Old Town Edinburgh hotels in Edinburgh

Top reasons to visit Old Town Edinburgh

• Historic Edinburgh Castle: This iconic fortress dominates the skyline and offers stunning views and rich history.
• Charming Royal Mile: Wander along this famous thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes, and historic sites.
• Cobbled Streets and Medieval Architecture: Explore the enchanting streets that showcase Edinburgh's unique architectural heritage.
• Vibrant Cultural Scene: Enjoy classical concerts, theatre performances, and numerous museums for a rich cultural experience.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: From quaint guesthouses to modern hotels, find the perfect stay for your visit.

Find great hotels in and around Old Town Edinburgh

Discover a range of accommodation options in the historic Old Town Edinburgh, from charming guesthouses to modern hotels. This vibrant area offers pet-friendly stays and LGBTQIA-welcoming environments, perfect for both leisure and business travellers. With various hotel services and top-rated establishments, you'll find the ideal base to explore Edinburgh's rich culture and history.

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket, this 4-star hotel is renowned for its eco-friendly ethos and contemporary design. With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, it caters to eco-conscious travellers and business guests alike. The hotel features modern amenities, including well-appointed rooms, a restaurant serving locally sourced dishes, and a bar with a selection of fine wines. Its location offers easy access to attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: This 3-star hotel, with a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, strikes a balance between comfort and affordability. Located near the Royal Mile, it is perfect for eco-friendly travellers with pets, allowing certain pets on-site with appropriate amenities. Guests appreciate the modern, comfortable rooms and a lively bar area that serves a range of beverages and snacks. The hotel’s proximity to popular attractions ensures you’re never far from the vibrant heart of Edinburgh.
• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: A mere 322m from Old Town Edinburgh, this 4-star hotel boasts a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. Offering a family-friendly atmosphere and a luxurious spa experience, it is ideal for those seeking relaxation after a day of sightseeing. The hotel features an indoor pool, full-service spa, and amenities tailored for children, ensuring a comfortable stay for families. Guests can unwind in elegant rooms and enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, all while being close to the city’s major attractions.

Where to stay near Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a captivating blend of history and culture, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Wander through cobbled streets lined with stunning medieval architecture, explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle, and visit the historic Royal Mile. Embrace the friendly atmosphere and indulge in family-friendly attractions, such as museums and parks. With its rich heritage and vibrant community, Old Town Edinburgh promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

• Edinburgh: As Scotland's vibrant capital, Edinburgh is a metropolis steeped in history and culture. Old Town Edinburgh is nestled within this bustling city, where visitors can marvel at its stunning medieval architecture and the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The city is accessible year-round, although the peak tourist season is from July to September, attracting culture enthusiasts and families alike. You can explore various attractions, such as the Royal Mile, and enjoy shopping in local boutiques or dining in traditional Scottish restaurants. Edinburgh's theatre scene is also thriving, making it a fantastic destination for performing arts lovers.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Located a mere 644m from Old Town, Edinburgh City Centre is the heart of the city’s bustling activity. This neighbourhood offers a rich blend of shopping areas, theatres, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal spot for families and city explorers. Travellers flock here year-round, particularly during the peak months of July to September. Within close proximity, you can visit historic landmarks and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the streets filled with shops and cafes. The city centre is a perfect starting point for those looking to delve deeper into Edinburgh’s cultural heritage.
• New Town: Situated 966m from Old Town, New Town is renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture and beautiful streets. This neighbourhood attracts visitors for its family-friendly atmosphere and cultural experiences throughout the year, with peak visits in April, July, and September. You’ll find a variety of shopping areas, theatres, and dining options that showcase local cuisine. Notable landmarks, including the stunning Scott Monument and the picturesque Princes Street Gardens, are easily accessible, making New Town a delightful area to explore and enjoy Edinburgh’s charm.

Things to do near Old Town Edinburgh

Shopping

In Old Town Edinburgh, explore the unique shops along the Royal Mile for traditional Scottish gifts. The Grassmarket offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the historic St. James Quarter, where you can find a mix of high-street brands and boutique stores.

Recreation

The Spa at the Sheraton Grand offers luxurious treatments, including massages and skincare therapies, in a tranquil environment. For relaxation, visit the picturesque Princes Street Gardens, where you can enjoy leisurely strolls and unwind amidst beautiful landscapes and historic monuments.

Adventure

At Knockhill Racing Circuit, located 29km from Old Town Edinburgh, adrenaline seekers can experience high-speed motor racing. The circuit offers thrilling events and opportunities for driving experiences, immersing visitors in a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and competition.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Old Town Edinburgh is vibrant, with lively pubs like The Banshee Labyrinth offering a unique underground vibe. For a more upscale experience, enjoy cocktails at the stylish Tigerlily. Street performances and live music add to the atmospheric charm of the cobbled streets.

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 when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance often yields the best rates, especially if you opt for a Tuesday stay, the most affordable day. Check Expedia for last-minute deals and utilise their filter options to find eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can offer significant savings. Explore free attractions, such as the Royal Mile, to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

• 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: Booking a hotel around Old Town Edinburgh about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• 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 tailor your options according to your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Old Town Edinburgh with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a rich blend of culture and city experiences, perfect for family vacations. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, wander through the historic streets, and delve into fascinating museums. The nearby New Town also provides a contrasting charm. This area is ideal for those seeking a vibrant cultural experience, making it a must-visit destination in Scotland.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of Scottish history. Explore its ancient stone walls, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and immerse yourself in the culture and romance that permeates this iconic fortress.
• Royal Mile: The Royal Mile is a vibrant thoroughfare that stretches through the heart of Old Town. With its cobbled streets lined with shops, pubs, and historic sites, it exudes a lively city atmosphere, inviting visitors to savour its unique charm and explore hidden gems.
• Grassmarket: A lively square filled with cafes and shops, Grassmarket is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere, take in the historic architecture, and relax in this vibrant area that encapsulates the spirit 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

Flying into Old Town EDInburgh is convenient, primarily via Edinburgh Airport (EDI), located 11km away. Nearby hotels iNCLude Crescent House and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, both accessible from the airport. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh is slightly closer at 10km from EDI. For those considering GLAsgow Airport (GLA), situated 79km from Old Town, notable hotels include JA Mar Hall Scotland and Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa. Alternatively, Newcastle Airport (NCL) is 138km away, with good options like Delta Hotels by Marriott Newcastle Gateshead and Copthorne Hotel Newcastle. Each airport offers various transport services to ensure a smooth journey to your accommodation.