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 top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this romantic 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 art galleries.
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.
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 Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour
Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery
Our pick of the best Edinburgh City Centre Hotel Deals
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Room was boiling hot as the aircon didn’t work. I only realised this when I woke up. Told receptionist on check out and got the old “you should have come down and told us”. It’s not a big deal I was just letting them know. Just the lack of empathy or apology when this happens is a bit irritating. ...
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Another great stay. Excellent location. Car park onsite nake travel so easy. Breakfast Excellent and staff helpful and pleasant.
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
The keys to access the room and elevator don’t work properly, it takes a while for it to read and take you to the right floor. The shower doesn’t have a door to close so the floor gets wet and it takes forever to dry up.
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
Everything about CoDE is top notch in my opinion. Very clean, with private quiet areas to chill. No keys or cards to fumble with, all areas are secure with your own "code". I traveled with my son so we opted for the twin room with private bath, was perfect. I booked through Expedia last year and ...
Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Location is goo right near the train station and royal mile. Room was clean and comfortable. Good value for the price. Breakfast was a good buffet spread but pretty expensive at 18 pounds per person. The elevators were down while we were there and we did see some questionable characters in the lobby ...
Reviewed on 17 Mar 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 Edinburgh Castle to Parliament House – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Holyrood
While visiting Holyrood, you might make a stop by sights like Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth.
Bonnington
Though Bonnington may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre.
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.
