Where to stay when you arrive in Scotland: here’s a brief overview of the best places to stay in Edinburgh!
Scotland’s second-largest city, Edinburgh has been its capital since the 16th century. With a population of 482,640 (2012) and a surface area (259 km²) the size of the Val-de-Marne département (94), Edinburgh also has one of the highest housing ratios in Europe. So finding an apartment or hotel is easy, but you still need to know where to stay in Edinburgh.
Built on volcanic hills, Edinburgh is famous for its festival, whisky and for spearheading the Age of Enlightenment (thanks to A. Smith and D. Hume, among others). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has relatively few districts, and we advise you to consider a rather large budget for accommodation, like any major UK city. Here’s a list of the best places to stay in Edinburgh.
Old Town, the historic center
Photo credit: Flickr – Patrick Franzis
The oldest part of the city, built on a crag, the historic center is home to most of Edinburgh’s buildings of interest. The Old Town has retained its picturesque, medieval feel, with many buildings still dating from the Reformation. Stroll along the main boulevard – the Royal Mile – and you’ll find a maze of narrow streets with wide squares, markets and green spaces. In the city center, don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood, Princes Street Gardens and the National Gallery of Scotland. A very central, lively and dynamic area in which to sleep. If you’re reluctant to pay €60 or more for a night in a hotel, you’ll have to turn to youth hostels, THE alternative solution to the high cost of accommodation in Edinburgh.
Find a hotel in Edinburgh Old Town
Find an Airbnb in Edinburgh OldTown
New Town
Photo credit: Flickr – Tim Edgeler
This is the area of Edinburgh where you’ll find the chic department stores and the big fashion names: if you’re planning a day of shopping, this is the place to stay. Take the opportunity to relax on the city’s lawns: in a green setting, you’ll enjoy complete peace and quiet right in the heart of Edinburgh. With its 18th-century Georgian architecture, the district is considered one of the finest artistic achievements in the UK.
Find a hotel in Edinburgh New Town
Find an Airbnb in Edinburgh New Town
Calton Hill and Broughton
Photo credit: Flickr – Vanessa Engel
Further north, between the city center and the coast – at Leith – lies one of the city’s highest points, with its panoramic view of the castle, Arthur’s Seat – the famous 251-meter-high hill overlooking the city – and the other central districts. 143 steps will take you to the top of Monument Nelson, for a view of the National Monument. Down below, cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants will delight night owls, making this a great place to stay in Edinburgh if you love parties and nature, all within a stone’s throw of the city center.
Find a hotel in Calton Hill
Find a hotel in Broughton
Find an Airbnb in CaltonHill
Dean village, a haven of peace
Photo credit: Flickr – Gina Collecchia
Situated to the west of the city center on the banks of the Water of Leith river, this quiet area is ideal for nature walks, making you forget you’re in a European capital. The old mills have been converted into chic apartments, and many of the houses date back to the 17th century. Part of the Avengers movie was filmed here. Many Scots settle here, but note that the area is devoid of shops and pubs: choose this area for accommodation in Edinburgh if you’re traveling with the family.
Find a hotel in Dean village
Find an Airbnb in Dean village
Leith, the port of Edinburgh
Photo credit: Flickr – Hamish Irvine
Today, Leith is totally integrated into the city, but in the 18th century it was separated from Edinburgh. Today, fashionable industrial buildings are a growing attraction. Leith is the place to see the Britannia or go shopping at Ocean Terminal. You’re sure to enjoy its cafés, restaurants and the mouth of the Water of Leith river.
Find a hotel in Leith
Find an Airbnb in Leith
Main photo credit: Flickr – Andy Smith
Map of hotels and accommodation – Edinburgh,gb