Other areas to stay in Edinburgh
New Town
Shopping / Museums / Restaurants
Situated on the other side of the North Bridge, the New Town is another brilliant place to stay in Edinburgh if you love to shop. Most of the architecture here is from the Georgian period, including both the National Gallery of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. These two are as impressive on the outside as they are on the inside, showcasing much of Scotland’s finest artworks and holding many different exhibitions throughout the year.
Two of Edinburgh’s busiest streets, Princes Street and George Street, are here, as is the main train station, Edinburgh Waverley. As well as this, the recently-opened St James Quarter is one of the most popular places to eat, drink, and shop in the city – the shopping centre is home to a variety of designer and high street brands, plus a wonderful food court serving tasty international cuisine.
Hotels in New Town
West End
Culture / Nightlife
Edinburgh’s West End is the perfect neighbourhood for visitors looking for a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of culture. This district sits at the western end of Princes Street, Edinburgh's main shopping area. Here you’ll find a wide range of high-end stores, local boutiques, and gin shops, making it a paradise for souvenir shopping.
This neighbourhood is great for students as it’s where some of the best pubs, bars, and clubs in the city can be found. Or, if you would rather enjoy some high-brow fun, the West End is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Additionally, the postcard-worthy village of Dean is just a short walk away, where you can wander amongst cosy cottages – just don’t forget to bring your camera along!
Hotels in West End
Leith
Cafes / Shopping
A little bit further out of the city centre, to the north of the New Town, is one of Edinburgh’s most interesting areas to stay, Leith. It’s one of the best places to stay if you are looking to save some serious cash.
Historically important as the city’s port, the neighbourhood bounced back strongly after a period of industrial decline. But that’s not to say that Leith has lost its character – instead, Leith is one of the cooler parts of town.
The area is home to many independent cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, as well as some beautiful waterside pubs. On the water's edge, and linked to the town centre with frequent buses, the Ocean Terminal Mall provides a relaxed shopping and dining experience with great views of the Firth of Forth. It's also currently home to the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Hotels in Leith
Stockbridge
Royal Botanic Garden / Shopping
To the north of New Town is the area of Stockbridge, one of the most charming parts of the entire city. This is where to stay for a more chilled-out stay in Edinburgh. Stockbridge is much quieter than the main city centre and is filled with independent shops as well as being home to one of the most impressive attractions in the city, the Royal Botanic Garden.
You’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants in Stockbridge, while Circus Lane is a picturesque row of houses that has become a very famous photo spot. The only downside of staying in this area is that there are fewer hotels here, so you should book in advance to ensure you find somewhere to stay. Plus, if you want to head back into the New Town, you’ll need to be prepared to walk up a steep hill to reach it.
Hotels in Stockbridge
Haymarket
History / Architecture / Restaurants
If you want to explore more of Edinburgh’s fascinating history, but don’t want to splurge on an expensive hotel, staying in the Haymarket area is ideal. Haymarket’s hotels are significantly cheaper than those in the Old Town, though you’re easily connected to the city centre by trams and the local train station. Plus, you can walk to the New Town in around fifteen minutes.
There’s plenty to see in Haymarket, as the neighbourhood is lined with pretty Victorian and Georgian architecture. Strolling through its streets, you'll find charming buildings, cobbled lanes, and elegant townhouses.
When hunger strikes, Haymarket has got you covered. The area around Morrison Street is filled with restaurants and bars, serving everything from Scottish cuisine to international fare. You can also spend an evening in a quaint pub, as there are several places to drink and socialise nearby.
Hotels in Haymarket
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY?