Where to Stay in Edinburgh on Your Trip (Updated 2023)

Posted: 9/15/2023 | September 15th, 2023

Edinburgh is fabulous. Famed for its beauty, museums, castle, historic university, and literary past, it’s also a moody city but with a cozy feel. I think Edinburgh is a magical destination, from the pubs with live music to the cafés where you just want to snuggle up with a book to the cobblestone streets that seem to shine brighter on a cloudy day.

It’s also pretty compact and easily walkable. That’s great for travelers. And considering that everything you might want to see or do is within a small area and easily connected by bus, there are only a few areas in which to stay. (Of course, you could stay farther out and then take the bus, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s not worth the extra time and potential taxi/bus costs.)

Here’s a breakdown of the three neighborhoods you should stay in and my favorite accommodations in each:

Where to Stay in the Old Town

This area is the main center of the city. Here, along the Royal Mile, you’ll find a lot of the main tourist sites, historic streets to wander, and a number of cool bars and restaurants. This is the oldest part of town (hence the name), and it’s where most people stay. You’ll be in the center of the action and, while prices are little higher than elsewhere, you’ll likely spend most of your time wandering the area, so it’s super convenient.

Best places to stay in Old Town:

• BUDGET: Castle Rock – Located near the castle, this hostel is simply gorgeous. It’s an old beautiful house with lovely wood interiors, stone staircases, and a very historic, royal feel. It’s like being in an ancestral family mansion. The staff organize events and dinners. In the dorms, the mattresses are comfortable and there are plenty of outlets to charge your devices.
• MIDRANGE: Stay Central Hotel – Just three minutes from the Royal Mile, this three-star property is located in a 17th-century building that’s been completely modernized with flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, and rain showers in each room. The space is bright and clean.
• LUXURY: Cheval Old Town Chambers – This stylish five-star hotel offers modern luxury apartments, making it the perfect choice for groups or travelers who simply need more space. The beds are incredibly comfortable, there’s a fitness center, and rooms come with a washer and dryer.

Where to Stay in the New Town

This is the lower section of town, built on the outside of the castle area. Dating to 1767, it is the…