Hotels in Edinburgh

The most practical bases in Edinburgh are the Old Town, within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile; New Town for Georgian streets and Princes Street shopping; and Leith for waterfront restaurants. Most visitors stay three to four nights. Edinburgh Waverley station sits at the city centre, with Lner and ScotRail trains connecting to London and Glasgow.

Where to Stay

Old Town clusters around the Royal Mile and the Castle, built on volcanic basalt above the city. Hotels here suit visitors prioritising historic atmosphere and easy access to the Scottish Parliament, Arthur's Seat, and the National Museum of Scotland. New Town, the 18th-century planned district north of Princes Street Gardens, offers quieter Georgian terraces and proximity to the Scottish National Gallery. Leith, the port neighbourhood 2 km north of the centre, draws visitors for its Michelin-starred restaurants along The Shore and the Royal Yacht Britannia, moored at Ocean Terminal since 1997. Stockbridge, a short walk west of New Town, offers a village-scale alternative with independent cafés and the Water of Leith walkway.

Getting Around

Edinburgh is compact: the Old Town and New Town are under 15 minutes apart on foot. Lothian Buses operate a frequent city-wide network. Edinburgh Trams run from the airport to York Place in roughly 35 minutes. Edinburgh Airport lies 13 km west of the city centre.

Practical Tips

• August Fringe: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, fills the city each August — book accommodation several months ahead.
• Weather: Pack a waterproof layer year-round; summers average 18 °C, winters 5 °C.
• Whisky: The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile runs daily tasting sessions; no advance ticket required for standard entry.
• Currency: Scotland uses pound sterling (GBP); contactless payment is widely accepted.