Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland? Best Areas+Hotels

Edinburgh is Europe’s subterranean city filled with century old castles, dramatic landscapes, deep history and mediaeval periods architectural buildings. Visiting Edinburgh city by an adventurous backpacker’s vital decision in his backpacking life to see all these beautiful things. But it is equally important to know where exactly they need to stay or choosing better stay options within city limits are crucial aspects before packing their bags.

Best things to do in Edinburg would be easily done within walking distances, since the city’s walking friendly compact and easy navigable layouts. However, the city even ranked as the second most walking friendly city on earth. So, stay where exactly you wish to start your city journey. Don’t forget to remember there are a lot of places you have to cover, so don’t make any hasty decisions when it comes to stay areas.

To simplify your travel task of where to stay in Edinburg, we came with 10 best options, which help not just save your cost and time, moreover make the trip more reachable and efficient.

Where to Stay in Edinburg?

1. Old Town- Perfect for First Time Visitors

If you’re completely new to Edinburgh and are confused about where to stay in Edinburg, it is more recommended to stay at Old Town. This historic area is home to the country’s iconic attractions and close proximity to world famous Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile.

Old Town is close proximity to the Grasmarket, a popular cobblestone marketplace where visitors take a walk amidst boutiques shops and ‘Museum Context’ inspirations of Harry Potter. Take a walk to ‘The Vennel’, if you like to take some epic pictures of the surrounding landscapes or enjoy incredible views of the castle.

Old Town is often dotted with more pedestrian friendly areas not just to see historic and natural attractions, however, it is a great place to spot Scottish pubs, bars, restaurants and cafeterias.

While walking in the Old Town you’re much blessed to see the city’s mediaeval architecture, walking friendly cobbled streets and great opportunities to experience’s city’s rich history. If your tour to Edinburgh is related to historical expeditions, then it is a better idea to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Real Mary King’s Close.

Best Hotels to Stay in Old Town;

For Budget Friendly- Apex Grassmarket Hotel

For Mid-Range- Wild Apartthotels by Staycity

For Luxury Seekers- Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

2. New Town- For Shopping and Luxury Lovers

New Town in Edinburg is the ultimate gateway for your staying option if wish to explore the city’s vibrant shops, dining or luxury lifestyles. However, the place is even well recognised for its top attractions like Georgian architecture style buildings and walkable streets.

When you are looking to purchase some elegant stylish attire or boutique shops, probably you need to head on George Street. Where numbers of large shops, Georgian townhouses and multiple dining options available. Most of the buildings and shops are made through grid like architecture plans.

You can also walk to Multrees Walk, a place with an abundance of popular boutique stores like Burberry or Louis Vuitton. St. James Quarter, another ideal location to buy John Lewis attire. New Town is home to the city’s best restaurants like The Dome and Contini, both serve Italian pasta, ruby chicken, black dhal and tea or coffee.

Besides its stylish centric aspects, there are some places and attractions that are equally worthy of Old Town ambiances. Scott Monument is a most visited place containing 287 narrow spiral steps to see eye-catching views of the city.

However, Calton Hill is another place to see the epic beauty of sweeping views of the town. Try to cover Dean’s village, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery for better understanding about local art collections by Vermeer, Rembrandt and some portraits and sculptures.

Best Hotels to Stay in New Town;

For Budget Friendly- Apex Waterloo Place

For Mid Range- Eden Locke

For Luxury Seekers- Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

3. Leith- Ideal Location for Foodies

If you’re a big fan of food or want to experience different cuisine styles of Edinburg, then you have to stay near Leith. Leith is an area filled with a mix of trendy bars, restaurants and art galleries where visitors easily spot a number of food sections and clubs/ bars.

Once you go through its neighbourhoods slowly you’ll realise that Leith was once a gateway to Scotland’s main global trade during the 18th century. But later it slowly modernised and turned into a city’s popular dining centre and home to many numbers of luxury shops.

Visit places like Vittoria on the Walk, The King’s Wark, Pierino’s, La Casa, Port O’Leith or Origano. All these places are often dotted with incredible restaurants and cafes, however they are well known for food options like pizza, tapas, old fish & chips, drinks or beer options and some other Italian foods. Visit Orient Express to try themed afternoon tea at its Queen Charlotte rooms.

Compared to the rest of Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods, Leith offers a local vibe and some waterfront views. Despite its friendly restaurants and food centres, Leith has some museums, historic buildings, and galleries. Start your day from the Shore, a place where beautiful cobblestone streets on waterfront restaurants and cafes/bars are located.

Leith Walk is an incredible place to find shops such as McNaughton’s second hand book shop, Epoca vintage clothing shops and Crolla, an Italian influenced hotel. Go to Ocean Terminal to find historical evidence of ships and some Leith collectives. Don’t miss out on taking a walk in Quality Yard to find interesting street arts and Lind &Line gin distillery to taste some bottles of gin.

Best Hotels to Stay in Leith;

For Budget Friendly- Leith House

For Mid Range- 3 John’s Place Townhouse

For Luxury Seekers- Fingal- Floating Hotel

4. West End- Perfect Neighbourhood for Art and Nightlife Lovers

If you want to stay in the city’s most central location or cultural and theatrical hub, the West End will be the perfect choice for you. The neighbourhood is close to the city’s best art centres such as Princes Street Gardens and nightlifes.

Since it is located in the heart of the city, visitors easily catch William Street and Stafford Streets where stylish boutiques, pubs, bars are located within walking distances. Gallery TEN, a close proximity to the here, privately owned art gallery, where exhibiting took place regarding contemporary arts, and the nation’s premier modern art collections. However, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) a more interesting architectural beauty today primarily serves as a bookshop and exhibits drawings and design arts.

West End is full of shopping centres and independent retail shops. While you walk its streets if you find Frontiers Man or Frontiers Women and Osaka clothing’s please stop and take a small glimpse of some of the high quality attire. If you plan to go on an Edinburg trip with your family, then it is better to enter Paper Tiger or Ryman Stationery. Both are ideal places to buy toys, gifts or some homeware items.

Try to reach Castle Terrace Farmers Market, often known for delicious street foods and local craft items. Open every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. The Parish of St. Cuthbert’s, a unique graveyard, helps us to get a glimpse of local history and soak its calm atmospheres.

Social Bite and Carinorm Coffee both are ideal locations to try delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups. If you like to drink roasted coffee or eat high quality meals you can try here.

Best Hotels to Stay in West End;

For Budget Conscious Guests- B+B Edinburgh

For Mid Range- Hapimag Resort Edinburgh

For High End Hotels- The Bonham

5. Stockbridge- For Quaint Escape

If your entire idea of where to stay in Edinburgh to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city then StockBridge could be the better option to you. StockBridge, located within walking distance from Prices Street and 20 minutes (walking distance) from city centre, offers more village-like ambiences with major city attractions.

The StockBridge neighbourhood includes more tranquil, peaceful and calm atmospheres to visitors. However while experiencing village-like feeling, visitors are even blessed to encounter some of the attractions like Georgian and Victorian townhouses, cobblestone streets and Water of Leith.

Take a walk in Water of Leith Walkway, it is a peaceful riverside path which allows walkers to see wildlife, coffee shops and Bernard’s Well in a very calm atmosphere. Perhaps Dean Village even has the same tranquil ambiances filled with stone houses, riverside settings and iconic Bell’s Brae Bridge. If you love to take a photo at any point of time in Edinburgh, maybe Dean Village has plenty of attractions to take.

Royal Botanic Gardens neighbourhoods are the perfect spot to walk amidst its extoic plants, redwoods and some Victorian glass houses. The garden covers 72 acres of land which is filled with some of the native plants, artisan coffee shops and cobblestone streets to the epic beauty of the flowers and plants.

Besides its tranquil and calm ambiances, StockBridge is home to some of the historic landmarks such as StockBridge Market. If you like to have wine in Edinburg please extend your walking to Smith&Gertrude or visit Lannana Bakery and Pastry.

Best Hotels to Stay in StockBridge;

For Budget Seekers- Britannia Hotel Edinburgh

For Mid Range- Nira Caledonia

For Luxury Stays- The Raeburn

6. Bruntsfield- For History Lovers and Golf Lovers

Bruntsfield is the perfect neighbourhood for those who want to make relaxed residential expeditions and historical seeking in their where to stay in Edinburgh plan. Located on the south side of the city which helps visitors to easily catch up with popular other residential like Morningside as well as places such as Georgian architecture and Victorian.

Like we already discussed earlier Bruntsfield is a historically rich neighbourhood. Today the area is filled with historic landmarks like Borough Muir. Place representing historic significance of Battle of Flodden. Visit Muriel Spark for better understanding about the life story of Spark.

If you’re a Golf enthusiast then Bruntsfield neighbourhood is an ideal location not just to play for free golf, moreover to know more about golfing heritages. Home to a public short hole golf course and recorded as the birthplace of many world’s oldest golf clubs. However, Bruntsfield Links Public Park is the most active recreational park where you’re not just play short hole golf along with do sporting activities like running, jogging, acrobatics and footballs.

With number of golf courses and historical evidence, today Bruntsfield is filled with multiple options of shops, cafes and friendly bars. Visit the iconic Bruntsfield hotel, which is often known for its comfortable care for accommodations, outdoor eating and drinking areas.

Best Hotels to Stay in Bruntsfield;

For Budget Seekers- Menzies Guest House

For Mid Range- The Lane Boutique Hotel

For Luxury Stays- The Roseate Edinburgh

7. Arthur’s Seat- Ideal Location for Outdoor Enthusiastic’s

Arthur’s Seat is Edinburgh’s most nature centric, historic oriented and popular place. Located within Holyrood Park well known for its iconic ancient old extinct volcano and Firth of Forth, making it one of the most hiking lovers’ destinations in Edinburgh city.

Arthur’s Seat nestled 822 feet high (which is highest peak point in the city), where backpackers can hike through its easy and dramatic trails and reach the summit. From its top visitors are eligible to enjoy the epic beauty of Edinburgh’s old town, beautiful coastlines and iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Today what you see as Arthur’s Seat is the largest remaining or overlapping part of the 350 million year old extinct volcano. Located in the central part of the Holyrood Park, which allows every visitor to see most wilderness views of the surroundings.

However while hiking its trail backpackers have to remember to spot some ancient geological remains like volcanic remains and historic landmarks like Palace of Holyroodhouse and British Monarch’s residences.

Choose Salisbury Crags trail to reach its summit, despite being an easy trail it offers more wide depth, gentle slope and offers more breathtaking views of the Holyrood Palace. Try to cover your trip to visit the National Museum of Scotland, where around 17 tiny coffins are available to see.

Since Arthur’s Seat is a hiking destination, it is difficult for visitors to find any hotels, restaurants and coffee shops at its summit or trails. Most of these are available within the park premises or near to Old Town or City centre.

Best Hotels to Stay in Arthur Seat;

For Budget Conscious Guests- The Court, Edinburgh

For Mid Range- The Scott

For Luxury Stays- Prestonfield House

8. Haymarket- For Ease of Access

If you are looking for more convenient and easy-access neighbourhoods in your list of where to stay in Edinburgh, then Haymarket could be the best option for you. Compared to the rest of Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods, Haymarket is easier to get transport links, reach pubs and restaurants and visit nearby attractions.

Located west of Edinburgh’s city centre, Haymarket travelers easily catch nearby neighbourhoods like West End, Dalry Road, Murray field, Fountainbridge and Corstorphine road. If you stay near Haymarket you’ll be much blessed to catch up with Edinburgh Trams, Haymarket railway stations and direct access to Edinburgh airport.

Staying near Haymarket has many advantages like you can easily reach either through walking or public transportations within a minutes of time. Union Canal and Dean Village located just 10 to 15 minutes of walking distance. However, Price Street in New Town needs 10 minutes walking.

Besides that, Murrayfield Stadium, Sainsbury’s supermarket and Edinburgh International Conference Centre both are located close proximity to Haymarket. The area is located as the prime junction point to Dairy Road and Clifton Terrace, where visitors can see some battalion and WW II war evidence.

Haymarket is an ideal location if you plan to visit Edinburgh with your family. Visit Angels with Bagpipes, Nishiki, Cafe Calton, Korean BBQ Edinburgh, Celestial and Nami for taste local Scottish cuisines such as Italian dishes, Japanese western fusion, season’s sake and curated teas and coffee. If you like to make different Scottish wine and bar experiences visit Ryrie’s Bar or Dickens Lounge. Where you can drink freely within its lively atmospheres.

Best Hotels to Stay in Haymarket;

For Budget Conscious Guests- Travelodge Edinburgh Haymarket

For Mid Range- Garner Hotel Edinburgh

For Luxury Stays- The Resident Edinburgh

9. Canonmills- Ideal Location for Tranquil and Less Tourist Traffic

Blended by the Riverside parks and eclectic dining scenes. Cannonmills is a neighbourhood in Edinburgh that offers more historic charm along with rich Scottish architectural beauties. Close to the city centre with plenty of community charm local shops and eateries.

Royal Botanic Garden is closer to this neighbourhood, where more epic Rock Garden, Woodland garden, Chinese hillside and palm houses. From its central part of the area takes a 5 minute walk to reach Inverleith Park, park often welcomes those who are ready to enjoy perfect views of the Edinburgh skyline and castle.

Would you like to have a coffee or tea along with enjoying riverside views try at Tollhouse or to try American style pancakes visit Bluebird Cafe? But if you’re a big fan of shopping, then Tesco Superstore is very close here. Despite that, Raeburn PI is a unique shop to see handmade goods or Beerhive for trying craft beer, and fine wine collections.

Cannonmills would offer the same feeling when you stay near Stockbridge, but what you’d observe here is Cannonmills offers more residential feeling and quick access to nearby grocery stores. Stockbridge has been known for its foodies or boutique shops but Cannonmills often welcomes those who wish to explore the central part of the city with family.

Best Hotels to Stay in Cannonmills;

For Budget Conscious Guests- Ardenlee Guest House

For Mid Range- Ben Cruachan

For Luxury Stays- The Balmoral

10. Marchmont- For Study Hub and Green Spaces

If you are a student or spend some time with green or lush areas within the city’s neighbourhoods, probably your idea of where to stay in Edinburgh should start from Marchmont. The area is full of plenty of universities, independent shops and some century old mediaeval architecture.

If you’re a student then it is a good idea to start your day from nearby academic institutions such as the University of Edinburgh. Its campus is really massive which contains Teviot Row House, McEwan Hall and Playfair Library. Take a short glimpse of universities’ historic medical and surgical collections at Surgenos Hall Museum.

However, The Meadow is purely dedicated space for nature enthusiastics, it welcomes those who wish to walk amidst the sweeping views of Arthur’s seat, attend some recreational activities and spend some leisure time with surrounding calm atmospheres.

Marchmont is a home of interesting Scots Baronial, historic sites which stand as a fairy tale aesthetic built during 19th century under Gothic architecture. But if you are unable to find any shopping centres or cafeterias don’t worry you can step on streets like Marchmont Crescent, Marchmont or Warrender Park roads, there are plenty of restaurants and shopping centres are exist.