Old Town Edinburgh Travel Guide

Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh

Wander the narrow alleys of Edinburgh's historic center to discover the hidden delights of an area that also encompasses some of the city's top attractions.

Edinburgh's Old Town features the greatest sites of the country’s capital, among them the mighty Edinburgh CastleOpens in a new window, the National Museum of ScotlandOpens in a new window and The Scotch Whisky ExperienceOpens in a new window. However, the maze of narrow closes and streets that sit on top of each other are also home to several smaller, quirkier attractions. Explore this part of the city on foot. Follow routes that lead you past medieval tenements, down hidden “wynds” (alleys) and into pedestrianized squares.

Climb to Edinburgh Castle on a hill overlooking the rest of the city, with the Old Town spreading down the slope below it. The historic core is separated from the Georgian houses of New Town by Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Walk up and down the Royal MileOpens in a new window, one of the most important thoroughfares in the Old Town. The cobbled street leads from Holyrood Abbey and Palace in the east to the top of Edinburgh Castle’s hill. Spend a long time exploring the vast castle, which houses an extensive museum.

The Royal Mile is also home to St. Giles' CathedralOpens in a new window, the ecclesiastical centre of the Church of Scotland, and the Camera Obscura. Trick your mind in the museum of optical illusions, which is built beneath a 150-year-old lens that uses natural light.

Step into one of the smaller museums occupying some of Old Town's most picturesque historic buildings. The John Knox House is dedicated to the Presbyterian reformer and the Writers’ MuseumOpens in a new window focuses on Scotland's famous authors. Get in touch with your younger self at the Museum of Childhood and discover the city's past at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Wander along George IV Bridge, which leads to the National Library of Scotland Greyfriars Kirkyard, where a loyal Skye terrier guarded his master's grave for 14 years and the National Museum of Scotland. End your day on the Grassmarket, an open square set beneath the shadow of the castle and lined with traditional pubs and modern eateries.

To get to the Old Town, ride the train to Edinburgh Waverley station. Trains serving this station run regularly and serve destinations all around the United Kingdom.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Old Town Edinburgh

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is ₹22,757 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹22,757
₹27,308 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,005 reviews)
"Great location in Grassmarket within easy walking distance of the castle, Royal Mile, National Museum and many pub and restaurant options."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is ₹23,914 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹23,914
₹28,697 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,765 reviews)
"The hotel was very clean and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful but I felt the AC unit was automatically going higher every time I have to lower it so I can feel cool air .. other than that very much recommend for anyone who want to stay in Scotland..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is ₹12,328 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹12,328
₹14,794 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostal in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (947 reviews)
"So unique. Very traveler friendly. Safe comfortable. Great staff."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is ₹19,284 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹19,284
₹23,141 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,172 reviews)
"Great location. The breakfast is really good. Staff is very helpful at the front desk. There’s even a place to do your laundry in the basement. I really like this place. It’s a lot cheaper than a hotel."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

4 out of 5
80 High Street The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is ₹30,375 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹30,375
₹36,450 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"The carpet and fittings are old and dated. The carpet condition is very bad. We opted for Superior View room but the window was tiny and the only view was visible when standing up. The concierge Roy Hogg was very helpful and got us a good 5-day trip booking for the Highlands, up to Loch Ness and ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is ₹35,684 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹35,684
₹42,820 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,184 reviews)
"Being in the center of everything, it was a bit noisy one of the nights because of a nearby club. However, the hotel was very accommodating and quickly moved us to another room. The staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Edinburgh

Calton Hill which includes general coastal views, a city and skyline

Edinburgh City Centre

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
National Library of Scotland featuring signage and interior views

Southside

If you're spending some time in Southside, Queen's Hall and George Square are top sights worth seeing.

Southside
Scottish Parliament featuring a pool and street scenes

Holyrood

While visiting Holyrood, you might make a stop by sights like Royal Mile and Scottish Parliament.

Holyrood
Edinburgh which includes night scenes and heritage architecture

New Town

4.5/5(1,225 area reviews)

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 Assembly Rooms and George Street.

New Town
Default Image

Tollcross

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

Tollcross is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Usher Hall and King's Theatre while in the area.

Tollcross
Default Image

Marchmont

Marchmont is well liked for its bars, and you can visit sights like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile if you have time to explore the area.

Marchmont

Old Town Edinburgh Travel Guide