Where to Stay in Edinburgh: The Best Areas for 2026

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Not sure where to stay in Edinburgh? I’ve curated a mix of hotels I’ve stayed in myself and others that are consistently highly rated for location, comfort and value to help you choose. 

Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact capital, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on choice. With hundreds of hotels, it can be overwhelming to decide where to base yourself, especially if it’s your first visit.

It’s my favourite city, and I’ve visited many times, so I’ve got a good sense of the best neighbourhoods and places to stay. 

This list includes popular neighbourhoods and who they’re best for, as well as top-rated hotels in each. I’ve made sure to add accommodation in Edinburgh to suit a range of budgets, such as hostels, guesthouses and boutique hotels. 

Where To Stay In Edinburgh: Top Picks

Hotel:Best for:Area: How to Book:
CODE – The Court Budget travellers Old Town Check availability
Motel One Edinburgh Royal Mid-range budgets Old Town Check availability
Apex Waterloo PlaceLuxury travellers New Town Check availability

Read on to find my 6 favourite Edinburgh neighbourhoods and places to stay in each. Whether you want to be close to the best attractions or prefer a quieter base, there’s something for everyone!

1. Old Town: Best Overall Area to Stay

The colourful Victoria Street with tenements rising above in Old Town for where to stay in Edinburgh.

Old Town is one of the most popular areas in Edinburgh. The oldest part of the city, it’s elevated above its surroundings by an extinct volcanic crag, with the famous Royal Mile running from the Palace of Holyroodhouse up to Edinburgh Castle. 

The area encompasses Grassmarket, a neighbourhood featuring towering tenements, narrow cobblestone passages and brilliant views of the castle. 

Old Town is small enough to walk around. You’re within easy reach of the top attractions, including Victoria Street, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Real Mary King’s Close and Greyfriars Kirk. 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Edinburgh for the first time, you can’t go wrong with Old Town. You’re in the heart of the city, within easy reach of the main attractions, train station and airport buses.  

  • Pros: Unique and atmospheric accommodation, most central location, walkable  
  • Cons: Very busy and touristy, expensive 

Top places to stay in Old Town:

✔︎ Motel One Edinburgh Royal

Motel One Edinburgh Royal is a boutique hotel at an affordable price. Just a five-minute walk from the train station, it’s a central city base with plenty of modern style, making it one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh Old Town.

The 208 rooms come in single and double sizes. For the most space and the best view of the city skyline, I recommend booking a ‘room with a view.’ All rooms feature hypoallergenic Egyptian cotton bedding, HD TVs, and en-suite granite bathrooms with monsoon showers.

Reviews consistently rate the good-quality breakfast options, clean rooms and comfy beds, but some guests have found the rooms to be too warm. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want a dependable hotel in a central location.

✅Check prices and book your stay at Motel One Edinburgh Royal by clicking here!

✔︎ Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh

Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh is a good choice if you want a private apartment and kitchen facilities. Located in Grassmarket, it sits under Edinburgh Castle, with several apartments offering castle views. The station is a 10-minute walk away.

Apartments sleep between one and six guests, and each comes with a kitchen or kitchenette, including a microwave, kettle and Nespresso machine. They provide cooking essentials like olive oil and fresh milk, saving you from having to buy them yourself.

You can pick up food supplies from the self-service pantry or enjoy breakfast in the lounge. There’s also a gym, laundry room, and bar for a relaxed evening in. 

Reviews rate the central location, modern facilities, friendly staff and clean rooms. The 24-hour shop and free umbrella to borrow are handy perks. It’s a good pick if you’re deciding where to stay in Edinburgh with kids, as you can do your own cooking. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh by clicking here!

✔︎ CODE – The Court

I’ve stayed at CODE – The Court and was amazed by its location. The hostel is steps from the Royal Mile and opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral, ticking the box for travellers wanting to be in the heart of Old Town. It’s one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh on a budget if location matters to you.

The building was originally a courthouse and jail, though you’d hardly guess it unless you look more closely at the rooms and dormitories. The affordable private rooms are old cells with double beds and en-suites in some. 

The dorms have sleep pods, which feel like your own personal space. They come with reading and mood lighting, USB charging sockets, a shelf and thick curtains for privacy.

The only drawback is that the pods aren’t well ventilated, so I got hot at night. Each pod has an assigned locker big enough for medium-sized bags.

✅Check prices and book your stay at CODE – The Court by clicking here!

✔︎ Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is a favourite. The boutique 5-star hotel is located just off the Royal Mile and has a quirky yet sophisticated style with the wow factor.  

The hotel’s chambers are designed for relaxing and sleeping, with king beds, en-suites, a small table and seating area, a fully-stocked Smeg mini-fridge and a dedicated dressing area. Some also have Edinburgh Castle views, a balcony or a terrace. 

Upgrade to a suite for an even bigger open-plan lounge area for hosting family and friends. For dinner, head to Eve for laid-back Italian cuisine or Commons Club for hearty Scottish classics. 

Reviews highlight the attention to detail and luxurious decor. They rate the walkable location and the choice of bars and restaurants. Some guests found it overpriced and didn’t get the room they requested. Overall, it’s best suited to couples wanting luxury on a one or two-night stay. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh by clicking here!

2. New Town: Best for Shopping & Transport

View of Dugald Stewart Monument from Calton Hill in New Town Edinburgh. The castle is on the hill in the distance.

New Town is sprawled below Old Town. Built between 1767 and 1850, it features Georgian and neoclassical architecture, as well as much wider streets than its Gothic neighbour. 

This area is Edinburgh’s main shopping district. Princes Street is a mile-long shopping thoroughfare featuring department stores and major brands. As a public transport hub, it’s well-connected by trams and buses. Edinburgh Waverley Station is also here. 

Top attractions in New Town include Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Calton Hill. 

Stay here if you’d like to be close to the public transport and shopping hubs, but would prefer a more laidback and quieter neighbourhood than Old Town. 

  • Pros: Close to public transport, restaurants and shopping, quieter areas 
  • Cons: More spread out, expensive, some areas are hilly 

Best places to stay in New Town: 

✔︎ Royal Scots Club

I loved my stay at The Royal Scots Club. It’s an affordable hotel that exudes old-world elegance. Occupying three Georgian townhouses on a quiet street, it feels more like a traditional country house than a city-centre hotel.

One of the best places to stay in Edinburgh New Town for couples, the boutique hotel has just 25 guestrooms, including options with luxurious four-poster beds. I found the Executive Room huge for two people!

My favourite part of the hotel is the dining room. It has high ceilings and large windows, 19th-century walnut wood wainscotting and mirrors above grand fireplaces. It’s a sophisticated setting for a complimentary breakfast.

✅Check prices and book your stay at The Royal Scots Club by clicking here!

✔︎ Apex Waterloo Place

Apex Waterloo Place is a modern 4-star hotel housed in a grand Georgian building that was established in 1819 as the city’s first large-scale purpose-built hotel. It’s just under 10 minutes away from Edinburgh Waverley. 

All rooms are spacious with king beds and en-suite bathrooms. Upgrade to a suite with a living area or have everyone together in the family room. Twin rooms are also available. 

The hotel’s best feature is the Yu Spa with its swimming pool, steam room and sauna to retreat to after a busy day. In the evening, head to Liberte for a slap-up dinner using Scottish ingredients, then finish with a nightcap at Bar 1819. 

Guests rate the central location, comfy beds and cosy rooms. They found the staff friendly, but some rooms were noisy as they faced a busy road. 

This is a reliable choice if you’re deciding where to stay in Edinburgh city centre and want a well-appointed hotel in a convenient location. The spa is a bonus. Apex is also one of my top hotel choices in Glasgow!

✅Check prices and book your stay at Apex Waterloo Place by clicking here!

💡Top tip: Want the same level of luxury but with views of Edinburgh Castle? Stay at Apex Grassmarket instead. 

✔︎ YOTEL Edinburgh 

YOTEL Edinburgh is modern and minimalist. It’s a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley, making it a good choice if you need somewhere unfussy before or after the airport. You can relax, catch up on work or grab a bite to eat at Revolve, the hotel’s lounge and co-working space.

Rooms have smart TVs, en-suite bathrooms and a safe to store your laptop. The adjustable beds can be turned into a sofa to maximise the small space. You won’t find a kettle in your room, which was disappointing for me.  

Reviews highlight the clean, modern rooms, great value and convenient location. Others have also pointed out the lack of in-room tea facilities. It’s best suited to travellers who plan to spend most of their time sightseeing rather than in the hotel.

✅Check prices and book your stay at YOTEL Edinburgh by clicking here!

✔︎ Ardenlee Guest House

Ardenlee Guest House is a family-owned bed & breakfast between Stockbridge and Canonmills. It’s a 15-minute walk down the hill from Princes Street, or an 11-minute bus ride if you don’t fancy the climb back up. 

Set in a Victorian townhouse, the B&B has traditional features including fireplaces, large windows and a magnificent staircase. There’s a mix of budget and deluxe rooms, and I stayed in a budget single room. It was clean and comfy, but right at the top of the stairs. There’s no lift. 

The double and family rooms all have en-suites. They’re a little cosier than the budget singles and twins. All options come with an LCD TV, a hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities. I also received some complimentary Scottish snacks, which was a nice touch.

✅Check prices and book your stay at Ardenlee Guest House here!

3. Stockbridge: Best for a Village Atmosphere    

Quaint street lined with leafy plants and a church steeple rising above it. Circus Lane near Stockbridge in Edinburgh.

Stockbridge is a small, residential neighbourhood tucked behind New Town. It’s quiet and leafy, with Georgian and Victorian terraced houses and the Water of Leith winding through. 

This neighbourhood ticks the box if you’re looking for a village vibe rather than a busy city break. You’ll find a small selection of bars, bakeries, coffee shops and restaurants. The Stockbridge Market runs every Sunday, and it’s a great place to find artisan food and crafts. 

The photogenic Circus Lane is right on the border, and if you follow the river west, you’ll come to Dean Village.  

  • Pros: Quiet and residential, feels like a village, boutique hotels 
  • Cons: Limited restaurants, 15 minutes from the city centre 

Top places to stay in Stockbridge:  

✔︎ The Raeburn Hotel 

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel with character, I recommend the Raeburn Hotel. Located in a Georgian townhouse, it’s a 20-minute walk from Princes Street, making it ideal if you want to be away from the busy city centre. 

The hotel has just 10 bedrooms, and each one is uniquely furnished with bright-coloured, creative decor. Classic doubles and twin rooms have marble rain showers, while the deluxe double has a rolltop bathtub. 

You can dine on Scottish cuisine at the relaxed restaurant and sip signature cocktails at the bar, which features a fireplace and outdoor terrace. Room service is also available. 

Reviews rate the friendly staff and stylish rooms. They highlight the delicious food and buzzy bar, but some guests found the limited parking a challenge and the prices steep. 

Overall, it’s one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh for couples wanting somewhere special and don’t mind paying a premium. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at the Raeburn Hotel by clicking here!

✔︎ Nira Caledonia 

Nira Caledonia is a Georgian townhouse turned boutique hotel, and a great choice for those wanting affordable luxury. As it’s a listed building, there’s no air-conditioning or lift. The hotel has five floors. 

The best feature of the rooms and suites is the large, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood them with natural light. Keep it budget-friendly with a wee single or double, or splash out with a townhouse room or suite. They all have en-suites and a coffee machine. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Blackwoods, using local ingredients. Its bar has 25 whiskies to choose from. Guests thought the hotel was good value for money in a quiet location. There was a lot of choice at breakfast, and the staff were friendly. 

Some found the stairs challenging and the bathrooms small. It’s a good pick if a simple, comfortable base matters more to you than lots of on-site facilities.

✅Check prices and book your stay at Nira Caledonia by clicking here!

4. West End: Best for Arts & Culture     

A river surrounded by green, an ornate red house overlooking it and a yellow building on the right. Dean Village near the West End for where to stay in Edinburgh.

At the very end of Princes Street is Edinburgh’s buzzy West End with its Georgian mansions, Victorian architecture and cobblestoned streets. 

Along William Street and Stafford Street, you’ll find fashionable boutiques as well as popular bars, pubs and restaurants. Usher Hall, Scotland’s only five-star concert hall, hosts a range of concerts and performances. 

The West End is best if you’d like to stay in a vibrant neighbourhood with easy access to the airport and city centre. The nearby Haymarket station has national rail services to places like Stirling, while trams and buses run regularly. 

  • Pros: Close to Edinburgh Airport, independent shops and restaurants 
  • Cons: Busy and quite touristy 

Top Hotels in the West End:   

✔︎ Angels Share Hotel 

Angels Share Hotel is an affordable luxury hotel just 500 metres from Edinburgh Castle. It’s all about the Scottish experience, with rooms dedicated to famous Scots and live music in the bar on weekends. 

Each of the hotel’s 31 contemporary rooms features a portrait of an actor, musician or sports personality, including Sean Connery and Amy MacDonald. They all have en-suites, safes, TVs, comfy slippers and bathrobes as well as tea and coffee. 

At the restaurant, you’ll find tasty cooked breakfasts, classic Sunday roasts, à la carte dining and special Scottish experiences such as ‘an address to a Haggis.’ The bar has over 200 whiskies. 

Reviews rate the location and atmosphere in the bar. The breakfast and overall style of the hotel are consistently highlighted. Some found the facilities dated and complained about noise. It’s best suited to travellers wanting somewhere atmospheric and unique. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at Angels Share Hotel here!

✔︎ Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket

Described as ‘budget boutique’, Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price point. It’s part of a larger chain with hotels in London and Dublin. It’s best for those wanting an unfussy base while they explore the city.

Rooms are compact and simple with modern furnishings, like mood lighting. I was amused to find you could set it to multi-coloured strobe lighting! Some rooms are windowless, but they all have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and comfy beds. 

It’s worth making the most of the continental breakfast to keep you going, as there isn’t a restaurant. You can wind down with a cocktail at the bar, though. Reviews suggest that the comfort and location more than make up for the small rooms and limited food options. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at Point A Edinburgh Haymarket by clicking here!

5. Leith: Best for Restaurants & Quirky Hotels      

Body of water with tenements linin it lit up in golden light but the clouds are strikingly grey. Leith in Edinburgh.

Leith is a historic port about 30 minutes north of Edinburgh City Centre. It was once Scotland’s main trading port. While large ships still dock here, it’s now a waterfront neighbourhood lined with pubs, restaurants, independent breweries and the Royal Britannia. 

If you’re a foodie, you’re spoiled with three Michelin-starred restaurants, including Heron, The Kitchin and Restaurant Martin Wishart, as well as casual venues like Teuchters Landing and Bodega. Leith Market takes place every Saturday.

Stay in Leith if you’d like a more laidback vibe than the city centre, but still want to be surrounded by great food and drink venues. There are some unique floating hotels here, too. 

  • Pros: Trendy neighbourhood, great restaurants and pubs, waterfront setting, quieter 
  • Cons: Approx 30 minutes from the city centre by bus

Favourite Hotels in Leith:   

✔︎ Ocean Mist Leith 

Ocean Mist Leith is one of the most unique places to stay in Edinburgh, as it’s housed inside a classic motor yacht. The floating boutique hotel is moored on the Water of Leith, where it has been restored to its 20th-century glory with a modern twist. 

Cabins and staterooms feature polished mahogany wood furnishings for a vintage vibe. Choose from cosy berths or a grand stateroom with a private deck. They each have air conditioning, modern en-suite bathrooms and tea and coffee facilities.

The Castle View Bar is the heart of this hotel, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and a sun terrace. Breakfast is served here, but there isn’t a restaurant for dinner. 

Reviews highlight the nautical theme, tasty breakfast and central location to bars and restaurants. The staff decorate your room for special occasions, which is a nice touch. 

Some thought the rooms were small for the price. Overall, it’s a good option for couples looking for something different from a standard hotel. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at Ocean Mist here!

✔︎ Malmaison Edinburgh

Malmaison Edinburgh is a waterfront boutique hotel, 25 minutes away from the city centre. It’s an ideal location if you want to be within striking distance of the main attractions but have somewhere quiet to retreat to after a busy day. 

The rooms and suites are eclectic with pops of colour among the grey-toned decor. I recommend requesting a room with a harbour view for the full experience. Each has squashy king beds, en-suite bathrooms and extra perks like same-day laundry. 

Chez Mal Brasserie is the on-site restaurant and bar. It serves British classics such as Sunday roasts and afternoon tea as well as à la carte dinners. 

Guests found it good value for money with clean rooms and a convenient location. They highlight the waterfront views and friendly staff, but some pointed out the poor lighting in the bathrooms. It’s a good option for shorter stays or if you’re travelling with your dog. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at Malmaison Edinburgh here!

6. South Queensferry: Best for the Airport  

A sunny day and blue sky and a view of the red Forth Bridge crossing the Firth of Forth in South Queensferry.

South Queensferry is a historic town to the northwest of Edinburgh that’s administered by the City of Edinburgh Council. It’s less than 30 minutes from the airport and around 50 minutes from the city centre. 

It sits on the Firth of Forth, where the Forth Bridges and the Queensferry Crossing connect with the Fife peninsula by road and rail. It’s also the departure point for boat excursions and day trips to Inchcolm Island. 

Stay here if you’d like a quiet, charming little town with independent shops, waterfront views and boutique hotels all within easy reach of Edinburgh and the airport. 

  • Pros: Historic town, best Forth Bridge views, boat trips, good airport links
  • Cons: Almost an hour from the city centre, busy roads nearby

Top places to stay in South Queensferry: 

✔︎ Dakota Edinburgh

Dakota Edinburgh is a modern hotel overlooking the Forth Bridges and Queensferry Crossing. It’s 25 minutes from the city centre and 15 minutes from the airport by car. 

The hotel’s chic rooms and suites are kitted out with muted-toned furnishings with soft lighting to give a cosy vibe. Each feature en-suite bathrooms with monsoon showers, a king or super-king bed with luxury linens and a TV with Sky Sports. 

The best highlight of this hotel is the award-winning grill. Tuck into grass-fed British steaks or mouth-watering cod, then finish off with a cocktail or two beside the fire.  

Reviews rate the clean rooms and easy access to the airport. The food is delicious, and the staff are attentive. Some complained about the hard beds and lack of air conditioning. This hotel is best for those wanting a one-night stay before or after the airport. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at Dakota Edinburgh here!

✔︎ Orocco Pier 

Orocco Pier is a boutique waterfront hotel with views of the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge from its three-level outdoor deck. It has seventeen rooms, including sea view options and a family room for up to four guests. They all have en-suite bathrooms, a TV and toiletries. 

At Antico, you’ll find relaxed all-day dining, including breakfast, coffee and cake, while Samphire Seafood bar and grill serves cocktails, grilled meats and fish. 

Reviewers enjoy the cosy small town setting and views of the Forth Bridge. They highlight the good quality food in the restaurants and the relaxing atmosphere. Some found the budget rooms small, and they could feel the springs in the mattress. 

This hotel suits travellers prioritising proximity to the airport at the beginning or end of their Scotland trip. 

✅Check prices and book your stay at Orocco Pier by clicking here!

Best Areas to Stay in Edinburgh FAQS

A woman wearing a red jacket walks down some steps with a view of Edinburgh Castle rising above her on the Vennel, for where to stay in Edinburgh.

What are the best areas to stay in Edinburgh for first-timers?

Old Town is the best neighbourhood for first-timers. It’s walkable, atmospheric and packed with fascinating Gothic architecture.

It’s also within easy reach of some of the city’s top attractions, like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Public transport, including the train station and buses to and from the airport are just a few minutes away, giving you easy access.

Is it better to stay in Old Town or New Town Edinburgh?

It depends on the vibe you’re looking for. Old Town has medieval history and Gothic architecture, but it tends to be popular with tourists. New Town is more spread out and has hotels in quieter residential areas, although some parts are hilly.  

If you’d like grand Georgian buildings, choose New Town, and if you want atmosphere, choose Old Town. Both neighbourhoods are within walking distance of each other, so you’re not limited to one!

How many days in Edinburgh is enough?

Around two-four days is enough time to explore Edinburgh. In two days, you can see most of the main attractions, like the castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur’s Seat, as well as Calton Hill and Princes Street. 

With three or four days, you can visit neighbourhoods such as Leith or Portobello, visit the botanic gardens or do a day trip to South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Edinburgh 

A street in Edinburgh looking at the tall gothic tenemants of Old Town lit up at golden hour. People are milling about on the street.

This was my roundup of where to stay in Edinburgh, including popular neighbourhoods and a few well-reviewed hotels. I hope you found it useful! 

If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time and want to be close to the main sights, my favourite neighbourhood is Old Town. Motel One Edinburgh Royal is right by the train station, while Virgin Hotels Edinburgh spoils you with castle views. 

Summer is a busy time in Edinburgh, so if you want to escape the crowds, New Town or Stockbridge are better options. They have quieter, residential streets and beautiful Georgian architecture. 

For a more laid-back stay with great food and drink, Leith is a strong choice, while South Queensferry suits those wanting scenery and easy airport access. If you want a hotel with a pool and spa, pick Apex Waterloo Place in New Town. 

Wondering what to do while you’re there? Read my top things to do in Edinburgh to start planning!

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