Old Town
In the city centre
Edinburgh Old Town oozes mystery. Its cobbled “wynds” (narrow alleyways) entice and delight with unexpected nooks and crannies that urge you to explore. In the town that spawned Stevenson’s “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, let Grassmarket’s cosy pubs bring out the bard in you. To unravel the ghostly tales behind Old Town’s hidden gems, join a guided tour.
Places to stay from £23 per night
New Town
0.5 miles from city centre
Don’t be fooled by the name – New Town’s not that new. But its open spaces and elegant Georgian façades stand in stark contrast to the scrunched mediaeval maze of Old Town. Hidden behind neo-classical columns, New Town’s flats are among the city’s most sought after. If you fancy going the full Scottish, pick up a bespoke kilt from 21st Century Kilts.
Places to stay from £33 per night
West End
0.9 miles from city centre
West End’s all about performance. This district’s chock-full of theatres, cinemas and concert venues. It really comes into its own during August’s Fringe Festival, when you can barely walk for grinning street comics or touts thrusting flyers into your hand. Need a break from the theatricality? Slip into Caley Sample Rooms for an off-stage brew.
Places to stay from £31 per night
Haymarket
0.9 miles from city centre
Hay ho, let’s go! Commuters zoom in and out of Edinburgh’s central business district in a whirl of brogues and briefcases. On match days, you’ll see (and hear) rugby fans bustle their way to iconic Murrayfield Stadium. There’s plenty to please foodies, too – from First Coast’s Scottish fare to Lovecrumbs’ exceedingly good cakes.
Places to stay from £16 per night
Bruntsfield
0.9 miles from city centre
Bruntsfield’s a leafy district where students eat, drink and sleep. On sunny days, grab a corner-shop beer and join the fresh-faced crowds in The Meadows Park, where you’ll find picnics, frisbees and sun cream galore. Head to funky gastro-pub Blackbird for Sunday brunch, before stopping off at Cameo Cinema’s cosy bar for a pre-film pint.
Places to stay from £45 per night
Compact, hilly and filled with innumerable attractions, Edinburgh delights visitors with its medieval old town and vibrant personality. Dominating the skyline is Edinburgh Castle, where Scotland’s crown jewels are displayed and centuries of national history unravel. Take a free guided tour of this mighty citadel to hear stories of its fascinating past, and pause at the Argyle Battery for sweeping city views.
From the castle, the legendary Royal Mile leads down to Holyrood Palace in a jumble of museums and gift shops selling everything from kilts to vintage whisky. Some of the city’s best eats can be found here too – if the salty smell of fish and chips doesn’t tempt you, then perhaps a pub lunch of ‘haggis, neeps and tatties’ will.
Burn it all off with a walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that overlooks the city in nearby Holyrood Park, and admire the natural landscape that stretches for miles around.
A wonderful time is guaranteed in Edinburgh, no matter the time of year. In winter there’s Hogmanay, a three-day festival of spectacular events and street parties to celebrate the new year. Summer brings balmier weather, before rounding up with the world’s biggest arts festival: The Fringe. Lasting an entire month, this all-out celebration packs stand-up comedy, magic shows and dramatic theatre into its busy schedule, creating a buzz that draws bigger crowds to the Scottish capital year after year.
Tonight
From £59 per night
This weekend
From £459 per night
Next weekend
From £399 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | GBP |
Language | English |
Average weekend price | £114 per night |
Average weekday price | £114 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
Edinburgh Castle
0.2 miles from city centre
Grassmarket
0.1 miles from city centre
Edinburgh Playhouse
0.7 miles from city centre
Usher Hall
0.5 miles from city centre
The Georgian House
0.7 miles from city centre
Arthurs Seat
1.2 miles from city centre
Royal Botanic Garden
1.3 miles from city centre
Royal Yacht Britannia
2.4 miles from city centre
Royal Mile
0.4 miles from city centre
Queen's Hall
0.6 miles from city centre
Great city and people, Royal MIle of course is excellent...
26 March 2024
Great city and people, Royal MIle of course is excellent with many shops, cafes and restaurants and the castle at the top of the hill. There is great shopping in Edinburgh as well as many sights to visit and enjoy. Very friendly people and we felt very welcome there.
Edinburgh is in a stunning location, built around an extinct...
24 March 2024
Edinburgh is in a stunning location, built around an extinct volcano. The castle is in a commanding position on high from the city, the main shopping is situated along Princes Street facing the castle and grounds below, and there are many hill walks for views that can be undertaken, including Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat. A delightful array of Edwardian/ Georgian architecture is all around.
Edinburgh is lovely, so much to do!
24 March 2024
Edinburgh is lovely, so much to do! But make sure you take day trips throughout the country, I went to the highlands. There was a day trip that started out in Edinburgh and it was worth it. I liked old town and went there for a walk every morning. I also climbed Arthur's seat, I went early in the morning, which was a good choice because on my way down it got very busy with people walking up.
Lots of things to do in Edinburgh.
23 March 2024
Lots of things to do in Edinburgh. Can be pricey to drink but most cities are. Food can be found for as cheap or as expensive as you need it to be as plenty of fast food options and lots of high end restaurants to choose from. There are many places of interest to visit from museums, gardens / parks and entertainment venues such as the playhouse and cinemas.
Edinburgh is a sophisticated European city with lots to...
19 March 2024
Edinburgh is a sophisticated European city with lots to explore if you have time which on this occasion I didn't. But as a regular visitor It's galleries restaurants and history are second to none. And it has the benefit of being a very walkable city.
lovely old place, beautiful architecture with quaint little...
18 March 2024
lovely old place, beautiful architecture with quaint little gift shops. Lot of things to do for both young and old. Lots of cobbles and hills or stairs though definitely not for people with mobility problems.
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