One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to Edinburgh is where to stay in Edinburgh. It is a beautiful city with a strong medieval European atmosphere, but its cobbled streets, hills, and narrow lanes can make your hotel location a major factor in how comfortable your trip feels.
Choosing the right area is especially important for travelers with large suitcases, families traveling with parents or children, and visitors with a short itinerary who want to see the main attractions efficiently. In Edinburgh, you are less likely to make the wrong choice if you focus on three key areas: Old Town, New Town, and Haymarket/West End.
In this guide, I will share the best places to stay in Edinburgh by travel style, the pros and cons of each neighborhood, a hotel booking checklist, and popular accommodation options.
Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Edinburgh?
Rather than simply choosing a hotel close to tourist attractions, it is better to select your Edinburgh accommodation based on your itinerary and preferred way of getting around.
- For a short, sightseeing-focused trip: Old Town
- For airport or train travel and shopping: New Town or near Waverley Station
- For a quieter stay and better hotel value: Haymarket or West End
The closer you get to Old Town, the more hills, stairs, and cobbled streets you will encounter. New Town and Haymarket generally have wider, flatter streets, making them easier to navigate.
Old Town
Old Town is one of the most popular areas for first-time visitors to Edinburgh. Major attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street, and Grassmarket are nearby, making it ideal for exploring on foot.
If you are visiting for a short trip, such as one night and two days or two nights and three days, staying in Old Town can be especially efficient. You can visit Edinburgh Castle early in the morning, enjoy pubs and city views until late at night, and walk back to your hotel afterward.
However, many buildings are old, so rooms may be small or the property may not have an elevator. Accommodation inside one of the narrow lanes known as a “close” near the Royal Mile can be wonderfully atmospheric, but it may be inconvenient when carrying luggage. Always check the map and recent guest reviews before booking.
- Pros: Major attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, are within walking distance
- Pros: Easy access to historic streets and Edinburgh’s evening atmosphere
- Cons: Hills, stairs, and cobblestones can make luggage transport difficult
- Cons: Hotel prices rise in peak season, with fewer room options available
- Best for: First-time visitors, short stays, and sightseeing-focused itineraries
Recommended Old Town Hotels
- The Witchery by the Castle: A boutique stay near Edinburgh Castle, ideal for travelers looking for an elegant, medieval-inspired atmosphere
- Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel: Located in Grassmarket, with convenient access to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
- Castle Rock Hostel: An adults-only hostel near Edinburgh Castle, suitable for solo travelers and backpackers looking to save on accommodation
New Town and Waverley Station
New Town is known for its orderly Georgian streets, shopping areas, restaurants, and cafes. The roads are wider and relatively flatter than those in Old Town, making it easier to move around with a suitcase.
The areas around Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Multrees Walk, and George Street are convenient for shopping, dining, and public transport. With easy access to Waverley Station, airport tram stops, and the Airlink 100 airport bus, this area is also a great choice if you are combining Edinburgh with cities such as London or Glasgow.
If you want to enjoy both Old Town’s tourist atmosphere and New Town’s convenient amenities, consider accommodation north of Waverley Station or near Princes Street.
- Pros: Convenient access to the airport tram, airport bus, and Waverley Station
- Pros: Wide streets, shops, supermarkets, and restaurants are nearby
- Cons: Accommodation can be expensive because it is a popular area
- Cons: Reaching Edinburgh Castle requires walking uphill in some sections
- Best for: Travelers with luggage, shopping trips, and train-based itineraries
Recommended New Town and Waverley Hotels
- The Balmoral: One of Edinburgh’s best-known luxury hotels, located beside Waverley Station
- Motel One Edinburgh-Royal: A well-located hotel between Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, with excellent access to both attractions and transport
- ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square: A practical hotel with convenient access to New Town shopping streets and tram stops
Haymarket and West End
Haymarket and West End are slightly farther from the main tourist attractions, but they offer a good balance of hotel value and transport convenience. They are particularly practical areas for travelers staying three nights or longer, as well as for families.
The area around Haymarket Station is convenient for trams, buses, and trains. You can also reach it directly from the airport by tram, which is useful if you arrive late at night or have an early flight to catch. Princes Street and Old Town are accessible on foot or by public transport.
West End sits between Haymarket and New Town. It is generally quieter and has a number of elegant townhouse hotels and boutique stays. It can be an excellent alternative if you prefer to avoid the noise of staying directly in the busiest tourist areas.
- Pros: Easier to find reasonably priced hotels than in the city center
- Pros: Convenient access to Haymarket Station, trams, and buses
- Pros: A quieter atmosphere, with more options for larger rooms
- Cons: Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are farther away on foot
- Cons: Check the immediate surroundings before booking if you expect to return late at night
- Best for: Stays of three nights or more, value-focused trips, family travel, and travelers prioritizing airport access
Recommended Haymarket and West End Hotels
- The Bonham Hotel: A boutique hotel where you can enjoy the character of a classic West End townhouse
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket: A good choice for travelers looking for spacious rooms and reliable facilities
- Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket: A practical option for travelers who prefer clean facilities and good value
Edinburgh Accommodation Area Comparison
| Area | Main Features | Advantages | Things to Consider | Best For |
| Old Town | Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and historic attractions | Excellent walkability for sightseeing | Many hills, stairs, and cobbled streets | First visits and short trips |
| New Town / Waverley Station | Shopping, train station, and airport transport | Wider streets and easy transport access | Higher hotel prices during busy periods | Shopping trips, rail travel, and travelers with luggage |
| Haymarket / West End | Good-value hotels and a quieter atmosphere | Convenient tram, bus, and train connections | Travel is required to reach the main tourist center | Families, longer stays, and value-focused travelers |
The right Edinburgh neighborhood depends on whether you prioritize sightseeing, transport, shopping, hotel value, or a quieter stay.
Edinburgh Hotel Booking Checklist
Even if a hotel looks close on the map, getting there in Edinburgh can be more difficult than expected. Check the following points before making your reservation.
Check for an Elevator and Room Floor
Many hotels and apartments in Edinburgh’s traditional buildings do not have elevators. Check whether the booking page lists a “Lift” or “Elevator,” and read recent reviews to see whether guests mention difficulties with stairs.
If you are traveling with young children, parents, or large suitcases, it is also worth checking whether you can request a lower-floor room.
Check for Hills and Cobbled Streets
Old Town has many steep sections, even over short distances. Instead of booking based only on the hotel address, use Google Maps Street View or satellite view to look at the roads around the property.
Even a hotel next to the Royal Mile can become tiring to reach if it is located deep inside a narrow lane, below a set of stairs, or at the top of a steep hill.
Check Distance to Stations and Airport Transport
When planning your arrival and departure, the distance to Waverley Station, Haymarket Station, airport tram stops, and Airlink 100 bus stops matters.
For an early-morning flight or late-night arrival, it is much more convenient to choose a hotel within roughly a 10-minute walk of your airport transport option.
Check Nearby Shops, Restaurants, and Safety
Having a supermarket such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, or M&S Food near your hotel is useful for buying breakfast, snacks, and bottled water. If you expect to return late, also check whether the hotel is close to a main road and whether the surrounding streets are well lit.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Edinburgh
The best area to stay in Edinburgh depends on the purpose of your trip. Choose Old Town if you want to make the most of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, or choose New Town or the Waverley Station area if airport access, train travel, and shopping are your priorities.
For a stay of three nights or more, especially if you want to manage accommodation costs, Haymarket or West End can be a smart choice. In Edinburgh, checking for hills, elevator access, and distance from stations is often more important than simply choosing a higher-rated hotel.