmosphere.
Accommodation in Stockbridge and Dean Village
A Hidden Sanctuary by the Water
If you want a quieter, more relaxed stay while still being close to the heart of Edinburgh, Dean Village and Stockbridge are great options.
These charming, historic areas are along the Water of Leith and just a short walk from the busy city centre.
They feel like a different world, with leafy streets, beautiful stone buildings, and a village atmosphere that invites exploration.
Why to Stay in Dean Village Stockbridge?
Ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat away from city centre crowds.
Close to Edinburgh’s major attractions and the tranquil beauty of the Water of Leith Walkway.
These areas offer a charming mix of history, local culture, and independent shops, cafes, and pubs—perfect for exploring Edinburgh off the beaten path.
Highlights:
- Dean Village
- Stockbridge Market
- the Water of Leith Walkway
- and nearby green spaces
Atmosphere:
Tranquil, charming, ideal for those seeking a quieter, more residential vibe.
Want to see why Dean Village feels like a hidden world within the city? Read our full guide to Dean Village and discover its story, scenic corners, and why travellers fall in love with it.
📕 Want to see why Dean Village feels like a hidden world within the city?
Read our full guide about Dean Village and discover its story, scenic corners, and why travellers fall in love with it.
What Makes Dean Village And Stockbridge Special?
- Dean Village is a hidden gem in the middle of a busy city
- Stockbridge is known for its independent shops, cafes, and restaurants
- The Water of Leith Walkway is perfect for peaceful walks or bike rides
- The nearby Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers a peaceful escape into nature
Price:
These areas are more residential and away from the main tourist spots, but you’ll find a range of places to stay, from boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses.
Prices vary, with mid-range, upscale, and some budget-friendly options.
Recommended Accommodation:
The Old Bakery (£££) – this delightful guesthouse, housed in a traditional building with an interesting history, is the perfect retreat for anyone seeking a quieter, more picturesque side of Edinburgh while staying close to its major attractions. Two-room apartment suitable for families or groups of friends.
Raeburn (£££) is a stylish boutique hotel with chic interiors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of Stockbridge, it’s perfect for a relaxed stay with easy access to local attractions.
Belford Hostel (£) – a unique hostel set in a striking historic building in the heart of Dean Village, offering a memorable stay in one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque areas. While dorms are available, it’s highly recommended to book a private double or twin room for a quieter and more comfortable experience in this exceptional setting.
Ready to explore accommodation options in Dean Village and Stockbridge?
Check out our recommendations in Dean Village and Stockbridge to find the perfect home base for your Edinburgh getaway!
