Edinburgh Hotel Guide. Hotels in Old Town Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Top reasons to visit Old Town Edinburgh

• Historic Royal Mile: Stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, where history comes alive through charming alleys and stunning architecture.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience Edinburgh's rich heritage with fascinating museums and vibrant local theatre performances.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of attractions and parks perfect for families, ensuring fun for all ages.
• Unique Shopping Opportunities: Discover an array of shops and boutiques that showcase local crafts and Scottish goods.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from elegant hotels to cosy guesthouses, catering to every traveler's needs.

Find great hotels in Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a diverse selection of accommodations, from elegant hotels to cosy guesthouses, catering to all types of travellers. Whether you seek a business-friendly environment, a pet-friendly stay, or an LGBTQIA welcoming atmosphere, you'll find options that meet your needs. Enjoy amenities such as gyms and convenient access to the city's attractions, ensuring a memorable visit to this historic and vibrant area.

• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a 4-star haven that caters to business and family travellers alike. Its eco-certified status makes it a prime choice for those seeking sustainable accommodations without sacrificing comfort. The hotel features a well-equipped business centre, multiple meeting rooms, and conference space, ensuring a seamless experience for corporate guests. Families are also well cared for, with dedicated amenities and services for children. With its elegant design and commitment to environmental responsibility, this hotel provides a perfect blend of style and functionality.
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: The Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers a stylish stay in Old Town Edinburgh, boasting a 4-star rating and a distinct business-friendly atmosphere. This eco-certified property is ideal for environmentally-conscious travellers, providing multiple meeting rooms and a comprehensive business centre to facilitate work-related needs. Its prime location allows guests to explore the vibrant Grassmarket area, known for its historic charm and lively atmosphere. The hotel combines modern comforts with sustainable practices, ensuring a welcoming retreat for those balancing business and leisure in the heart of the city.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: The ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile is a charming 3-star option that welcomes all, including pets and LGBTQIA travellers. Located in Old Town Edinburgh, this eco-certified hotel embodies inclusivity and comfort. With its pet-friendly policy, guests can enjoy their stay without leaving their furry friends behind, thanks to amenities like food and water bowls. The hotel’s affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides highlights its commitment to a welcoming environment. Moreover, its prime location near the Royal Mile makes it a fantastic base for exploring Edinburgh's rich history and culture.

Where to stay near Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a rich tapestry of history and culture, perfect for any traveller. Explore the iconic Royal Mile, with its charming back alleys, and visit Stockbridge for a taste of local life. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through beautiful parks or venture to Berwick-upon-Tweed for a delightful day trip. This vibrant neighbourhood is ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, providing a friendly atmosphere steeped in Scottish heritage.

• Edinburgh: As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant hub rich in history and culture. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nestled within the city, offering visitors a chance to explore medieval streets, historic landmarks, and a lively atmosphere. The city attracts a steady flow of visitors year-round, with peaks in April, July, and September. Must-visit attractions include the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and numerous theatres. Whether you're indulging in local cuisine, shopping, or experiencing cultural events, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable city-themed experience.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Located a mere 644m from Old Town, Edinburgh City Centre is the bustling heart of the city, famed for its blend of modern and historic sights. The area experiences a surge in visitors during the summer months, particularly from July to September. Here, you’ll find a vibrant shopping scene, excellent educational institutions, and an array of theatres showcasing local talent. Notable highlights include the stunning Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish National Gallery, making it an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts and families alike.
• New Town: Just 966m from Old Town, New Town is known for its elegant Georgian architecture and a refined atmosphere. This neighbourhood is popular among families and culture aficionados, attracting visitors throughout the year, with peaks in April, July, and September. Visitors can enjoy a delightful shopping experience along George Street, explore the beautiful St. Andrew Square, or attend events at the Usher Hall. The blend of historic charm and contemporary amenities makes New Town a delightful area to explore during your stay in Edinburgh.

Things to do in and around Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a delightful blend of culture, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy beautiful walks through historic streets, explore nearby attractions within walking distance, and immerse themselves in the local theatre scene. With its vibrant atmosphere and rich heritage, Old Town is perfect for those seeking a city-themed escape filled with educational experiences and unique shopping opportunities.

Shopping

In Old Town Edinburgh, visit The Hub for unique gifts and souvenirs. Scottish Gems offers a charming shopping experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. Don't miss Tron Kirk, a lively public market perfect for discovering local crafts and delicacies amidst the bustling city vibes.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, located 3.2km from Old Town, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Queen's Hall, 1.1km away, provides cultural entertainment with its stunning music performances. For family-friendly fun, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, just 1.4km from the Old Town, features excellent swimming facilities.

Adventure

The Midlothian Ski Centre, located 1.1km from Old Town Edinburgh, offers thrilling skiing opportunities amid stunning landscapes. For a rush of adrenaline, visit Bedlam Paintball, also 1.1km away, where you can engage in exciting paintball battles. For more action, Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball awaits 3.2km away.

Nightlife

In Old Town Edinburgh, experience the vibrant atmosphere at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for adventure fun. Enjoy a romantic drink at Greyfriar's Bobby, and immerse yourself in culture and entertainment at the Royal Lyceum Theatre for a perfect night out.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Town Edinburgh

To save money on your trip to Old Town Edinburgh, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can lead to significant savings. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia’s filters to find affordable, eco-certified hotels and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Lastly, explore Edinburgh’s free attractions to enhance your experience without stretching your budget.

• 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation in Old Town Edinburgh with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a rich blend of city, culture, and family experiences. Visitors can wander its charming streets, explore fascinating museums, and discover the vibrant tourist precinct. This historic area caters to travellers seeking cultural immersion and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the essence of Edinburgh while creating lasting memories.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history, explore the Crown Jewels, and experience the captivating atmosphere that echoes tales of romance and culture.
• Royal Mile: A bustling thoroughfare that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is lined with charming shops, street performers, and historic sites. Experience the vibrant city vibes as you wander through this iconic street, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
• Grassmarket: A lively square known for its outdoor markets, cafes, and pubs, Grassmarket is perfect for families. Enjoy the bustling outdoor vibes, where you can relax, shop for local crafts, and indulge in delicious food while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding architecture.

Best time to go to Old Town Edinburgh

The best time to visit Old Town Edinburgh is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

When planning your visit to Old Town Edinburgh, you have three major airports to consider. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is situated 11.3km away, with nearby accommodations such as the 5.5-star Crescent House and the luxurious 5-star Balmoral Hotel. Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is 78.9km from Old Town, with excellent hotel options like the 5-star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, located 6.4km from the airport. Lastly, Dundee Airport (DND), located 56.3km away, features hotels such as the 5-star Hideaway Experience, just 8.0km from the airport. Each airport offers various transport services to facilitate your journey to Old Town Edinburgh.