FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: GBP 70/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: May, Jun, Aug

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Leith

Provides more affordable accommodation and dining options while still offering a vibrant local scene and good transport links.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Edinburgh

1

Leith

Mid-range

Bustling waterfront area with a maritime heritage, trendy restaurants, and a creative arts scene.

foodiesbudgetnightlifedigital nomads
  • +Vibrant and diverse food scene
  • +More affordable than central Edinburgh
  • +Good transport links to the city center
  • -Not within walking distance of major historic sites
  • -Can feel a bit industrial in parts
🏨 Malmaison Edinburgh City🏨 Fingal🏨 Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront
2

Old Town

Luxury

Historic and atmospheric, this is the heart of medieval Edinburgh with its famous Royal Mile.

first-timersculturefoodiesnightlife
  • +Incredible history and architecture
  • +Central location for sightseeing
  • +Abundant pubs and restaurants
  • -Can be very crowded, especially in peak season
  • -Steep streets and many stairs can be challenging
🏨 The Witchery by the Castle🏨 The Balmoral Hotel🏨 Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh
3

New Town

Luxury

Elegant Georgian architecture, high-end shopping, and a sophisticated urban atmosphere.

luxurycouplesfoodiesculture
  • +Beautiful neoclassical architecture
  • +Excellent shopping and dining options
  • +Easier to navigate than Old Town
  • -Can feel less historic than Old Town
  • -Can be more expensive
🏨 The George Hotel🏨 The Raeburn🏨 Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4

Stockbridge

Mid-range

Charming village feel with independent boutiques, artisan cafes, and a lovely riverside walk.

couplesfoodiesculturedigital nomads
  • +Relaxed, local atmosphere
  • +Excellent independent shops and eateries
  • +Beautiful Water of Leith walkway
  • -Further from main tourist attractions
  • -Can be pricier for dining
🏨 The Raeburn🏨 Fingal🏨 Kimpton Charlotte Square

Daily Budget (Budget)

GBP 70/day

Castle Rock Hostel dorm bedGBP 25
Sausage roll and coffee from GreggsGBP 5
Fish and chips from The Witchery by the Castle (takeaway)GBP 15
Walking and occasional Lothian Buses single ticketGBP 5
Explore the Royal Mile and Greyfriars KirkyardGBP 0
Hike up Arthur's SeatGBP 0
Visit the National Museum of ScotlandGBP 0
Free walking tour of Old TownGBP 10
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Edinburgh

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🚶

Victoria Street

FREE

This charming, curving street with its colourful buildings is often compared to Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. It's packed with independent boutiques, quirky shops, and delightful cafes, perfect for a leisurely browse.

streetOld Town
🛍️

Stockbridge Market

FREE

Experience the vibrant local atmosphere at this Sunday market, offering a fantastic array of artisan foods, crafts, and vintage treasures. It's the perfect place to sample local produce and mingle with residents.

marketStockbridge
⚠️

1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Edinburgh

More Edinburgh Guides

Full Edinburgh guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers