Where to stay in Edinburgh for a solo trip

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities in the United Kingdom. Not only that, but its a good solo trip as the place is so easy to get around. With it’s stunning architecture, rich Scottish history, and magical scenery captured my heart from the very first visit. In fact, it is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in autumn, which makes it the perfect time to experience Edinburgh.

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A visit in mid-October is when the magic truly happens; in particular, this is when the city feels at its most atmospheric. The leaves transform into vibrant shades of deep red, orange, and golden yellow, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every turn. Moreover, the misty, foggy weather creates the perfect atmosphere for cozy pub visits and leisurely walks.

Where to stay in Edinburgh city center

The old town makes for an excellent base location; with that in mind, it’s the area I recommend most to first-time visitors. It is an area that is close to historic sites and is part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes exploring on foot incredibly easy. During my visit to Edinburgh, I booked the Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket, located in the historic old town.

Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket

What I loved most about this hotel was the comfortable bed; in fact, if I didn’t have plans I’d have slept in all day. Additionally, the room and bathroom were immaculately clean and warm, which made coming back after a day of sightseeing feel so relaxing. I found the hotel to be so quiet that it almost felt like I was the only guest, and this was in October, when the city is still busy with visitors. Another advantage is that it’s extremely easy to walk to the old town. For example, I walked about 15 minutes from the hotel to Grassmarket, a vibrant street filled with restaurants and cafes. It’s an excellent place to stop for a bite and, moreover, to soak up the local atmosphere.

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Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket exceeded my expectations; however, as you’ll find, hotels in Edinburgh can be expensive. I spent £150 per night on accommodation for two nights, and that was two years ago. Fast forward to today, and the prices of hotels have skyrocketed, so, with that in mind, it really helps to plan and budget in advance.

Nonetheless, don’t be discouraged from visiting Edinburgh; in addition to the higher-end options, there are several hotels for budget travelers in the city center. Best of all, you can still stay close to the main sights without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Hotels in Edinburgh

Cityroomz Edinburgh – Location is perfect for a short walk to Princes Street Gardens, and The Royal Mile. From £99 per night.

Novtotel Edinburgh Centre – Fancy a dip in the pool? This hotel features a swimming pool, sauna, fitness room while providing spacious rooms. It’s just a short stroll to Princes Street and The Royal Mile, making it an excellent place to stay. From £124 per night.

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Royal Mile – This hotel is super convenient. It’s just a few minutes walk from Waverley Train Station. Ideal for those arriving by train into the city. From £114 per night.

Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket – The perfect base for families, rooms are equipped and spacious. With Edinburgh castle a short minutes away, and shops and bars on Princes Street. From £154 per night.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – Expect a splash of red, glamour and stunning views. Eat like a royal and indulge in fantastic drinks at the Commons Bar. Admire stunning city views on the rooftop terrace. From £293 per night.

Things to do in Edinburgh

• Take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens. You will see gorgeous views of the old town and Edinburgh Castle on a hilltop.

Neighbourhoods & Hidden Gems

• Experience a Scotch Whisky tour located at The Royal Mile. You’ll learn about the history of Scottish whisky and get a chance to taste it.

• Explore Edinburgh castle, the oldest fortified place in the UK. Throughout its long history, it has served as a royal residence, a military garrison and a fortress.

• Discover the world of illusions at Camera Obscure, located right near Edinburgh castle. You won’t want to miss this unique experience.

• Walk around Edinburgh’s oldest street. The Royal Mile is at the heart of Edinburgh’s old town. Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are nearby. It has lots of souvenir shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes to enjoy.

• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’d want to go on a Harry Potter walk. You can see the city that inspired J.K Rowling to write her books. During the tour, you will learn about the author’s history, as well as the inspiration behind the books.

• Visit The Scottish National Gallery. It houses some of the greatest artworks ever created, including the National collection of fine art. A visit here is worth it for its impressive architecture and murals too.

• Visit The Writers Museum. Check out the many books, writing equipment, and personal items. These were used by the famous Scottish literary legends; Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis.

• You can climb or hike up Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views of the city if the weather is good.

• Head to Scott Monument. One of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh. A gothic style structure dedicated to author and poet, Sir Walter Scott.

• Visit St Giles Cathedral and check out its stunning architecture.

• Visit Stockbridge Market (on Sundays) The market features independent trades selling local produce, food, jewellery, art and more!

• Explore the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh.

• Wander around Grassmarket a street with independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Explore the Scottish Highlands with Get Your Guide

Visit the Scottish Highlands with GetYourGuide for an unforgettable experience; to make things even better, everything from transport to guiding is taken care of for you. I booked the Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands Tour, which, moreover, is a fantastic way to see a lot in just one day.

Looking for more day trips in the UK? What’s more, if you’re based in the capital, you can check out my blog post on 12 day trips to visit from London by train for even more inspiration.