Edinburgh City Centre Travel Guide
Edinburgh
Visit Edinburgh City Centre
Popular places to visit
Edinburgh Castle
Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.
Royal Mile
Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.
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.
Things to do
Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour
Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & Borders from Edinburgh
Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets
Top hotels in Edinburgh City Centre
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
"The location of this hotel is great it’s in a very walkable area very close to plenty of attractions/activities. Breakfast was okay for the amount you pay the restaurant is alright. The room could use some work there were stains on the carpet and the curtains and the shower wasn’t the cleanest. However ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
"Our room was a converted holding cell with bars still on the window. It had a toilet and shower and was pretty small, but they did an excellent job with the space, lots of hooks, drawer under the bed, a fair amount of shelves and lots of mirrors to make it feel bigger. Great bed! I also appreciated ..."
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
"Was in a good location, able to walk through the city. Employees were very helpful with directions and places to eat etc. and very friendly"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
"great location to lots of famous tourist spots and shopping. No on property parking and off property parking was small and had to pay"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
"Beautiful hotel. Great amenities! I am surprised they don’t have a hot tub but the steam room was super nice. Our room was super clean. The hotel is in a great location for walking to anything"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
"Wonderful staff, great location"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Check Edinburgh City Centre hotel availability
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.
