Edinburgh City Centre Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Edinburgh City Centre
Popular places to visit
Royal Mile
With its historic buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, this stretch of Edinburgh's Old Town is a much-loved haunt.
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.
Princes Street
You can search for that perfect souvenir when you visit Princes Street, a favourite shopping spot in Edinburgh. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Grassmarket
During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
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.
St. Andrew Square
You can find out about the history of Edinburgh with a stop at St. Andrew Square. Experience the area's entertainment choices and lively festivals.
Activities
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free Offer
Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour
Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour
Our pick of the best Edinburgh City Centre Hotel Deals
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
"I had an interior room and despite construction. My room was very quiet and very clean. The breakfast selection was excellent."
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
"It is the perfect location to be in the city. I understand the age of the building, but there is zero AC in the rooms and the winds only open a couple inches. It’s VERY warm in the room. Also, the first room they gave us with our castle view was horrible with a giant wall obstructing the view. We ..."
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
"Staff are very helpful- clean rooms and very near to most of the tourist destination"
Reviewed on 7 June 2026
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
"This is a large hotel with only two unlinked elevators serving a single elevator bay, with up and down stairs on the same level, resulting in extremely long wait times. When departing, we called for luggage assistance, but after waiting 15 minutes with nobody arriving, we carried our luggage down ..."
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
"Jai adoré, en plein cœur de Édimbourg, je ne pouvais pas demander mieux. Jai eu 10 hébergements dans mon voyage et celui là était de loin le meilleur."
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
"Perfect hotel in a perfect location!"
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
Check Edinburgh City Centre hotel availability
Our guide on where to stay in Edinburgh City Centre
Old Town Edinburgh
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Royal Mile to Princes Street – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.
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 Princes Street and George Street.
Leith
Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Edinburgh Port and Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre are major draws, and you can catch the metro at The Shore Tram Stop or Port of Leith Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Tollcross
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.
West End
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Princes Street to Dean Village – discover West End, a destination also famous for its shopping.
