Choosing where to stay in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, often comes down to one question: Old Town or New Town? For first-time visitors, the answer depends on whether you prioritise immediate access to historic landmarks or a quieter, more spacious base with excellent shopping. This neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood breakdown compares the city’s three core hotel districts — Old Town, New Town, and City Centre — drawing on verified data from Booking.com, Tripadvisor, trivago, and travel-planning guides to help you decide.
Last checked: 2026-07-08
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Featured hotel (Booking.com): The Hoxton, Edinburgh – 4-star, air-conditioned, restaurant, free WiFi, bar · Price search range (trivago): from €41 · Review platform (Tripadvisor): THE 10 BEST Edinburgh City Centre Hotels 2026 · Comparable search (Skyscanner): Cheap Edinburgh hotels – compare rates across providers
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-07-08.
Sources reviewed: online travel agencies (Booking.com, trivago, Skyscanner, lastminute.ie), neutral review platforms (Tripadvisor), official hotel property sites, local journalism (The Scotsman), independent travel guides (Destination Well Known, The Hotel Guru, Authentic Vacations, Abroad with Ash), and community travel forums (Reddit, Tripadvisor Forum).
What we did not do: no on-site visits, no staff interviews, no systematic price verification across all seasons. Data is current as of 2025; review spans vary by platform.
Edinburgh hotel neighbourhoods at a glance
- Medieval street pattern with narrow alleys and steep staircases; home to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral. (Authentic Vacations)
- Built between 1767 and about 1850, regarded as a classic example of Georgian urban planning with broad streets and planned squares. (Authentic Vacations)
- Old Town and New Town together were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, reflecting their combined historic significance. (Authentic Vacations)
- Cheapest hotel price found: from €41 via trivago; The Hoxton, Edinburgh featured as a 4-star city-centre option (Booking.com). (trivago)
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Featured hotel (Booking.com) | The Hoxton, Edinburgh – 4-star, air-conditioned, restaurant, free WiFi, bar |
| Price search range (trivago) | from €41 |
| Review platform (Tripadvisor) | THE 10 BEST Edinburgh City Centre Hotels 2026 |
| Comparable search (Skyscanner) | Cheap Edinburgh hotels – compare rates across providers |
What area is the best place to stay in Edinburgh?
The three primary hotel districts — City Centre, Old Town, and New Town — each serve different travel styles. Booking.com’s Edinburgh City Centre district page consolidates properties across both Old and New Town, reflecting the fact that the city’s core is compact and walkable. According to Destination Well Known, Old Town is “the best area for tourists” because most major attractions including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are concentrated there within walking distance. However, the same source notes that “New Town is not significantly worse” for sightseeing access.
The Hotel Guru recommends Old Town for first-time visitors and New Town for families with children, citing larger rooms and more modern hotels in the latter. Leith and the West End are mentioned as secondary options for budget or trend-focused stays, according to the same curated lists.
Edinburgh City Centre hotels
The broader City Centre designation covers both districts and offers the widest selection of hotel types. The Hoxton, Edinburgh — a 4-star property with air-conditioning, a restaurant, and free WiFi — sits within this zone and is currently featured on Booking.com’s district page. Price search via trivago shows options from €41, though seasonal variation is significant.
Old Town hotels
Old Town hotels occupy historic buildings with medieval street patterns, narrow alleys, and steep staircases, as characterised by Authentic Vacations. This often means smaller, more compact rooms than equivalent-category properties in New Town, according to Abroad with Ash. The Royal Mile and Grassmarket are identified as core Old Town hotel zones, offering immediate access to major attractions but with corresponding increases in foot traffic and potential noise on weekends.
New Town hotels
New Town’s Georgian-building stock and more modern developments allow for a wider selection of luxury hotels with larger rooms and contemporary amenities compared with Old Town, per Abroad with Ash. The central axis around Princes Street and George Street is highlighted by The Hotel Guru as ideal for shopping, dining, and transport access, with views back towards the Old Town skyline across Princes Street Gardens.
The bottom line: All three areas are walkable to key sights. Old Town puts you closest to historic attractions; New Town offers more space and quieter surroundings; City Centre covers both.
Is it better to stay in Old Town or New Town in Edinburgh?
Travel-planning sources consistently frame this choice as a trade-off between immersive historic atmosphere (Old Town) and refined Georgian elegance with more shopping and modern comforts (New Town), as documented by Authentic Vacations. The physical dividing line is Princes Street Gardens, which occupies the former Nor Loch swamp — drained and landscaped in the 18th century — according to the same source.
Reddit’s r/uktravel forum contributors frequently describe New Town as noticeably quieter at night than Old Town, which can experience more late-night noise around central streets and Grassmarket. The Tripadvisor forum offers a contrasting view: several travellers emphasise that Edinburgh is compact enough that it “doesn’t really matter” whether you stay in Old Town or New Town, because both are walkable to key sights.
Old Town: historic sites and nightlife
Old Town concentrates Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks — the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, and Canongate Kirk — within a dense medieval grid. Authentic Vacations notes that the area’s narrow closes and wynds create a uniquely atmospheric setting, but several hotel guides warn that this comes with smaller historic hotel rooms and higher pedestrian traffic.
New Town: Georgian architecture and upscale dining
New Town’s broad streets, planned squares, and elegant terraces offer a different aesthetic — Georgian rather than Gothic. The Hotel Guru identifies Princes Street and George Street as the primary commercial axis, with luxury shopping and fine dining concentrated in this area. Abroad with Ash notes that New Town hotels more commonly provide larger rooms, modern layouts, and contemporary amenities, making them attractive to travellers who prioritise comfort over historical immersion.
The trade-off: Old Town delivers immediate access to history and nightlife at the cost of potential noise and smaller rooms. New Town offers quieter luxury with more space and better shopping, while remaining walkable to all major sights.
Where is the best place to stay in Edinburgh for first timers?
First-time visitors face a genuine choice. Destination Well Known states firmly: “Old Town is indeed the best area for tourists,” because major historic attractions are concentrated there within walking distance. The Hotel Guru agrees, specifically recommending Old Town for first-time visits while suggesting New Town for families with children. However, the same sources note that New Town is “not significantly worse” for first-timers, as the entire city centre is compact enough to reach key sights on foot within 15–20 minutes.
Community forums on Tripadvisor reinforce this: several contributors note that the city’s walkability means you won’t miss out regardless of which side of Princes Street Gardens you choose. One forum traveller wrote: “The ‘new town’ is still really really old so don’t think you’re missing out on history if you stay there.”
City Centre – central convenience
Booking.com’s Edinburgh City Centre district page offers the widest hotel selection, mixing historic properties in Old Town with modern hotels in New Town. This is the safest option for first-timers who want flexibility without committing to one neighbourhood’s character.
Old Town – immersive experience
For travellers who want to step out of their hotel and onto the Royal Mile within minutes, Old Town is the logical choice. The concentration of attractions along the Royal Mile means less time commuting and more time exploring. The catch: smaller historic rooms and potential late-night noise from Grassmarket and the High Street, as noted by Abroad with Ash and Reddit forum contributors.
New Town – elegant base
New Town appeals to first-timers who want a quieter, more spacious base with access to Princes Street shopping and views of the castle. The Hotel Guru describes it as better for families due to larger rooms and more modern amenities. The trade-off is a slightly longer walk to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile — roughly 10–15 minutes across Princes Street Gardens.
What this means: First-timers should choose based on their tolerance for noise, room size preferences, and whether they prioritise being steps from attractions versus having a quieter retreat.
Where do celebs stay in Edinburgh?
Celebrity hotel stays in Edinburgh tend to cluster around the city’s most prestigious 5-star properties, primarily located in the New Town and the West End. Publicly reported stays include Taylor Swift, who was photographed arriving at The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street in 2023 during her UK tour, and JK Rowling, who famously finished writing the final Harry Potter book in a suite at The Balmoral in 2007 — a room now known as the “JK Rowling Suite.”
Other luxury hotels favoured by celebrities include The Witchery by the Castle in the Old Town, a 16th-century building with nine individually designed suites, and Prestonfield House, a 17th-century baroque mansion near the Royal Mile. These properties are widely cited in travel and entertainment media, though specific booking details are typically not disclosed.
The Scotsman and other local outlets have also reported stays by Hollywood actors filming in Scotland, often choosing properties that offer privacy, dedicated concierge services, and historical prestige.
The pattern: Celebrity stays concentrate in New Town and West End luxury hotels with historical cachet, such as The Balmoral and Prestonfield House, rather than in standard Old Town tourist hotels.
How many nights should you stay in Edinburgh?
Most guidebooks and travel-planning sources recommend a minimum of 3 nights to see the city’s main sights at a comfortable pace. This allows one day for the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Old Town exploration; a second day for the New Town, Princes Street shopping, and the National Gallery; and a third day for either Arthur’s Seat, the Scottish Parliament, or a half-day trip to Rosslyn Chapel or the Scotch Whisky Experience.
For a weekend break, 2 nights is feasible but tight — you would need to prioritise the Old Town attractions and skip deeper exploration of New Town or Leith. For travellers wanting to include day trips to the Highlands, Loch Lomond, or the Borders, 4–5 nights is more realistic. The Hotel Guru suggests that first-time visitors who stay 3 nights typically leave feeling they’ve had a well-paced introduction.
The bottom line: 3 nights is the sweet spot for most first-time visitors. Add a fourth or fifth night if you plan day trips beyond Edinburgh itself.
Old Town vs New Town vs City Centre: comparison table
| Area | Neighbourhood Character | Best For | Typical Hotel Types | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Medieval streets, historic landmarks, lively nightlife | First-timers, history lovers, solo travellers, nightlife seekers | Boutique hotels in historic buildings, B&Bs, small chain properties | Mid-range to premium; cheaper options in hostels and guesthouses |
| New Town | Georgian architecture, broad streets, upscale shopping | Families, couples, luxury seekers, travellers wanting quiet | Luxury hotels, modern chain hotels, serviced apartments | Premium to luxury; some mid-range options near Princes Street |
| Edinburgh City Centre | Mixed – covers both Old and New Town | All-round best for those undecided on specific neighbourhood | Widest range: hostels to 5-star | From €41 (trivago) to £500+ per night |
Pros and cons of each neighbourhood
Old Town
- Pros: Immediate access to Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and historic sites; atmospheric medieval streets; vibrant nightlife in Grassmarket and Cowgate; walking distance to most attractions.
- Cons: Smaller hotel rooms due to historic building stock; potential late-night noise on weekends; limited modern hotel options; some hotels have steep staircases without lifts.
New Town
- Pros: Larger hotel rooms with modern amenities; quieter evenings; excellent shopping on Princes Street and George Street; views of Old Town skyline across Princes Street Gardens; broader mix of chain and luxury hotels.
- Cons: Slightly longer walk to Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile (10–15 minutes); fewer historic character hotels; can feel less immersive for first-time visitors.
Edinburgh City Centre (general)
- Pros: Widest hotel selection across all price points; central location within walking distance of everything; best transport connections.
- Cons: Can be busy and touristy; price variation is high; “City Centre” booking searches may not distinguish between Old and New Town character.
Best neighbourhood for each traveller type
Editor’s pick
For first timers: Old Town — you’ll be steps from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, which is exactly what most first-time visitors want. Choose New Town only if you prioritise quiet and larger rooms over immediate historic immersion.
For luxury seekers (celebrity-style stays): New Town and West End. Properties like The Balmoral, Prestonfield House, and The Witchery by the Castle offer the privacy, history, and concierge service that attract celebrity guests.
For couples: A toss-up. Old Town for romantic historic atmosphere (try a boutique guesthouse near the Royal Mile). New Town for elegant dining and quieter evenings (George Street’s restaurants are a highlight).
For history lovers: Old Town, without question. You’ll sleep within the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s medieval core, with Edinburgh Castle visible from many hotel windows.
For nightlife seekers: Old Town — Grassmarket, Cowgate, and the High Street are where Edinburgh’s nightlife concentrates. Be prepared for noise returning to your hotel late at night.
Pricing by neighbourhood
Price data from trivago shows Edinburgh hotels starting from €41 per night, though this represents the cheapest available deals (often hostels or budget guesthouses outside peak season). Mid-range 3- and 4-star hotels in both Old Town and New Town typically range from €100–€250 per night depending on season. The Hoxton, Edinburgh (4-star, city centre) is a representative mid-range option with modern amenities.
Premium and luxury properties — 5-star hotels in New Town and West End — generally start at €250–€400 per night and can exceed €500 during peak summer months and Festival periods. Old Town’s historic boutique hotels tend to sit in the mid-to-premium range (€120–€300), though they may charge a premium for their location. Budget-conscious travellers should consider the West End or Leith, which The Hotel Guru identifies as offering more affordable options while still being within walking distance or a short bus ride from the city centre.
Location and getting around
Edinburgh’s city centre is compact and highly walkable. The distance between the east end of Princes Street (New Town) and Edinburgh Castle (Old Town) is roughly 1.2 km — a 15-minute walk through Princes Street Gardens. Most hotels in Old Town, New Town, and City Centre are within walking distance of Edinburgh Waverley railway station, the city’s main transport hub.
For airport transfers, the Airlink 100 bus from Edinburgh Airport runs every 10 minutes and stops at Waverley Station and Princes Street (journey time approximately 30 minutes). Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams provide additional coverage. Taxis and rideshare services are widely available, with typical fares from the airport to city centre hotels costing £20–£30.
Parking is limited and expensive in the city centre; most travellers recommend using Edinburgh Park & Ride facilities on the outskirts (Ingliston, Hermiston Gait) if arriving by car. Many city-centre hotels do not have on-site parking and partner with nearby NCP car parks instead.
Alternative neighbourhoods beyond Old Town and New Town
While Old Town and New Town dominate hotel guides, two other districts offer viable alternatives:
- Leith: The historic port area, now a trendy waterfront district with independent restaurants, pubs, and a growing hotel scene. The Hotel Guru describes it as “cool and increasingly popular,” particularly for travellers who want a local-feeling base away from tourist crowds. The Royal Yacht Britannia and the Shore area are key attractions. Access to the city centre: 20–30 minutes on foot or by bus.
- West End: A residential area west of the New Town, often recommended for budget-conscious visitors. Hotels here are generally cheaper than Old Town equivalents while remaining within a 20-minute walk of Princes Street. The West End is quieter and less touristy, with good bus connections to the city centre.
Sample itinerary: 3 nights in Edinburgh
If you have 3 nights — the recommended minimum for first-time visitors — here is a realistic plan based on staying in Old Town or City Centre:
- Day 1 – Old Town immersion: Arrive, check in. Walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Scottish Parliament. Visit St Giles’ Cathedral. Dinner on the Royal Mile or in Grassmarket.
- Day 2 – New Town and shopping: Cross Princes Street Gardens into New Town. Shop on Princes Street and George Street. Visit the Scottish National Gallery. Afternoon walk through the New Town’s Georgian squares (Charlotte Square, Moray Place). Dinner in a New Town restaurant.
- Day 3 – Arthur’s Seat and departure: Morning hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views (from Holyrood Park, adjacent to Old Town). Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse if time allows. Depart.
For those staying 4+ nights, add a day trip: Rosslyn Chapel (40 minutes by bus), Loch Lomond (1 hour by car or tour), or the Scotch Whisky Experience tour in the Old Town.
“Old Town is indeed the best area for tourists, but New Town is not significantly worse.”
– Destination Well Known guide author, Travel writer
“First time in Edinburgh? We recommend staying in the Old Town; coming with the kids? Book a hotel in the New Town.”
– The Hotel Guru editorial team, Hotel review publication
For a broader perspective on accommodation options, check out this Edinburgh city centre hotel guide that also breaks down the Old Town and New Trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh hotels
Which is cheaper: Old Town or New Town hotels?
Available price data from trivago shows the cheapest Edinburgh hotels from €41, but these are typically hostels or budget guesthouses rather than central hotels. Destination Well Known notes that New Town is “often slightly cheaper” than Old Town for comparable mid-range hotels, though the difference is not dramatic. Booking.com’s City Centre page provides a mixed price range across both districts.
Are there any 5-star hotels in Edinburgh city centre?
Yes. The Balmoral (Princes Street, New Town) and Prestonfield House (near the Royal Mile, Old Town) are two prominent 5-star properties. The Witchery by the Castle offers 5-star suites in a historic building adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. These properties typically start at €300–€500+ per night.
What is the average hotel price in Edinburgh?
Typical mid-range hotels (3- and 4-star) in Old Town and New Town range from €100–€250 per night, depending on season. Budget options from €41 (trivago) are available but often outside the immediate city centre. During the August Festival and Christmas markets, prices can increase by 50–100%.
Which hotels do celebrities use in Edinburgh?
Publicly reported celebrity stays include Taylor Swift at The Balmoral (2023) and JK Rowling at The Balmoral (2007, where she completed the final Harry Potter book). Other prestige properties like The Witchery by the Castle and Prestonfield House are also favoured by visiting celebrities, though specific bookings are typically confidential.
Is the city centre walkable to all attractions?
Yes. Edinburgh’s city centre — covering Old Town, New Town, and the connecting Princes Street area — is compact and walkable. You can walk from the east end of Princes Street to Edinburgh Castle in about 15 minutes. Tripadvisor forum contributors consistently note that the city’s walkability is one of its main advantages for hotel choice.
What are the top-rated hotels in Edinburgh according to Tripadvisor?
Tripadvisor’s “THE 10 BEST Edinburgh City Centre Hotels 2026” list includes properties across Old Town, New Town, and City Centre. Typical top-rated options include The Balmoral (5-star, New Town), The Hoxton (4-star, City Centre), and boutique properties on the Royal Mile. Rankings fluctuate with new reviews, so current ratings should be checked directly on the platform.
Our pick for most first-time visitors
Old Town, specifically within 2 blocks of the Royal Mile. The combination of immediate access to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and St Giles’ Cathedral makes this the most efficient base for first-time visitors. Choose New Town if you are a family with children, prioritise quiet over proximity, or want larger rooms. For couples and history lovers, Old Town is the clear winner.
For luxury and celebrity-style stays: New Town’s Princes Street area or West End properties like The Balmoral and Prestonfield House offer the privacy, space, and premium service that justify the higher price point.
Budget-conscious travellers: Consider the West End or Leith for more affordable options while staying within 20–30 minutes of the city centre on foot or by bus.
Sources cited
- Authentic Vacations – Old Town vs New Town comparison, historical context, UNESCO designation
- Destination Well Known – Best areas ranking, shopping and price comparison
- The Hotel Guru – Curated area recommendations by traveller type
- Abroad with Ash – Room size differences, micro-area identification
- Tripadvisor Forum – Community perspectives on walkability
- Reddit r/uktravel – Forum discussion on noise levels and district character
- trivago – Price search data (cheapest from €41)