Search Hotels in Old Town Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Top reasons to visit Old Town Edinburgh

• Rich History: Wander through ancient streets and marvel at the stunning architecture that narrates the city's vibrant past.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in diverse cultural activities, from fascinating museums to theatre performances.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for families.
• Welcoming Accommodation: Discover an array of hotels and guesthouses catering to diverse needs, providing comfort and accessibility.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Experience the lively spirit of Old Town with friendly locals and bustling shopping areas.

Find great hotels in Old Town Edinburgh

Experience a delightful stay in Old Town Edinburgh, where a range of hotels and guesthouses cater to every traveller's needs. From pet-friendly accommodations to inclusive options for the LGBTQIA community, you'll find welcoming spaces that prioritise comfort and accessibility. With essential amenities such as gyms, access rooms, and accessible hotels, your visit promises both convenience and relaxation in the heart of this historic city.

• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel exudes a serene spa-themed ambiance, ideal for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. This eco-certified 4-star hotel is perfect for families and eco-conscious travellers alike. The property features a comprehensive spa with a pool, sauna, and treatment rooms, ensuring a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration. With amenities tailored for children, it caters to families looking for a comfortable and engaging stay. Guests appreciate the harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability, making this hotel a top choice for wellness-focused vacations.
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: The Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers a dynamic business-centric atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for corporate travellers visiting Old Town Edinburgh. This eco-certified 4-star hotel is equipped with multiple meeting rooms and a dedicated business centre, ensuring a seamless experience for business events. Its enviable location provides stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, adding a touch of charm to your business trip. Guests commend the hotel's modern facilities and attentive service, which create a productive yet comfortable environment for both work and leisure.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: The ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile is a welcoming 3-star hotel with a distinctive LGBTQIA-friendly and pet-friendly ethos. Situated in the vibrant Old Town, this eco-certified property embraces inclusivity and warmth, making it a delightful choice for all travellers. With amenities including pet restrictions and complimentary food and water bowls, it caters to guests with furry companions. The hotel's modern design and convenient location near key attractions make it an appealing base for exploring Edinburgh, while its commitment to sustainability resonates with eco-conscious visitors.

Where to stay near Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a captivating blend of history and culture, perfect for family vacations and architecture enthusiasts alike. Wander through ancient streets, marvel at stunning architecture, and immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage. With friendly locals and a vibrant atmosphere, you'll find a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. Explore nearby attractions that enhance your experience of this remarkable neighbourhood, making your stay truly unforgettable.

• Edinburgh: As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and culture. Old Town Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases medieval streets and historic landmarks, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts and families alike. The city is vibrant year-round, with peak visitor numbers in April, July, and September. Popular activities include exploring the Royal Mile, visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle, and enjoying theatre performances. Edinburgh's blend of historic and contemporary attractions ensures a diverse travel experience, from bustling shopping areas to educational venues.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Just 644m from Old Town, Edinburgh City Centre is the heart of the capital. This neighbourhood attracts visitors year-round, especially during the summer months from July to September. Known for its cultural offerings, the City Centre is packed with shopping areas, theatres, and educational institutions. You can stroll along Princes Street, admire the historic architecture, or visit significant landmarks like the Scott Monument. With its lively atmosphere, the City Centre is perfect for families and culture lovers seeking a vibrant urban experience.
• New Town: Located 966m from Old Town, New Town is renowned for its Georgian architecture and elegant streets. This neighbourhood welcomes a steady flow of visitors, peaking in April, July, and September. New Town offers an array of shopping opportunities, theatres, and educational venues, making it ideal for family outings and city-themed adventures. Highlights include the stunning St Andrew Square and the bustling George Street, where you can enjoy a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. New Town provides a sophisticated yet accessible experience for all travellers.

Things to do in and around Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore vibrant shopping areas, enjoy educational attractions, and catch a show at the theatre. For those seeking a thrill, there are plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities nearby. Most attractions are within walking distance, and you can enhance your visit with an informative audio tour to discover the rich history of this iconic city.

Shopping

In the heart of Old Town Edinburgh, The Hub offers unique gifts, while Scottish Gems showcases local craftsmanship in a vibrant shopping centre. For a lively atmosphere, visit Tron Kirk, a bustling public market perfect for finding distinctive souvenirs and enjoying the city's charm.

Recreation

Experience the thrilling atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, where you can soak in the excitement of live sports. Enjoy a musical evening at the Queen's Hall, surrounded by vibrant entertainment. For a refreshing swim and family fun, the Royal Commonwealth Pool offers a fantastic aquatic experience.

Adventure

At the Midlothian Ski Centre, a thrilling ski experience awaits, located 1.1km from Old Town Edinburgh. For adrenaline seekers, Bedlam Paintball offers exhilarating paintball battles, also 1.1km away. Alternatively, Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, situated 3.2km from the centre, promises exciting action and adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Old Town Edinburgh at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for thrilling adventures, then unwind at Greyfriar's Bobby for a cosy drink with romantic vibes. For a cultured evening, enjoy a performance at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, perfect for families and couples alike.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Town Edinburgh

To save money on your visit to Old Town Edinburgh, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, particularly on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly options and eco-certified hotels. Look for last-minute deals for spontaneous trips and consider booking a package that combines flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Additionally, take advantage of free attractions, such as walking tours and parks, to enjoy the city's charm without spending much.

• 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 preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking in Old Town Edinburgh with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh offers a delightful blend of cultural, city-themed, and family-friendly experiences, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Visitors can explore an array of attractions, including vibrant streets, fascinating museums, and popular tourist precincts, all catering to those seeking a rich cultural experience. Whether you're travelling with family or simply looking to immerse yourself in the city's history, Old Town Edinburgh has something for everyone.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Explore its rich history, from royal tales to military significance, and soak in the romantic atmosphere that envelops this iconic landmark.
• Royal Mile: Stretching through the heart of the Old Town, the Royal Mile is a vibrant thoroughfare brimming with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Experience the lively city vibes as you wander through its cobbled streets, rich with stories of Scotland's past.
• Grassmarket: This bustling area is known for its lively outdoor markets and charming pubs. Ideal for families, Grassmarket provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy local cuisine and soak in the vibrant community spirit.

Best time to go to Old Town Edinburgh

The best time to visit Old Town Edinburgh is dependant 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	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

To reach Old Town Edinburgh, you can fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI), situated 11.3km away. Notable hotels nearby include the 5.5-star Crescent House and the luxurious 5-star options such as Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and The Balmoral Hotel, all easily accessible from the airport. Alternatively, Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is located 78.9km away, with nearby 5-star hotels like Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort and Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa, providing various transportation services. Dundee Airport (DND), 56.3km away, offers options such as The Hideaway Experience and Premier Inn Dundee North, both with shuttle services available on request.