Edinburgh Staycation Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do and Where to Eat

Edinburgh packs a remarkable amount into a small area. The medieval Old Town runs down the Royal Mile from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Georgian New Town is laid out in neat terraces below it, and Arthur's Seat rises right on the edge of the centre, so you can climb a hill before lunch without leaving the city. Most of what a first visit needs is within walking distance, which makes the Edinburgh city break one of the easiest in Britain to plan.

How long to stay

Two nights covers the Old Town, a gallery or two and a walk up Arthur's Seat. Add a third to take in Leith or a day trip. The city is at its busiest in August, when the festivals fill every bed, and around Hogmanay; outside those weeks it is far easier to find a room.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Staying central is worth the extra, because the hills make long walks back to the outskirts tiring. Compare everything on the Edinburgh hotels page.

Princes Street and the New Town

The Balmoral, the five-star with the clock tower at the east end of Princes Street, sits right beside Waverley station and has a full spa. At the other end of the street, The Caledonian is a grand former railway hotel with castle views, and Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in the West End suits anyone who wants a proper spa without leaving the building.

The Old Town

The Witchery, just below the castle, is known for its lavish, theatrical suites and oak-panelled dining room. For something more affordable, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal on Market Street is a short walk from Waverley and accepts dogs, and hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile offers compact rooms just off the Royal Mile.

Out of the centre

Families who want a pool can look at Novotel Edinburgh Park, which has a pool, sauna and steam room and a tram into town. It is rated 4.5 from over 3,500 Google reviews and also takes dogs.

Things to do

The full list is on the Edinburgh attractions page. These are the ones to build a trip around.

The Royal Mile

Edinburgh Castle crowns the top of the Royal Mile, and it is worth arriving early. Halfway down, The Real Mary King's Close takes you through the buried streets under the City Chambers with costumed guides, and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions near the castle esplanade fills five floors with optical tricks that children love. At the foot of the Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the monarch's official residence in Scotland, with tours of the state apartments. Nearby, the Museum of Edinburgh covers the city's own story.

Galleries

The main building of the National Galleries of Scotland sits on the Mound between the Old and New Towns, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery occupies a red sandstone Victorian building on Queen Street. Both are good on a wet afternoon.

Outdoors and further out

Holyrood Park surrounds Arthur's Seat, and the climb to the summit takes most people under an hour for views over the city and the Firth of Forth. Dogs are welcome. Down at Leith, the Royal Yacht Britannia is rated 4.7 from over 14,000 reviews, and Edinburgh Zoo on the west side of the city is an easy half-day with children.

Where to eat

For a meal with a sense of occasion, The Dome on George Street serves food under a grand domed ceiling in a former bank. Vittoria on the Bridge is a relaxed, family-friendly Italian, and Fogo de Chao carves grilled meats at the table. More options are on the Edinburgh restaurants page.

A two-day plan

Day one

Start at the castle, then work your way down the Royal Mile, stopping at Mary King's Close and ending at Holyroodhouse. In the late afternoon, walk up Arthur's Seat from the palace side for the view, then head back into the Old Town for dinner.

Day two

Spend the morning in the New Town, taking in the National Gallery on the Mound and the Portrait Gallery. After lunch, take a bus down to Leith for the Royal Yacht Britannia and an evening meal by the water.

Day trips from Edinburgh

Trains run frequently to Linlithgow, whose ruined palace was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, and on to Stirling for its castle and the Wallace Monument. St Andrews over the Forth in Fife combines golf, beaches and a cathedral ruin, Falkirk has the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, and Dunbar on the East Lothian coast is the quickest route to the sea.

Camping and cottages near Edinburgh

Dalkeith Country Park has tent pitches and glamping in a country park with woodland walks and large play areas, rated 4.6 from over 2,000 reviews. Hilly Cow Wigwams near Kirknewton offers glamping wigwams with countryside views, and Slatebarns Caravan Park is a short walk from Rosslyn Chapel. See all campsites near Edinburgh or browse Edinburgh cottages.

Practical tips

Edinburgh Waverley is in the middle of the city, with direct trains from London King's Cross along the east coast and frequent services from Glasgow, so there is no need for a car; see our guide to staycations without a car. The Old Town is steep and cobbled, so bring comfortable shoes and a waterproof. For a winter trip, our guide to cosy winter staycations covers the season, and UK city breaks without flying compares Edinburgh with other cities.