Staying in Old Town: choosing your street
An address on the Royal Mile can conceal a steep approach: some entrances sit down closes or on a different level from the street. Check the actual door location before arriving with luggage. Around Cowgate, ask whether bedrooms face the street or a courtyard, as evening noise can carry between tall buildings. North Bridge gives a useful crossing toward the station.
At a glance
- Best for
- A first visit
- At night
- Loud at weekends
- Getting around
- On foot; Waverley station below
- Price level
- €€€
The castle, the Royal Mile and the museums on foot, and the most crowded and noisiest part of the city.
Good for
- A first visit of two or three nights
- Walking to the castle, the Royal Mile and the museums
- Being out early, before the crowds
Think twice if
- You sleep lightly and the room faces the Cowgate or Grassmarket at weekends
- Steep hills, steps or cobbles are hard for you
- You are coming in August, when prices and crowds peak
What is near Old Town
Victoria Street
About 5 minutes from St Giles on foot, this curved street leads downhill toward Grassmarket, with small shops along the way.
National Museum of Scotland
Allow about 7 minutes from St Giles via George IV Bridge and Chambers Street; the route avoids the steeper closes.
Dunbar's Close Garden
Walk about 12 minutes downhill from St Giles along the Royal Mile to this small garden beside Canongate.
Eating in Old Town
Eating on the Royal Mile ranges from quick lunches to longer dinners. Oink suits a short lunch stop, while Wedgwood The Restaurant is an option for a booked meal. Look along South Bridge and toward Chambers Street for further choices, and check kitchen hours if arriving after an evening performance.
Getting around from Old Town
Waverley is the nearest main railway station, but its exits leave you below much of Old Town. Use Market Street for the southern side, then allow for an uphill walk. The tram runs along Princes Street, across the valley. Lothian buses use South Bridge and George IV Bridge.
Hotels in Old Town
Search the area on the booking sites, where the prices are. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Other areas of Edinburgh
Staying in Old Town: choosing your street
Should I check the entrance before booking?
Yes. A Royal Mile address may have its entrance down a close, with steps between the pavement and reception. Ask about the route from street level and any lift.
Which streets need extra attention for night noise?
Check rooms around Cowgate and Grassmarket carefully. Nearby venues and people walking home can affect sleep, so ask whether your room faces the street.
Can I walk here from Waverley with luggage?
You can, but the climb matters more than the distance. Check a route using ordinary streets, as a shortcut through a close may involve several flights of steps.