Old Town Edinburgh Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh

Wander the narrow alleys of Edinburgh's historic centre to discover the hidden delights of an area that also encompasses some of the city's top attractions.

Edinburgh's Old Town features the greatest sites of the country’s capital, among them the mighty Edinburgh CastleOpens in a new window, the National Museum of ScotlandOpens in a new window and The Scotch Whisky ExperienceOpens in a new window. However, the maze of narrow closes and streets that sit on top of each other are also home to several smaller, quirkier attractions. Explore this part of the city on foot. Follow routes that lead you past medieval tenements, down hidden “wynds” (alleys) and into pedestrianized squares.

Climb to Edinburgh Castle on a hill overlooking the rest of the city, with the Old Town spreading down the slope below it. The historic core is separated from the Georgian houses of New Town by Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Walk up and down the Royal MileOpens in a new window, one of the most important thoroughfares in the Old Town. The cobbled street leads from Holyrood Abbey and Palace in the east to the top of Edinburgh Castle’s hill. Spend a long time exploring the vast castle, which houses an extensive museum.

The Royal Mile is also home to St. Giles' CathedralOpens in a new window, the ecclesiastical centre of the Church of Scotland, and the Camera Obscura. Trick your mind in the museum of optical illusions, which is built beneath a 150-year-old lens that uses natural light.

Step into one of the smaller museums occupying some of Old Town's most picturesque historic buildings. The John Knox House is dedicated to the Presbyterian reformer and the Writers’ MuseumOpens in a new window focuses on Scotland's famous authors. Get in touch with your younger self at the Museum of Childhood and discover the city's past at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Wander along George IV Bridge, which leads to the National Library of Scotland Greyfriars Kirkyard, where a loyal Skye terrier guarded his master's grave for 14 years and the National Museum of Scotland. End your day on the Grassmarket, an open square set beneath the shadow of the castle and lined with traditional pubs and modern eateries.

To get to the Old Town, ride the train to Edinburgh Waverley station. Trains serving this station run regularly and serve destinations all around the United Kingdom.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Old Town Edinburgh Hotel Deals

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is AU$277 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$277
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,193 reviews)
"Balcony view of castle not really useful Because of city lights"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is AU$305 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$305
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,872 reviews)
"Nice sized room and bath, all in good condition. Bed was firm. Restaurant food was good- a convenient option, but there's better values within walking distance. Only complaint is that the coffee is horrible. However, we'd stay here again."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is AU$218 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$218
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,422 reviews)
"Modern conveniences in historic location surrounded by good F&B options"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is AU$178 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$178
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostal in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,029 reviews)
"CoDE was a great place to stay in Edinburgh! Right in the heart of old town. The staff were all nice and the food/drinks reasonably priced. The private room was small and the street noise a bit loud at times but overall it felt really safe and good value for the location!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Market Street Hotel

Market Street Hotel

4 out of 5
6 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is AU$283 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$283
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,127 reviews)
"Excellent service, free drinks in the fridge are included with the stay"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Market Street Hotel
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is AU$208 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$208
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,683 reviews)
"The hotel is a short walk from the Royal Mile. The staff were friendly and helpful. The food offered by the hotel is amazing and we went back for more. We would definitely use this hotel again."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Edinburgh

Calton Hill showing a city, skyline and general coastal views

Edinburgh City Centre

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
National Library of Scotland showing interior views and signage

Southside

If you're spending some time in Southside, Queen's Hall and Festival Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Southside
Scottish Parliament showing street scenes and a pool

Holyrood

While visiting Holyrood, you might make a stop by sights like Royal Mile and Scottish Parliament.

Holyrood
Edinburgh showing heritage architecture and night scenes

New Town

4.5/5(120 area reviews)

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 Assembly Rooms and George Street.

New Town
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Tollcross

4/5(4 area reviews)

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.

Tollcross
Default Image

Marchmont

Marchmont is well liked for its bars, and you can visit sights like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile if you have time to explore the area.

Marchmont


Old Town Edinburgh Travel Guide

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