Top reasons to visit Edinburgh
- Historic Edinburgh Castle: Dominating the skyline, this iconic fortress offers stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland's royal history.
- Charming Old Town: Wander the cobbled streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with quaint shops and lively cafés.
- Cultural Experiences: Enjoy theatre performances and festivals that showcase Scotland's rich artistic heritage.
- Scenic Neighbourhoods: Explore picturesque areas that provide a romantic atmosphere and local charm.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a range of welcoming lodgings, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.
Find great hotels in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers a delightful selection of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to modern hotels, catering to various needs. Whether you seek a pet-friendly retreat, a business-friendly environment, or an LGBTQIA welcoming experience, you’ll find numerous options to enjoy your stay. Explore hotel reviews and discover the top hotels in Edinburgh that promise comfort and convenience, making your visit to this historic city truly memorable.
- Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers a modern and eco-conscious retreat with a 4-star rating and impressive guest reviews. This hotel is ideal for travellers seeking a sustainable stay, featuring eco-certified practices throughout. Guests can enjoy contemporary rooms with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, as well as a rooftop restaurant serving locally sourced dishes. With its proximity to the vibrant Grassmarket area, visitors will find themselves surrounded by charming shops and eateries, making it a delightful base for exploring the city.
- ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: This 3-star hotel strikes a balance between comfort and convenience, catering to both eco-friendly and pet-loving travellers. With a commendable guest rating, the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile boasts a central location just a stone's throw from the Royal Mile. The hotel welcomes pets, ensuring your furry friends can join in on the adventure. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, including a 24-hour snack bar and comfortable rooms, all while benefiting from the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious visitors.
- Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: Known for its luxurious offerings, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a 4-star gem that combines family-friendly features with a spa-inspired atmosphere. With a guest rating of 9.2, this hotel is perfect for those seeking relaxation after a day of exploring. Guests can indulge in the full spa services, which include massages and a refreshing pool, while children benefit from tailored amenities. Located near the city centre, this hotel provides easy access to Edinburgh’s historic attractions, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers a captivating blend of history and modernity, making it an ideal destination for culture-themed and family-friendly vacations. Explore the historic Edinburgh Old Town, with its cobbled streets and charming architecture, or wander through the vibrant city centre filled with friendly locals. Just a short walk away, you'll find picturesque neighbourhoods perfect for a weekend getaway, where the romantic atmosphere and rich heritage await your discovery.
- Old Town Edinburgh: Steeped in history, Old Town Edinburgh is a vibrant neighbourhood that captures the essence of Scotland's capital. With its medieval streets and stunning architecture, visitors can explore attractions like the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile. The area is perfect for those seeking a cultural experience, featuring theatres, charming shops, and educational venues. Although visitor numbers peak during the warmer months of April and June to July, the allure of its historic charm makes it a year-round destination.
- Edinburgh City Centre: As the bustling heart of the city, Edinburgh City Centre offers an eclectic mix of culture and entertainment. Home to major attractions such as the National Museum of Scotland and Princes Street Gardens, this area is a shopper's paradise with a plethora of shops and theatres. Peak visitation occurs from July to September, making it an ideal time to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're indulging in a family outing or immersing yourself in the local culture, the City Centre is a must-visit hub.
- New Town: Known for its Georgian architecture and elegant streets, New Town is a sophisticated neighbourhood that blends history with modernity. Visitors flock here for its family-friendly activities and cultural offerings, including art galleries and theatres. With shopping areas and renowned landmarks within easy reach, New Town is particularly lively in spring and summer, peaking in April, July, and September. Strolling along its picturesque streets, you’ll find a delightful mix of historic charm and contemporary flair.
Things to do near Edinburgh
Shopping
For a unique shopping experience, visit the St James Quarter, which features a mix of high-street brands and independent shops. Alternatively, explore the Grassmarket for local crafts and souvenirs, or head to the Royal Mile for traditional Scottish goods and gifts.
Recreation
The Zen Lifestyle Studio offers calming yoga sessions and holistic therapies, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Alternatively, the One Spa at the Sheraton provides luxurious treatments, a stunning rooftop hydropool, and a fully equipped gym, ideal for rejuvenating your body and mind amidst the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Adventure
Experience the thrill at Knockhill Racing Circuit, located 27km from Edinburgh. Feel the adrenaline as you watch or partake in high-speed motor racing events. The atmosphere is electric, making it a fantastic spot for motorsport enthusiasts seeking excitement and adventure.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant atmosphere at The Bongo Club, where eclectic music and art converge. For a laid-back vibe, visit The Hanging Bat on Lothian Road, renowned for its extensive craft beer selection and cosy setting.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a budget-friendly destination with numerous free attractions like the Royal Mile and Princes Street. For transport, consider using buses and trams to save money. The best time for cheaper accommodation is from January to March, with Tuesdays being the most affordable nights to stay. Book your hotel one month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia, where you can filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel with flights and activities in a package can also yield significant savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in 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 in 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 in Edinburgh is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Edinburgh is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—by selecting the Eco-certified filter, for instance, you'll uncover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay in Edinburgh with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is ideal for culture-themed, family, and city vacations, featuring a wealth of attractions such as the iconic Edinburgh Castle and vibrant streets. Visitors can enjoy a blend of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, with options like local beaches for relaxation. Whether you're keen to explore the city's rich heritage or simply enjoy the scenic beauty, Edinburgh offers something for everyone, making it a perfect getaway for tourists seeking both culture and leisure.
- Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle offers a captivating glimpse into Scotland's history. Explore its majestic architecture, hear tales of royalty and sieges, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond, all while soaking in the rich cultural and romantic atmosphere.
- Royal Mile: This historic thoroughfare stretches from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with charming shops, pubs, and street performers. The Royal Mile is alive with the bustling energy of city life, making it a perfect place to experience Edinburgh’s vibrant culture and history.
- Grassmarket: A lively and picturesque square, Grassmarket is known for its outdoor cafes and shops. This family-friendly area is steeped in history, offering a delightful blend of local charm and scenic views, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a relaxed meal.
Best time to go to Edinburgh
The best time to visit Edinburgh is dependent 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 slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Edinburgh
Flying into EDInburgh is convenient with its primary airport, Edinburgh Airport (EDI), situated 11km from the city centre. Notable hotels nearby iNCLude the 5.5-star Crescent House and the 5-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, both easily accessible from the airport. Additionally, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is located 10km from EDI. For those considering alternative airports, GLAsgow International Airport (GLA) is 77km away, with excellent hotel options like the 5-star JA Mar Hall Scotland and the Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa. Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is further afield at 138km, featuring hotels such as the 4-star Delta Hotels by Marriott Newcastle Gateshead.