Pick your base camp
Where to stay in Edinburgh
4 neighbourhoods compared, so you can choose the right base for your trip.
Photo: Hoàng Vũ / Pexels · Pexels License
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Stay in the Old Town or New Town to walk everywhere. Stockbridge and Leith are calmer and often better value. In August, book as early as you can.
| Area | Best for | Price level | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | First-timers | $$$$ | Walk everywhere; Waverley station nearby |
| New Town | Couples and shoppers | $$$$ | Tram on Princes Street; walk to the Old Town |
| Stockbridge | Repeat visitors and foodies | $$$ | Walk 15–20 min to Princes Street; buses |
| Leith | Value and food lovers | $$ | Tram and buses to the centre |
1. Old Town
Our pick for first-timersHistoric, atmospheric, busy · Best for first-timers · $$$$
Why stay here
- The castle and Royal Mile on your doorstep
- Atmospheric at night
Watch out for
- Pricey, especially in August
- Noisy and steep
Getting around: Walk everywhere; Waverley station nearby
Hotels to look at
- SplurgeThe Witchery by the Castle: Gothic suites just below the castle. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
- BudgetKick Ass Grassmarket: Hostel in the Grassmarket. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
2. New Town
Elegant, Georgian, central · Best for couples and shoppers · $$$$
Why stay here
- Beautiful streets and great restaurants
- Close to the airport tram
Watch out for
- Expensive
Getting around: Tram on Princes Street; walk to the Old Town
Hotels to look at
- SplurgeThe Balmoral: Grand hotel above Waverley station. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
- Mid-rangeMotel One Edinburgh-Royal: Design hotel by Waverley station. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
3. Stockbridge
Village feel, cafés, markets · Best for repeat visitors and foodies · $$$
Why stay here
- Local feel and a Sunday market
- Near Dean Village
Watch out for
- Fewer hotels
Getting around: Walk 15–20 min to Princes Street; buses
Hotels to look at
4. Leith
Port, food, relaxed · Best for value and food lovers · $$
Why stay here
- Often cheaper
- Great restaurants
Watch out for
- A tram ride to the sights
Getting around: Tram and buses to the centre
Hotels to look at
Hotel names are suggestions to start your search, not paid placements. Always check recent reviews, the exact location and the cancellation terms before you book.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for first-timers?
Old Town. The castle and Royal Mile on your doorstep. The trade-off: pricey, especially in august.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Edinburgh?
Leith usually offer the best value with good transport. Prices change a lot by date, so compare live prices.
Do you list exact hotel prices?
No. Hotel prices change daily with demand and events, so instead we show a relative price level and link to live prices for your dates.
Plan your next step
Hotels in Old Town
Check prices (affiliate link, opens in new tab)