Where To Stay In Edinburgh
Spring has sprung and I can feel the anticipation in the air. People are dusting off passports, packing suitcases and preparing for a long-awaited trip to Scotland. Things feel like they’re beginning to get back to some level of normal and I’m amongst many looking forward to welcoming tourists back.
Whether this is a first trip to Scotland or an annual pilgrimage, visiting Edinburgh is high up on most people’s itinerary. It’s an incredible city with so much to see and do, but a common question is inevitably: Where to stay in Edinburgh?
The Edinburgh Address
Fortunately The Edinburgh Address have you covered with locations all over the city. They’ve asked me to give you some ideas and stories to uncover around some of their apartments. If you can’t choose where to stay in Edinburgh, then hopefully this is going to help you decide!
In my younger days, I spent most of my travelling time in hostels or on friend’s sofas, but it’s time for a little bit of luxury now. Each apartment is high quality, self encompassing and in a popular part of the city. You’ll be living like an Edinburgh resident during your stay, just in a bit more comfort!
Castle View Apartments
Imagine opening your curtains to a view of Edinburgh Castle! It’s probably no surprise what the main story is around these parts, the castle itself. From almost any angle you can imagine Thomas Randolph scaling the rock to win the castle back from an English garrison in 1314. Or even hear ghostly pipes coming from the orphan boy, lost in a tunnel under the Royal Mile – don’t worry the noise won’t keep you up.
That’s not the only thing to see around here though, this part of Edinburgh is absolutely crammed full of stories. Walk down to the Grassmarket and see the shadow of the gallows where Maggie Dickson was only half executed. Up picturesque Victoria Street where the Wizard of the West Bow once lived. Finally to Gladstone’s Land, an authentic 17th century tenement building run by the National Trust.
You have two choices to stay here, both equal in my eyes – Castle View Apartment or Edinburgh Castle Suite.
Dean Village Apartments
Dean Village is a photographer’s dream, but not many even consider it as somewhere to stay in Edinburgh. It’s an idyllic little spot to rest your head, with the Water of Leith slowly babbling past. Dean Village’s history goes all the way back to the 12th century when the mills here were owned by the monks of Holyrood Abbey.
It might seem like you’re frozen in time, however this spot is anything but isolated. One of my favourite walks in the city is from Well Court, under the towering Dean Bridge and through a leafy gorge towards Stockbridge. Halfway along the Greek looking St Bernard’s Well appears. This natural spring was only discovered by some local kids in 1760, but quickly lauded as a healing well.
Time your stay and your walk right and you’ll have a chance to visit Stockbridge Market. It’s held at the end of this path every single Sunday!
Both apartments are in the village’s most iconic building – Well Court & Little Well Court.
The West End
The cramped, winding streets of the OId Town might not be for you so why not stay in Edinburgh’s glamorous West End instead? Right off the tram line, near Haymarket train station and within touching distance of fancy bars and restaurants. If convenience is a high priority on your trip to Edinburgh, these apartments are perfect.
You’re a stones throw away from Princes Street and the regimented lines of Edinburgh’s first New Town. In Charlotte Square you’ll find another National Trust property – The Georgian House. Experience how Edinburgh’s high society would have lived back when this part of the city was first constructed.
Just around the corner, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is the tallest building in the city! It might not have been completed until the 19th century, making it one of the city’s newer buildings, but it’s still a masterpiece.
Both options in the West End are bright and spacious – Shandwick Apartment or Glencairn Apartment
Newington
Newington is in the south side area of Edinburgh and one of the trendier spots in the city, especially popular with students. I read far too many dusty, old books to be considered cool, but even I enjoy spending time around here. Both apartment options are in historic buildings as well, adding something a wee bit special to your stay in Edinburgh.
Take a stroll to the Meadows for a picnic or Bruntsfield Links for one of the oldest golf courses in the world. Bring some clubs or pop into the Golf Tavern to hire them, then pitch and putt your way around the tiny 36 short hole course.
Not far away, Summerhall is a vibrant hub for the creative arts. Converted from an old vetinary college, I’ve attended gin festivals, small gigs and lively ceilidhs inside these walls. This could be your chance to experience Scottish country dancing! If you like a drink then it also hosts both Barney’s Brewery and Pickering’s Gin Distilllery, as well as its own bar.
Pick between Mapmakers Townhouse or The Causewayside Apartment.
New Town
This is where to stay in Edinburgh if you’re looking to soak up some culture. The portrait gallery, the Playhouse, Broughton Street (my favourite road in Edinburgh) with its quirky pubs and an outstanding cheese and wine place!
If you’re feeling active then climb nearby Calton Hill. This is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Edinburgh, but forget the camera and look around you. Those seemingly ruined columns make up the National Monument of Scotland, otherwise known as Scotland’s Disgrace. It was intended to honour all Scots who ever had or ever would die fighting wars, but they ran out of money before it could be finished.
Elsewhere, Nelson’s Tower is in the shape of an upturned telescope to commemorate the famous British Admiral Horatio Nelson. A metal ball on top used to connect to the observatory and drop at exactly 1pm to let ships in Leith harbour set their watches. Speaking of Leith, it’s just a short journey down Leith Walk to visit the popular shore area.
You’re in for a treat whether you pick The Edinburgh Idyll or The Art House!
Decided where to stay in Edinburgh yet?
Hopefully these wee story snippets and attraction ideas have helped you decide where to stay in Edinburgh. This article has been sponsored by The Edinburgh Address, but the advice is all my own and you can see how great the apartments look for yourself!
Let me know how useful you found this and if you do end up booking one of these fantastic apartments.
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5 Comments
Marianne · March 25, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Wished you had written this quite a few months back !
But thank you so much for future reference!!!!
Graeme · March 25, 2022 at 5:45 pm
I wish I’d known about these places earlier to be honest!
Diann · March 25, 2022 at 5:36 pm
We’ll be staying in Leith on the Fingal – a luxuriously outfitted boat. Can’t wait!
Graeme · March 25, 2022 at 5:44 pm
Oh that sounds brilliant, enjoy it!
Wendy S · March 25, 2022 at 9:42 pm
Very , very informative in your own inevitably chatty style Graeme …all these examples of accommodation look really super-comfy and in excellent locations … I’m certain , though , I’ll return again to Laurenston Place – absolutely ❤️‘d the location and just minutes from ‘everything’ …