Where to stay in Edinburgh: the best areas, with a walk through each
6 areas compared. Watch the streets before you book.
Edinburgh's centre is compact and best explored on foot, with the medieval Old Town on its ridge and the elegant Georgian New Town across Princes Street Gardens. Hills and stairs connect them, so comfortable shoes matter more than taxis.
These are the six areas most visitors choose between. For each you'll find who it suits, who should look elsewhere, what is on foot, and a walk through its streets so you can see the atmosphere before you book.
The best areas to stay in Edinburgh at a glance
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | First-timers, History, Atmosphere | The Royal Mile, closes, castle views and historic pubs | Walk everywhere; Waverley station at the bottom of the hill |
| New Town | Shopping, Elegant stays, Transport links | Georgian squares, grand terraces and castle views over the gardens | Trams on Princes Street; Waverley station next door |
| Leith | Food lovers, Local life, Value | Edinburgh's historic port, with waterside restaurants and pubs | Tram to the city centre in about 15 to 20 minutes |
| West End | Theatre, Couples, Quiet nights | Victorian terraces, theatres and independent shops | Trams at West End and Haymarket station |
| Stockbridge | Couples, Local life, Markets | A village feel with cafés, boutiques and a Sunday market | Buses and a 15-minute walk to Princes Street |
| Southside & Newington | Budget, Students, Nature | University streets, The Meadows and Arthur's Seat nearby | Buses; 10 to 20 minutes' walk to the Royal Mile |
1.Old Town
- First-timers
- History
- Atmosphere
Walk through Old Town: video by Wanderizm on YouTube.
The medieval heart of Edinburgh, along the Royal Mile from the castle to Holyrood Palace, with narrow closes, hidden courtyards, the Grassmarket and Victoria Street. Staying here puts the city's most famous sights outside your door.
Stay here if
- It's your first visit and you want the castle and Royal Mile on foot
- You love historic streets and atmospheric pubs
- You want to walk back from ghost tours and dinners
Skip it if
- Crowds and street noise, especially during the August festivals, would bother you
- Steep streets and stairs are a problem for you
Within a 10-minute walk
Edinburgh Castle · Royal Mile · Victoria Street · Grassmarket · St Giles' Cathedral · Palace of Holyroodhouse
2.New Town
- Shopping
- Elegant stays
- Transport links
Walk through New Town: video by Walking Through Scotland on YouTube.
A UNESCO-listed 18th-century planned town of Georgian terraces, squares and crescents, with Princes Street, George Street and the best views of the castle. It's elegant, central and slightly calmer than the Old Town.
Stay here if
- You want an elegant, central base
- Shopping and stylish bars are on your list
- You'd like the airport tram and the main station nearby
Skip it if
- You want medieval lanes outside your door
- You're on a tight budget
Within a 10-minute walk
Princes Street Gardens · George Street · St Andrew Square · Scottish National Gallery · Calton Hill · Circus Lane
3.Leith
- Food lovers
- Local life
- Value
Walk through Leith: video by Sona Wanderlust on YouTube.
Edinburgh's old port, a former town of its own with a strong local identity. The Shore's waterside restaurants and pubs, the former Royal Yacht Britannia and a creative food scene make it a great base for food lovers.
Stay here if
- Food and pubs are a big part of your trip
- You want better value and a local atmosphere
- You'd like to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia
Skip it if
- You want to walk to the castle
- It's a short first visit
Within a 10-minute walk
The Shore · Royal Yacht Britannia · Water of Leith walkway · Leith Walk · Ocean Terminal · Newhaven harbour
4.West End
- Theatre
- Couples
- Quiet nights
Walk through West End: video by Ultimate Walking Tours on YouTube.
The elegant western edge of the city centre, with Victorian terraces, the Usher Hall and the Lyceum and Traverse theatres. It's calmer than the Old Town but a short walk to Princes Street and the castle.
Stay here if
- You want a calm, elegant base close to the centre
- You have theatre or concert tickets
- You're arriving by train at Haymarket or by tram from the airport
Skip it if
- You want medieval atmosphere outside your door
- Nightlife is a priority
Within a 10-minute walk
Usher Hall · Royal Lyceum Theatre · William Street shops · Dean Village · St Mary's Cathedral · Haymarket station
5.Stockbridge
- Couples
- Local life
- Markets
Walk through Stockbridge: video by Reekie Steps on YouTube.
A charming former village by the Water of Leith, with independent shops, cafés, a Sunday market and pretty Georgian streets. Dean Village and the Royal Botanic Garden are a short walk away.
Stay here if
- You want a village atmosphere close to the centre
- You love cafés, boutiques and riverside walks
- You'd like the Sunday market and the Botanic Garden
Skip it if
- You need lots of hotel choice: most places are small
- You want the Royal Mile on your doorstep
Within a 10-minute walk
Stockbridge Market (Sundays) · Water of Leith walkway · Dean Village · Royal Botanic Garden · Circus Lane · Raeburn Place
6.Southside & Newington
- Budget
- Students
- Nature
Walk through Southside & Newington: video by Wee Walks on YouTube.
The university district south of the Old Town, with the green expanse of The Meadows, affordable guesthouses and easy access to Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park. It's lively with students in term time.
Stay here if
- You want good value close to the centre
- You'd like to climb Arthur's Seat or walk in The Meadows
- You're visiting during the festivals and want a calmer base
Skip it if
- You want elegant architecture and castle views
- You'd rather not walk 15 minutes to the main sights
Within a 10-minute walk
The Meadows · Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park · National Museum of Scotland · Summerhall · Nicolson Street · University of Edinburgh
How to choose
For a first visit, the Old Town or the New Town puts the castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street on foot. The West End and Stockbridge offer elegance and calm close to the centre, Leith suits food lovers, and the Southside is the best-value option.
Festival season
In August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the International Festival fill the city, and prices rise sharply. Book months in advance, and consider Leith, the Southside or the West End for calmer nights. Hogmanay at New Year is just as busy.
Getting around
The tram links the airport with the West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square and Leith. Waverley station, between the Old and New Towns, has trains to Glasgow, the Highlands and London.
Where to stay in Edinburgh: common questions
What is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for first-timers?
The Old Town, along or near the Royal Mile, or the New Town, around Princes Street and George Street.
Is it better to stay in the Old Town or the New Town?
The Old Town for medieval atmosphere and the castle on your doorstep. The New Town for elegance, shopping and slightly calmer evenings. They're only a few minutes apart on foot.
Where should I stay in Edinburgh during the Fringe?
Book early. The Old Town and Southside are closest to many venues, while Leith and Stockbridge offer calmer nights.
Is Leith a good place to stay?
Yes, especially for food lovers and longer stays. The tram takes you to the centre in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Where should I stay in Edinburgh on a budget?
The Southside and Leith usually offer better value than the Old and New Towns.
Areas change over time. Check recent reviews and the exact location of your hotel before you book. Hotel links may earn Walking Atlas a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring Edinburgh
The Edinburgh city guide has more 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
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