Edinburgh City Centre Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Edinburgh City Centre
Popular places to visit
Edinburgh Castle
This storied fortification has been at the heart of Scottish history for almost a thousand years, and remains the home of the glittering crown jewels.
Royal Mile
Stretching through the middle of the Old Town, this ancient thoroughfare brings you on a walk through the heart of Edinburgh history and tradition.
Princes Street
During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the fascinating museums and lively festivals 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 family-friendly 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 theatre scene.
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
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour
Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group
From Edinburgh: Small-Group Day Tour of Loch Lomond, Stirling & The Kelpies
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included
Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included
Our pick of the best Edinburgh City Centre Hotel Deals
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Fantastic location
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
Fantastic stay at Code, Staff extremely friendly and accommodating. Stayed in the deluxe double which was great and daily events list which was unexpected. Food great, cannot find fault in anything. Will definitely stay at code again next time in Edinburgh
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Great location, but very loud at night with the bars
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Great location and close to station. Staff were lovely and offered Prosecco on arrival. Breakfast plenty of choice just hate machines for drinks, prefer the personal touch being older! Only issue was the bed being too firm which caused backache but only stayed one night.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
Centrally located across from the Scott monument. Close to the airport tram and train. Convenient to both Old Town and New Town.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Lovely friendly staff. Nice spacious room but it was in need of some tlc. Some horrible stains on the carpet & curtains and a very peeling faux leather chair. Quite dusty in the higher areas. Only 1 lift working for 10 floors so make sure you're not in a rush! Fantastic location and not too noisy ...
Reviewed on 10 May 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 Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Holyrood
While visiting Holyrood, you might make a stop by sights like Royal Mile and Scottish Parliament.
Pleasance
When in Pleasance, you can plan a visit to Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Bonnington
Though Bonnington may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
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.
