Planning a vacation in Edinburgh soon? You’re not alone; there are thousands who venture to the city every year to explore its rich cultural and historical attractions. But you’ll naturally have to book your accommodation in advance in order to avoid the last-minute rush. And that’s where finding the best areas to stay in Edinburgh is important. There are several locations in the city that keep you at the heart of the action or give you unique experiences. Let’s take a closer look at some of them below.
5 Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh on your Trip
Old Town-
It is one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh if you’re into history and culture. It’s a wonderland with its narrow and charming alleys and century-old structures. The majestic Edinburgh Castle is the highlight of the neighbourhood along with the Royal Mile, which is a street dotted with lovely pubs, souvenir stores, museums, and eateries. You can venture further onwards to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of the British royal family and the imposing Scottish Parliament.
Accommodation is not a problem; there are plenty of serviced apartments in Edinburgh city centre that you can choose nearby. The Meadows, Castle Rock, Holyrood Park, and Princess Street Gardens are all major landmarks nearby in the oldest area of the city. There’s also a Farmer’s Market here, which takes place below Edinburgh Castle while you can also explore Maison de Moggy, the first cat café in Scotland. Some other must-visits here include the Flodden Wall, Vennel Viewpoint, and Grassmarket.
New Town-
New Town is one of the Edinburgh’s best places to stay with its charming Georgian townhouses and wide avenues along with beautiful squares. Princes Street is an ideal shopping destination that also has several lovely boutiques on George Street and cocktail lounges all around. Another landmark is the Scottish National Portrait Gallery with its stunning artwork collections. It’s also the CBD (central business district) of the city, with several offices, clubs, and boutiques.
Then there’s the Fruitmarket Gallery and Collective to explore, along with the lush green Princes Street Garden that covers 37 acres in total. For a unique experience, head to the mesmerising Calton Hill with its multiple attractions like the Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson Monument, National Monument of Scotland, and the City Observatory. The views from the hill are completely worth it!
Leith-
Leith is a bustling port district where you’ll find a welcoming local community, waterfront bistros and dining options, and charming pubs in the Shore zone. Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia, the past royal residence on the ocean, complete with its apartments and a Rolls-Royce onboard! The Water of Leith Walkway and Leith Walk (home to numerous thrift stores and food outlets) are other must-visits.
You’ll also find several dining and entertainment choices here, including The Kitchin, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar aboard Fingal, Nobles, and Heron. Trinity House is another marvellous landmark which offers a glimpse into the area’s maritime history. It’s a stunning Georgian home that once had the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters. And if you’re looking for creative stimulation, visit the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop which lets you try your hand at wood carving, clay portraiture, metalwork, and more!
Haymarket-
Haymarket is one of the ultra-cool places to stay in Edinburgh, located to the west of the city centre and is home to several iconic cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You’ll love the classic Edwardian buildings lining the area and the easy access to the famous Princes Street through Shandwick Place. The Murrayfield Stadium is a local hotspot for concerts or sports, along with the Murrayfield Ice Park and the Edinburgh Zoo.
Don’t miss the Clock Tower at the junction between Clifton Terrace and Dairy Road. The latter is also where you will come across some amazing casual eateries and takeaways including Locanda de Gusti and Xiangbala.
Stockbridge-
It’s another area worth considering if you’re looking for an elegant and relaxed vibe. There are plenty of serviced apartments in Edinburgh that you’ll find in the area. Picture-perfect Victorian and Georgian homes fill the area along with posh eateries, delis, speciality and thrift stores, gastropubs, and charming cafes.
You can also visit the weekly Stockbridge Market which offers crafts, jewellery, food, and a lot more, while the Royal Botanic Garden is also known for its massive greenhouses. Circus Lane is also a beautiful zone with its quaint street lamps, flowers, cobblestone pathways, and the stunning St Stephen’s Church. If you’re into independent stores and bookshops, then St Stephen Street is the place to be.
How to Choose the Right Area
Zeroing in on the best areas to stay in Edinburgh requires you to keep a few parameters in mind. Some of them include:
- Budget– You’ll naturally want to stay in an area which has a large number of accommodation choices tailored to your desired budget.
- Availability– Many areas are more popular among tourists and have a higher number of serviced apartments and other rentals, while some are quieter. So, an area that has a larger availability of properties is always recommended.
- Connectivity– How accessible is the area in terms of public transportation and major roads? How far is it from your desired landmarks and the city centre? These are aspects that you should definitely keep in mind.
- Amenities and Attractions– From tourist landmarks and cultural centres to historical sites, restaurants, shopping hubs, bars, and waterfront promenades- there are plenty of amenities and attractions that you’ll want to cover on your trip. So, naturally, a neighbourhood at the heart of the action always works!
Concluding Notes
Some of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh are listed above for your consideration. What’s more, you can easily find serviced apartments in these locations, offering more space and privacy than hotels. They are also more affordable for extended stays and come with hotel-like services and amenities too. To find the best apartments, check out TheSqua.re for its reliable online booking platform and vast line-up of options to suit every need.
Image: Asam Wilson, Edinburgh
