Where to Stay in Edinburgh 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Edinburgh divides into the medieval Old Town (castle, Royal Mile) and elegant Georgian New Town - both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The compact center rewards walkers, though be prepared for hills. During August's festivals, the city transforms and prices skyrocket - book 6+ months ahead. Year-round, Edinburgh offers atmospheric stays in converted townhouses and castle-view rooms.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Old Town / New Town border
Walking distance to Castle, Royal Mile, and Princes Street shopping. Near Waverley Station for day trips. Best of both medieval atmosphere and Georgian elegance.
Old Town
New Town
Grassmarket
Stockbridge
Leith
Southside
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Some cheap hotels near Haymarket station are far from attractions
- • Budget hostels on Cowgate can be extremely noisy on weekends
- • Festival season (August) prices can triple - book months ahead or avoid entirely
- • Some outer areas of Leith remain rougher than tourist zones
Understanding Edinburgh Geography
Edinburgh sits on seven hills around the Castle Rock. The medieval Old Town runs from the Castle down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace. The Georgian New Town lies north across Princes Street Gardens. Leith is the historic port to the northeast. Arthur's Seat dominates the eastern skyline.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Edinburgh
Old Town
Best for: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, medieval atmosphere, Hogwarts vibes
"Medieval cobblestones and Harry Potter magic"
Pros
- Walk to Castle
- Atmospheric closes
- Central location
Cons
- Steep hills
- Very touristy
- Noisy during festivals
New Town
Best for: Georgian architecture, Princes Street shopping, upscale dining, elegant streets
"Elegant 18th-century Georgian grandeur"
Pros
- Beautiful architecture
- Great shopping
- Less crowded
Cons
- Expensive
- Steep stairs to Old Town
- Less atmospheric
Grassmarket
Best for: Historic pubs, boutique shops, castle views, vibrant atmosphere
"Historic market square with legendary pubs and castle backdrop"
Pros
- Great pubs
- Castle views
- Local atmosphere
Cons
- Can be rowdy
- Steep walk to Royal Mile
- Limited parking
Stockbridge
Best for: Sunday market, independent shops, local brunch, village atmosphere
"Charming village within the city"
Pros
- Local atmosphere
- Great market
- Near Botanic Garden
Cons
- No major sights
- Bus ride to center
- Limited hotels
Leith
Best for: Waterfront dining, Michelin-starred restaurants, Royal Yacht Britannia, local pubs
"Historic port turned foodie destination"
Pros
- Best restaurants
- Royal Yacht
- Less touristy
Cons
- Far from Old Town
- Some rough edges
- Requires transport
Southside / Newington
Best for: Arthur's Seat, university area, budget accommodation, local restaurants
"Student neighborhood with easy access to Arthur's Seat"
Pros
- Best value
- Near Arthur's Seat
- Local atmosphere
Cons
- Far from center
- Less atmospheric
- Requires bus
Accommodation Budget in Edinburgh
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Kick Ass Grassmarket
Grassmarket
Design hostel with castle views from rooftop terrace. Excellent location, stylish common areas, and both dorms and private rooms.
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
New Town
German design chain with surprisingly stylish rooms and excellent Princes Street location. Best value for prime location.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
The Witchery by the Castle
Old Town
Theatrical suites at the Castle gates with Gothic opulence, four-poster beds, and candlelit restaurant. Edinburgh's most romantic stay.
Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
Old Town
Boutique hotel in 16th-century building with bistro and whisky snug. Old Town atmosphere with modern comforts.
Fingal
Leith
Luxury floating hotel on converted 1936 lighthouse tender ship. Art Deco interiors and Leith waterfront location.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
The Balmoral
New Town
Edinburgh's grand dame overlooking Princes Street with Michelin-starred Number One restaurant, spa, and clock tower.
Prestonfield
Southside
Flamboyant 17th-century mansion with peacocks, opulent interiors, and Rhubarb restaurant. Theatrically romantic.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
The Dunstane Houses
West End
Victorian townhouses with Scottish country house style, whisky library, and warm hospitality away from tourist crowds.
Smart Booking Tips for Edinburgh
- 1 Book 6+ months ahead for Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August) - prices 3-4x normal
- 2 Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) and Six Nations rugby weekends require early booking
- 3 Winter (Nov-Feb excluding holidays) offers 30-40% discounts and atmospheric fog
- 4 Many hotels occupy converted Georgian townhouses - small but characterful rooms
- 5 Festival apartments offer better value than hotels in August if staying 5+ nights
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Edinburgh: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.