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Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Learning about Edinburgh’s history is made possible by visiting each of its neighbourhoods. From historic districts to art-centric areas, Edinburgh is bursting with possibilities. Stay in Old Town for traditional pubs and proximity to Edinburgh Castle.
New Town provides you with cocktail clubs frequented by locals. Stockbridge offers the best markets, and Portobello is a family-friendly foodie paradise. West End & Haymarket is the cultural center of Edinburgh. Keeping these notes in mind will help you plan out your ideal Edinburgh accommodation.
Edinburgh Old Town
If you’re looking for one of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, look no further than Old Town. Narrow cobblestone streets wind through historic sites like Holyrood Palace and the homes of Sir Walter Scott, giving you access to some of the best Edinburgh attractions. This busy area is great for travelers who came specifically for the sites.
New Town
If shopping is on your mind, New Town is the place for you. When staying at an accommodation in Edinburgh in this area, you’ll have direct access to the primary shopping area of the city. Great for locally loved restaurants, bars, and boutique shops.
Stockbridge
Quiet during the week, the Stockbridge area is electrified on the weekends. Every Sunday, locals, and visitors spend their free time at the Stockbridge Market. Mingle with the locals at the market while picking up a few souvenirs and a bite to eat. This neighbourhood is ideal for families, thrifters, and farmers market enthusiasts.
Portobello
The birthplace of the infamous 99 ice cream, a cone with a Cadbury flake stuck in it; Portobello is a cozy place to stay. The streets are filled with cute bakeries and cafes, and the beach is only a short ride away. Try as much food as possible in this food-centric neighbourhood.
West End & Haymarket
Multiple live music venues, an arthouse cinema, and a modern art gallery are only a few of the offerings West End & Haymarket bring to the table. If you’re interested in spending most of your time absorbing as much art, film, and theatre as possible, a stay in this neighbourhood is ideal.
GuestReady's accommodation in Edinburgh
4.1
Edinburgh
3
1
2
50 m²
4.2
Edinburgh
2
1
1
36 m²
4.7
Edinburgh
4
1
1
55 m²
4.6
Edinburgh
4
2
1
75 m²
Discover Edinburgh
Edinburgh redefines a capital city with its ideal combination of nature scenes and bustling city vibes. This compact city is chock full of attractions (historical and natural) that will keep any visitor busy.
Many visit Edinburgh for its architectural goldmines like Edinburgh Castle in the city centre, though Edinburgh city offers much more. Monuments, memorials, neoclassical buildings, and medieval buildings are only a few of the top things to see in Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital has something for everyone boasting lively nightlife, lush rolling hills, divine cuisine, and more.
It is regarded as one of the most stunning destinations in Europe, and for a good reason. Its beauty and many attractions make Edinburgh a popular destination.
What to Do in Edinburgh
Elevate your Edinburgh city break to an unforgettable experience by including the below list of best things to do in Edinburgh. Our list of where to go in Edinburgh will aid you in creating an ideal itinerary.
Hike to Arthur’s Seat
Set in the heart of Edinburgh in Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat is a dormant volcano awaiting visitor exploration. It's one of the highest points in the city, providing a natural overlook of the skyline below. This attraction is backed by legend, as it's thought to be the location of Camelot.
Hunt for Nessie (Loch Ness Monster)
Enjoying a unique tour is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh. Multiple tours provide the option of visiting the Highlands and Loch Ness. Whether you choose to search for Nessie or just enjoy the views, you'll get a kick out of these tours! Get your guide.
Spend the Day at the National Museum of Scotland
One of the many free museums in Scotland, this attraction is perfect for all interests. The exhibits include everything from cultural education, Scottish art pieces, Scottish history, science, tech, and important figures like Robert Louis Stevenson. Plan to spend at least a few hours at this museum to take in as much as possible.
Take a Trip to the Royal Botanic Garden
Visiting Edinburgh is not complete without a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden. This garden was once a place of study for plants as medicine. It continues as a conservatory and study today. However, it’s now also a popular attraction for tourists. Make sure to check out some of the 275,000 beautiful plants available here. You can purchase a ticket at this link.
Shop on Princes Street
Step into the heart of the city by visiting Princes Street. This retail hub includes everything you could ever want. It's not one of the non-touristy things to do in Edinburgh. However, these shops are nearby popular attractions like the Scottish National Gallery and Princes Street Gardens.
What to See in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a historically and culturally rich capital city boasting a slew of castles, cathedrals, and sprawling estates. While small, Edinburgh is fraught with unique landmarks meant to be a portal into the past.
Craigmillar Castle
Besides Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar Castle is one of the most stunning places to visit in Edinburgh. Built in the 1400s, this castle has seen many royals like Mary Queen of Scots. This beautifully preserved castle provides a gorgeous setting to learn about Scottish culture and history. Get a private guide at this link
Gladstone’s Land
Take a step into Edinburgh in the 1600s by visiting Gladstone’s Land. This preserved building offers visitors an immersive experience showing the daily life of wealthy property owners, merchants, and everything in between during this time. A trip to the second floor leads to a local art gallery.
Greyfriar’s Kirk
This famous historical landmark holds large importance to the people of Edinburgh. For many years, Greyfriar’s Kirk was a place of worship. You can still go to Sunday mass at Greyfriar’s Kirk. Alternatively, this church is also a large music venue for the city.
Heart of Midlothian
Walk too fast, and you may miss this must-see in Edinburgh. Set in a heart shape in the pavement of the Royal Mile, this landmark notes where the original "heart!" of Edinburgh resided. Don't be surprised if you see passersby spitting on the heart; it's a local custom.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
There’s nothing more stunning than the Holyrood Palace. Belonging to the British monarchy, this sprawling estate has been well-preserved to show you what royal life was like in the 1600s. You may even spot one of the current British royal family members as they continue to use the palace occasionally.
Edinburgh to London
Edinburgh’s proximity to London is part of its appeal. A swift journey from Edinburgh to London will have you exploring the most popular destination in England. Grab a picture with the infamous Big Ben, watch the guard switch in front of Buckingham Palace, and ride the thrilling London Eye in England’s capital city. Filled with free attractions, London is a stunning place to visit.
