Best areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Mid-range price per night |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | First visit, history, nightlife | £150–260 |
| New Town | Shopping, dining, elegance | £160–280 |
| West End / Haymarket | Value, trains, airport tram | £120–220 |
| Stockbridge | Village feel, couples | £130–230 |
| Leith | Waterfront food, local life | £100–190 |
| Southside | Budget, students, Arthur’s Seat | £100–180 |
Prices are typical outside August and New Year. The 5% Edinburgh visitor levy (from 24 July 2026) is added to most bills for up to five nights.
Old Town
The medieval heart of the city, from the castle down the Royal Mile to Holyrood, with the Grassmarket and Cowgate below. Everything is on your doorstep, but it is busy and can be noisy at night, especially during festival season.
- Luxury: The Witchery by the Castle (suites), Radisson Collection Royal Mile
- Mid-range: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
- Budget: Castle Rock Hostel
New Town
Georgian squares and wide streets from Princes Street to Queen Street, with the best shopping and many restaurants. Calm in the evenings and just across the gardens from the Old Town.
- Luxury: The Balmoral, Gleneagles Townhouse, Kimpton Charlotte Square
- Mid-range: Motel One Edinburgh-Princes
West End and Haymarket
West of Princes Street, with Haymarket station for trains to Glasgow and the Highlands and the tram to the airport. Good-value chain hotels and guesthouses, and a 10–15 minute walk to the centre.
- Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
Stockbridge
A pretty, village-like neighbourhood by the Water of Leith, with independent shops, cafés and the Sunday market. Mostly guesthouses and apartments; Princes Street is 15 minutes on foot.
Leith
Edinburgh’s port, with some of the city’s best restaurants along the Shore. The tram connects it to the centre in about 20 minutes. Prices are lower than in the centre.
- Boutique: Malmaison Edinburgh
Southside
Around the university and the Meadows, near Arthur’s Seat. Plenty of budget guesthouses and a 10–20 minute walk to the Royal Mile.
Compare hotel prices in EdinburghWhich area is right for you?
- First visit: Old Town or New Town.
- Families: New Town or West End apartments.
- Budget: Southside, Leith or Haymarket.
- Foodies: Leith or Stockbridge.
Then plan your days with our Edinburgh itinerary.
For events, opening hours and official visitor information, see Forever Edinburgh, the official city guide.
More Edinburgh guides
- Edinburgh travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Best time to visit Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport to the city centre
- Edinburgh Castle tickets
- Highlands and Loch Ness day trip
- UK ETA: who needs it and how to apply
FAQ: where to stay in Edinburgh
Is it better to stay in the Old Town or New Town?
The Old Town has more atmosphere; the New Town is quieter with better restaurants. They are only a 5–10 minute walk apart.
How far ahead should I book for the Edinburgh Festival?
Six months or more. Many visitors book August rooms a year ahead.
Where should I stay in Edinburgh on a budget?
Hostels in the Old Town, or guesthouses in Southside, Leith and Haymarket.
Plan your trip to Edinburgh
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
