Edinburgh Edinburgh Zoo Hotels

Top reasons to visit Edinburgh Zoo

• Diverse Animal Encounters: Edinburgh Zoo is home to a wide range of exotic animals, providing unique opportunities for close-up interactions.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: The zoo features adventure playgrounds and engaging activities suitable for visitors of all ages.
• Historic Nearby Landmarks: Explore iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, enriching your cultural experience.
• Varied Accommodation Options: Visitors can choose from a range of welcoming places to stay, catering to all budgets and preferences.
• Scenic Walking Paths: Enjoy leisurely strolls through beautiful landscaped areas within the zoo and its surroundings.

Find great hotels near Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo offers a variety of accommodation options to cater to every traveller's needs, from comfortable hotels to welcoming guesthouses. Many establishments are LGBTQIA-friendly and pet-friendly, ensuring a delightful stay for everyone. You can find accessible rooms and parking facilities for guests with mobility requirements. Whether you prefer a bustling city hostel or a serene retreat, Edinburgh has the perfect lodging to enhance your zoo adventure.

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Nestled in the vibrant Grassmarket area, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel is a 4-star eco-certified gem, perfect for environmentally conscious travellers and business visitors alike. With its stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, this hotel seamlessly blends comfort and sustainability. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, including spacious rooms with thoughtful design, an on-site restaurant focusing on local produce, and excellent meeting facilities. Its proximity of 4.8km from Edinburgh Zoo makes it a convenient choice for families and those looking to explore the city's attractions.
• Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket: Located just 3.2km from Edinburgh Zoo, the Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket offers a sophisticated and eco-friendly retreat for both leisure and business travellers. This 4-star hotel boasts contemporary rooms equipped with all essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can relish a delightful dining experience at the on-site restaurant or unwind in the stylish bar. With its focus on sustainability and superior service, this hotel provides a refreshing base to explore Edinburgh's rich history and culture while ensuring a responsible travel experience.
• YOTEL Edinburgh: YOTEL Edinburgh is a modern 4-star hotel that combines innovative technology with comfort, located 4.8km from Edinburgh Zoo. Ideal for tech-savvy travellers, this hotel features smart rooms equipped with Smart TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring guests stay connected. The property offers a variety of dining options, including a daily restaurant and bar, along with a hearty breakfast. Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour fitness facilities, and with its central location, YOTEL provides easy access to the city's vibrant attractions, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Zoo

Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo are treated to a delightful blend of historical charm and warm, friendly atmospheres. Explore the nearby attractions such as the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the picturesque Royal Mile, perfect for family-friendly outings. Enjoy comfortable accommodations that cater to all budgets, ideal for affordable city breaks in Scotland. Don't miss the chance to wander through the ancient universities, where history and culture come alive, creating an enchanting experience for every traveller.

• Edinburgh: A vibrant metropolis, Edinburgh is home to the renowned Edinburgh Zoo, making it a perfect base for your adventure. This city thrives year-round, with peak visitor numbers from July to September, drawing those seeking cultural, family, and city-themed experiences. Explore extensive shopping areas, educational institutions, and entertainment venues. Don't miss the historic landmarks, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which offers a glimpse into the city's storied past.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Situated approximately 4.8km from Edinburgh Zoo, Old Town Edinburgh enchants visitors with its medieval charm and rich history. The area enjoys a steady stream of tourists, particularly from April to July. Known for its cultural and city-themed attractions, Old Town boasts an array of shopping areas and theatres. Stroll along the cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere, with landmarks like the Royal Mile and St Giles' Cathedral offering unforgettable sights.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Also located around 4.8km from Edinburgh Zoo, the City Centre is the bustling heart of the capital. Visitors flock here from July to September, eager to experience its cultural, family-friendly, and city-themed offerings. The area is brimming with vibrant shopping districts, theatres, and entertainment facilities. Be sure to explore the historic streets and significant venues, like the Usher Hall, which hosts numerous events and concerts, making it a cultural hub of the city.

Things to do near Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo offers a variety of activities for all ages, including adventure playgrounds for children and plenty of walking paths for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll. Adventure seekers can explore nearby golf courses and other entertainment options in the vicinity, ensuring a fun-filled day out in this vibrant area of Edinburgh.

Shopping

Edinburgh Zoo offers delightful shopping options nearby. Gyle Shopping Centre, located 3.2km away, boasts a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. Similarly, FountainPark, also 3.2km from the zoo, features family-friendly shopping. Tartan Weaving Mill, just 4.8km away, showcases local craftsmanship and charm.

Recreation

Discover the vibrant atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, located a mile from Edinburgh Zoo, where you can immerse yourself in sports excitement. Enjoy a round of golf at Bruntsfield Links Golf Course, two miles away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery, or experience the energy of Tynecastle Stadium, also two miles from the zoo.

Adventure

For an exhilarating adventure, visit Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, located 1.6km from the zoo, where you'll engage in thrilling paintball battles. Alternatively, Bedlam Paintball, 4.8km away, offers high-energy gameplay in a vibrant setting. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, 8.0km distant, provides fantastic skiing opportunities.

Nightlife

After a day at Edinburgh Zoo, catch a performance at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, just 4.8km away, for a touch of culture. Alternatively, enjoy a film at Dominion Cinema or Cineworld Edinburgh, both nearby, perfect for family entertainment and a romantic evening out.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Zoo

To save on your visit to Edinburgh Zoo, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can also net you better deals, especially if you book on a Tuesday, the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia for last-minute deals and to refine your accommodation choices based on budget and eco-friendly options. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities for significant savings. For public transport, take advantage of the local bus services which are affordable and efficient to get around the city.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Zoo 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: Book your hotel around Edinburgh Zoo about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Zoo is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available for booking. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay near Edinburgh Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Zoo

When visiting Edinburgh Zoo, you can explore a variety of attractions that appeal to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Nearby, you’ll find charming streets, historic castles, and lively entertainment venues, offering a delightful mix of experiences. Whether you're keen on immersing yourself in the local culture or enjoying family-friendly activities, the area surrounding the zoo provides plenty of options to enrich your visit.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience. Explore centuries of history, from the Crown Jewels to the Stone of Destiny, all within a romantic setting that showcases Scotland's heritage.
• Princes Street: Renowned for its stunning skyline views, Princes Street is the heartbeat of Edinburgh's shopping scene. Enjoy bustling city vibes as you wander past an array of shops, cafés, and the iconic Scott Monument, perfect for a lively urban experience.
• Grassmarket: A lively historic market square, Grassmarket exudes outdoor charm and family-friendly vibes. Discover delightful eateries, quirky shops, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Zoo

The best time to visit Edinburgh Zoo 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 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 Zoo

EDInburgh Zoo is conveniently accessible via Edinburgh Airport (EDI), located 6.4km away. Notable hotels near EDI include the luxurious Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG, and Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, all within 11.3km. For those considering GLAsgow Airport (GLA), situated 72.4km from the zoo, the Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa and JA Mar Hall Scotland are excellent nearby options. Lastly, Dundee Airport (DND), 57.9km away, offers The Hideaway Experience and Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa as comfortable stays. Each airport provides various transportation services to ensure a seamless journey to your Edinburgh adventure.