Best Areas to Stay in Edinburgh
What’s the best to stay in Edinburgh for transport of all kinds ? Waverley area
Edinburgh Waverley station is the centre-point for public transport in the city. It is located across from Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, right in between New Town and Old Town. If you’re arriving in Edinburgh and plan to rely on public transport to find your way around, either of these districts would be a prime location for easy access to and from the station. Whether you choose to travel by bus, train, tram, taxi, or Uber, choosing to stay near the Edinburgh Waverley station will undoubtedly make getting around the city easy and affordable.
If you’re looking for a big dose of old-fashioned, authentic Scottish culture and history, look no further than the quaint village charm of Stockbridge, Broughton, and Dean Village. Located to the north of New Town, Stockbridge is a neighbourhood that boasts bohemian vibes with its abundance of cafés, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and friendly locals. Walk down the quirky Circus Lane, a pretty laneway lined with terrace houses and colourful flowers, or visit the Stockbridge Market for handmade local goods. Just a short and scenic walk away from Stockbridge is Dean Village. This area maintains its sleepy village vibes and is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Stay here if you enjoy quaint 19th century architecture, bubbling streams, cobblestone paths, and the most delicious bread and pastries in Edinburgh. Steeped in Scottish history, Broughton is only a short walk to Princes Street and Edinburgh Waverley Station. Its main thoroughfare, Broughton Street, is home to many cafés and restaurants, pubs, bars, gift shops, boutiques, and delicatessens.
Grassmarket is a marketplace in Old Town that dates back to the 14th century. It’s a bustling, colourful fanfare of activities and entertainment, both day and night. Lined with some of the best restaurants and bars you will find in Edinburgh, Grassmarket is the place to be if you’re here for the nightlife. From multinational cuisines to authentic Scottish pub food, Grassmarket celebrates the old and the new with plenty of live music available to dance the night away. Nearby, Cowgate is another popular area for nightlife. The strip runs through Old Town and is lined with crumbling buildings that cast this street into shadow even during the day. It’s the perfect place for a night out and buzzes with some of the trendiest pubs, bars, and clubs you’ll find in this neighbourhood.
For those after a shopping experience like no other, you can’t go past the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Princes Street runs through the heart of New Town and is a shopper’s paradise – from big well-known brands such as Zara, Urban Outfitters, H&M, and Debenhams, to designer and specialist boutiques with the latest in luxury fashion and beyond, The Royal Mile has something for everyone no matter what your budget. Over in Old Town, no trip is complete without a visit to the Royal Mile. This iconic area comprises four connected streets that begin at Edinburgh Castle and end at Holyrood House. They’re packed full of shops, museums, galleries, cafés, restaurants, pubs, and many a hidden gem.
If you’re on a budget, head to the Edinburgh Zoo in West End for a entertaining and affordable place to stay. Considered one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, the zoo is home to over 1000 animals from around the world including chimpanzees, pandas, and penguins. The port district of Leith offers many budget-friendly attractions and hotels. One of these is the Custom House which showcases the best of Edinburgh’s contemporary artists. Entry is free and they often have workshops and events taking place here, so check ahead to see what’s coming up. Museums and art galleries are a great way to spend the day on a budget. Broughton and Haymarket are prime budget friendly places to stay that are close to some of the most interesting attractions, such as The Collective and the Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop and Gallery.