Hotels in Edinburgh

Book your cheap hotel in Edinburgh

Miguel Magdalena

Verified by Miguel Magdalena
from the blog Tintineando

Scotland’s ancient capital, Edinburgh, or ‘Auld Reekie’ as it’s affectionately known, is built on seven majestic hills. Dominated by its imposing castle, Edinburgh’s regal architecture, centuries of history, varied nightlife and proximity to the rest of Scotland’s sights attract tourists from all over the world.

Visitors to Edinburgh can expect a warm Scottish welcome and a wide range of accommodation, from swanky boutique hotels in gorgeous period buildings to fun party hostels popular with younger travellers. Its compact size and good transport links make it ideal for budget travel, with a good range of cheap hotels within easy reach of the Old Town.

Neighbourhoods of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is divided into two main neighbourhoods: the Old and the New Towns, which are separated by the Princes Street Gardens. Both offer a range of cheap accommodation options. The Old Town is clustered around Edinburgh Castle and the city’s main sights are concentrated in its historic maze-like streets, so it’s ideal for first-timers. If it’s nightlife and restaurants you’re after, the New Town (which isn’t as new as the name suggests – there’s a lot of history here too!) is a safe bet. Another interesting neighbourhood is Edinburgh’s up-and-coming port area, Leith, whose waterside streets are home to an array of Michelin-starred eateries and affordable hotels.

What to see and do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh enthrals visitors with its dazzling architecture and centuries of history. The imposing Edinburgh Castle dominates the Old Town and makes for a fitting first stop on any itinerary. From there, walk down the Royal Mile and run the gauntlet of what the city has to offer – the Grassmarket, the atmospheric Greyfriars Kirkyard, the photogenic Victoria Street, the National Museum of Scotland and finally Holyrood Palace, once inhabited by Mary Queen of Scots. Next up, the New Town. Take a hike up Calton Hill to wander among its opulent monuments and enjoy the rather Instagrammable view over the city. Check out the shops on Princes Street, take a stroll through its eponymous gardens, soak in the art at the Scottish National Gallery and then wander into the bucolic Dean Village.

What to eat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the place to sample quality fresh produce from all over Scotland – smoked salmon, seafood, and fine whiskies. You can’t come to Scotland and not try haggis – don’t ask what’s in it, just enjoy its peppery goodness along with some neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), all washed down with a dram.

Whisky lovers will be in their element here – you’ll find a fine selection of malts in almost any bar. If you’re keen to learn more about Scotland’s national tipple, the Scotch Whisky Experience, located right next to the Castle, is well worth a visit.

The Scots are famous for their sweet tooth too – don’t forget to buy some tablet or some Tunnock’s caramel wafers to take home with you. And finally, dare we mention the deep fried Mars bar?

Typical events and festivals in Edinburgh

No guide to Edinburgh would be complete without mentioning the Fringe – the world’s biggest arts festival. During the Fringe Festival, the city fills with performers and there are shows on every corner – a theatre lover’s dream! Hotels fill up fast, though, so to book a cheap hotel, you need to plan well in advance.

Hogmanay (New Year) is also a big deal in Edinburgh – in fact, it’s one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations on the planet. Expect spectacular fireworks, street parties, live music, torchlit processions and a good old singalong of Auld Lang’s Syne – all topped off by a hungover fancy-dress dip in the sea the next morning, if you’re brave enough!

If you’re here on 25 January, make sure you attend a Burns Night supper, held to celebrate Scotland’s favourite poet, Robert Burns. Bagpipes, poetry, haggis and whisky galore.

How to move around in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a very walkable city, but there has a modern tram system that will whisk you around the city, with stops close to most of the main attractions and, rather handily, the airport. There’s also an extensive bus network. Trains leave for destinations all over Scotland from Waverley train station. Tickets are available for purchase right here on our website – or if you’re planning a road trip, talk to us about hiring a car.

The climate in Edinburgh

As with anywhere in the British Isles, summer is probably the best time to visit Edinburgh – the weather is quite changeable all year round, so it’s definitely best to pack accordingly – think layers! Don’t rule out visiting in winter though, many of the attractions are indoors and there are plenty of cosy cafés and traditional pubs to take refuge in.

More interesting facts about and sights in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a literary city: Harry Potter fans flock to The Elephant House café, where JK Rowling spent many an afternoon writing about the pursuits of the boy wizard.

Love to be spooked? History-steeped Edinburgh is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the UK – a ghostly bagpiper is just one of the famous ghouls said to inhabit its winding streets. Dare to take a guided ghost tour?

People forget that Edinburgh is right by the sea – check out the beach at Portobello or hop on a train to North Berwick or Aberdour for some brisk sea air and a spot of fish and chips – the British seaside at its best.

Edinburgh today 11°C
11°C | 7°C

In Edinburgh we will have light rain, warm clothing is recommended.

    • Tuesday
    • 11°C | 7°C
    • Wednesday
    • 8°C | 5°C
    • Thursday
    • 11°C | 5°C
    • Friday
    • 8°C | 4°C

664 Accommodations in Edinburgh

Filters

Filters
Property type
Stars
Native Edinburgh

Native Edinburgh

1.2 km from city centre
from87
Hotel Kimpton Charlotte Square

Hotel Kimpton Charlotte Square

1.2 km from city centre Excellent location
from121
Hotel The Balmoral

Hotel The Balmoral

357 m from city centre Excellent location
from206
Hotel The Bonham

Hotel The Bonham

1.8 km from city centre Excellent location
from90

Frequently asked questions about Hotels in Edinburgh

The most centrally located hotels in Edinburgh with the best ratings are: Hotel 21212, Hotel Intercontinental Edinburgh The George and Hotel The Balmoral.

It depends on the category of the hotel. If you want to stay at a 4-star hotel in Edinburgh, the average price per night is 74 , while you will pay an average of 51 for a 3-star hotel, and in a more luxurious 5-star hotel, you'll pay around 100 .

Hotel Doubletree By Hilton Edinburgh Airport is the closest one to Edinburgh.

You can make reservations at Hotel Prestonfield House, Hotel Kimpton Charlotte Square and Hotel The Balmoral if you"re looking for a hotel with valet service for your visit to Edinburgh.

If you need a hotel with disabled access in Edinburgh, we recommend Hotel Prestonfield House, Hotel Kimpton Charlotte Square and Hotel The Balmoral.

If you want an adult-only hotel in Edinburgh, some of the best options for adults only are The Hostel, Residence Portsburgh Court Campus Accommodation and Hotel The Ben Doran.

According to our clients, if you´re travelling with children, the best hotels in Edinburgh are Hotel Apex City Of Edinburgh, Residence Hapimag Resort Edinburgh and Hotel The Bonham.

If you want to save time, the hotels in Edinburgh with express check-in and check-out are Hotel Kimpton Charlotte Square, Hotel The Balmoral and Hotel Radisson Blu Edinburgh City Centre.

Some of the options for hotels with non-smoking rooms in Edinburgh are The Knight Residence By Mansley Serviced Apartments, Hotel 21212 and Hotel Six Brunton Place Guest House.