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 centre 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 centre 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
The price is S$368 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
S$368
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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! (1,961 reviews)
"It was wonderful to be located under the castle and so close."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 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 S$368 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$368
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,735 reviews)
"Another excellent stay- hotel is friendly, very convenient for station, shops, walking around the city. Rooms spacious, spotlessly clean, and quiet even with heavy traffic around - the double glazing really works. Breakfast good."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 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 S$217 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
S$217
16 Jul - 17 Jul
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! (921 reviews)
Location is Unbeatable
"I stayed in a pod. The mattress, sheets, and duvet were very comfortable. My room was very hot at first- I think the AC wasn’t working. But they brought in a portable unit that made it a perfect temperature in the room. All the staff is very nice. I do kind of wish there was a bit of a common area ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$322 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$322
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (2,129 reviews)
"Great location right on the Royal Mile. Comfortable and clean. In an old castle-looking building with up to date furnishings, decor and technology. Very eco-friendly."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
4 out of 5
80 High Street The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$513 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
S$513
18 Jul - 19 Jul
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 helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"The best location on the Royal Mile."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$294 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$294
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,531 reviews)
Excellent location for central Edinburgh
"The room served its purpose as a base and the bed was comfortable. The room itself looked a little tatty, and the air conditioner was very noisy, especially overnight. The staff were very friendly and overall we enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
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 which includes general coastal views, a city and skyline

Edinburgh City Centre

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Princes Street or Royal Mile and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

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

Southside

If you're spending some time in Southside, George Square and Festival Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Southside
Scottish Parliament featuring a pool and street scenes

Holyrood

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

Holyrood
Edinburgh which includes night scenes and heritage architecture

New Town

4.5/5(1,225 area reviews)

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 Princes Street and Assembly Rooms.

New Town
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Tollcross

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

Tollcross is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Usher Hall and King's Theatre while in the area.

Tollcross
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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.

Marchmont

Old Town Edinburgh