Where to stay in Edinburgh
Table of contents
Book online at Voyage Prive and enjoy a weekend in Edinburgh, the perfect place to enjoy world-class dining, vibrant nightlife and vistas so beautiful they'll take your breath away whilst staying in luxurious accommodation.
Visit a city of breathtaking splendour
Putting into words just how beautiful Edinburgh is would be a challenge worthy of Robert Burns himself. From the Old Town to the castle itself, almost every turn in the Scottish capital reveals yet another incredible sight. Although you'll surely want to take in the castle and look at the incredible vista over the Firth of Forth from the summit of Calton Hill, the magnificence of Edinburgh doesn't need to be sought out. It's everywhere you look, making it one of the most enjoyable cities in the world to explore on foot.
Edinburgh, the Festival City
There's no doubt that the city is most famous for the Edinburgh Festival, the largest of its kind in the world, which takes over the whole city for the month of August. You can see the finest classical music, opera and theatre from around the world all in one place - it's a haven for art-lovers. But you don't need to be an adherent of high culture to enjoy getaways during the festival period - the Fringe, established as an alternative to the main event but since having grown to eclipse it, brings all manner of performers from famous comedians to experimental artists. With thousands of shows available, it's impossible not to find plenty of things to satisfy your curiosity.
A truly modern European capital
If your stay in Edinburgh is out of the festival season, there's no need to feel disappointed. There are still more things to do and places to see than it would be possible to do in a lifetime, let alone the space of one or two breaks. If you're still looking to satisfy your thirst for culture, you can explore the rich history of the city and its historical influence on philosophy and literature in typical Scottish style, by means of a pub crawl. If you want to sample some of the more instantly gratifying artefacts of Scottish culture, it's also easy to organise plenty of whisky distillery tours. Exciting nightlife also means that you'll be able to party away and let your hair down if you want to.
With something to satisfy every traveller and plenty of breathtaking sights, Edinburgh is a city not to be missed. Take advantage of our exclusive discounts on luxury hotels and book today.
5 things to see/do in Edinburgh
1. National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is home to over 20,000 artefacts, so there is something for everyone here. Entry to the museum is free, and the exhibits on display cover a diverse cross-section of history, from ancient Egypt to World War II. It’s also a great way to get out of the rain if you happen to get caught in the Scottish weather.
2. Calton Hill
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If you want to see possibly the most stunning view of this historic region, you’ll need to set your alarm. An early walk to the top of Calton Hill will reward you with the breath-taking sight of a sunrise over the city skyline. It’s also the location of a number of historic monuments, including the National Monument.
3. Arthur’s Seat
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Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano whose peak sits a proud 251 metres above sea level. If you decide to take the brisk hike up there, you will not only be rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, but also the remains of St Anthony’s Chapel. There are plenty of trails to take, so there should be one to suit almost any level of ability.
4. Edinburgh Dungeon
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With a city as old as Edinburgh, it will always be the history that holds the most appeal to visitors. If you want to see that history in all its grimy detail, you might consider a trip to Edinburgh Dungeon. Here, you can learn about some of the more unsavoury aspects of the city’s past, such as walking a recreation of the plague-ridden streets of the 1600s and witnessing the trial of the notorious grave robbers-turned-murderers, Burke and Hare.
5. Edinburgh Castle
No list of things to see and do in Edinburgh could be complete without a trip to Edinburgh Castle. Recently voted as the top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards, Edinburgh Castle is a piece of history like no other. On top of the stunning architecture and unparalleled view of the city below, the castle is also home to some interesting artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland; the oldest crown jewels in the UK. For those interested in history, there is a guided tour available in eight languages.
The best hotels for a weekend in Edinburgh
1.? InterContinental Edinburgh The George 5*
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Housed in an authentic Victorian property and located in Edinburgh’s New Town district, this hotel will give you a real sense of timeless class. Staying here will ensure you’re at the heart of the action and enjoying the height of luxury.
2.? Apex Waterloo Place Hotel 4*
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For something a little more peaceful, Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a Georgian hotel with some lovely views of nearby nature, and only a short walk from Calton Hill.
3. ?Hilton Carlton Edinburgh 4* & Pentahotel Inverness 4*
Within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Hilton Carlton is a beautiful hotel in the heart of the city. Here, you can relax in comfort overnight, recharging your batteries for a busy day in the city.
4.? The Knight Residence by Mansley
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Located in the historic Old Town district of Edinburgh, the Knight Residence by Mansley provides a luxurious stay in spacious apartments. There are different apartments to suit guests, such as one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, and more.
5.? Dunstane House 5*
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Dunstane House blends a Victorian exterior with a contemporary interior. You’ll benefit from the height of luxury. This beautiful building is close enough to the city centre to get you right into the action, but far enough from it to relax.
Plan your weekend break in Edinburgh
The best time of the year to go to Edinburgh
While Edinburgh is not necessarily known for its great weather, it actually enjoys some warm temperatures and bright sunshine in the months spanning June to August. That being said, there is plenty to see indoors, and you shouldn’t let the prospect of cold weather or rain prevent you from visiting this remarkable city.
Going to Edinburgh at the weekend
Being the largest city in Scotland, Edinburgh is naturally well-connected in terms of transport links. You will be able to arrange transport to just about any location within the city with ease and you'll have no trouble finding places to eat, bars and entertainment. You can plan your weekend in great detail, or just head into town and see where the day takes you.
Where to eat - the best districts and restaurants
Edinburgh has plenty to offer when it comes to options for eating out, but if you want to try the best, consider Gaucho Edinburgh in St Andrew Square, or Terra Marique on Castle Terrace.
Nightlife in Edinburgh
If you are looking for a lively experience, you might try Sneaky Pete’s nightclub. Looking for something a little more relaxed? The Jazz Bar is a place where you can get your groove on. Of course, there are cocktail bars, theatres, live music venues and more.
Our practical advice for a weekend in Edinburgh?
What to pack for a weekend in Edinburgh
Even if you visit during Scotland’s hotter months, it would be wise to at least pack a raincoat. Other than that, standard city-going attire should suffice and some good walking shoes if you plan to tackle Arthur’s Seat.
What budget to plan
Edinburgh is not a particularly expensive city, but you should budget to spend more than you would on a normal trip to the city. You’re on holiday, after all. Take advantage of the exclusive prices you can get - there are up to 70% discounts on offer with Voyage Privé.
Useful information before going to Edinburgh
Before heading to Edinburgh, be sure to have a basic grasp of English, as that is the main language spoken there. The currency is pound sterling and it’s worth noting that Scotland has its own banknotes, but both Scottish and English banknotes are accepted.
The 10 best places to stay in Edinburgh, customer reviews
Le Monde Edinburgh (Edinburgh - United Kingdom)
Exploring Scotland (Edinburgh - United Kingdom)
The Bonham Hotel (Edinburgh - United Kingdom)
Stewart Aparthotel Edinburgh (Edinburgh - United Kingdom)
G&V Edinburgh VPUK (Edinburgh - United Kingdom)
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