Edinburgh Castle on its rock above the Grassmarket
Edinburgh · Where to stay

Staying in Bruntsfield and Marchmont

The two sides of the Meadows create different routes into town. Bruntsfield addresses often connect with Bruntsfield Place and Lothian Road, while Marchmont streets lead toward the university and George IV Bridge. Check the floor of your room in a tenement building, since stairs can be a bigger inconvenience than the walk. After dark, choose a return route you recognize.

At a glance

Best for
Value, a local feel
At night
Quiet
Getting around
Buses to the center
Price level
€€
Our verdict

Tenement streets on either side of the Meadows, with cafés, pubs and a walk into the Old Town.

Good for

  • Lower prices than the center
  • Walking across the Meadows to the Old Town
  • Cafés and a local atmosphere

Think twice if

  • You want hotels with a full service
  • You want to be in the middle of things at night

How Bruntsfield and Marchmont compares with the rest of Edinburgh

Nearby

What is near Bruntsfield and Marchmont

  1. Bruntsfield Links

    From the junction of Bruntsfield Place and Whitehouse Loan, reach the grass in about 2 minutes on foot.

  2. The Meadows

    From Marchmont Road beside the park, walk about 5 minutes along the paths toward the central open lawns.

  3. National Museum of Scotland

    Allow about 20 minutes from northern Marchmont Road across the Meadows and onwards toward Chambers Street.

Eating

Eating in Bruntsfield and Marchmont

Bruntsfield Place has cafés and casual dinner options along the main road, while Marchmont offers smaller clusters of neighborhood places and food shops. Self-catering works well if you buy supplies before returning for the evening. For a late meal, check kitchen hours instead of assuming every pub serves food until closing.

Getting around

Getting around from Bruntsfield and Marchmont

Lothian buses serve Bruntsfield Place and roads around Marchmont. Neither neighborhood has a tram stop. Walk across the Meadows toward the university for eastern Old Town, or use the streets toward Tollcross from Bruntsfield. Haymarket may be useful for western addresses, but check the distance before choosing your railway arrival.

Where to book

Hotels in Bruntsfield and Marchmont

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Other areas

Other areas of Edinburgh

Questions

Staying in Bruntsfield and Marchmont

How do I choose between Bruntsfield and Marchmont?

Compare your planned walking routes. Bruntsfield connects toward Tollcross and Lothian Road, while Marchmont gives a direct approach across the Meadows toward the university.

Will accommodation in a tenement have a lift?

Do not assume it will. Ask which floor your room occupies, how many stairs you must climb and whether anyone can help with luggage.

Should I cross the Meadows after dark?

Use your judgment about lighting and conditions. If you prefer a street route, plan one around the park before leaving your accommodation for the evening.

Plan the rest

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