Top Hotels Near Edinburgh Zoo in Edinburgh

Top reasons to visit Edinburgh Zoo

• Incredible Wildlife: Experience a diverse range of animals and exhibits that showcase global wildlife.
• Scenic Grounds: Enjoy leisurely walks through beautiful landscapes and gardens within the zoo.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in various activities tailored for families, ensuring a fun day out.
• Proximity to Attractions: Explore nearby highlights like Edinburgh Castle and the vibrant city centre.
• Accommodation Variety: Choose from a range of pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-friendly options close to the zoo.

Find great hotels near Edinburgh Zoo

When planning your visit to Edinburgh Zoo, you'll find a variety of accommodation options to suit your preferences. From stylish hotels to welcoming guesthouses, the area offers pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-friendly stays. Whether you're after a relaxing hotel break or a business-themed inn, Edinburgh has everything you need for a memorable holiday close to the zoo's attractions.

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Nestled in the vibrant Grassmarket area, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers a stylish blend of modern comfort and eco-conscious living. With its 4-star rating, this hotel is only 4.8km from Edinburgh Zoo and is perfect for business travellers seeking a productive environment. The property is eco-certified, ensuring a sustainable stay. Key business amenities include multiple meeting rooms and a fully-equipped business centre, making it ideal for corporate events. Guests can also enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from the rooftop terrace, adding a unique touch to your stay.
• Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket: Located 3.2km from Edinburgh Zoo, the Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket boasts a contemporary design tailored for eco-friendly business travellers. This 4-star accommodation is eco-certified and features a range of facilities to support your corporate needs, including a business centre and multiple meeting rooms. The hotel's central location allows easy access to Edinburgh's attractions, making it a great choice for those looking to balance work and leisure. Enjoy a comfortable stay with modern amenities that cater to both relaxation and productivity.
• YOTEL Edinburgh: Situated 4.8km from Edinburgh Zoo, YOTEL Edinburgh delivers a unique and modern lodging experience. This 4-star hotel is designed for the tech-savvy traveller, featuring sleek and compact rooms equipped with Smart TVs. Guests can indulge in various dining options, including breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurant. For fitness enthusiasts, the 24-hour fitness facilities offer a chance to stay active. With its close proximity to the city centre and a vibrant atmosphere, YOTEL Edinburgh is perfect for those wanting to explore the excitement of the city while enjoying modern comforts.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Zoo

Exploring near Edinburgh Zoo offers a delightful mix of historical charm and friendly vibes. Discover the vibrant city centre, perfect for family-friendly activities and intriguing walks along Corstorphine Road. Embrace green tourism as you stroll through picturesque parks, soaking in the local atmosphere. Whether you’re after romantic spots or bustling business hubs, the area promises a memorable experience that showcases the best of Edinburgh’s welcoming spirit.

• Edinburgh: As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant metropolis that boasts a rich tapestry of culture and history. Home to the renowned Edinburgh Zoo, the city welcomes travellers year-round, with peak visitor numbers from July to September. Here, you can indulge in a variety of cultural experiences, from exploring historic landmarks such as the iconic Edinburgh Castle to enjoying the local theatre scene. The shopping districts offer a lively atmosphere perfect for purchasing unique souvenirs, while the city's streets are lined with charming cafes and eateries, making it a delightful destination for families and city enthusiasts alike.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Just 4.8km from Edinburgh Zoo, Old Town Edinburgh is a historic neighbourhood that enchants visitors with its medieval charm. This area sees a surge of travellers from April to July, drawn in by its captivating streets and cultural offerings. Stroll through the cobbled alleys and discover hidden gems, including shops, theatres, and educational venues that capture the essence of the city’s past. The historic landmarks here, such as the Royal Mile and St Giles' Cathedral, create a captivating backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Old Town is ideal for families wanting to explore both history and modern attractions.
• Edinburgh City Centre: The bustling Edinburgh City Centre, located a mere 4.8km from the zoo, is a hub of activity and culture. This neighbourhood attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons from July to September. Here, you’ll find a mix of shopping areas, theatres, and educational institutions, all set against a backdrop of stunning historic sites. Highlights include the iconic Scott Monument and the vibrant Princes Street, where you can shop or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or family-friendly activities, the city centre offers something for everyone.

Things to do near Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo offers a fantastic range of activities, making it a must-visit for tourists. You can enjoy leisurely walks through the scenic grounds, play a round of golf nearby, and indulge in the local entertainment options. Don’t miss the highlighted attractions within the zoo, where you can experience incredible wildlife and stunning views, perfect for sightseeing and creating unforgettable memories during your stay in Edinburgh.

Shopping

Edinburgh Zoo offers nearby shopping at Gyle Shopping Centre, just 3.2km away, perfect for family vibes and entertainment. FountainPark, also 3.2km away, features a lively mix of business and family options. For a unique experience, visit the Tartan Weaving Mill, located 4.8km from the zoo.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic sports atmosphere, only 1.6km from Edinburgh Zoo. For a serene outdoor experience, visit Bruntsfield Links Golf Course, 3.2km away, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Blackford Hill, 4.8km away, offers tranquil paths ideal for relaxation and wellness amidst nature.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, visit the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, located 8.0km from the zoo, where you can enjoy outdoor climbing thrills. Alternatively, head to Midlothian Snowsports Centre, also 8.0km away, for skiing excitement. Don't miss Bedlam Paintball, 4.8km away, for a thrilling paintball adventure.

Nightlife

After visiting Edinburgh Zoo, catch a show at the Royal Lyceum Theatre for a taste of local culture, or enjoy a movie at Dominion Cinema or Cineworld Edinburgh. Both cinemas offer a cosy atmosphere perfect for a romantic night out with family or friends.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Zoo

To save money on your trip to Edinburgh Zoo, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation prices, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel options, take advantage of last-minute deals, and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to sort by price to find the best offers and unlock travel rewards to maximise your budget.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Zoo are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Edinburgh Zoo is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Zoo is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Edinburgh Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Zoo

When visiting Edinburgh Zoo, you'll find a wealth of attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the vibrant city centre. The zoo offers a fantastic family experience, while nearby museums provide cultural insights. Be sure to check ticket availability for Edinburgh Zoo and explore the surrounding areas for a well-rounded visit that caters to every traveler's interests.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched on Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking views of the city. With its rich history, ancient stone walls, and the iconic One O'Clock Gun ceremony, it encapsulates the culture and romance of Scotland.
• Princes Street: This bustling street is the heart of Edinburgh's shopping scene, lined with shops, cafes, and gardens. Enjoy the vibrant city vibes while taking in views of the stunning castle and the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.
• Grassmarket: A lively and historic area, Grassmarket is perfect for families. With its charming outdoor spaces, quaint shops, and eateries, it captures the essence of community and offers a delightful atmosphere for exploring.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Zoo

The best time to visit Edinburgh Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Edinburgh Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Edinburgh Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Edinburgh Zoo

If you're planning a visit to Edinburgh Zoo, you can fly into one of several major airports. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the closest, located 6.4km away, with nearby hotel options like the 5-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, both approximately 11.3km away. Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is 72.4km distant, with excellent hotels such as the 5-star Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa and Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort nearby. Dundee Airport (DND) is 57.9km from the zoo, offering options like the 5-star Hideaway Experience and the 4-star Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, both conveniently located for access.