Best Hotels in Edinburgh City Centre: Where to Stay & Tips

Choosing a hotel in Edinburgh city centre can feel like picking a pint in a pub with 200 taps – overwhelming but rewarding when you get it right. With over 200 hotels packed into a walkable historic core, the key is matching your base to the neighbourhood that suits your style.

Hotels in Edinburgh city centre: over 200 ·
Typical stay duration: 2 nights ·
Most popular area: Old Town ·
Average hotel price (peak season): £180 per night ·
Best time to visit: May to September

Five key facts about Edinburgh city centre accommodation, one pattern: the closer you get to the Royal Mile, the higher the density of hotels and the premium you pay.

Where is the best place to stay in Edinburgh city Centre?

Top neighbourhoods in the city centre

• Old Town – the historic heart, centred on the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Lively, pub-filled, and packed with landmarks. (Santorini Dave (travel guide))
• New Town – Georgian architecture, quieter streets, high-end shops. Ideal if you want a more relaxed base with easy tram access. (The Hotel Guru (travel guide))
• Princes Street – central, with views of the castle and direct tram to the airport. Major hotels like the Balmoral and Premier Inn are here. (Wayfaring Kiwi (travel blog))

Best hotels for different budgets

• Budget: Ibis Styles St Andrews Square (New Town) – excellent central location. (Wayfaring Kiwi (travel blog))
• Mid-range: Motel One Princes Street – across from Waverley station, very central. (Wayfaring Kiwi (travel blog))
• Luxury: The Balmoral – straddles Old Town and New Town, easy walk to both. (Santorini Dave (travel guide))

The trade-off: Old Town delivers atmosphere and walkability but can be noisy at night; New Town offers quiet elegance but requires a bit more walking to pubs and sights.

The implication: matching your neighbourhood to your priorities saves time and money.

Where should I stay in Edinburgh for the first time?

Recommended areas for first-time visitors

VisitScotland says Edinburgh offers accommodation ranging from elegant hotels to quirky B&Bs, self-catering apartments, and budget hostels (VisitScotland (national tourism board)). For first-timers, Old Town is the standout choice: it’s the historic heart and places major sights within walking distance. Destination Wellknown calls Old Town the best area for most tourists and first-time travellers (Destination Wellknown (travel blog)).

What to look for in a first-time hotel

• Walkability: Stay within 15 minutes of the Royal Mile or Princes Street. (Hotels.com (OTA))
• Breakfast included: Saves time and money – many city centre hotels offer cooked Scottish breakfasts. (The Hotel Guru (travel guide))
• Check reviews for noise: Old Town pubs can be loud until late. Look for double-glazed windows. (Wayfaring Kiwi (travel blog))

The catch: a cheaper hotel outside the centre may offset savings with taxi fares and lost time – a £20 cab ride each way adds up fast.

What area of Edinburgh to stay in?

Old Town versus New Town

• Old Town: Lively, historic, pubs. Centred on the Royal Mile. Best for first-timers wanting immersion. (Santorini Dave (travel guide))
• New Town: Elegant, shopping, quieter. Georgian architecture, wide streets. Better for families and those who prefer calm. (The Hotel Guru (travel guide))

If visiting without a car, both Old Town and New Town are the most convenient places to stay (Santorini Dave (travel guide)).

Princes Street area

Princes Street runs along the southern edge of New Town, facing the castle. It has tram access to the airport, major department stores, and hotels like the Balmoral and Motel One. The street itself can be busy, but it’s a practical hub for connections. (Wayfaring Kiwi (travel blog))

Quirky neighbourhoods outside centre

• Grassmarket: Just below the castle, full of pubs and restaurants. Apex Grassmarket is a top pick. (Wayfaring Kiwi (travel blog))
• Haymarket: Budget-friendly, close to the city centre, good for train access. (Destination Wellknown (travel blog))
• West End: Recommended for budget travellers by The Hotel Guru (The Hotel Guru (travel guide)).
• Leith: The cool part of town, according to The Hotel Guru (The Hotel Guru (travel guide)).

The pattern: each neighbourhood offers a different trade-off between price, atmosphere, and distance to the main sights. Old Town is the most walkable but priciest; Haymarket and West End give you budget breathing room at the cost of a 15-20 minute walk.

How many nights should you stay in Edinburgh?

Itinerary for 2 nights

Two nights is enough to see the main sights: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur’s Seat. Most visitors find 2 nights sufficient for a satisfying first visit (Santorini Dave (travel guide)).

• Day 1: Arrive, explore Old Town, visit Edinburgh Castle, dinner in Grassmarket.
• Day 2: Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, hike Arthur’s Seat, evening in New Town.

Longer stays and day trips

Three to four nights allows a relaxed pace and a day trip to the Highlands, Loch Lomond, or the Scotch Whisky Trail. (VisitScotland (national tourism board))

The implication: a 2-night city break is efficient, but if you’re travelling from further afield, tack on a third night to avoid feeling rushed.

What’s the best month to go to Edinburgh?

Seasonal events and weather

• May–September: Mild weather, long daylight hours, and festivals. August is dominated by the Fringe and Military Tattoo – lively but crowded and expensive. (VisitScotland (national tourism board))
• Winter (November–February): Christmas markets, cosy pubs, fewer crowds, but colder and shorter days. Hotel prices can drop significantly. (The Hotel Guru (travel guide))

What not to do as a tourist

• Don’t skip advance booking for August – hotels sell out months ahead. (Destination Wellknown (travel blog))
• Don’t try to drive in the city centre: parking is limited and expensive. Use the tram or walk. (Santorini Dave (travel guide))
• Don’t eat on the Royal Mile: tourist menus are overpriced; walk a block into Grassmarket or the Cowgate for better value. (Wayfaring Kiwi (travel blog))

The pattern: timing your visit dramatically affects both cost and crowd levels.

Edinburgh offers accommodation ranging from elegant hotels to quirky B&Bs, self-catering apartments, and budget hostels across the city.

VisitScotland (national tourism board)

Old Town is the city’s historical heart and best area for most tourists and first-time travelers.

Destination Wellknown (travel blog)

For first-time visitors to Edinburgh, the choice of hotel and neighbourhood shapes the entire trip. The city centre offers unmatched walkability, but the right area depends on your priorities: atmosphere, budget, or quiet. The evidence points to Old Town as the top pick for immersion, New Town for families, and Haymarket for budget travellers. For anyone staying 2 nights, the city centre makes the most of limited time – just avoid the August peak if you want a relaxed experience.

For more UK hotel guides, see The George Hotel Limerick and Staycity Aparthotels Dublin City Centre.

Frequently asked questions