Southside Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
University of Edinburgh
The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.
Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park is just one of the places to see in Edinburgh, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
The Meadows
One of Edinburgh's largest parks is the perfect spot to go and chill out on a sunny day or to get some exercise.
National Library of Scotland
Millions of examples of the written and printed word are held in this enormous repository of Scotland's past and cultural heritage.
Dynamic Earth
You can study the exhibits at Dynamic Earth, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Edinburgh. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments.
Festival Theatre
Enjoy a show at Festival Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.
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 Southside Hotel Deals
The Scott
"This hotel is so wonderful, from the moment you pull up until the moment you check out. The staff is incredible, and the facility is immaculate and beautiful. It's my new go-to stay when I'm in Edinburgh."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
The Scholar
"Clean room, beautiful building, location was great, overall an amazing experience"
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
"Staff is very helpful. The gym is biggest and best ever. Room is clean. Thanks for the hospitality"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
"Grassmarket was lovely and has an amazing location but your experience is very dependent on which room you get and the time of year. We stayed for 2 different nights to cap off a 3 day tour to the highlands and each stay was wildly different. Our first night stay had us considering canceling and ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
CODE - The Court, Edinburgh
"Our room was a converted holding cell with bars still on the window. It had a toilet and shower and was pretty small, but they did an excellent job with the space, lots of hooks, drawer under the bed, a fair amount of shelves and lots of mirrors to make it feel bigger. Great bed! I also appreciated ..."
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
"The location of the hotel is excellent, however due to construction going on outside the hotel the area is dirty. The staff is excellent and the rooms are clean. I did find a long black hair in my shower… I’m blonde."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Southside
Pleasance
When in Pleasance, you can plan a visit to Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Newington
Historical sites, museums and cafes are just a few things travellers enjoy about Newington. Check out National Library of Scotland or Summerhall while you're exploring the area.
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.
Grange
Travellers enjoy Grange for its restaurants and gardens. Consider checking out Carlton Cricket Club while you're in the area.
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.
