Where to Stay in Edinburgh: Best Areas and Hotels for First-Time Visitors
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Written by Eilidh · Scottish writer based in Edinburgh
I’ve lived in Edinburgh for over nine years and still enjoy helping friends figure out which part of the city to book — it makes more difference here than you might expect.
If this is your first time visiting Edinburgh, Old Town is the most practical base — you can walk to the castle, the Royal Mile, and Waverley station without ever needing a bus. If you prefer a calmer, more polished atmosphere with wide streets and Georgian architecture, New Town is the stronger choice. And if you want lower prices, good restaurants, and a neighbourhood that feels more local, Leith is worth considering — especially if you don’t mind a short tram ride into the centre.
This guide covers those three areas in detail, with three hotel recommendations in each — one luxury, one mid-range, and one good-value option. All nine hotels are in comfortable, walkable parts of the city.
All prices are approximate and vary by season and availability.
Quick Answer: Best Areas to Stay in Edinburgh
| Best for | Area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitors / sightseeing on foot | Old Town | Walking distance to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Waverley station |
| A calmer, more elegant stay | New Town | Beautiful Georgian streets, great restaurants, easy tram access to the airport |
| Lower prices and local atmosphere | Leith | Edinburgh’s port district with excellent dining and unique hotels |
| If this sounds like you… | Stay here |
|---|---|
| I want to walk to all the main sights | Old Town |
| I want wide streets and a quieter neighbourhood | New Town |
| I want to eat well and spend less on the hotel | Leith |
| I arrive late and want the easiest access from the train station | Old Town |
| I am travelling as a couple and want atmosphere | New Town |
| I want a unique hotel experience (like staying on a ship) | Leith |
Best Areas and Hotels at a Glance
Old Town — The historic heart of Edinburgh, centred around the Royal Mile
- The Balmoral Hotel — Luxury
- Virgin Hotels Edinburgh — Mid-range
- ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile — Good value
New Town — Elegant Georgian streets with upscale shopping and dining
- The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection — Luxury
- Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG — Mid-range
- Motel One Edinburgh-Royal — Good value
Leith — A revitalised port district with restaurants, character, and lower rates
- Fingal Hotel — Luxury
- Malmaison Edinburgh — Mid-range
- Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront — Good value
Most hotels on Booking.com offer free cancellation, so you can book now and adjust later.
All prices are approximate and vary by season and availability.
Old Town — The Best Area for First-Time Visitors
Old Town is where most first-time visitors should start looking. The Royal Mile — the long, cobbled street running from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse — is the spine of this area, and nearly everything you want to see is within a short walk of it. Waverley, Edinburgh’s main train station, sits at the base of Old Town, making it easy to arrive, drop your bags, and start exploring on foot.
The architecture here is medieval, with narrow alleyways called “closes” branching off the main streets. It can feel busy during the day, especially in summer and during the August festivals, but that liveliness is part of the experience. You will find plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafés along the Royal Mile and around Grassmarket.
✅ Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are all within walking distance
✅ Waverley station is a 5 to 10 minute walk from most Old Town hotels
✅ St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scotch Whisky Experience, and the National Museum of Scotland are nearby
✅ Restaurants, pubs, and shops are plentiful — you won’t run out of options in the evening
✅ During the Edinburgh Festival in August, Old Town is right at the centre of it all
The main streets stay busy well into the evening. The Grassmarket area can get noisy on Friday and Saturday nights due to the pub scene, but it is not an area of concern — just something to note if you are a light sleeper.
The Balmoral Hotel — Luxury
- Area: Old Town (Princes Street, directly above Waverley station)
- Hotel class: 5-star
- Price range: From around £350 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Special occasions, couples, travellers who want a landmark Edinburgh hotel
Why stay here:
✅ One of Edinburgh’s most recognisable buildings, with its iconic clock tower on Princes Street
✅ Directly connected to Waverley station — as convenient as it gets for arriving by train or airport bus
✅ On-site spa, indoor pool, and a well-regarded restaurant
✅ Rooms on higher floors offer views of Edinburgh Castle or Calton Hill
✅ A Rocco Forte hotel with a long history dating back to 1902
The Balmoral is Edinburgh’s grand dame — a hotel that has been part of the city skyline for over a century. It sits at the east end of Princes Street with the Old Town rising behind it, which means you can be on the Royal Mile within minutes. The rooms are spacious by Edinburgh standards, and the service reflects the price. If you are visiting Edinburgh for a special occasion and want a hotel that feels like part of the city’s story, this is the obvious choice.
If you want a luxury stay but prefer something more contemporary and design-forward, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers a very different atmosphere at a lower price point.
👉 Check The Balmoral Hotel on Booking.com
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh — Mid-range
- Area: Old Town (Victoria Street, near Grassmarket)
- Hotel class: 5-star
- Price range: From around £200 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Couples, friends, travellers who want modern design in a historic setting
Why stay here:
✅ Opened in 2022, so facilities and rooms feel fresh and well-maintained
✅ Located on Victoria Street — one of Edinburgh’s most photographed streets, with its colourful, curving shopfronts
✅ Edinburgh Castle is about an 8-minute walk; Grassmarket is right around the corner
✅ On-site restaurant and bar with a lively atmosphere
✅ Fitness centre and communal lounge available to guests
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is technically a 5-star hotel, but its pricing often falls closer to the upper mid-range — which makes it a strong option if you want quality without reaching Balmoral-level rates. The interiors have a playful, modern feel that sets it apart from Edinburgh’s more traditional hotels. Victoria Street, right outside the door, is one of the most atmospheric spots in Old Town. It works especially well for younger couples or groups of friends who want a central, lively base.
If you would rather have a quieter location with a rooftop garden and castle views, The Glasshouse in New Town is worth a look.
👉 Check Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on Booking.com
ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile — Good Value
- Area: Old Town (Hunter Square, just off the Royal Mile)
- Hotel class: 3-star
- Price range: From around £120 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who want the best possible location for the price
Why stay here:
✅ Steps from the Royal Mile, in one of the most central spots in Edinburgh
✅ Waverley station is roughly a 5-minute walk away
✅ Rooms are compact but clean and functional — the ibis standard
✅ On-site bar for a late-night drink after sightseeing
✅ A well-known international chain, so you know what to expect
This is the hotel for travellers who would rather spend their budget on experiences than on the room itself. The location is genuinely hard to beat at this price — you step outside and you are on the Royal Mile. Rooms are small (as is typical for ibis), but they are well-maintained and perfectly adequate for sleeping after a full day of walking. The surrounding streets are packed with pubs and restaurants, so you will not struggle to find dinner.
If you want a similarly priced hotel with a more design-conscious feel and don’t mind being a few minutes further from the Royal Mile, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is a strong alternative.
👉 Check ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile on Booking.com
New Town — Elegant Streets and a Calmer Pace
New Town sits just north of Old Town, separated by Princes Street Gardens and Waverley station. Built in the late 18th century as a planned urban expansion, it has a completely different character from Old Town — wide, straight streets lined with elegant Georgian townhouses, well-kept squares, and a generally quieter atmosphere. Princes Street, George Street, and Queen Street form the main east-west arteries.
This is a good area if you want easy access to the sights but prefer a neighbourhood that feels a bit more relaxed. The Scottish National Gallery sits between the two towns, and Calton Hill — with its panoramic views of the city — is at the eastern end. The tram runs along Princes Street and connects directly to Edinburgh Airport, which is a practical bonus if you are flying in.
✅ Princes Street offers direct views of Edinburgh Castle across the gardens
✅ The Scottish National Gallery and Scottish National Portrait Gallery are both within walking distance
✅ George Street has a good selection of restaurants and bars
✅ Calton Hill is a short walk east for sunset views over the city
✅ Tram stops along Princes Street make airport transfers straightforward
New Town is a well-lit, residential area that stays comfortable in the evening. It is slightly less busy than Old Town after dark, which many visitors prefer.
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection — Luxury
- Area: New Town (Greenside Place, near Calton Hill)
- Hotel class: 5-star
- Price range: From around £200 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Couples, architecture enthusiasts, travellers who want a luxury hotel with character
Why stay here:
✅ Built behind the preserved stone facade of a 172-year-old church — a striking mix of old and modern
✅ Rooftop garden with panoramic views of Calton Hill, the Firth of Forth, and the city skyline
✅ Located near the St James Quarter shopping centre and Edinburgh Playhouse theatre
✅ About a 10-minute walk from Waverley station
✅ A Marriott Autograph Collection property with a well-stocked whisky bar
The Glasshouse is one of the most distinctive hotels in Edinburgh. You enter through a historic church facade and step into a sleek, glass-walled interior — the contrast is unexpected and memorable. The rooftop garden is available exclusively to guests and offers one of the best vantage points in the city. For a 5-star property, its rates are often more reasonable than the larger luxury hotels on Princes Street, which makes it a practical luxury choice for couples or anyone who appreciates thoughtful architecture.
If you prefer a more traditional luxury setting with a pool and spa, Kimpton Charlotte Square is a good alternative within the same area.
👉 Check The Glasshouse on Booking.com
Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG — Mid-range
- Area: New Town (Charlotte Square)
- Hotel class: 5-star
- Price range: From around £230 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Couples, IHG loyalty members, travellers who want a full-service hotel with spa and pool
Why stay here:
✅ Faces Charlotte Square, one of the finest Georgian squares in Edinburgh
✅ Princes Street and George Street are both a few minutes’ walk away
✅ Indoor pool, spa, and fitness centre — useful after a day of walking
✅ Part of the IHG network, so loyalty points can be earned and redeemed
✅ On-site dining options including the well-regarded BABA restaurant
Kimpton Charlotte Square occupies a row of converted Georgian townhouses, and the building alone sets the tone — high ceilings, period details, and a sense of history in the common areas. The rooms blend classic proportions with modern comforts. Having a pool and spa on-site is a genuine advantage in Edinburgh, where long days of walking up and down hills can leave you ready for a soak. The hotel’s location at the west end of New Town puts you within easy reach of both the shopping streets and Old Town. Waverley station is about a 10-minute walk.
If you want the New Town location but at a lower price and without the full-service facilities, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is a practical budget option just a few minutes away.
👉 Check Kimpton Charlotte Square on Booking.com
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal — Good Value
- Area: New Town / Old Town border (Market Street, near Waverley station)
- Hotel class: 3-star
- Price range: From around £120 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who want design and location without paying luxury rates
Why stay here:
✅ About a 5-minute walk from Waverley station, sitting right between Old Town and New Town
✅ Edinburgh Castle is roughly a 10-minute walk uphill
✅ Part of the German Motel One chain, known for stylish interiors at budget prices
✅ 24-hour reception and a continental breakfast available at a reasonable extra charge
✅ Rooms are compact but well-designed, with quality beds and rain showers
Motel One’s concept — invest in design and location, strip out unnecessary services, keep the price low — works exceptionally well in Edinburgh’s expensive hotel market. The lobby is more inviting than you would expect at this price, and the rooms, while small, feel considered rather than cheap. Its position on Market Street means you can reach both Old Town and New Town in minutes, making it one of the most flexible bases in the city. This is a large hotel with over 200 rooms, but it can still fill up during peak periods like the August festival season.
If you prefer to be deeper inside Old Town rather than on the border, ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile puts you right on the Royal Mile for a similar price.
👉 Check Motel One Edinburgh-Royal on Booking.com
Leith — A Waterfront Neighbourhood with Character and Value
Leith is Edinburgh’s historic port district, located about 3 kilometres north of the city centre. It has changed significantly over the past decade — what was once a rough-edged working-class area has become one of the most interesting food and drink destinations in the city. Michelin-starred restaurants like The Kitchin and Martin Wishart sit alongside craft breweries, waterfront wine bars, and independent cafés. The Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht now permanently docked at Ocean Terminal, is Leith’s most visited attraction.
Staying in Leith means lower hotel prices compared to Old Town or New Town, and a more local feel. The tram now connects Leith to the city centre (around 15 minutes) and to Edinburgh Airport (around 30 minutes), so you are not as isolated as you might think. That said, this is a better choice for visitors who are comfortable being a short journey from the main sights rather than right on top of them.
✅ The Royal Yacht Britannia is within walking distance
✅ Some of Edinburgh’s best restaurants are concentrated along The Shore and Commercial Street
✅ Hotel rates are generally lower than in the city centre
✅ The tram connects Leith to the centre and the airport
✅ Unique accommodation options including a floating hotel
The waterfront area around The Shore and Ocean Terminal is well-maintained and comfortable to walk around in the evening. Some streets further from the waterfront can feel quieter after dark, so sticking to the main roads at night is sensible, as it would be in most cities.
Fingal Hotel — Luxury
- Area: Leith (Alexandra Dock)
- Hotel class: 5-star
- Price range: From around £350 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Couples celebrating a special occasion, travellers looking for a one-of-a-kind stay
Why stay here:
✅ A former lighthouse tender ship converted into a 23-cabin floating hotel — genuinely unlike anything else in Edinburgh
✅ The Royal Yacht Britannia is about a 10-minute walk away
✅ On-board restaurant and bar serving Scottish-influenced cuisine
✅ Each cabin has a different layout and design
✅ Free private parking — useful if you are renting a car for a wider Scotland trip
Fingal is, quite simply, one of the most unusual hotel experiences in Scotland. The ship was built in 1963 and spent decades servicing lighthouses around the Scottish coast before being converted into a boutique hotel in 2019. The cabins are finished to a high standard with wood panelling and maritime details that feel authentic rather than gimmicky. With only 23 rooms, the service is personal and attentive. It is worth noting that Fingal is in Leith, not in the city centre, so this is not the most convenient base for sightseeing — but if the experience matters more than proximity, it delivers.
If you want a luxury hotel closer to the main sights, The Balmoral Hotel in Old Town is a more traditional and centrally located option.
👉 Check Fingal Hotel on Booking.com
Malmaison Edinburgh — Mid-range
- Area: Leith (Tower Place, waterfront)
- Hotel class: 4-star
- Price range: From around £110 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Couples, visitors with a car, travellers who want a boutique feel at a reasonable rate
Why stay here:
✅ A well-known British boutique hotel chain, set inside a converted historic building on the Leith waterfront
✅ Free on-site parking — a rarity in Edinburgh and a real advantage if you are driving
✅ On-site gym, restaurant, and bar
✅ Close to Leith’s best restaurants along The Shore
✅ The building dates from 1883 and has genuine character
Malmaison is a UK-wide boutique chain, and the Edinburgh location benefits from its Leith waterfront position — you are right on the water, close to the dining scene, but paying significantly less than you would for a comparable 4-star hotel in Old Town. The rooms have a bold, contemporary style that some travellers love and others find a bit heavy-handed, but the overall quality is consistent. Free parking is a genuine selling point if you plan to use Edinburgh as a base for day trips into the Scottish Highlands or to other parts of the country.
If you want to stay in Leith but at a lower price with simpler rooms, Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront is a practical step down in price without leaving the neighbourhood.
👉 Check Malmaison Edinburgh on Booking.com
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront — Good Value
- Area: Leith (Ocean Drive, next to Ocean Terminal)
- Hotel class: 3-star
- Price range: From around £90 per night for 2 adults
- Best for: Budget travellers, families, visitors who want easy access to the Royal Yacht Britannia
Why stay here:
✅ Right next to Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia
✅ Breakfast is included in the rate — a real saving in Edinburgh, where café breakfasts add up quickly
✅ Tram stop nearby for connections to the city centre and airport
✅ On-site paid parking available
✅ A reliable international chain with consistent room standards
This is the most budget-friendly option on the list, and it works well for travellers who are comfortable using the tram to reach the centre. The hotel itself is a modern, purpose-built property — not particularly atmospheric, but clean, well-run, and honestly priced. The inclusion of breakfast makes the nightly rate even more competitive when you factor in what you would otherwise spend on a morning meal in Edinburgh. The Ocean Terminal shopping centre is next door, and the tram connects you to Princes Street in about 15 minutes.
If you would rather be in the heart of Old Town for a similar nightly rate (without breakfast), ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile offers a far more central position.
👉 Check Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront on Booking.com
What to Know About Staying in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a compact city, and most of the main attractions are concentrated in a small area. Old Town and New Town sit side by side, divided by Princes Street Gardens, and you can walk between the two in about 10 minutes. Leith is the main area that requires transport — the tram or a bus will get you to the centre in around 15 minutes.
The city is famously hilly. Old Town in particular is built on a ridge, and some of the streets — especially the closes running off the Royal Mile — involve steep steps. If mobility is a concern, New Town is generally flatter and easier to navigate on foot.
Hotel rooms in Edinburgh tend to be on the smaller side, especially in historic buildings that have been converted into accommodation. This is normal for the city and not necessarily a sign of a low-quality hotel. If space matters to you, check the room size on the Booking.com listing before confirming.
Edinburgh’s tram runs from the airport through the city centre (Princes Street, St Andrew Square) and on to Leith and Newhaven. It is the most convenient way to get from the airport to the city, and a single ticket costs a few pounds. Buses are frequent and cover areas the tram does not reach, but for most visitors staying in the three areas covered in this guide, walking and the occasional tram ride will be enough.
Tipping in restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory — 10% is standard if you are happy with the service. In pubs, tipping is not expected. Hotels do not typically expect tips at check-in or check-out.
August is by far the busiest and most expensive month to visit, due to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival, and other events running simultaneously. If you plan to visit during August, book your hotel well in advance — rates can double or triple compared to the rest of the year. Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) is another peak period. Spring and early autumn tend to offer a good balance of reasonable prices and pleasant weather.
Areas to Be Careful About
Edinburgh is generally a comfortable city for visitors, and the areas recommended in this guide are all well-suited for tourists. That said, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.
Grassmarket and Lothian Road, both in the Old Town area, can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights when the pubs close. This is more of a noise issue than a safety concern, but it is worth noting if your hotel window faces these streets.
Parts of Leith away from the waterfront and The Shore can feel quieter and less well-lit in the evening. Sticking to the main streets at night is a sensible habit, as it would be in any city.
Outer residential estates such as Wester Hailes, Sighthill, Niddrie, Pilton, and Muirhouse are far from the tourist areas and have no attractions to draw visitors. There are very few hotels in these areas, so it is unlikely you would end up there unless you were booking a budget rental apartment — in which case, always check the address on a map before confirming.
Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, particularly on the Royal Mile during the summer and festival season. Standard precautions — keeping valuables in a front pocket or a zipped bag — are usually sufficient.
Final Summary
For first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of everything, Old Town is the most practical choice. If you prefer a calmer, more refined atmosphere with wide Georgian streets, New Town is a strong alternative. And if you want lower rates, excellent restaurants, and a more neighbourhood feel, Leith is well worth considering.