Hotels near Edinburgh Castle

Top reasons to visit Edinburgh Castle

• Historic Significance: Edinburgh Castle is steeped in history, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s past through its impressive architecture and exhibitions.
• Stunning Views: The castle provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage with the local culture through art galleries and theatre productions nearby, enhancing your visit.
• Festivals and Events: Experience a vibrant atmosphere during various festivals held throughout the year, showcasing Edinburgh's artistic spirit.
• Diverse Accommodation: Enjoy a range of lodging options nearby, from pet-friendly hotels to cosy guesthouses, catering to all visitors.

Find great hotels near Edinburgh Castle

Discover a variety of accommodation options near Edinburgh Castle, catering to every traveler's needs. From pet-friendly hotels to welcoming guesthouses, you’ll find places that embrace business travellers and the LGBTQIA community. Whether you seek an accessible room or a vibrant stay at voco Edinburgh, the city offers a diverse range of lodgings to enhance your visit to this historic landmark.

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Nestled a mere 322m from the iconic Edinburgh Castle, Apex Grassmarket Hotel stands out as a stylish 4-star accommodation ideal for eco-conscious travellers and business guests alike. This hotel showcases a modern design with sustainable practices, offering an eco-certified experience that aligns with environmentally friendly values. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a well-equipped fitness centre and an inviting restaurant that serves locally sourced cuisine, making it a perfect blend of comfort and conscientious living.
• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: Located 1.1km from Edinburgh Castle, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a luxurious 4-star hotel that embodies the essence of family-friendly and spa-themed retreats. This hotel features an extensive spa service, including an indoor pool and a variety of treatments such as massages and aromatherapy, ensuring relaxation for every guest. With amenities tailored for children and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice for families seeking a rejuvenating getaway in the heart of Edinburgh.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: Situated 805m from Edinburgh Castle, the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile is a vibrant 3-star hotel that warmly welcomes eco-conscious, pet-loving, and LGBTQIA+ travellers. This property is eco-certified and offers pet-friendly accommodations, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along for the adventure. With essential amenities such as food and water bowls for pets and a commitment to inclusivity, this hotel provides a comfortable and accommodating environment for all types of visitors.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Castle

Exploring the areas around Edinburgh Castle offers a delightful blend of historical charm and warm hospitality. Wander through picturesque streets lined with quaint shops and indulge in local delicacies, all while soaking in amazing views of the majestic castle. Nearby, you’ll find expansive estates perfect for leisurely strolls, making it an ideal destination for families and romantics alike. The friendly atmosphere and rich history ensure a memorable experience for every traveller.

• Edinburgh: As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and culture. The iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, serves as a striking backdrop to the city's stunning architecture. With a steady influx of visitors year-round, the city is particularly bustling from July to September. Tourists flock here for a variety of experiences, including cultural festivals, family-friendly attractions, and urban exploration. Key highlights include the historic Royal Mile, the lively Princes Street shopping area, and the dynamic entertainment venues scattered throughout the city.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Old Town Edinburgh is a charming neighbourhood that encapsulates the essence of the city's rich history. Home to the famous Edinburgh Castle, this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting cobbled streets and medieval architecture. The peak travel season here occurs from April to July, attracting visitors eager to experience its cultural and familial offerings. Explore the quaint shops, indulge in local delicacies, and enjoy theatrical performances that bring the area to life. Notable landmarks include the historic St Giles' Cathedral and the vibrant Grassmarket area, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Located a mere 644m from Edinburgh Castle, the City Centre is the pulse of the metropolis, offering a lively blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. This area experiences consistent visitor numbers throughout the year, with a notable surge from July to September. Travellers are drawn to its cultural attractions, family activities, and vibrant theatre scene. Explore the historic streets, visit the National Museum of Scotland, and enjoy events at the many conference venues. The City Centre is an ideal base for those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Edinburgh.

Things to do near Edinburgh Castle

While visiting Edinburgh Castle, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by exploring nearby art galleries and enjoying the rich theatre scene. Don't miss out on the various festivals held throughout the year, which showcase the city's artistic flair. Enhance your experience with an informative audio tour of the castle, providing insights into its fascinating history and significance.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options are The Hub and Tartan Weaving Mill, both 322m from Edinburgh Castle, offering a charming selection of local products. Princes Mall is slightly further at 644m, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out more distant options in the city.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of a match at Murrayfield Stadium, just 3.2km from Edinburgh Castle, where the sports atmosphere energises the spirit. For a cultural touch, enjoy a concert at Queen's Hall, located 1.4km away, or unwind with family at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, 1.6km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Bedlam Paintball, located 1.1km from Edinburgh Castle, offering an exhilarating paintballing adventure. For a further challenge, Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, 3.2km away, provides exciting team-based action. If you're into skiing, head 6.4km to Midlothian Snowsports Centre for winter sports fun.

Nightlife

In Edinburgh, the Royal Lyceum Theatre offers a captivating cultural experience, while Camera Obscura and World of Illusions provides thrilling adventures. For a romantic evening, Greyfriar's Bobby is the perfect drinking pub, blending entertainment with a charming atmosphere.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Castle

To save money on your visit to Edinburgh Castle, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can also yield better rates, while last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia might help you snag a bargain. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, whereas Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia's search tools to find budget-friendly options and consider combining your hotel, flight, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free attractions around the city for a more economical experience.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Edinburgh Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Castle is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking for Edinburgh Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, including historic sites, lively streets, and entertainment facilities. Whether you're seeking a cultural experience, a family-friendly outing, or a chance to immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage, there are plenty of points of interest to explore both within and around the castle.

• Princes Street: This bustling thoroughfare is renowned for its vibrant city atmosphere, lined with shops and cafes, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or shopping spree. Enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from the gardens below.
• University of Edinburgh: As one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, it boasts impressive architecture and a rich history. Explore its picturesque campus and immerse yourself in the cultural vibes that resonate through its historic halls.
• Grassmarket: A lively area filled with charming pubs and shops, Grassmarket offers an outdoor experience that's great for families. It's a fantastic spot to relax, savour local delicacies, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Castle

The best time to visit Edinburgh Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Edinburgh Castle

For your visit to EDInburgh Castle, you can fly into three major airports. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is situated 9.7km away, with excellent hotel options like the 5-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, both offering convenient access to the airport. Dundee Airport (DND) is located 39.7km away, with nearby hotels such as the 4.5-star Premier Inn Dundee North. Glasgow Airport (GLA) is 77.2km from the castle, and you can find luxury at the 5-star Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa nearby. Transportation services are available from these hotels, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination.