Hotels in Old Town Edinburgh

Top reasons to visit Old Town Edinburgh

• Historic Edinburgh Castle: A must-visit landmark, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland's royal history.
• Charming Streets: Wander through picturesque alleys and discover unique shops and antique stores.
• Vibrant Theatre Scene: Immerse yourself in local performances, showcasing Edinburgh's cultural flair.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Explore the rich history and architecture that brings the Old Town to life.
• Diverse Accommodation: Enjoy a range of lodging options, from quaint guesthouses to modern hotels.

Find great hotels in Old Town Edinburgh

Discover a delightful range of accommodation options in Old Town Edinburgh, from charming guesthouses to modern hotels. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly stay, a business-themed environment, or LGBTQIA-friendly hospitality, you'll find the perfect place to unwind. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, Old Town Edinburgh offers an ideal backdrop for your getaway, ensuring a memorable experience in Scotland's capital.

• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel exudes a luxurious spa-themed atmosphere perfect for families and eco-conscious travellers alike. This eco-certified 4-star hotel features a full-service spa offering an array of rejuvenating treatments, including body wraps and accessible pool facilities. Families will appreciate the dedicated amenities designed to cater to children, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests of all ages. With a focus on sustainability, this hotel is an excellent choice for those looking to unwind in a serene environment after exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh.
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: The Apex Grassmarket Hotel combines modern business amenities with an eco-friendly ethos, making it an ideal choice for corporate travellers visiting Old Town Edinburgh. This 4-star property boasts a variety of meeting rooms and a fully equipped business centre, ensuring that all your professional needs are met during your stay. The hotel's eco-certification highlights its commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious guests. The convenient location provides easy access to the vibrant Grassmarket area, filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: A welcoming 3-star hotel, the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile is perfect for pet-friendly travellers and those seeking a safe and inclusive environment. This eco-certified hotel offers amenities for pets and showcases its commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, making it a unique choice for diverse guests. Conveniently situated in Old Town, it provides easy access to the Royal Mile and other historic sites. Guests appreciate the modern comfort and friendly atmosphere, making it a delightful base for exploring Scotland’s capital.

Where to stay near Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a captivating blend of history and culture, perfect for family vacations and city explorers. Wander through its historic alleys, soak in the vibrant nightlife, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Just a stone's throw away, the New Town boasts an array of shopping and dining options, ensuring a central location for all your adventures. Experience the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered.

• Edinburgh: As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant metropolis renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Old Town Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the beating heart of the city, featuring medieval streets and iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle. The city offers a diverse range of experiences, catering to families and culture enthusiasts alike. From world-class theatre performances to bustling shopping areas, there's no shortage of activities. Visitors can explore the historic Royal Mile, enjoy local cuisine, or take in panoramic views from Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that provides a stunning backdrop to the city.
• New Town: Located just 966m from Old Town Edinburgh, New Town is a charming neighbourhood that showcases Georgian architecture and a sophisticated atmosphere. This area is perfect for families and city explorers seeking a blend of culture and leisure. The streets are lined with elegant shops, theatres, and educational venues, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls. Key attractions include the Scottish National Gallery and Princes Street Gardens, where visitors can enjoy art and beautiful landscapes. The vibrant atmosphere of New Town, especially during peak seasons in April and September, ensures a delightful experience for all.
• Tollcross: Situated 1.4km from Old Town Edinburgh, Tollcross is a lively neighbourhood celebrated for its eclectic mix of cultures and community spirit. This area attracts visitors with its family-friendly atmosphere and cultural events, making it a great destination for those looking to immerse themselves in local life. The neighbourhood boasts shopping areas, educational facilities, and entertainment venues, including an arena for various performances. Notable landmarks include the impressive Tollcross Clock and the nearby picturesque Meadows park, perfect for relaxing strolls or picnics. The vibrant character of Tollcross makes it a must-visit during your Edinburgh adventure.

Things to do in and around Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh is a vibrant destination perfect for city and culture-themed family vacations. Visitors can enjoy delightful shopping adventures, explore charming antique shops, and immerse themselves in the local theatre scene. With its rich history and lively atmosphere, Old Town Edinburgh offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Shopping

The Hub offers a delightful array of gifts and souvenirs, perfect for tourists. Nearby, Scottish Gems presents a charming shopping experience with a local flair. Don’t miss Tron Kirk, a vibrant public market where you can discover unique items amidst the lively city atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, where you can enjoy thrilling sports events. For a cultural touch, visit Queen's Hall, hosting captivating music concerts. Meadowbank Stadium also offers an energetic environment for sports enthusiasts, providing a great way to unwind and stay active.

Adventure

Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball offers an exhilarating experience with adrenaline-pumping paintball matches, located 3.2km from Old Town Edinburgh. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Midlothian Ski Centre, a ski field 1.1km away, provides thrilling skiing opportunities in a vibrant atmosphere. Bedlam Paintball, also 1.1km away, guarantees an adventurous day out.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Old Town Edinburgh. Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for thrilling arcade adventures. Enjoy a pint at Greyfriar's Bobby, a cosy pub with a romantic atmosphere, or catch a captivating show at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, perfect for families and culture lovers alike.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Town Edinburgh

To save money during your visit to Old Town Edinburgh, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices drop. Book your stay around a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for better rates, particularly on Tuesdays, the cheapest day. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Combining flights, hotels, and activities into a package deal can also lead to significant savings. Don’t forget to explore the many free attractions and use public transport to navigate the city economically.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Old Town Edinburgh are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Old Town Edinburgh is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Old Town Edinburgh is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Old Town Edinburgh is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay in Old Town Edinburgh with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a splendid blend of city and cultural experiences, making it ideal for family vacations. Visitors can explore captivating streets, fascinating museums, and vibrant tourist precincts. Key attractions include the historic Edinburgh Castle and the enchanting Old Town itself, providing a rich outdoor experience for all. Whether you're seeking history, culture, or family-friendly activities, Old Town Edinburgh promises a memorable getaway.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle boasts stunning panoramic views of the city. This historic fortress is steeped in romance and culture, showcasing Scotland's royal heritage through its impressive architecture and fascinating exhibitions, including the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.
• Royal Mile: A vibrant thoroughfare that stretches between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile buzzes with city life. Explore an array of shops, cafés, and street performers, all while soaking up the rich history that permeates this iconic street.
• St. Giles' Cathedral: Known for its distinctive crown steeple, St. Giles' Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Inside, the tranquil atmosphere invites visitors to appreciate its stunning stained glass and intricate woodwork, reflecting the cultural essence of Edinburgh.

Best time to go to Old Town Edinburgh

The best time to visit Old Town Edinburgh can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Old Town Edinburgh falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Old Town Edinburgh falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Old Town Edinburgh

Arriving in Old Town Edinburgh is convenient with Edinburgh Airport (EDI), located 11.3km away. Notable hotels nearby include the luxurious Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, The Balmoral Hotel, and InterContinental Edinburgh The George, all offering excellent access to the airport. Another option is Glasgow International Airport (GLA), situated 78.9km away, with top hotels like Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort and Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa, providing various transport services to the airport. Dundee Airport (DND) is 56.3km from Old Town, with quality accommodations such as The Hideaway Experience and Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, available for shuttle services upon request.