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Where to Stay in Edinburgh for First-Time Visitors
Brit Arrive · Edinburgh Stay Guides
Want castle views, a kitchen for family breakfasts, or a neighbourhood where you can unwind after sightseeing? Choosing the right Edinburgh base makes the whole trip easier.
Edinburgh looks compact on a map, but hills, stairways and the position of your front door can change how a stay feels. A room close to the Royal Mile might put historic sights within easy reach; an apartment in Leith might suit evenings by the waterfront. The best choice depends on what you want to do and how much travelling you want between activities.
This guide helps you choose an area, decide what kind of accommodation to book and organise a first visit without overfilling your days.
Affiliate disclosure: Brit Arrive may earn a commission if you book through affiliate links on our accommodation guides, at no extra cost to you. Property links in this article lead to official company websites.
Where should you stay on your first Edinburgh trip?
Our starting recommendation is Old Town for historic sightseeing, or the southern part of New Town around Princes Street and St Andrew Square for a central base with convenient transport. Choose Stockbridge for a slower neighbourhood stay, Leith for waterfront dining, or Haymarket when rail and airport connections matter most.
These are editorial recommendations, rather than a ranking based on personal stays. Always check the exact address: two properties marketed as “central Edinburgh” can offer very different journeys home.
Key takeaways
- For a short first visit: prioritise location over extra facilities you will barely use.
- For families or longer trips: a kitchen and separate sleeping space may be worth more than a landmark view.
- For light sleepers: ask about the room’s position, nearby bars and street noise.
- For easier arrivals: check the actual walking route from your station or tram stop, including steps.
- For better value: compare the complete stay cost, including transport, meals, parking and any additional charges.
Best areas to stay in Edinburgh at a glance
Start with the experience you want, then narrow your search to properties that meet your practical needs.
| Area | Choose it for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town / Royal Mile | Historic atmosphere and a sightseeing-focused first visit | Hills, cobbles, steps and busy visitor streets |
| New Town | Shopping, dining and central transport connections | Some addresses are farther north than you expect; busy roads and nightlife vary by street |
| Stockbridge | Cafés, independent shops and a slower pace | More walking or bus travel to Old Town sights |
| Leith / The Shore | Waterfront meals and a distinct neighbourhood base | Allow transport time for central sightseeing |
| Haymarket / West End | Rail arrivals, airport connections and a practical city break | Less immediate Royal Mile atmosphere |
1. Old Town: for history on your doorstep
If your picture of Edinburgh includes narrow lanes, stone buildings and the Royal Mile, start here. Old Town is a natural fit for visitors who want to spend much of their first trip exploring the historic centre.
The Royal Mile links the castle end of the city with Holyrood. Grassmarket offers another Old Town setting, with places to eat and drink beneath the castle. Browse Forever Edinburgh’s Royal Mile guide to see what is around your prospective base.
Choose it if: you want to step outside and start sightseeing, especially on a two- or three-night trip.
Check before booking: whether the entrance is reached by steps, whether the building has a lift and whether the bedroom faces a busy street. A central postcode does not guarantee step-free access or a quiet night.
Practical tip: do not plan your arrival using a straight-line distance from Waverley. Check a walking route to the actual reception or apartment entrance, particularly with large suitcases.
2. New Town: for a well-connected central base
New Town brings Georgian architecture, shopping streets and a different feel from the winding Old Town. If you want a mix of sightseeing, restaurant evenings and browsing shops, it is a useful place to begin your search.
Look around Princes Street, George Street and St Andrew Square, then compare individual addresses. Being close to Princes Street or St Andrew Square can help with tram access, while streets farther north may add walking time. Explore New Town with the city’s official destination guide.
Choose it if: you want a central location that supports several kinds of city-break activity.
Check before booking: the route to your most important sights and the bedroom’s location relative to bars or main roads. New Town is not uniformly flat or quiet, and period buildings can have stairs.
3. Stockbridge: for relaxed mornings and neighbourhood exploring
Stockbridge suits visitors who want time for cafés, independent shops and unhurried walks. Its appeal is the neighbourhood experience: breakfast nearby, time to browse and a different rhythm from an attraction-heavy itinerary.
The official Stockbridge guide highlights its Georgian buildings, green spaces and local businesses. It is a good area to consider when returning to accommodation during the day is less important than enjoying your surroundings.
Choose it if: you are staying several nights and prefer to balance major sights with local exploring.
Check before booking: how you will reach Old Town and return in the evening. Consider the uphill sections of your route, especially with a pushchair or after a long day.
4. Leith and The Shore: for food and waterfront evenings
Leith offers a different Edinburgh stay from the castle-and-Royal-Mile centre. Consider it if meals out, waterfront walks and exploring another side of the city matter as much as being beside the main historic sights.
Leith Walk and The Shore are distinct locations, so read the address carefully rather than treating all of Leith as one small area. Use Forever Edinburgh’s Leith guide to explore the neighbourhood.
Choose it if: you are happy to use public transport and want a neighbourhood base beyond the historic centre.
Check before booking: the walk to your nearest tram or bus stop. The tram network serves Leith and continues to Newhaven, but your accommodation may still require a walk at either end.
For a short stay packed with Old Town attractions, weigh any room saving against the extra journeys. For a longer visit with time to explore, that same location may be a better fit.
5. Haymarket and the West End: for practical connections
If you are arriving by train at Haymarket or want access to the airport tram, this part of Edinburgh deserves a look. It can work well when your trip combines sightseeing with onward travel.
Choose it if: your priority is a straightforward arrival and a base from which to explore different parts of the city.
Check before booking: whether the property is actually close to Haymarket station. “West End” covers more than the station surroundings; measure the route from the exact address.
Compare the complete experience with Old Town: you may trade immediate historic atmosphere for a location that better suits your luggage, transport plans or chosen accommodation.
Hotel, aparthotel or serviced apartment: which should you book?
The right accommodation type depends on how you will use it. A compact hotel room can be enough for a sightseeing weekend. A longer family stay may benefit from cooking facilities, laundry access and somewhere to sit after children go to bed.
| Type | Why choose it? | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Convenient for a short stay when you expect to eat out | Room size, breakfast cost, bed configuration and reception hours |
| Aparthotel | Apartment-style facilities within a hotel-style operation | Kitchen equipment, housekeeping frequency and whether sleeping space is separate |
| Serviced apartment | Useful for more space, self-catering and longer visits | Check-in arrangements, support availability, laundry and any cleaning charges |
The terms overlap. An aparthotel studio may have the bed, seating and kitchen in one room; a serviced apartment may offer hotel-like support. Check the floor plan and service description rather than relying on the label.
Start with our Edinburgh aparthotels guide if you want cooking facilities with hotel-style convenience. For an apartment-focused search, explore our serviced apartments in Edinburgh guide.
Three places to start your accommodation search
These examples illustrate different locations and stay styles. They are a starting shortlist, not a guarantee of availability or the lowest price. Follow the official links to check your dates, occupancy and cancellation terms.
Wilde Edinburgh, Grassmarket
An option to investigate if you want an aparthotel near the historic centre. Its official website lists kitchen facilities and a Grassmarket setting at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. Compare the available layouts to see whether a studio or a larger apartment fits your group.
View Wilde Edinburgh, Grassmarket on the official website →
Staycity Aparthotels, Edinburgh, West End
Consider this for a self-catering stay on the western side of central Edinburgh. The operator lists kitchen-equipped accommodation and 24-hour reception. Check the Brandfield Street address against your planned journeys; the West End name does not mean the entrance is beside Haymarket station.
View Staycity Edinburgh West End on the official website →
Old Town Chambers, Autograph Collection
A candidate for visitors who want a Royal Mile base with a kitchen. Marriott’s official listing describes studios and larger suites, so compare the specific room category and sleeping arrangements before booking.
Getting from Edinburgh Airport and around the city
By tram: Edinburgh Trams connects the airport with Haymarket, central stops and Leith, continuing to Newhaven. The operator describes the airport-to-city-centre journey as under 35 minutes, before any walk to your accommodation. Airport travel requires the appropriate airport ticket. Check the official airport tram information and current timetables for your arrival.
By airport bus: Airlink 100 connects the airport with the city centre at Waverley Bridge. Compare its stops with your accommodation using Lothian’s official airport bus information. Allow for traffic and check service updates before travelling.
On foot: combine nearby sights, wear comfortable shoes and allow time for hills. A short distance can involve a steep climb or steps.
With a car: ask your accommodation about parking charges, height limits and access before arrival. For a city-focused break, decide whether you need a car at all; hire arrangements for a later countryside trip can be considered separately.
A flexible three-day Edinburgh plan
Use this as a starting plan, then adjust it to attraction opening days, weather and your group’s pace. Avoid booking every hour: Edinburgh rewards time spent exploring between stops.
Day 1: the castle and Old Town
Book a suitable slot for Edinburgh Castle, then leave time for the Royal Mile, side streets and a leisurely meal. The castle advises advance booking because tickets can sell out. Staying in Old Town makes it easier to return to your room between activities.
Day 2: New Town and a neighbourhood afternoon
Explore New Town, then choose a slower afternoon around Stockbridge or a viewpoint visit to Calton Hill if conditions suit. Avoid treating both as compulsory stops. A central base helps if you want a break before dinner.
Day 3: Holyrood or Leith
Choose the Palace of Holyroodhouse for royal history, checking opening dates and any closures first. Alternatively, explore Leith and plan a waterfront meal. If rain changes your plans, the National Museum of Scotland is a useful indoor option, with free general admission and charges for some special exhibitions.
What to check before booking your Edinburgh stay
- Match the address to your itinerary. Pick three places you most want to visit, then compare real routes from each property.
- Enter every guest and child’s age. Maximum occupancy is not the same as the number of separate beds.
- Confirm the bedroom arrangement. A sofa bed in the lounge may be fine for a short trip but less convenient for a week.
- Check access in detail. Ask about entrance steps, lift access to the booked room and bathroom layout if these matter to your group.
- Read the kitchen inventory. A kitchenette may offer less equipment than a full kitchen. Verify the hob, microwave, fridge and cooking utensils you need.
- Compare the final total. Include taxes or levies shown at checkout, breakfast, parking, cleaning charges, deposits and transport. Check whether any amount is payable later.
- Read cancellation and arrival terms. Note the cancellation deadline, reception hours, key collection instructions and luggage-storage arrangements.
- Check events for your travel dates. Festival periods, major events and holiday celebrations can affect both accommodation choices and the feel of the surrounding streets.
A useful way to compare value
Compare accommodation + meals + transport + additional charges for the whole trip. An apartment kitchen only saves money if you will use it; a cheaper room farther away only helps if the extra journeys suit your plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Old Town or New Town better for a first visit?
Choose Old Town if historic atmosphere and Royal Mile sightseeing are your priorities. Choose a central New Town address if you prefer a mix of shopping, dining and transport access. Compare the exact entrance and route to your planned attractions.
How many nights should I spend in Edinburgh?
Three nights is a useful starting point for a first city break, depending on your arrival and departure times. Four or five nights lets you slow down, explore more neighbourhoods or consider a day trip.
Where should families stay in Edinburgh?
Start with the accommodation layout and daily travel needs. A central aparthotel can make breaks during the day easier; a larger apartment farther out may provide more living space. Check child occupancy, separate beds, kitchen facilities and access with a pushchair.
Is Leith a good base for tourists?
It can be, especially if you want waterfront dining and are comfortable using public transport. For a very short stay focused on the Royal Mile and castle, a more central base may make your itinerary easier.
Do Edinburgh aparthotels have separate bedrooms?
Some do, while others offer studios with sleeping and living space in one room. Check the room category and floor plan. Our Edinburgh aparthotels guide is a starting point for your search.
Can I book a serviced apartment for a short Edinburgh trip?
Some providers accept short stays, but minimum nights and availability depend on the property and dates. Explore our Edinburgh serviced apartments guide, then check the provider’s booking conditions.
Do I need a car for an Edinburgh city break?
Many visitors can organise a central sightseeing trip around walking, buses and trams. Your mobility needs and wider itinerary may change that decision. If you bring a car, confirm parking and access before booking.
Find an Edinburgh stay that fits your trip
Choose your neighbourhood first, then compare the space, kitchen facilities and services you will actually use.