Where to Stay in Edinburgh: Old Town, New Town and Stockbridge

Choosing between Edinburgh's two central halves (the medieval Old Town south of Waverley valley and the Georgian New Town north of it) comes down to whether you want dramatic turreted stone alleys outside your window or flatter pavements, larger Georgian rooms and direct airport tram stops. Both sit within a ten- to fifteen-minute walk of each other across North Bridge or The Mound.

1. The Old Town and Royal Mile (Best for first-timers and historic atmosphere)

Staying on or just off the Royal Mile, Cockburn Street or Market Street puts Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral and the National Museum within a five-minute walk. Keep in mind: historic tenements often lack lifts, streets are steep and cobbled, and the central stretch around High Street and Cowgate can be noisy on weekend nights.

2. Grassmarket and Victoria Street (Best for Castle views and pub evenings)

Tucked directly beneath the southern cliff face of Castle Rock. You wake up looking straight up at the Castle battlements and sit minutes from Greyfriars Kirkyard, Chambers Street and West Bow's independent shops. Pick a hotel on the quieter western end (toward King's Stables Road) rather than directly above the late-night stag-party bars in the middle of the square.

3. The Georgian New Town (Best balance of flat streets, elegance and rail/tram links)

Stretching from St Andrew Square and George Street west to Charlotte Square and north to Queen Street. Wide, level flagstone pavements, direct Edinburgh Tram stops from the airport, Edinburgh's best cocktail bars and bistros on Broughton Street and Thistle Street, and quiet nights in converted 18th-century townhouses.

4. The West End and Haymarket (Best for value, Dean Village and early trains)

Around Coates Crescent, Manor Place, William Street and Haymarket Station. Handsomely proportioned Victorian stone streets, boutique independent shops on William Street, a ten-minute walk into Dean Village, and immediate boarding for both the Airport Tram and Airlink 100 bus before they fill up on Princes Street.

5. Stockbridge (Best for a quiet, leafy village stay)

Just downhill north of the New Town along the Water of Leith. Artisan bakeries, cheese mongers, charity bookshops, the Sunday market and the Royal Botanic Garden, about twenty minutes on foot (uphill on the return) or a quick bus ride from Princes Street.

6. Leith and The Shore (Best for food lovers and modern waterfront value)

Connected directly to the New Town and Airport every 7 to 10 minutes by the extended tram line. Converted dockside granaries, waterfront restaurants and lower hotel rates for the room size.