Where to stay in Edinburgh

Simply put, Edinburgh’s Old Town is one of the best areas to stay in the city. Home to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and a belt of museums, it’s simply the heart of the action. So, if you plan on getting a lot of sightseeing done, this is the place to stay! Get to grips with Scottish politics with a free guided tour at the Scottish Parliament, then climb Arthur’s Seat for stunning views over the city and coast beyond. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from the hike, choose from some of the best dining options in the city, before returning to your hotel for a well-earned night’s kip!

Victorian and Georgian listed townhouses, contemporary boutiques, and luxury hotels with indoor pools reign supreme in Edinburgh’s New Town - but fear not, as there’s still a fair few budget-friendly choices, too. Those who opt to stay in the New Town area will enjoy the huge collection of Georgian architecture – believed to be one of the world’s largest – and the entire area is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Princes Street is the prime shopping thoroughfare, flanked on one side by the picturesque Princes Street Gardens. A stroll around here will see you take in war memorials, sculptures and the Ross Open Air Theatre. There’s no missing the neo-Gothic Scott Monument which looms above the gardens. On rainy days, you can visit the Scottish National Gallery, Royal Scottish Academy and Edinburgh City Art Centre.

Edinburgh is a pretty compact city, but is lucky enough to be surrounded by a number of charming little villages. Each has their own appeal, but if we had to narrow it down to one to stay in, it has to be Dean Village. This village is not even half a mile away from Princes Street, and offers cobblestone walks, riverside strolls and quaint cottages. While you’re here, you can pay a visit to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, housed in two neo-classical buildings, and Modern Two, which is set in a Victorian mansion. Complete your rustic experience with a stay in an Edwardian townhouse. Planning a visit to Edinburgh? Whether you’re looking for culture, nightlife, history or nature, our Edinburgh holiday packages have got you covered.

Another of Edinburgh’s best villages to stay in is Corstorphine, which is roughly 3km west of the city centre. Corstorphine is a great option for families, thanks to its proximity to Edinburgh Zoo, which makes for a fun day out. The zoo focuses on animal conservation and provides an entertaining and educational insight into animal life: there’s no missing the world’s largest outdoor penguin pool and the UK’s only giant pandas here, as well as o125 other species of animals to take in. Sports fans can also enjoy Rugby Union in Corstorphine, where rugby matches are played at the nearby Murrayfield Stadium.

Just 5 km from Edinburgh’s city centre, the cosmopolitan port area of Leith is a fab place to stay if you want to mix local life with a lively atmosphere. Once a burgeoning port village, the old warehouses have been developed into swish apartments while old commercial buildings now house the Custom House, Corn Exchange and Leith Assembly Rooms. Plus, it’s well-connected by bus to/from Edinburgh city centre, so you won’t feel too disconnected from the other parts of the city. In terms of accommodation, there are affordable chain hotels and historic-set guesthouses to choose from.