Where to Stay in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh is one of the UK's most atmospheric cities for a hotel stay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where a medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town face each other across Princes Street Gardens, with a volcanic peak (Arthur's Seat) and a castle providing the kind of dramatic setting that most cities can only envy. The hotel market reflects this desirability: Edinburgh is Scotland's most expensive city for accommodation and one of the priciest in the UK outside London.

The Festival factor dominates Edinburgh's hotel calendar. During August, when the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe, the Book Festival, and the Military Tattoo overlap, the city's population essentially doubles. Hotel prices during Festival month are typically 2-3x their off-season levels, and availability disappears months in advance. Conversely, November through March (excluding Hogmanay/New Year) offers dramatic savings and a moodier, more atmospheric Edinburgh experience — misty mornings on Arthur's Seat, whisky by coal fires, and the Old Town's gothic character at its most evocative.

Edinburgh's compact scale means most hotels are within walking distance of major attractions, though the city's topography — built on volcanic hills with steep drops between the Old and New Towns — means distances can be more physically demanding than the map suggests. The tram line connecting the airport to the city centre (35 minutes, approximately £7) is the most convenient airport transfer. Waverley Station, Edinburgh's main rail terminus, sits in the valley between the Old and New Towns, making it an ideal arrival point for both hotel districts.

Average Hotel Prices

Neighborhoods

Old Town

Edinburgh's Old Town is one of Europe's most dramatic urban landscapes — a medieval ridgeline descending from the volcanic plug of Castle Rock to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, connected by the Royal Mile and riddled with the narrow alleys (closes and wynds) that once made Edinburgh the most densely populated city in Europe. Hotels here range from converted townhouses on the Royal Mile to boutique properties hidden in the closes, offering immersive access to Edinburgh's layered history.

The Old Town divides into distinct zones. The Lawnmarket and Castlehill (upper Royal Mile) are closest to the Castle and most touristic, with hotels commanding premium prices for castle-view rooms. The Grassmarket, a former execution site now lined with pubs and restaurants, offers a more sociable atmosphere at slightly lower prices. Cowgate, running parallel below the Royal Mile, has Edinburgh's liveliest nightlife — hotels here should only be chosen by those who don't mind noise until 3 AM. The Canongate (lower Royal Mile) becomes quieter and more residential as it approaches Holyrood.

During the Edinburgh Festival (August), Old Town hotel prices double or triple, and booking 6-12 months ahead is not excessive. The Festival transforms the Old Town into a round-the-clock performance space, with shows in every available venue from churches to car parks. Staying in the Old Town during the Festival means stepping out your door into the world's largest arts festival — an experience that justifies the astronomical prices for many visitors.

Nearby attractions: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, National Museum of Scotland

New Town

Edinburgh's New Town — an 18th-century masterpiece of Georgian urban planning — spreads north of Princes Street Gardens with the kind of architectural consistency and grandeur that few European cities can match. The grid of wide streets, elegant crescents, and garden squares was built as Edinburgh's response to the overcrowded Old Town, and it remains the city's most prestigious address. Hotels here are primarily upscale, occupying converted Georgian townhouses or purpose-built properties on or near Princes Street.

George Street, the New Town's central axis, has evolved into Edinburgh's premier dining and drinking thoroughfare, with cocktail bars, fine dining restaurants, and boutique shops lining both sides. Thistle Street and Rose Street, the narrower lanes running parallel, host some of Edinburgh's best independent restaurants and hidden pubs. Hotels on or near George Street balance access to both the Old Town (a 10-minute walk downhill across Princes Street Gardens) and the New Town's own considerable attractions.

Princes Street itself is Edinburgh's commercial high street, with the unique advantage of having buildings only on its north side — the south side opens onto Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town skyline beyond. Hotels on Princes Street offer some of the city's most dramatic views: Edinburgh Castle floodlit at night, seen across the gardens from your room window. The New Town is a more refined, quieter base than the Old Town, particularly outside Festival season, and appeals to travellers who prefer Georgian elegance to medieval atmosphere.

Nearby attractions: Princes Street Gardens, Scottish National Gallery, George Street bars and restaurants, Calton Hill

Leith

Leith is Edinburgh's port neighbourhood — historically rough, now home to the city's best restaurant scene and a genuine waterfront regeneration success story. The Shore, where the Water of Leith meets the harbour, is lined with converted warehouses housing restaurants that have earned Michelin stars and national acclaim. Hotels in Leith offer Edinburgh's best value: 30-50% cheaper than the Old Town or New Town, with a food and drink scene that rivals or exceeds either.

The neighbourhood retains a distinctive character separate from tourist Edinburgh. Leith Walk, the long road connecting Leith to the city centre, is lined with independent shops, ethnic restaurants, and vintage stores that reflect the area's diverse population. The Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently docked at Ocean Terminal, is one of Edinburgh's most popular attractions. Leith Links, a public park where golf was first codified in 1744, provides green space and morning running routes.

The trade-off is distance: Leith is 2-3 km from the Royal Mile, a 25-30 minute walk or 15 minutes by bus/tram. This makes it less convenient for intensive sightseeing but ideal for travellers who prioritise dining, value, and a local neighbourhood atmosphere. The upcoming tram extension will improve connectivity further. For Festival visitors, Leith offers the considerable advantage of escaping the Old Town's chaos at the end of each evening.

Nearby attractions: Royal Yacht Britannia, Shore area restaurants, Leith Links, Ocean Terminal

Frequently Asked Questions

How much more expensive are Edinburgh hotels during the Festival?

Expect to pay 2-3x normal prices in August. A room that costs £120 in June will be £250-£350 during the Festival. Booking 6-12 months ahead is advisable. Consider staying in Leith or Stockbridge for better value and commuting to events — the Festival runs late enough that you'll want to escape the Old Town buzz eventually.

Should I stay in the Old Town or New Town?

Old Town for atmosphere, pubs, and being immersed in Edinburgh's medieval character. New Town for elegance, quieter streets, and upscale dining. Both are walkable to each other in 10-15 minutes via Princes Street Gardens. For a first visit of 3+ nights, consider splitting between both.

Is Edinburgh walkable?

Yes, but hilly. The Royal Mile is a steep descent from the Castle to Holyrood. The Old Town-to-New Town transition involves steep steps or longer ramp routes. Wear sturdy shoes. The upside is that Edinburgh's compact size means you rarely need public transport — almost everything is within a 30-minute walk.