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 £264 per night
Next weekend
From £651 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | GBP |
Language | English |
Average weekend price | £121 per night |
Average weekday price | £122 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
Fantastic city - I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and will...
27 April 2024
Fantastic city - I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and will return to see more. I had four days, but honestly could have spent four weeks and still not have gotten to see as much as I wanted. The caste tour was very enjoyable, and dinner after at The Witchery was one of the best I've ever had. Best of all were the people of Edinburgh; incredibly friendly, helpful, and they all actually seemed happy. Followed this visit with a trip to the Czech Republic, where I don't think I met a single happy person in four days, much less anyone who was semi-approachable. I'll see much more of Scotland next time round. I wont be going back to CZ.
We enjoyed our visit to Edinburgh Castle although it was...
25 April 2024
We enjoyed our visit to Edinburgh Castle although it was busy, even in April. We ate at Gusto, good food and service. We ate at a steak house and were not disappointed. The Royal Mile is full of similar touristy shops, but walking round the city and park gave us plenty to see. We did drive the 3 miles to the base of Arthur’s Seat, and then enjoyed the challenge of the climb and the views from the top. Not for the truly unfit!
Edinburgh is a captivating blend of history, culture, and...
25 April 2024
Edinburgh is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the striking Edinburgh Castle perched atop the iconic Royal Mile to the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town, every corner of this city is steeped in stories waiting to be discovered. The juxtaposition of medieval architecture with modern amenities creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to both history buffs and contemporary explorers alike. The city's vibrant arts scene, highlighted by the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, offers a plethora of theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and live music events to delight visitors. And let's not forget the breathtaking landscapes that surround the city, from the verdant hills of Holyrood Park to the windswept shores of Portobello Beach. Whether you're strolling through the bustling streets of the city center or embarking on a scenic hike in the nearby countryside, Edinburgh never fails to captivate with its beauty and charm.
An interesting city.
25 April 2024
An interesting city. Impressive old town. Superior public transport. Seems like a safe place. Active day and night life. Lots of sights and I'm sorry that we couldn't see everything in two days. The only drawback is the climate, which is quite cold in any season other than summer.
One of the nicest and most interesting cities I have ever...
25 April 2024
One of the nicest and most interesting cities I have ever visited! The place's history ist absolutely fascinating, and you can always dig a bit deeper and find out more. People are genuinely friendly and helpful.
Edinburgh was awesome!
23 April 2024
Edinburgh was awesome! Make sure and get to the castle early, buy the 3 bus tour pass and ride all the green live tour guide bus all the way around. I would try to get your shopping done well before 5; that’s when everything closes. Dining and pubs are open later. We parked at the Qpark by St Andrews square and walked or rode the bus everywhere. Keep your card for the Qpark on you so you can access the easy door with it. The Royal Mile and Grassmarket were amazing! We don’t drink but the food was excellent. So much to see, two days would have been better!
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