Old Town Edinburgh

Edinburgh

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

Wander the narrow alleys of Edinburgh's historic center 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 center 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Town Edinburgh

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P13,838 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P13,838
P16,605 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (2,020 reviews)
Close to everything
"5 stars. They granted us a much earlier checkin than we expected. The only obstacle was the flight of stairs up to the checkin area. No ramp made heavy suitcases even heavier. But it was a perfect location and friendly staff."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 P20,515 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P20,515
P24,618 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,773 reviews)
Excellent room in a great location.
"Large, comfortable room in a very convenient location (love the quick access to the railroad station via the basement)."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is P7,299 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P7,299
P8,758 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (968 reviews)
"The staff were friendly and helpful. As a middle aged female solo traveler I was nervous about using a hostel for the first time. I recommend Code Pod Court. It has perfect location, attentive staff, and the on site restaurant and free activities were a plus."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P12,929 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P12,929
P15,515 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,194 reviews)
"The staff were friendly and helpful, the room and whole building were clean and everything was in good working order. The television however was old and slow- difficult to really use because of this. Otherwise it was excellent!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P13,622 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P13,622
P16,346 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,384 reviews)
"It’s a convenient location with kind staff"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is P22,912 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P22,912
P27,495 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,194 reviews)
"Everything good except. Bed too soft."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
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 skyline, a city and general coastal views

Edinburgh City Centre

While you're in Edinburgh City Centre, take in top sights like Edinburgh Castle or Scott Monument, and hop on the metro to see more the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

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

Southside

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

Southside
Scottish Parliament which includes street scenes and a pool

Holyrood

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

Holyrood
Edinburgh featuring heritage architecture and night scenes

New Town

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers 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

Travelers come to Tollcross for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Usher Hall and King's Theatre while you're in town.

Tollcross
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Marchmont

Marchmont is noteworthy for its bars, and you can plan an outing to Edinburgh Castle and George Square while you're in town.

Marchmont

Old Town Edinburgh