Edinburgh Hotel Guide - Edinburgh Castle hotels in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Top reasons to visit Edinburgh Castle

• Historic Significance: Edinburgh Castle is a symbol of Scotland's rich history, offering insights into its royal past and military heritage.
• Stunning Views: Perched on Castle Rock, the castle provides breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh and its surrounding landscapes.
• Cultural Experiences: The castle's location offers access to vibrant art exhibitions, theatre performances, and lively festivals.
• Charming Surroundings: Explore picturesque cobbled streets, historic colleges, and engaging galleries in the nearby area.
• Diverse Accommodations: A variety of comfortable lodging options cater to all types of travellers near the castle.

Find great hotels near Edinburgh Castle

Discover a range of comfortable accommodations near Edinburgh Castle, including hotels and guesthouses tailored to meet diverse traveller needs. Whether you seek a pet-friendly stay, a gym for your fitness routine, or LGBTQIA-friendly options, you’ll find the perfect fit. Experience the charm of the Carlton Collection or unwind at the Edinburgh Haymarket and O Edinburgh City Hostel, ensuring a memorable stay in Scotland’s historic capital.

• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: Nestled 1.1km from the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a 4-star haven that seamlessly blends family-friendly accommodation with eco-conscious practices. Ideal for both leisure and business travellers, this eco-certified property boasts a range of business amenities including a Business Centre, Conference Space, and multiple Meeting Rooms. Families will appreciate the thoughtful services and facilities designed for children, ensuring a comfortable stay for all ages. With its elegant decor and commitment to sustainability, guests can enjoy a pleasant and productive experience.
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Just 322m from Edinburgh Castle, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers a chic 4-star retreat that appeals to eco-friendly and business-oriented guests alike. This property features a Business Centre and flexible Meeting Rooms, making it an excellent choice for corporate travellers. The hotel's prime location provides easy access to Edinburgh’s vibrant Grassmarket area, known for its rich history and lively atmosphere. With its modern amenities and eco-certification, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel is perfect for those seeking comfort and convenience in a sustainable environment.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: Located 805m from Edinburgh Castle, the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile is a welcoming 3-star hotel that embraces a pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-inclusive ethos. This eco-certified establishment allows pets on-site, with amenities including food and water bowls for furry companions. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in a vibrant atmosphere, while the hotel’s affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides ensures an inclusive experience. The ibis is perfect for those seeking a lively and welcoming environment, paired with modern conveniences.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Castle

Exploring the area around Edinburgh Castle offers a delightful blend of historical charm and friendly hospitality. Visitors can enjoy the majestic castle itself, with easy access to its fascinating history. The surrounding neighbourhoods boast affordable castle stays, ensuring a comfortable visit. Whether you're wandering through the cobbled streets or soaking up the family-friendly atmosphere, Edinburgh delivers an enchanting experience steeped in romance and rich heritage.

• Edinburgh: As a vibrant metropolis, Edinburgh is the proud home of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The city experiences a steady influx of visitors throughout the year, with a peak in the summer months from July to September. Travellers flock to Edinburgh for its rich cultural, family-friendly, and urban experiences. Explore the bustling shopping areas, enjoy the local theatre scene, and delve into its historical landmarks, including the charming streets and the magnificent castle. Edinburgh’s blend of modernity and tradition makes it a fascinating destination for all types of travellers.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Nestled around the historic Edinburgh Castle, Old Town Edinburgh is a captivating neighbourhood steeped in history. This area sees a rise in visitor numbers from April to July, driven by its allure for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Here, you can wander through picturesque streets brimming with shops, theatres, and educational venues. The rich tapestry of historic places and events creates a unique atmosphere, making Old Town a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Edinburgh’s heritage.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Located a mere 644m from Edinburgh Castle, the City Centre is the bustling heart of the city. It enjoys a consistent flow of visitors year-round, peaking during the summer months. Those who venture here are treated to a plethora of cultural, family, and urban experiences. The area boasts numerous shopping spots, educational institutions, and a vibrant theatre scene. With its historic streets and symbolic landmarks, Edinburgh City Centre offers an unbeatable combination of convenience and charm, making it the perfect base for your explorations.

Things to do near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers a wealth of activities and attractions nearby, including vibrant art exhibitions, captivating theatre performances, and lively festivals. While visiting, you can also explore the city's amusement parks and immerse yourself in the renowned arts festival, showcasing the creativity of Edinburgh. These experiences combine to provide a truly enriching cultural adventure during your visit to this historic landmark.

Shopping

During your visit to Edinburgh Castle, explore The Hub and Tartan Weaving Mill, both just 322m away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. Additionally, Princes Mall, located 644m away, features a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting larger shopping centres beyond the city.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, just 3.2km from Edinburgh Castle, where you can enjoy live sports events. Alternatively, visit the Queen's Hall, 1.4km away, for captivating music performances, or take a refreshing swim at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, located 1.6km from the castle.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 644m from Edinburgh Castle. For adrenaline-pumping action, enjoy paintballing at Bedlam Paintball, only 1.1km away, or Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, situated 3.2km from the castle, both offering exciting adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Experience the thrilling adventure vibes at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, just 322m from the castle. For a cosy evening, enjoy a drink at Greyfriar's Bobby, 644m away, before catching a captivating performance at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, also 322m from the historic site.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Castle

To save on your trip to Edinburgh Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to March, and book your hotel at least a month in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to filter accommodation by budget and location, and look for last-minute deals for potential discounts. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Explore free attractions in the city to maximise your experience without overspending.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Castle 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 Edinburgh Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Castle is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To uncover the most economical options and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near Edinburgh Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, including charming streets, historic colleges, and engaging galleries. The local points of interest cater to those seeking cultural enrichment, family-friendly experiences, and a taste of city life. Whether you’re wandering through the castle's storied grounds or exploring the surrounding area, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant part of Edinburgh.

• Princes Street: A bustling thoroughfare, Princes Street is known for its vibrant city atmosphere, featuring an array of shops, cafes, and stunning views of the historic Edinburgh Castle. It's the perfect spot for shopping and enjoying the local culture.
• University of Edinburgh: As one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, the University of Edinburgh boasts impressive architecture and a rich history. Wander through its picturesque campus and soak in the academic culture that has produced many notable alumni.
• Grassmarket: This lively area is known for its family-friendly vibe, outdoor dining, and charming market stalls. With its historic significance and vibrant atmosphere, Grassmarket offers a delightful experience of Edinburgh's local life and culture.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Castle

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

Flying into Edinburgh is easy with the major airport options available. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located 9.7km from Edinburgh Castle, with excellent nearby hotels such as the 5.5-star Crescent House and the 5-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, both situated 11.3km away. Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is 77.2km from the castle, offering luxurious stays like the 5-star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, just 6.4km from the airport. Dundee Airport (DND) is 39.7km away, with the 5-star Hideaway Experience located 8.0km from it. Each hotel provides convenient transport options to their respective airports, ensuring a smooth journey for your visit.