Best hotels in Edinburgh: where to stay by area

Edinburgh is a dramatic, theatrical capital crowned by a castle on a crag, of medieval closes, elegant Georgian streets and green hills right in the city, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the magical Old Town, the elegant New Town, village-like Stockbridge, food-loving Leith, scenic West End. The centre is walkable (though hilly) and trams and buses cover the rest. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Edinburgh, area by area

Old Town

The medieval heart along the Royal Mile, crowned by the Castle. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants the monuments steps away, with the most atmospheric setting and the highest prices.

• Edinburgh Castle on its crag
• The Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• The picturesque Victoria Street and the Grassmarket
• The hill of Arthur's Seat

For monuments and atmosphere, look for hotels in the Old Town.

New Town

The elegant Georgian streets around Princes Street and George Street, with the shopping and the museums. It is the choice for anyone after elegance, shops and a central, orderly base.

• The shopping of Princes Street and the gardens
• The Scottish National Gallery
• The panoramic Calton Hill
• The bars and restaurants of George Street

For elegance and shopping, see hotels in the New Town.

Stockbridge

Once a village and now a chic, leafy district, with boutiques, cafes and the weekend market along the Water of Leith. It is the choice for anyone after a local, relaxed side, a few minutes from the centre.

• The boutiques and market of Stockbridge
• The Water of Leith walkway
• The Royal Botanic Garden
• Cafes, bistros and neighbourhood shops

For charm and local life, look for hotels in Stockbridge.

Leith

The regenerated port, now the most food-loving area, with Michelin-starred restaurants and the Shore waterfront. It is the choice for anyone who loves eating, the waterfront and better prices, a little out of the centre.

• The Shore waterfront
• The Royal Yacht Britannia
• Starred restaurants and waterside pubs
• The direct tram to the centre

For food and the waterfront, see hotels in Leith.

West End and Dean Village

The elegant West End of theatres and the fairy-tale Dean Village on the river. It is the choice for anyone after elegance, scenic corners and a calm base, steps from the centre.

• The picturesque Dean Village on the Water of Leith
• The theatres and restaurants of the West End
• Elegant, quiet Georgian streets
• Close to the museums and Princes Street

For elegance and scenery, look for hotels in the West End.

What it costs

Indicative figures: the UK uses the pound (GBP, around 1.17 euros to a pound) and prices spike in August for the Festival.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 110-230 GBP a night (about 130-270 euros), far more during the August Fringe.
• A dinner for two: about 55-90 GBP (about 65-105 euros); a pint 5-6 GBP, a dram of whisky 4-8 GBP.
• Transport: a single bus or tram ticket around 2 GBP; a day ticket is worth it (about 5.50 GBP).
• Tourist tax: from 24 July 2026 Edinburgh applies a 5 percent Visitor Levy on the room rate per night (calculated on the rate before VAT), capped at 5 consecutive nights: it is the UK's first tourist tax. Verify at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Edinburgh.

Getting there and around

The airport is Edinburgh (EDI), about 13 km west, linked to the centre by the tram in around half an hour or the Airlink 100 bus. In town the historic centre is pedestrian and walkable, with Lothian buses and one tram line; expect some climbs.

A car is unnecessary and the centre is hilly and busy. With a good location, almost everything is on foot or a few stops away.

When to go

• August: the month of the Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: the city fills up, prices peak and hotels sell out months ahead.
• April-July: a mild spring and summer, long days, great for walking.
• September-October: crisp air and autumn colours, quieter after the Fringe.
• November-February: cold and dark, but with Christmas markets and the great Hogmanay street party at New Year.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The Old Town for the castle and the Royal Mile, or the New Town for elegance and shopping.

Do I need a car in Edinburgh? No, the centre is compact and pedestrian, with buses and trams; a car is awkward and the city is hilly.

Is there a tourist tax? Yes, from 24 July 2026 a 5 percent Visitor Levy on the room rate (before VAT), up to 5 consecutive nights.

What happens in August? The Fringe and the Tattoo take over: book months ahead and expect steep prices, or avoid August for calm.

What should I eat and drink? Scotch whisky, haggis and fresh seafood in Leith.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the city and perhaps a trip to the Highlands or Loch Ness.

The best hotels in Edinburgh

Below is a selection of real hotels in Edinburgh among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.