Edinburgh City Centre Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Edinburgh City Centre
Popular places to visit
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.
Royal Mile
With its historic buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, this stretch of Edinburgh's Old Town is a much-loved haunt.
Princes Street
During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. 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.
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums.
George Street
During your trip to Edinburgh, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at George Street. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.
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
Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour
Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit
Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
Our pick of the best Edinburgh City Centre Hotel Deals
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
The location is ideal for seeing Edinburgh city centre. If you don't want the nightlife noise then stay somewhere else. The view of Edinburgh Castle from our room was perfect though they could have covered the small expanse of roofing to make it more visually appealing. And the windows don't open ...
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
Great location next to St Giles' Cathedral, staff all really friendly and helpful. Nice surprise that there was no charge for storing my bag on the day I checked out! Would happily stay again next time I'm in Edinburgh.
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
All the staff were excellent, extremely good service. The location is great, it's closed to most of the attraction in the city centre. I would highly recommend this hotel to those who are planning to go to Edinburgh.
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
It was a great experience staying at mount royal! The staff was my greatest surprise, so gentle and nice! Breakfast was very delicious with great variety and the best view!
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Breakfast was good. Room was clean and big enough. Only downside, one of the elevators was out of commission.
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
The staff was great and very helpful!
Reviewed on 23 Apr 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.
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.
Broughton
Travellers come to Broughton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Edinburgh Printmakers’ Workshop & Gallery and Sherlock Holmes Statue while you're in town.
