Where to stay in Edinburgh: the best areas and hotels

Last Updated on July 10, 2026 by Ioana

Edinburgh quickly became one of my favorite cities in Europe. And in this article I want to share where to stay in Edinburgh.

I spent several days exploring everything from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle to Dean Village, the city’s museums, and even took a day trip into the Scottish Highlands.

Along the way, I walked through most of the neighborhoods first-time visitors consider staying in, which gave me a pretty good feel for which ones I’d actually recommend.

The good news is that Edinburgh is surprisingly compact.

You don’t need to stress too much about choosing the “perfect” location because many of the city’s top sights are within walking distance of one another.

That said, where you stay will definitely shape your trip. Some neighborhoods put you right in the middle of the historic atmosphere, while others offer better value, quieter streets, or a more local feel.

During my solo Edinburgh visit, I stayed at Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge and would happily stay there again. But after exploring the city, I realized there are really only three areas I would recommend to most first-time visitors.

If I came back tomorrow, these are exactly where I’d look for a hotel. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Old Town: Best for First-Time Visitors

If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time, this is where I’d stay.

Old Town is exactly what most people picture when they think of Edinburgh. Medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways (known as closes), and historic landmarks are packed into a relatively small area.

You’ll be within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street, The Real Mary King’s Close, and my favorite restaurants, whisky bars, and cafés.

The atmosphere is busy from morning until late evening, but that’s part of the experience. If you’re only spending two or three days in Edinburgh, I think the convenience is worth it.

If you’re following my 3-day Edinburgh itinerary, this is easily the best base because almost everything on Day 1 is within walking distance.

Many day trips from Edinburgh also leave from this area, so if you plan on doing that, it’s an advantage to stay here.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.1/10 (5,375 reviews) 
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want one of the best hotels in Edinburgh, I’d seriously consider Virgin Hotels.

Housed inside a beautifully restored historic building just a stone’s throw from Victoria Street, it combines historic character with a modern twist.

The rooms feel luxurious without being overly formal. And many overlook Edinburgh’s Old Town or offer castle views.

Its central location is hard to beat. You’re only a short walk from the best things to do in Edinburgh such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and many of the city’s best restaurants and cocktail bars.

It’s definitely one of my top Edinburgh hotels picks if your budget allows.

Motel One Edinburgh-Royal

⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.7/10 (11,128 reviews) 
💲 Budget • 👉 Check current prices here

If you want an excellent location without paying luxury hotel prices, Motel One Edinburgh Royal is a fantastic choice.

Located beside Waverley Train Station, you’ll be only a 5-minute walk from the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Castle, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.

The rooms are modern, comfortable, and stylish without trying to be flashy. It’s one of those hotels that simply gets the basics right: comfortable beds, quiet rooms, friendly staff, and consistently good value.

For most first-time visitors, I honestly think it’s one of the smartest bookings you can make.

New Town: Best for Shopping, Restaurants, and Elegant Streets

Don’t let the name fool you.

Edinburgh’s New Town is actually more than 200 years old and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Old Town.

Compared to the medieval feel of Old Town, New Town offers wide Georgian streets, beautiful squares, luxury shopping, and countless restaurants and cafés.

You’ll still be within walking distance of the castle and Royal Mile, but the atmosphere feels calmer and more refined.

If you enjoy boutique shopping, afternoon tea, and elegant architecture, I think this is a fantastic choice.

The Balmoral

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.3/10 (1,123 reviews) 
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

This is probably Edinburgh’s most iconic luxury hotel.

The Balmoral Hotel has been welcoming guests for more than a century, and its famous clock tower has become one of the city’s best-known landmarks.

Inside, you’ll find elegant rooms with plush furnishings, exceptional service, an indoor pool and spa, fine dining, and one of Scotland’s most famous afternoon teas.

The location couldn’t be better either. Sitting between Old Town and New Town, you’ll have easy access to George Street, Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Mile, and Waverley Station.

If you’re looking for a true five-star experience in the heart of Edinburgh, then this would be my first choice.

YOTEL Edinburgh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.3/10 (11,148 reviews) 
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

If you prefer contemporary design over traditional luxury, YOTEL is an excellent option.

The hotel offers sleek, modern rooms with smart layouts, making it ideal if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the city rather than relaxing at the hotel.

Its location in New Town means you’re within a short stroll of George Street’s restaurants, independent shops, and beautiful Georgian architecture, while Edinburgh’s Old Town is still easily walkable.

It’s a great balance between price, location, and comfort.

Fountainbridge: Best for Value and a Local Feel

This is where I stayed, and honestly, I’d happily stay here again.

Fountainbridge sits just outside the busiest tourist area, which means hotels are often more affordable while still being close enough to walk almost everywhere.

It took me about 15 minutes to reach Edinburgh Castle on foot, and I actually enjoyed the walk.

One of my favorite surprises about staying here was the Union Canal right behind the hotel.

Every morning I’d walk along the water watching swans glide past while locals were out running, cycling, or walking their dogs. It felt peaceful and gave me a chance to experience a quieter side of Edinburgh before heading into the busy Old Town.

Across the street are a couple of coffee shops, and I highly recommend The Coffee Cave. It’s tiny with no seating, but the coffee was excellent and there was a line every morning, which is usually a good sign.

If you’re looking for a quieter base that still gives you easy access to Edinburgh’s main attractions, I think Fountainbridge is an underrated choice.

Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.5/10 (5,118 reviews) 
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

This is where I stayed during my trip.

The hotel definitely has the playful Moxy personality. The first thing you’ll notice is the giant teddy bear relaxing in a bathtub in the lobby, which immediately sets the tone.

There isn’t a traditional reception desk either. Check-in happens at the bar, and I was given a complimentary welcome drink while waiting.

The rooms are modern, colorful, and exactly what I’d expect from Moxy. The bed was comfortable, the hotel was surprisingly quiet, and I slept really well every night.

The bathroom was on the smaller side, but it never bothered me.

What really stood out, though, was the staff. I asked if I could extend my checkout from noon until 2 p.m., expecting to pay an extra fee, but they happily accommodated my request at no additional cost.

If you collect Marriott Bonvoy points like I do, that’s another nice bonus.

Overall, I thought it offered excellent value and I’d definitely stay here again.

Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End

⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.3/10 (5,991 reviews) 
💲 Budget • 👉 Check current prices here

Another hotel I’d happily recommend in Fountainbridge is Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End.

It offers clean, modern rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a quieter atmosphere than hotels in the heart of the city.

You’ll still be within about a 15-minute walk of Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town. And you have easy access to the canal, nearby coffee shops, and several tram stops.

If you’re looking for a reliable hotel that delivers good value without sacrificing location, then it’s a solid choice.

Which area should you choose for your Edinburgh trip?

If it’s your first visit to Edinburgh, I’d stay in Old Town.

Choose New Town if you want elegant streets, shopping, and fantastic restaurants.

If you’re looking for better value without sacrificing convenience, I’d recommend Fountainbridge. That’s where I stayed, and I thought it struck a really nice balance between price, comfort, and location.

Honestly, Edinburgh isn’t a huge city. As long as you’re staying in one of these three neighborhoods, you’ll spend more time exploring the city’s rich history than sitting on buses or trams.

Whether you want to wake up in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, enjoy the elegant Georgian streets of New Town, or save a bit of money in Fountainbridge, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these areas.