Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh
Updated 1 August 2026 · 16 real hotels
Edinburgh Old Town is one of the most atmospheric and well-located areas to stay in the city, placing guests within walking distance of the Castle, the Royal Mile, and major cultural landmarks. It suits history lovers, first-time visitors, couples, and anyone who wants to be at the heart of Edinburgh without relying on public transport. The area is lively, especially during festival season, so light sleepers should factor that in.
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Staying in Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh Old Town is the medieval core of the city, built along the dramatic ridge that runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The area is defined by the Royal Mile, a sequence of historic streets lined with closes, wynds, museums, pubs, and independent shops. Staying here means waking up surrounded by centuries of Scottish history, with landmarks like Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Grassmarket, and Victoria Street all reachable on foot. The architecture is striking, the streets are hilly, and the general atmosphere is busy but genuinely characterful.
The Old Town works well for a wide range of travellers. First-time visitors to Edinburgh benefit most from being here, since the density of sights is hard to beat. Couples find the cobbled streets and candlelit restaurants appealing, and solo travellers appreciate the walkability. Families can manage too, though the steep terrain and crowds at peak times are worth keeping in mind. Edinburgh Waverley railway station sits at the northern edge of the Old Town, giving easy access to intercity trains, while bus connections to the airport and other neighbourhoods are straightforward. Rates in this area reflect the central location and high demand, particularly during the Edinburgh Festival in August, when booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile ★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.2 | 207 €/nuit |
| The Inn Place ★★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.4 | 222 €/nuit |
| Stay Central ★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.2 | 246 €/nuit |
| Destiny Scotland George IV Apartments ★★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.8 | 248 €/nuit |
| NYX Hotel Edinburgh by Leonardo Hotels ★★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4 | 259 €/nuit |
| Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre ★★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.6 | 268 €/nuit |
| Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh ★★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.5 | 276 €/nuit |
| Motel One Edinburgh-Royal ★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.5 | 280 €/nuit |
| Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel ★★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.6 | 285 €/nuit |
| Grassmarket hotel ★★★★ | Vieille ville d’Édimbourg | ★ 4.3 | 286 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
What is it like to stay in Edinburgh Old Town?+
Staying in Edinburgh Old Town means being immersed in the historic heart of the city. The streets are cobbled and often steep, the buildings are tall and centuries old, and there is a constant mix of locals, students, and tourists. The area is lively during the day and into the evening, with a strong concentration of restaurants, pubs, and cultural venues. It is not a quiet residential neighbourhood, so guests who prefer calm surroundings may want to consider that, especially during festival season in August.
Which hotels are available in Edinburgh Old Town and what do they cost?+
The Old Town has hotels across several categories. Budget-conscious travellers can consider the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge on the Royal Mile from around 207 € per night, rated 4.2 out of 5. Mid-range options include The Inn Place at 222 € per night (4.4/5), the NYX Hotel Edinburgh by Leonardo Hotels at 259 € per night (4/5), and the Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh City Centre at 268 € per night (4.6/5). For a higher-end stay, the Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh is available from 276 € per night (4.5/5), the Grassmarket Hotel from 286 € per night (4.3/5), and the Market Street Hotel from 329 € per night, which holds an outstanding 4.9 out of 5 rating. At the luxury end, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is priced from 447 € per night with a 4.7 out of 5 score.
Is Edinburgh Old Town well connected to the rest of the city?+
Yes. Edinburgh Waverley station, one of the city's two main rail terminals, is located at the northern boundary of the Old Town and serves intercity routes to Glasgow, London, and beyond. The Lothian Buses network covers the Old Town extensively, with stops along the Royal Mile and at the Grassmarket. Trams connect the city centre to Edinburgh Airport, with the nearest stops a short walk or bus ride from most Old Town hotels. The area is also very walkable internally, with most major sights accessible on foot.
When is the best time to book a hotel in Edinburgh Old Town?+
Edinburgh Old Town is busy year-round, but demand peaks sharply in August during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and other associated festivals, when prices rise significantly and availability drops early. Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year celebration centred on the city centre in late December, is another high-demand period. Spring and early autumn offer a reasonable balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and more competitive rates. Whatever the season, booking in advance is advisable, particularly for the most well-rated properties like the Market Street Hotel or Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
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