Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, is a vibrant hub of culture and history with neighbourhoods suited to every type of traveller. Every area has its own charm and character, from historic landmarks to trendy cafes.
From a centrally located home base near major sites to a more diverse local focus, Edinburgh has everything in place for your needs. Below is a roundup of the nine best areas to stay in Edinburgh for a truly memorable visit.
The Royal Mile
One of the most famous streets of Edinburgh is the Royal Mile, which extends over a mile from the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it is a perfect option for those visitors who want to be in the centre of history and culture. The Royal Mile sweeps through Edinburgh from the castle down to Holyrood and is lined with shops, restaurants, pubs and historic buildings, a real Edinburgh experience.
Visitors can experience top attractions such as St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Vaults and the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The street is always busy, with buskers and festivals bringing some excitement as it does during the Edinburgh Festival. Although busy with tourists, it is full of local character with hidden doorways and little courtyards around every turn. Staying on or close to the Royal Mile is a great bet if you want a mix of history, culture and convenience.
Grassmarket
The Grassmarket area is close to the Royal Mile and has a good buzz and friendly atmosphere. This lively area was once a market square and execution site but is now home to trendy pubs, cafes, boutique shops and some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. The Grassmarket provides a very nice combination of historical and modern architecture, looking onto Edinburgh Castle towering above the square.
It is especially popular with nightlife-loving tourists but has a relaxed feel throughout the day, making it easy to stroll and soak up the scenery. This location in the middle of The Grassmarket makes for a perfect base if you want to be close and able to walk to both Edinburgh Old Town as well as areas that are a little more modern. It also holds the iconic Grassmarket Market, perfect to grab some unique souvenirs.
The West End
The West End is an elegant cosmopolitan area of Edinburgh that exudes sophistication whilst feeling relaxed. With its Georgian architecture, leafy streets and cultural highlights, it’s a great place for visitors wanting to mix beauty with tranquillity while also being close to the best of Edinburgh.
Located in the West End, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) attracts a number of business travellers. Its location is also within walking distance of Princes Street and the New Town, allowing guests to explore more commercial places.
West End sights include the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, bustling Ashton Lane and the green expanses of the Meadows. Due to great high-end boutiques, charming cafes and good restaurants, this makes it an ideal choice if you prefer a more upscale quiet stay in the city while still being very central and close to all major attractions.
The Old Town
The Old Town of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic features of the city. This iconic district is a maze of cobbled streets, hidden alleys and medieval buildings — all give tourists an idea about the old times. Iconic landmarks of the Old Town include the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket.
By staying here, you find yourself in the centre of Edinburgh’s history with some of the oldest pubs in town and traditional shops at your doorstep, along with the famous Edinburgh Vaults.
For anyone interested in history or culture, there are numerous museums, galleries and cultural sites located in this area. Though the Old Town can feel crowded and hectic, it has an undeniable charm unlike anywhere else, with its unique cafes, nightlife scene and cobblestone streets that have been told countless stories since hundreds of years ago.
Stockbridge
If you prefer to stay in a more low-key and village-y part of town but want easy access to central Edinburgh, then Stockbridge is your best bet. Located just north of the city centre, this is a lovely quiet neighbourhood perfect for those wanting to get away from it all, but not too far from the action. Stockbridge boasts a range of independent shops, trendy boutiques and traditional pubs, not to mention a picturesque riverside setting stretching along the Water of Leith.
It is home to a great range of cafes and restaurants, making it a paradise for those that love food. In addition to the Stockbridge Market, it has a weekly farmers market with local produce and artisanal food vendors. If you want somewhere quieter and more local, it is a good place to have easy access into both the city centre, as well as the Royal Botanic Garden nearby.
New Town
Edinburgh New Town is an area that shows you the elegance of Georgian architecture and nice broad streets. The New Town is a mix of both historic design and modern convenience, making it one of the top sought-after areas in Edinburgh. New Town showcases a glimpse of the high life with its designer boutiques, stylish cafes and fine dining restaurants. There is plenty of culture near Princes Street Gardens, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Scottish National Gallery.
Parts of the New Town also come alive with colourful areas, including Charlotte Square and George Street, which offer a touch of sophistication through elite shopping and high-end dining. The New Town is a great choice if you want to stay in an elegant, upscale neighbourhood close to the main sights of Edinburgh.
Leith
This rather rough and gritty port district has become one of the most exciting and eclectic areas in Edinburgh. Leith, renowned for its dynamic food culture, artistic vibe, and waterfront appeal, combines the best of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. One of the attractions in the area is Royal Yacht Britannia, where visitors can visit the former royal yacht and learn about its interesting history. Creative industries also make up a big part of Leith, with many galleries, studios and indie shops in the area.
This region is home to an abundance of excellent restaurants, where seafood reigns as king, thanks to its coastal location. Leith is a little less touristy than the rest of Edinburgh, which is good if you want something a little more local and off the beaten path. This particular city is ideal for anyone looking for a mixture of culture, art, history and great food that you can easily access from the centre.
Morningside
Morningside is a green, sedate, partly residential neighbourhood south of the town centre of Edinburgh. Morningside is popular for its Victorian architecture, green spaces and relaxed character of life, which acts as a peaceful retreat but is well positioned to access the rest of the city.
It is a favourite haunt of families and locals alike, with an excellent choice of independent shops, cafes, and pubs. In addition, it has some of the best schools and parks in Edinburgh available, creating a neighbourhood feel for those looking for somewhere quieter.
Close to Morningside is the stunning Hermitage of Braid, a nature reserve ideal for walks and hiking. If your priority is having that perfect, tranquil home base and easy access to the attractions and amenities of Edinburgh, this is definitely worth a thought.
Dean Village
Not too far from the city centre, Dean Village is a calm and charming part of town located along the Water of Leith. Dean Village This predominantly residential area, compared to other parts of Edinburgh, is almost a little secret, described by many as one of the prettiest parts of the city. Its cobblestone lanes, ivy-covered buildings and peaceful river rates provide a great respite from the urban chaos.
For those who want a good stroll, Dean Village is ideal, with the Water of Leith Walkway running right through it, providing a picturesque route to discover more of the make-up of Edinburgh. It is also the location of a modern art museum called the Dean Gallery, which has some fantastic pieces.
Far enough from the bustling city to feel as though you are in a different world, Dean Village is still just a short stroll away from many of Edinburgh’s main sites and attractions, making it the perfect quiet picturesque escape.
Choose Edinburgh Luxury Stays for your stay in Edinburgh
Be sure to include Edinburgh Luxury Stays when considering your choices for where to stay in Edinburgh for the utmost comfort, convenience, and style. Offering a range of luxury accommodation options throughout this great city, you can truly experience the high life in any of these areas.
Edinburgh Luxury Stays has the ideal accommodation for any traveller, so your stay will be as memorable as it should be. For a truly Edinburgh experience — book yours today!