Staying in Southside: checking your Newington address
Southside accommodation stretches from streets near the university to guest houses farther along the road through Newington. That spread changes the walk to the Royal Mile considerably. Check your address against the Meadows and the Commonwealth Pool before booking. Rooms facing a main road may receive traffic noise, while a rear room can have a quite different outlook.
At a glance
- Best for
- Value, guest houses
- At night
- Busy on the main roads
- Getting around
- Buses along the main roads
- Price level
- €€
Newington and the streets around the university, a walk from the Royal Mile and noticeably cheaper.
Good for
- Lower prices within walking distance of the Old Town
- Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park nearby
- Plenty of guest houses and mid-range rooms
Think twice if
- You are sensitive to traffic and bus noise on the main roads
- You want quiet nights during the Festival
What is near Southside
Surgeons' Hall Museums
From the junction of East and West Preston Street, walk about 12 minutes north along the main road.
The Meadows
Allow about 10 minutes from the Preston Street junction toward the eastern side of the park via nearby streets.
Holyrood Park
Walk about 20 minutes from the Preston Street junction toward the park near the Commonwealth Pool; the summit climb takes longer.
Eating in Southside
The main road through Newington offers casual meals, takeaway food and cafés useful between sightseeing stops. Mother India's Cafe is closer to the university end of Southside, on Infirmary Street. If staying farther south, look for dinner near your accommodation when you want a shorter journey home.
Getting around from Southside
Lothian buses run along the main corridor through Newington, linking it with the center. There is no tram stop in Southside. From northern addresses, walk toward South Bridge for the Royal Mile. Waverley lies farther downhill beyond it, so allow extra time when returning uphill with luggage.
Hotels in Southside
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Other areas of Edinburgh
Staying in Southside: checking your Newington address
How far south does a Newington booking put me?
Check the address on a map. Guest houses extend along the main road, and a booking farther south can add a significant walk to central sights.
Is Holyrood Park easy to reach from Southside?
Eastern Southside addresses can work well for park access. Reaching the park entrance is only part of the outing, so allow separate time for any uphill walk.
What should I check during festival season?
Ask about nearby venues, bedroom position and late evening noise. Streets around the university can have different activity levels from guest-house addresses farther south.