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Where to Stay in Edinburgh (Best Places & Areas)
👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh | Neighbourhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQs
As a former resident and a frequent visitor to Scotland’s capital city, I want to help you find the best places to stay in Edinburgh.
The Old Town is the best area for first-time visitors because it has the attractions this historic city is known for: the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the National Museum of Scotland. The Scotsman Hotel is the best overall hotel due to its ideal location, elegant interior, and thoughtful amenities.
But there are dozens of other options, and you’ll feel spoilt for choice with so many historic neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. I’ll overview all of them to help you make an informed choice.
Before we begin, here’s a breakdown of my hotel selections.
Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh
Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Edinburgh? Here are my top picks:
- 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – The Scotsman Hotel
- 🗺️ Best Location – Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
- 🛎️ Best Boutique – The Raeburn
- 🏰 Best Near Edinburgh Castle – The Witchery by the Castle
- 🏨 Best Novelty Hotel – Ocean Mist Leith
- 🛏️ Best Budget – The Scholar
- 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – The Balmoral Hotel
- 👪 Best For Families – Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo by IHG
- 🔑 Apartments – Search Airbnb rentals in my #1 neighborhood
Ok, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighbourhoods in Edinburgh:
7 Best Neighbourhoods & Areas to Stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh city centre has an Old Town and a New Town, separated by Edinburgh Waverley train station and Princes Street Garden. On a hill overlooking the gardens is Edinburgh Castle, unmissable right in the heart of the city.
In the north east of the city you’ll find Leith, the former port town. Further down the coast is Portobello Beach, a popular spot on sunny days. Next to the University of Edinburgh campus in the southside of the city lies the Meadows, the perfect picnic patch.
Old Town
👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Old Town Hotels: The Witchery by the Castle • The Scotsman Hotel • Market Street Hotel • ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square
When you think of Edinburgh, you think of the Old Town. This, unsurprisingly, is the oldest part of Edinburgh and it has kept many of its 16th and 17th century buildings.
In the centre of the Old Town runs the Royal Mile, a street sloping down from Edinburgh Castle to the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the official Scottish residence of the British monarch). In August, the Mile will be packed with street performers and comedians.
In keeping with the opulent, historic, and spooky atmosphere of the Old Town, The Witchery by the Castle at the bottom of the Mile offers four-poster beds and walk-in dressing rooms, a dream hotel for a special occasion.
Alternatively, another Travel Lemming writer, Sky, loved her stay at the Royal Mile Romance Suite, a cozy suite with views overlooking the Royal Mile. You can read Sky’s review here.
Everywhere you turn in the Old Town, you will find national attractions, such as the National Museum of Scotland, home of the world’s first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell – Dolly the Sheep.
At the top end of the Mile, you can visit the Camera Obscura, which has five floors of optical illusions and an ingenious 19th-century periscope.
Pros of Staying in the Old Town:
- Surrounded by history
- Right next to Edinburgh’s central railway station
- Events all year round
Cons of Staying in the Old Town:
- It can be crowded, especially in August
- Hotels are expensive
📚 Old Town Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for History
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Witchery by the Castle • Market Street Hotel • ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square
🏠 Apartments – Browse Rentals on Booking in the Old Town (or Browse Airbnb rentals)
🍽️ Where to Eat – Wedgwood The Restaurant (£££), Gurkha Cafe (££), PIGGS (££)
🍸 Where to Drink – The Banshee Labyrinth, Halfway House, Stramash, Cold Town House, The City Cafe
🎟️ Top Attractions – Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, the Edinburgh Dungeon, National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish Parliament, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Dynamic Earth, Camera Obscura
New Town
👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best New Town Hotels: The Balmoral Hotel • InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George • Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their unique combination of striking architecture from different centuries.
The New Town has some of the most stunning architecture in the city, with neoclassical buildings from world-renowned architects throughout the neighbourhood. It’s also where Scotland’s First Minister has their official residence – Bute House.
If that isn’t enough to convince you of the attraction of the New Town, climb Calton Hill, which has views across the city. At the top, you’ll find a building that looks a little similar to the Parthenon. This is Scotland’s National Monument, dedicated to the soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Unfortunately, the monument was never completed due to lack of funds.
To mark the beginning of summer, each year a Celtic festival is held on Calton Hill. The Beltane Fire Festival sees performers dance with fire, drum, and act out the traditional stories of the May Queen and the Green Man.
You can find Apex Waterloo Place Hotel on the road leading up to Calton Hill – just out of the crowds on Princes Street. Fun fact, this street was also used during filming for Fast & Furious 9!
In winter, Princes Street Gardens hosts the Christmas market, with a Ferris wheel, craft stalls, mulled wine, and other attractions. Also in the gardens, you can find the Scott Monument, dedicated to the writer Walter Scott.
At the end of Princes Street sits the landmark Balmoral Hotel, which is one of the most famous and recognisable buildings in the city.
Pros of Staying in the New Town:
- Full of shops and restaurants
- Close to the central railway and bus stations
- Plenty of bars and clubs to choose from
Cons of Staying in the New Town:
- Streets can be very busy
- Hotels are often expensive
📚 New Town Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Nightlife
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Balmoral Hotel • InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George • Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
🏠 Apartments – Browse Rentals on Booking in the New Town (or Browse Airbnb rentals)
🍽️ Where to Eat – Bar Napoli (£), Chez Jules (£), The Boozy Cow (££), Dishoom Edinburgh (££)
🍸 Where to Drink – Thistle Street Bar, CC Blooms, Hoot The Redeemer
🎟️ Top Attractions – Calton Hill, Scott Monument, National Gallery of Scotland, National Portrait Gallery
Leith
👉 Best Area For Foodies | ✨ Best Leith Hotels: Ocean Mist Leith • 89 The Merchants by The House of Danu • On The Walk
The former port town of Leith was made internationally famous by the Irvine Welsh book and film Trainspotting. Though it’s not much of a tourist spot in the film, a lot has changed since the 1980s. Leith is now one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Scotland, if not Europe.
Embrace the port life by staying on a ship at Ocean Mist Leith at the Shore. Or base yourself closer to Leith Walk, with all its restaurants, cafes, bars, and bookshops, at On The Walk.
For a nature break, head along the Water of Leith, which stretches all the way to Stockbridge, the West End, and beyond.
Pros of Staying in Leith:
- Lots of great restaurants and bars
- Tram and bus links to central Edinburgh
- Beautiful walks along The Shore
Cons of Staying in Leith:
- Further away from the main tourist attractions
- More residential
📚 Leith Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Foodies
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Ocean Mist Leith • 89 The Merchants by The House of Danu • On The Walk
🏠 Apartments – Browse Rentals on Booking in Leith (or Browse Airbnb rentals)
🍽️ Where to Eat – The Shore (£££), FacePlant Foods (££), Chorrito Cantina (££), The Kitchin (££££)
🍸 Where to Drink – Spry Wines, Brass Monkey, Hemingway’s
🎟️ Top Attractions – Water of Leith Walkway, Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith The Trainspotting Tour
Portobello
👉 Best Area For Beaches | ✨ Best Portobello Hotels: Straven Guesthouse • Best Western Kings Manor
Portobello is where Edinburgh locals flock to on warm days. If you love beaches, ice cream, or bravely swimming in the Firth of Forth, Portobello is the place for it.
This suburb on the east side of Edinburgh has plenty to offer even on colder days, with a beer distillery at Porty Vault and the independent Portobello Bookshop.
When visiting Portobello, I suggest staying at the Straven Guesthouse. This former Victoria home has sea views and is right around the corner from Portobello High Street.
Pros of Staying in Portobello:
- Easy to walk to the beach
- Near golf courses
- Lots of independent shops
Cons of Staying in Portobello:
- You’ll need public transport to reach central Edinburgh
- Limited hotels
📚 Portobello Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Beaches
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Straven Guesthouse • Best Western Kings Manor
🏠 Apartments – Browse Rentals on Booking in Portobello (or Browse Airbnb rentals)
🍽️ Where to Eat – OTTO Portobello (££), The Esplanade Bar and Restaurant (££), Malvarosa (££)
🍸 Where to Drink – Portobello Tap, Porty Vault, Foresters Guild
🎟️ Top Attractions – Portobello Beach, Portobello Swim Centre, Figgate Park
Stockbridge
👉 Best Area For Charm | ✨ Best Stockbridge Hotels: The Raeburn • Nira Caledonia • New Town Guest House
If you like to live in style, you’ll be right at home in Stockbridge. This area to the north of Princes Street is an ideal place to buy artisanal goods and quality coffee – particularly in the weekly Stockbridge Market.
Keep the luxury feel going by staying at The Raeburn, a Georgian house turned hotel right in the heart of the neighbourhood. Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, with more than 70 acres to explore for free. The rock garden and Chinese hillside are my personal highlights.
Follow the amazingly tranquil Water of Leith walk down to Dean Village, a former mill village from the 19th century. The cobblestones are well-trodden by tourists trying to snap a picture of the past. Stay at nearby Nira Caledonia for a taste of the high life.
Pros of Staying in Stockbridge:
- Plenty of charming coffee shops and quirky shops
- Short walk to the centre
- Nature walk to Dean’s Village
Cons of Staying in Stockbridge:
- One of the more expensive areas of Edinburgh
- More of a residential neighbourhood
📚 Stockbridge Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Charm
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Raeburn • Nira Caledonia • New Town Guest House
🏠 Apartments – Browse Rentals on Booking in Stockbridge (or Browse Airbnb rentals)
🍽️ Where to Eat – eòrna (£££), Purslane Restaurant (£££), Sabor Criollo (£), Kim’s Bulgogi (£)
🍸 Where to Drink – The Stockbridge Tap, St. Vincent, The Last Word
🎟️ Top Attractions – Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Dean Village, Stockbridge Market
West End
👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best West End Hotels: Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa • Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo by IHG • The Roseate Edinburgh
The West End is my former home, and it’s a characterful neighbourhood with plenty to see, eat and drink. It’s also where you can find Murrayfield, Scotland’s national rugby stadium, and Tynecastle, where football team Heart of Midlothian play.
A short, picture-perfect walk away are the two modern art museums of the National Galleries of Scotland. With artwork both in the landscape and inside the galleries, this is a feast for the eyes.
The West End is bordered on one side by Ghillie Dhu, a gorgeous bar which regularly hosts ceilidhs, or traditional Scottish dances. Wander in that direction to discover Princes Street – Edinburgh’s main shopping street immortalised in the opening scene of Trainspotting.
Further to the west – but very accessible by bus – is Edinburgh Zoo. Kids will love seeing the characterful penguins. Stay at Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo by IHG for convenient access to the zoo and family-friendly vibes.
Pros of Staying in the West End:
- Walkable to the Old and New Towns
- Handy distance to Haymarket train station
- On the tram route
Cons of Staying in the West End:
- Quieter than more central areas
📚 West End Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Families
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa • Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo by IHG • The Roseate Edinburgh
🏠 Apartments – Browse Rentals on Booking in the West End (or Browse Airbnb rentals)
🍽️ Where to Eat – Pizzeria 1926 (£), Nam (££), Xiangbala Hotpot (££)
🍸 Where to Drink – The Rat Pack, Malones Edinburgh, Ghillie Dhu
🎟️ Top Attractions – National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One, St Mary’s Cathedral
Newington
👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Newington Hotels: The Scholar • KM Hotel • The Salisbury Hotel
Newington is a student hub to the south of the city, as it is near the University of Edinburgh’s main campus. The campus itself is worth a visit, especially the stunning 18th-century Old College square.
Do as the students do and relax in the Meadows, an expansive park next to the campus with plenty of space to sunbathe on nice days.
To the other direction is Holyrood Park, dominated by the ancient volcano Arthur’s Seat. You can hike to the peak or the Salisbury Crags for iconic views over the city. The Scholar is a good hotel that’s close to all of these green spaces.
For those who enjoy a bit of gore, make sure to visit the Surgeons’ Hall Museums. This contains the largest collection of surgical pathology in the world. This isn’t one for the faint of heart…
Pros of Staying in Newington:
- Surrounded by two large parks
- Cheaper bars and restaurants
- Hub for many Fringe shows
Cons of Staying in Newington:
- Limited accommodation options
- Not on the tram network
📚 Newington Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Budget Travellers
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Scholar • KM Hotel • The Salisbury Hotel
🏠 Apartments – Browse Rentals on Booking in Newington (or Browse Airbnb rentals)
🍽️ Where to Eat – Soul Vegan (££), Nile Valley Cafe (£), The Mosque Kitchen (£)
🍸 Where to Drink – The Dog House, The Pear Tree, The Dagda Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – The Meadows, Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Tips for Staying in Edinburgh
Plan Around the Fringe
Each August, Edinburgh hosts the Fringe, the world’s largest performance arts festival. It’s arguably one of the best times to visit, with thousands of shows from big-name comedians to first-time actors. But if you don’t like crowds, it’s best to plan your visit for another month.
Overcrowding can be a real issue during this time. If you visit for the Fringe Festival, be a little extra mindful of overcrowding local areas where people live and work. Read my list of other mistakes and faux pas in Scotland to help you get along with locals.
Plan Ahead
In peak seasons, the big tourist attractions can fill up fast. Book your must-dos, like Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Dungeons, and the Ghost Bus Tours, well in advance so you don’t miss out. Museums and galleries are free to enter and don’t require booking.
See my guide to visiting Edinburgh on a budget for more trip-planning tips.
Follow Maps Carefully
Edinburgh’s geography is unique and that can make it tricky to know how to get from A to B. South Bridge, which links the Old Town to the Southside, is a shopping street built above a gorge. This means streets cross underneath the bridge and you’ll need to find a route down to them!
Watch Out For Tourist Scams
Edinburgh does see a lot of tourists visit each year, and unfortunately, that comes with scams aimed at visitors. Do not accept any jewellery or books from strangers who approach you, as you will be asked to pay for them. These are just a couple of things I recommend for staying safe while in Scotland.
Don’t Rent A Car
You might want to rent a car for onward travel when leaving Edinburgh – particularly when visiting rural areas — but there is no need for a car in Edinburgh. In fact, parking is limited and the pedestrianisation of much of the city centre makes it pointless to drive. Instead, hop on a bus or tram or even walk.
👉 Read Next: How to Spend 4 Days in Edinburgh
FAQs
What are the best areas to stay in Edinburgh for first-timers?
The best areas to stay in Edinburgh are the central ones, such as the Old Town and New Town. Most of the main tourist attractions including Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace, the Scottish Parliament, and the Edinburgh Dungeons are in the Old Town.
The New Town has the Wallace Monument, the National Gallery of Scotland, and the National Portrait Gallery. However, these areas will be more expensive due to their popularity, particularly during peak seasons!
What are safe areas to stay in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is generally a tourist-friendly city and safe for visitors. New Town and Old Town are well-lit and crime is low. However, take normal precautions and try to keep track of where you are at all times.
What are the best parts of Edinburgh to stay on a budget?
The best parts of Edinburgh to stay on a budget are slightly further out from the city centre. Edinburgh is not the cheapest city to visit, but you can save costs by renting in Newington, Leith, or the West End. Plus, good transport links by bus and tram mean you can still see all of the main attractions!
What is the most walkable part of Edinburgh?
The Old Town is the most walkable part of Edinburgh, although most neighbourhoods have local amenities within walking distance. Watch out, though — Edinburgh is a very hilly city, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
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I hope this guide has helped you decide where to stay in Edinburgh. For a smaller city, it has a lot to offer and there’s always more to discover. And if Edinburgh is your starting point for a tour of the rest of the country, take a look at other great places to visit in Scotland.
Where would you recommend staying if you are traveling with an elderly person?
Hi Kristi, thanks for reading!
I would recommend staying in the West End with an elderly person. This is a quieter area than the Old or New Towns, but still central, and it’s a relatively flat area of Edinburgh. Four Points Flex by Sheraton Edinburgh is in a great location, and there’s a lift so you won’t have to climb to your room. To get around, trams and buses are right outside and very accessible, or you can take taxis.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Looking at staying at The Wilde accomodation for 5 nights. Is this a good area to stay? Are there places to eat nearby?
Hi Linda,
Thanks for reading! Wilde Aparthotels is in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh, which is one of the best places to stay in the city. It’s very central, right underneath Edinburgh Castle, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. It will be busy in the evenings with people going out for dinner and drinks.
Some great places to eat nearby include: The Mussel and Steak Bar, Petit Paris, Timberyard (a Michelin-starred restaurant), and Cold Town House (check out the rooftop terrace). I would recommend booking these in advance as they are popular.
I hope that’s helpful!
My friend and I are visiting Edinburgh for only two days, We are coming from a retreat in Glastonbury. Where would be the best place to stay? What do you suggest we go to see. I’m looking to connect to the area, I believe I had ancestors from Scotland. WE will be there May 28-30 2026
Hi Sherry,
Thanks for reading! To be close to most of the main attractions in Edinburgh, I would recommend staying in the Old Town. The ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile is in a very central location and still has some availability for your dates. I would suggest booking your accommodation very soon, as it will likely be limited and expensive only a month out from your visit.
I have a list of the best things to do in Edinburgh which I hope is helpful. The National Museum of Scotland is a great place to learn about Scottish history. If you get good weather a walk up Arthur’s Seat is the perfect way to see the whole city.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your trip!
Hi Louise
We Are 3 adults from Denmark traveling in July 21-24th 2026. We would like to stay near the centre of Edinburgh in two separate rooms. Not too expensive.
Maybe a nice and quiet hotel or bed and breakfast. Any suggestions?
Thanks so much.
Katinka
Hi Katinka,
Thanks for reading! Central Edinburgh is an expensive place to stay, particularly during the summer, so it’s difficult to find a nice hotel at a good price. Your best bet in July may be to stay in student accommodation, as many of these turn into hotels when the semester finishes. These are basic rooms without some of the services of full hotels, but they are the most affordable option other than hostels. Summer Stays at the University of Edinburgh has good reviews and a decent location.
You could also try aparthotels, like The Knight Residence by Mansley or Stewart by Heeton Concept. I’m afraid there are few options for inexpensive good hotels unless you are able to look at areas a little further out, such as Leith.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
thinking of booking Hampton by Hilton West End, 2 adults 1 child. is it walking distance to castle and other attractions
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for reading! Yes, that hotel is around a 25-minute walk away from Edinburgh Castle, and a similar distance to the National Museum of Scotland, St Giles’ Cathedral, Mary King’s close and attractions on the Royal Mile. There are also buses which run along that road for attractions further away like the Royal Yacht Britannia.
I hope that’s helpful!
Is holyrood within walking distance to old town. How far?
Hi Janet,
Thanks for reading! I would consider Holyrood to be part of the Old Town, although that opinion may differ depending on who you ask! That area includes the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Parliament and part of the Royal Mile, which are only a minute or two walk apart. It’s about a 20-minute walk at most from anywhere in the Old Town.
I hope that’s helpful!
Traveling to Edinburgh for 3 days with 2 people who don’t walk well. Where should we stay where terrain is reasonably flat? thanks
Hi Larry,
Thanks for reading! I’d recommend staying in the West End, as that’s a flatter area than the Old Town, New Town, Leith or Stockbridge. From there, you could take the tram or the bus to central Edinburgh to see most of the tourist attractions.
If you use Google or Apple Maps to navigate around Edinburgh, it may show the fastest route is by climbing stairs. However, there’s usually a slower and less steep route which doesn’t include stairs.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Hi Louise,
Thanks for putting together this really informative and intuitive page!
Do you have suggestions on how best to travel from Helensburgh to Edinburgh and back for an overnight trip? We’re visiting Scotland from the U.S., and will have a car, but would prefer to avoid dealing with it in the city.
Thanks for any insight!
Hi Nick,
Thanks for reading! The easiest way to get between Helensburgh and Edinburgh is by train. There’s a regular direct train between them, but the fastest way is actually to take the train from Helensburgh to Glasgow Queen Street and change trains to Edinburgh. This is a commuter train, so you don’t have to book tickets in advance. Just buy tickets on the ScotRail app or at the station on the day. If you get an anytime return then you can travel out one day and back on another day.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Hello Louise! So far this has been the most helpful site I have visited while researching Scottland, especially tips on where to stay. We will be flying over to Scottland from Dublin, Ireland. We will only be there for three days. We are looking at staying in Edinburgh, but also do not mind staying somewhere else. Would just like to get the most out of our three days there. What towns would you recommend visiting, things to definitely see, and where to stay? Thank you for your help!
Hi Julie,
I’m glad you’ve found my guide helpful! If you’re only in Scotland for three days, I would definitely recommend staying in Edinburgh – it has plenty to do and good transport links to other places.
If you’d like to visit a nearby town or city, I would recommend taking the train or bus to Stirling, South Queensferry or North Berwick – all beautiful places.
I’ve made a guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh. If you stay in the Old Town, you’ll be within walking distance of many of these, including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile.
I hope you enjoy your visit!
My ancestors are from Aberdeen so I’d like to see a little of the Highlands area. We plan to stay in Edinburgh for a couple days and use public transport (mid Sept). can you recommend how to fit in a day tour to Aberdeen or other Highland address please? Thank you! First visit (senior citizen)
Hi Pat, thanks for reading! The easiest way to visit Aberdeen from Edinburgh is by train. There are multiple trains each day which you can book via the operator ScotRail, but it’s around a five-hour round trip so I would recommend staying a night to avoid a very long day.
The Highlands region covers the entire north-west of Scotland, but Aberdeen is on the east coast so it isn’t part of the Highlands. If you’d like to visit somewhere in the Highlands, you could take the train to the town of Pitlochry. This would take around 2 hours each way.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Thank you so much for responding! (This is one of the ONLY sites who have actually responded to my comment/inquiry!) I appreciate you!!!
Hi Louise travelling to Ed in April staying for 28 days. my daughter lives in Craigentinny. Have been looking at accommodation, but boy is it expensive. Could you recommend somewhere outside of Ed with easy transport to Craigentinny that may be a little more affordable. thanks Bernice
Hi Bernice,
Thanks for reading! Yes, unfortunately accommodation in Edinburgh can be very pricey, especially if you’re staying for so long. Craigentinny’s location means it may also be difficult to reach directly by public transport. If you stay in a town further along the coast, like Musselburgh or Prestonpans, there will be direct buses to Craigentinny.
Otherwise, you could stay to the west of Edinburgh in Queensferry, Livingston or Linlithgow. You would then get the bus or train into central Edinburgh and change buses there to reach Craigentinny.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Hi Louise. We’re only going to be in Edinburgh overnight, arriving via train from Aberdeen early afternoon and departing to the States the next morning. Should we try and stay in town? Or at the airport & just come in for the afternoon? Thoughts? Thank you!
Hi Richard,
I would say that depends on the time you’re flying the next morning – you’ll want to arrive at the airport in plenty of time for an international flight and if it’s an early morning departure, I’d say it’s best to stay near the airport.
The 100 Airlink bus has frequent departures 24/7 from Waverley Bridge (near the central train station where you’ll arrive from Aberdeen) and these take 30 minutes to get to the airport. The tram also runs frequently during the day from the city centre to the airport (taking around 35 minutes), but this doesn’t run overnight. And of course, there are taxis. These can all be delayed by traffic.
If you do decide to stay at the airport, you can take the tram or bus back into the city centre and explore quite easily.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your trip!
Hi Louise, thanks for your site! I immediately trusted your vibe and approach. You seem to be zero bullsh*t, just telling it like it is. 👌🏻
Great blog! Thank you.
Can you please recommend some vegetarian restaurants and cafes in these areas. ☺️
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reading! Edinburgh has lots of great vegetarian restaurants, so you’re in for a treat. Paradise Palms is a very cool vegan bar with American diner-inspired food in the Old Town. In Newlands, I recommend Soul Vegan, which serves Asian dishes. Up in Leith, you have FacePlant Foods for great sandwiches. Hendersons in Bruntsfield is an Edinburgh vegetarian institution. There’s PULSE in the New Town, Go Go Beets in Portobello, and Chapter One in the West End.
Plus, there are vegetarian and vegan options in pretty much every restaurant in Edinburgh. It’s one of the best cities in the world to be vegetarian or vegan, so you won’t struggle for options.
I hope that’s helpful and happy eating!
Hi, I’m looking at visiting sometime in August next year and understand that it’s the busiest time but it’s the most convenient time for us as we’re coming from our winter in Australia. We don’t mind a busy, vibrant atmosphere and are prepared to book well ahead but don’t want wall to wall people. I guess I just want to know if it’s unbearable and if end of July might be better. We would be looking at staying a week and would like to do a couple of day tours as well. After Edinburgh we thought we might head to Inverness, is that a good base? We will travel by train and also try guided day tours. Any recommendations are welcome, we are flexible with time and destinations.
Hi Pam,
Thanks for reading! You could visit Edinburgh in August without massive crowds if you avoid the main attractions around the Royal Mile, but unfortunately, it will be wall-to-wall people in that central area of the Old Town. The streets were not designed for the number of people who visit each year and so it is even a struggle to walk along pavements during peak times. I would lean towards the end of July, when it’s still busy and vibrant but there are no Fringe shows to really draw in the crowds.
Inverness is a great base from which to explore the Highlands, Loch Ness, and nearby sites including Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns. This one-day guided tour of Loch Ness is highly rated.
I hope that’s helpful, happy planning!
my first time in edinburgh, I would like to stay close to public golf courses. I’m addition, to sightseeing seeing, i will be golfing.
I plan on staying a month so I would like to stay in an apartment.
any advise. or connect me to the right person.
thank you.
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for reading! For easy access to golf courses, I would recommend finding an apartment in Morningside on Vrbo. This is a beautiful residential area with plenty of cafes, some independent shops and green space. It’s next to Braid Hills golf course and not far by public transport from Craigmillar Park golf course and Prestonfield golf course. There’s also a fun little course on Bruntsfield Links and the nearby Golf Tavern is a great place to stop for a drink after a round.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
hi! thanks for all the wonderful information. we are flying to Edinburgh for the first tine from Thursday to Monday. would you reccomend staying at one hotel or split out time in amd spend one with in another place or perhaps in Glasgow. my husband is from Glasgow Montana in the US so we have to go the one in scottland for sure
Hi Jodi,
For that length of stay I wouldn’t change hotels – it’s very easy to visit Glasgow from Edinburgh on a day trip. There are frequent trains from Edinburgh Waverley, taking around 50 minutes. There are also buses which run 24/7.
You can easily fill 4 days in Edinburgh, and there are other places nearby where you could do day trips, including Stirling, St Andrews, and North Berwick.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Hi Louise, Thank you for your excellent knowledge, we are travelling to Edinburgh next week for the first time and I have already bookmarked your pages so I can refer back to whilst on our holiday, you have given me so many places to look forward to. Thank you for your time and invaluable effort in putting all that information together. I can tell you are proud to be Scottish 😊
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed your visit!
Hi Louise. My name is Mónica. I am from Costa Rica in central america. The amount of time you put into this detailed explanation is invaluable. for the extensive reading and tips. I planning my trip for the next may. Thanks
Hi Mónica,
Thank you for reading and I’m so glad it’s been helpful! Hope you enjoy your trip!
Hi Louise,
Thanks for your tips on Edinburgh! My general (and naive) question is: for a first timer in Scotland, would you recommend to stay in Edinburgh as a “home base” and move from there to other cities, or perhaps do it from Glasgow, for example? I have read your review on Glasgow but I think it sounds better to stay in Edinburgh. Our trip is scheduled for mid-September.
Hi Hernando,
Thanks for reading! Edinburgh is a great place to base yourself to take day trips and it’s well connected by bus or train. Glasgow and Edinburgh aren’t far apart, so you can reach many of the same places from either city. I would pick whichever one you think has the most attractions in which you’re interested.
One thing to note is that Scotland is too big to see all of it by day trips from Edinburgh, or anywhere else for that matter. If you’re going far north or to the Borders in the south, you might want to pick a second base from which to explore.
Hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Hi, Louise ,
Thanks for the tips. We will be staying in Dumfries for the Scottish National Sheepdog Trials August 20-23 and want to visit Edinburgh for the Fringe following that but even the B&Bs are outrageously priced during that time.
Can you recommend somewhere to stay that we can easily commute via bus or train into the city to see the events? We will have Britrail passes and won’t mind riding an hour or so morning and evening to save money.
Thank you so much!
Hi Curt,
Thanks for reading! There are lots of great places to stay within an hour of Edinburgh, including Falkirk, Dunfermline, Linlithgow and even Glasgow. Falkirk and Dunfermline are around 35-40 minutes away by train, and have some great local attractions to visit – the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies in Falkirk, or Dunfermline Abbey.
Linlithgow is a bit closer, around 20 minutes by train, but it’s smaller and has fewer amenities than the other options. It’s also easy to commute from Glasgow with frequent trains and 24/7 buses. There are a lot more accommodation options in Glasgow, the biggest city in Scotland. The journey takes longer, 50 minutes by train or just over an hour by bus.
I hope one of these options is useful and enjoy your visit!
Hi Louise. Very helpful article. We are doing a road trip of England first with a 10 day road trip through Scotland and then back in to UK for another 5 days before flying home to Australia. We will already have a car, so what are the options for parking if hotels don’t offer this? I’d like to stay relatively close to everything and not way out of town. Thank you 🙂
Hi MT,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Parking really depends on where you are in Scotland – in central Edinburgh and Glasgow you will struggle to find any on-street parking. There are central car parks, but be aware that charges are often very high. You also don’t need a car in those cities as public transport is well-connected. There are some subway and train stations which offer affordable park-and-ride, but these don’t allow overnight parking.
In other parts of the country, it’s usually easier to find free parking in towns and villages.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your trip!
Hi Louise, thank you for all this information. To be honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed with finding the best route to take and how long we should be taking to see the sites. We are arriving in Edinburgh on a Sunday and staying there just one night, then renting a car and making our way to a wedding in Dumfries arriving there on Wednesday and leaving on the Friday towards Glasgow for a couple of days. Can you make any recommendations of places to stay or should we spend another day in Edinburgh and just spend one night on our way to Dumfries. Also, do you know if rental cars can be picked up in Edinburgh (or close to) and dropped off in Glasgow? As we will then be making our way to Ireland and flying home from there. Thank you for you help and guidance. Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reading!
It isn’t necessary to stop overnight on the drive from Edinburgh to Dumfries, as it’s only a two-hour journey. The region of Dumfries and Galloway is a lovely part of the country, but there aren’t many attractions for tourists and you wouldn’t find much other than small villages on the route. Similarily, Dumfries is a charming town, but I wouldn’t spend the bulk of your time there as there just isn’t as much to do for tourists as there is in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
If you haven’t visited Edinburgh before I would recommend staying there for a few nights, possibly even until the Wednesday, as there will be plenty to see and do in that time. If you’ve already visited, you could do day trips to Stirling or North Berwick.
Many car rental agencies will allow pick up and drop off to be from different locations, but just be aware this will come with an additional charge.
Hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Hi Louise, loved your article…very helpful! My husband and I willl spend Christmas in Edinburgh this year (our 1st time in Scotland) and I would like to know about restaurants offering Christmas Eve Dinner – which are the best options available.
Thank you very much and regards,
Cris
Hi Cris,
I’m glad you enjoyed! Most restaurants will offer a Christmas menu throughout December – my personal recommendations are Indigo Yard, The Ox or Dishoom (for an Indian twist on Christmas dinner). Just be warned though – many places will have reduced opening hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day and you’ll almost definitely have to book far in advance to guarantee a table.
I hope that’s helpful and have a great visit!
We are from Australia and flying in and out of Glasgow but in between will be visiting Inverness and Edinburgh. We will be hiring a car. As it is not practical to drive in Edinburgh, can you suggest where we might stay where public transport is accessible for us to get to Old Town (particularly on Saturday morning to get to the Holyrood parkrun!!)
Hi Denise,
Thanks for reading! The Old Town is very well connected by public transport so you have plenty of options. Newington is right next to Holyrood Park, but you might struggle with parking there. Further south you have Craigmillar which is about 30 minutes away from the Royal Mile by bus.
Alternatively, you can stay in the West End, which is a little easier to drive in but again you might struggle with parking. There are also frequent buses from here to the Old Town.
It’s also possible to stay a little outside of Edinburgh if you are on the train line, as the main train station in Edinburgh, Waverley, is right next to the Old Town. If you stay in Linlithgow or Falkirk, it will take between 20-35 minutes to get to Waverley and there are early enough trains to make it to parkrun.
Finally, if you prefer to stay in Glasgow, there are regular trains to Edinburgh which would get you there in time for the run. They take around 50 minutes and run every 30 minutes from 6am.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Hi there! We will be staying in Edinburgh before heading to the border area. I will need to pick up a car before heading down there. When I check out, what would be the best area to pick up a rental car? I would hate to go back to the airport, but of course will be coming back to return the car and fly out of Edinburgh. If you could help with ideas, I sure would appreciate that. We will be staying in Old Town or New Town area. Thank you!
Hi Laura,
Thanks for commenting! Edinburgh is a very tricky city to drive through, and I usually wouldn’t recommend renting a car in the city centre to someone unfamiliar with the one-way streets. There is an affordable and regular tram to the airport which you can get from Princes Street if you choose to rent a car from there.
If you prefer to rent from closer to the city centre, I would find a car rental in the West End or Murrayfield areas – away from the more challenging roads. These are also on the tram line, so you would be able to get the tram to the airport after returning the car.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Thank you for your helpful information! Where would you recommend staying during New Year’s Eve AWAY from the crowds and closures? We will be there with two children and want to experience Edinburgh but not the huge crowds. I currently have a hotel in New Town but am reconsidering as that sounds right in the middle of it.
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for your comment! New Year’s Eve – or Hogmanay in Scotland – is a particularly big holiday here, so there will likely be partying in many different areas. The old and new towns and the West End will face road closures and see most of the crowds, so I’d recommend not staying there if you want to avoid those.
Stockbridge is a beautiful area where there should be fewer crowds, and you can find more residential parts of Leith if you look a few streets away from Leith Walk. Both have good public transport links with the city centre, but just be aware of the holiday travel timetables.
Public transport will end earlier than normal on New Year’s Eve and not run at all on New Year’s Day. Taxis will also be more expensive than they usually are. I would recommend trying to find a hotel within walking distance of any restaurants or attractions you would like to see because of that.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!
Very well written, concise and informative article! We’re planning to visit Edinburgh in December 2024.
Can you please guide me as to places to visit during mid December? Or is it too cold? Thank you!
Hi Suchitra,
Thanks for reading and I’m glad you found it helpful!
It will be cold in mid-December, but definitely not too cold that you can’t enjoy your time here. In fact one of Edinburgh’s main attractions is its Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens which is open all of December.
Tourist attractions in Edinburgh and Glasgow typically stay open all year round, so you won’t be short of things to do. Glasgow also has a small Christmas market if you happen to take a day trip there.
For any sort of winter sports, you could spend a few days at Aviemore where there should be snow at that time of year.
I hope that’s useful and enjoy your trip!
Hi Louise,
Very well written blog.
This will be my first time in Edinburgh and staying there for 3 nights. Would you recommend a day trip to Inverness?
Hi Ravina,
Thanks for reading and I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
Inverness is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists, which is why it made our list of the top 50 places to visit in 2024. However, it’s a bit far for a day trip from Edinburgh – over 3 hours each way by car or train. Plus, many of its attractions are just outside of the city, making it even harder to see them in just one day.
Some other good options for a day trip with a bit less travel time include Glasgow, Stirling, North Berwick, and Dunfermline. All of these areas can be reached within an hour, with frequent trains.
If you have your heart set on Inverness, I would recommend visiting the Clava Cairns and Culloden, but you’ll definitely have to spend your time wisely!
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your trip!
Is the muirhouse avenue in North Edinburgh safe to be based out of..for a one week visit to Edinburgh? Especially as a solo female. So things like taking the bus and walking in the neighbourhood.
Hi Jenny,
Buses will run near to Muirhouse Avenue until just before midnight, but I wouldn’t recommend taking them as a solo female, particularly as you aren’t familiar with the area.
Muirhouse does not have a lot of local bars or restaurants, so there won’t be many people in the streets late at night. Petty crime can also be an issue in the area. Overall I don’t think the area is a safe choice for visitors.
Neighbourhoods which are a little closer to central Edinburgh, such as Stockbridge or the West End, may be less affordable but they are more tourist-friendly and safer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the law around self-defence in the UK – carrying pepper spray is illegal in Scotland.
I hope that’s helpful, and if you have any questions about other neighbourhoods feel free to ask!
Is the Grassmarket area a safe place to stay for first time visitors?
Hi Mike,
Grassmarket is generally a safe area, and close to many popular attractions, making it a great place to stay for first-time visitors. However, Edinburgh is a major city so I would recommend taking basic safety precautions against pickpockets and being aware of your surroundings.
The Apex Grassmarket is a popular hotel choice on Grassmarket Square which you may want to consider.
I hope that’s helpful and enjoy your visit!