Edinburgh City Centre Travel Guide
Edinburgh
Visit Edinburgh City Centre
Popular places to visit
Edinburgh Castle
A focal point of Scottish history that dominates Edinburgh’s skyline and which has served as a fortress, a palace and home to the crown jewels.
Royal Mile
With its historic buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, this stretch of Edinburgh's Old Town is a much-loved haunt.
Princes Street
During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the fascinating museums and lively festivals in this walkable area.
Grassmarket
During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this family-friendly area.
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.
George Street
During your trip to Edinburgh, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at George Street. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Top hotels in Edinburgh City Centre
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Clean room; but noisy with street level late night noise of people yelling on a Thursday night even with windows closed & drapes drawn. We were placed on 2nd floor & noise carried up; waking us up including my light sleeper spouse at 1am. 2 maintenance issues: The shower door leaked out water to ...
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
Fantastic experience. The staffs are very polite
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Breakfast and location are good.
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Gorgeous hotel with great spa and restaurant. It’s in a very good location if you want to be in the main touristy/visitor part of town. If you want to be in a locals part of town, this is the wrong place.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Great location and close to station. Staff were lovely and offered Prosecco on arrival. Breakfast plenty of choice just hate machines for drinks, prefer the personal touch being older! Only issue was the bed being too firm which caused backache but only stayed one night.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
The hotel was clean, the staff was great, and it was located very centrally. Less than 5 minute walk to the train station. 10 minute walk to tour bus pickup point. 10-15 minute walk to Edinburgh Castle. Rooms were pretty quiet and very comfortable. There is no mini fridge.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Edinburgh City Centre
New Town
Travellers love New Town for its popular shops, and you can see more of Edinburgh by jumping on the metro at Princes Street Tram Stop or St Andrew Square Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like George Street and St. Andrew Square.
Old Town Edinburgh
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Holyrood
While visiting Holyrood, you might make a stop by sights like Royal Mile and Scottish Parliament.
Pleasance
When in Pleasance, you can plan a visit to Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Bonnington
Though Bonnington may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
Stockbridge
Historical sites, museums and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Stockbridge. Make a stop by St. Stephens Centre or St Bernard's Well while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
