Coming up: The sound of bagpipes. Scotsmen proudly sporting their kilts. A skyline without hideous highrises. Medieval architecture. Cobblestone streets. Smooth whisky. And a towering castle overlooking the hillside. And 7 of Edinburgh’s best places to stay for solo travellers.
Best Neighbourhood: For solo travellers? It has to be Old Town. Read why.
Jump to: Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | Eco Friendly
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland:
- A Scottish cultural centre
- Walkable
- Friendly locals
- Pub crawls
- Great comedy
- … and a city that is a bit of mecca for solo travellers exploring Europe.
So: Which is Edinburgh’s best neighbourhood? Where will you find places to meet new people? How can you navigate the city alone? And where can I find a hotel to help me meet people who are doing what I am – sticking pins in a map of the world, alone?
In this guide, your adventure-seeking pals at Three Week Traveller have provided everything you need to know about where to stay, for a fun solo trip to this unforgettable destination. So, grab your kilt and let’s go!
- I’ve visited Edinburgh (solo) on multiple occasions
- I’ve stayed in various types of accommodations
- I’ve even backpacked around the Highlands for a month
So, I may not be a local per se, but I’ve been around here long enough to learn what goes into a great solo trip and what you’re probably keen to avoid…and embrace when you’re doing it too.
If you choose the right accommodation, Edinburgh is PERFECT for solo travellers:
- The city is very walkable. So, You can find many of the best attractions packed together and solo travellers can join guided walking tours to meet fellow explorers.
- There is reliable public transportation. You can explore the city at your own pace and not have to rely on others to visit the sights you want. Edinburgh has an extensive transport system of buses, trams, and trains.
- There are TONS of festivals and events. Edinburgh hosts festivals throughout the year that bring locals and visitors together. For instance, Festival Fringe spans weeks and hosts the world’s largest performance arts gathering.
- Some hostels host pub crawls. What better way to meet new people on a solo trip than going to the city’s best pubs to experience the nightlife?
- Locals are friendly and helpful. Scotland is well-known for its hospitable locals willing to help travellers in need.
- In general, most of Edinburgh’s best solo-traveller accommodations are in or around the Old Town neighbourhood. Here, you’ll find most of the city’s top attractions and where groups meet up. Most places atop any Edinburgh itinerary will be here, with many pub, cafe, and restaurant options to socialise.
In my opinion, it wouldn’t be wise for a solo traveller in Edinburgh to stay far away from Old Town (unless you’re already a veteran and want to find hidden gems away from the tourist crowds). Many of the coolest sights and tours converge in Old Town, and you don’t want to be very far from the action.
Also, don’t underestimate the terrain and end up booking accommodation that requires lots of walking to reach your preferred destinations. Edinburgh is known for its hills and unreliable weather. Poor planning can result in an exhausting solo trip. Lugging bags from stations in the summer months up hill is not a pleasant experience. And if you oversleep on your journey out, you don’t want to find it’s an arduous trek to your next travel terminus. Being in the UK everywhere has Uber but if you’re using taxis all the time and on an extended trip, it’s going to eat into your budget fast.
Whereever you’re travelling around the UK or across Europe, voice notes to friends back home may not cut it for social stimulation. We put together a quick guide on how you can make your trip a little more sociable.
One quick tip from that guide is booking via Hostelworld. Yes I used to work for them, and yes I’m a little biased, but the ability to chat to other people staying at hostels you book through the platform while you’re in Edinburgh is game changing.
Edinburgh Travel Safety
As a resident here these days, I can categorically say, that the biggest harm that could come to you in Edinburgh is from a particularly stiff hangover or over-eating shortbread biscuits. Sure there are always risks of theft from the person in any major city, but E-Town is a safe city with a lower than national average crime rate. Source.
For additional up to date travel advice from what feels a little hysterical, you can check out the US Government’s travel site: US Travel Advisory For UK.
7 top places to stay in Edinburgh for solo travellers
Some of these accommodations are great for social butterflies, while others are better for solo travellers wanting a quieter trip. Regardless of your travel style, we have the spot for you.
Best budget solo traveller options in Edinburgh
Here, I’ve brought you 2 places around $50 USD (£40) per person per night.
#1: Royal Mile Backpackers
Best for: meeting other travellers, exploring iconic sights, nightly events, and joining pub crawls
Solo vibe
Smack bang in Old Town. Perfect for that giddy feeling staring down Edinburgh’s most iconic street from your doorstep. Great for organising group events to shake the nerves of being alone. You can even learn traditional Scottish dancing, just ask the staff.
Two lounges and a shared kitchen provide you hangout space to share travel stories. Perhaps learn a recipe or two from your roommates or enjoy the free board games. And don’t miss out on Spandex Comedy Night or Quiz Night!
Why stay here?
You won’t find a better value in Old Town. Many of Edinburgh’s best attractions are minutes from your doorstep. And it’s the perfect place to meet other solo travellers from around the world. The common spaces are inclusive and friendly to enjoy the hostel atmosphere.
The receptionists can help make recommendations on places to visit or tours to join if you’re unsure where to start. You can stretch your money further by using their fully-equipped kitchen to make your meals.
And for a cool bonus, the hostel can provide discounts to various pubs, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs around the city, being part of the world traveller’s network.
For me this is hands down the best hostel in Edinburgh and definitely ranks amongst the best hostels in every list you’ll see.
What’s around?
Step outside the door, and you’re on the Royal Mile. You won’t find a better spot to join a Royal Mile Walking Tour to learn about Edinburgh’s history and meet new people.
In one direction, you’ll find the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Head the opposite way to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In between, find cafes and pubs to hang out or stop by St. Giles’ Cathedral.
- Price per night average: around $30-$37 per night for a dorm room
- Address: 105 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG, United Kingdom
- Closest travel hub: Museum of Childhood (Bus)
- Star rating: 4.5 – Google; 8.2 – Booking; 9.1 Hostelworld
#2: CoDE Pod
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/codepodhostels/
Best for: getting quality sleep for a better value, staying in a unique building, finding top attractions, and daily whisky & gin tastings
Solo vibe
Need your rest? A better choice if you’re looking for a hostel that offers more privacy and doesn’t have a party atmosphere. There are some common areas but it’s more for solo travellers looking for a quieter evening in their accommodation.
Why stay here?
Clean, spacious, high-quality mattresses and a surprising amount of privacy for a hostel stay. Perfect if you value personal space without booking a private room. Eye masks and earplugs are included if you need to drown out the noise of someone snoring or coming in late from a pub crawl.
You get the unique experience of the Asian-style pod concept without venturing to Japan. And the added touch of snoozing in a former jail and courthouse. Don’t forget to start your days with the smell of freshly made waffles every morning or have a dram in the underground bar.
What’s around?
In the middle of Old Town, many of the best sights in Edinburgh are a short walk from your accommodation. St. Giles’ Cathedral is right next door, and all the spots on the Royal Mile are minutes away. If you want to explore other areas of Edinburgh, Waverley Station is only a 4-minute walk away. Ask the staff for nearby connections to and from the airport.
- Star ratings: 4.6 – Google; 8.7 – Booking; 9.4 – Hostelworld
- Price per night average: $50 – $80 per night for a dorm bed
- Closest travel hub: Victoria Street (Bus)
- Address: 1A Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom
Best mid-range place to stay in Edinburgh
Craving a little more privacy on your solo trip to Edinburgh? Perhaps you want to venture a little further away from the city centre. Here are 2 places that will show you more of Edinburgh.
#3: Ocean Mist Leith
Best for: riverside views, a filling continental breakfast, and the rare chance to sleep in a refurbished ship.
Solo vibe
Here, you’ll find the perfect balance of privacy and places to socialise. Outside your sleeping quarters, hang out at the bar or lounges to meet other guests. And the polite, outgoing staff are the cherry on top!
It’s a bit of a sleeper. The bar is genuinely decent and you’re staying in a place like this for an experience; consequently we found the bar to be pretty fun and chalked a few extra follows up on the gram after meeting lots of different types here.
Why stay here?
The included breakfast gives you lots of food to choose from and with a fantastic view of Edinburgh Castle. Hang out at a bar on the ship’s upper deck. The surprisingly spacious cabins are cosy, offer modern amenities, and give you a glimpse into the roaring 20’s.
And don’t miss the staff’s recommended local eats in this portside Edinburgh neighbourhood.
What’s around?
The famous Royal Yacht Britannia is next door and worth a visit before checking out pubs, restaurants, bistros, and cafes on the waterfront. The Shore is a hub of activity to meet people, and the Biscuit Factory often hosts pop-up events and markets.
The nearby Water of Leith Walkway is an excellent place to explore Edinburgh by foot away from the urban noise. You can walk to the photogenic Dean Village on the 13-mile route if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Price per night average: $255 – $300 per night for a room
- Address: 14 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QN, United Kingdom
- Closest travel hub: The Shore (Bus)
- Star rating: 4.9 – Google; 9.4 – Booking
#4: Hotel Ceilidh-Donia
Best for: staying in a residential neighbourhood and feeling like a local, exploring walking paths, and a delicious Scottish breakfast
Solo vibe
Here, you’re more likely to mingle with locals. It’s a family-run hotel in a residential area. A great spot for experiencing Scottish hospitality and learning about local life. The daily included breakfast may provide the chance to meet other travellers. One great things about family run boutique stays is the owners are quite active and keen to help travellers enjoy their time. For a start it helps their review scores and secondly they just are a lot more passionate about this game.
Why stay here?
The breakfast alone makes this spot a win. You can choose between a free Scottish, English, American, continental, or vegan breakfast. What’s a Scottish breakfast? Expect haggis, square sausage (Lorne sausage) and potato scones. Not the healthiest option, but a good absorber if you’ve been on the vino the night before – and very comforting.
The hotel is also pretty well placed, it’s just over one mile from the city centre, you can ride public transport to hit Old Town in under 15 minutes. The best of both worlds for seeing Edinburgh’s top attractions and getting a glimpse of residential life.
What’s around?
Stroll through Holyrood Park for walking trails, gardens, and a loch. The historic Arthur’s Seat gives you one of Edinburgh’s best views. A walk toward Old Town passes Holyrood Distillery, The University of Edinburgh, and the National Museum of Scotland.
Summerhall and The Queen’s Hall are popular event spaces. And Pleasance Courtyard is a Fringe hub bringing locals and travellers together with comedy, theatre, and live music.
- Price per night average: $180 – $220 per night for a room (£150-£170 GBP)
- Address: 14-16 Marchhall Cres, Edinburgh EH16 5HL, United Kingdom
- Closest travel hub: Marchhall Place (Bus
- Star rating: 4.8 – Google; 9.4 Booking
Best luxury solo traveller options in Edinburgh:
If you’re looking to visit Edinburgh like royalty, then these are the options for you. My top luxury accommodation picks for solo travellers in Edinburgh.
#5: Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Best for: staying in a chic hotel near the top attractions and popular hangouts
Solo vibe
The breakfast area gives you the chance to meet other guests while starting your day. Facilities at the property to potentially socialise include the gym and pool at its sister property next door. Many of Old Town’s best social spots are a short walk from the hotel.
Why stay here?
This is the spot for leisure and comfort while staying in the heart of Old Town. The state-of-the-art facilities include an expansive gym, indoor swimming pool, and en-suite bathrooms. The free breakfast has all the offerings, and the hospitable staff provides 24-hour room service.
All with the unbeatable views of Edinburgh Castle from your window!
What’s around?
The Grassmarket is right outside your door and one of Edinburgh’s most sociable areas. Find a wide range of independent shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants a short walk from your accommodation.
The Black Bull has a resident DJ, regular live music, and TVs to watch sporting events. And The Last Drop is a local favourite offering a traditional pub atmosphere and authentic Scottish food.
- Price per night average: $200 – $440 per night depending on the type of room and time of year
- Address: 61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HJ, United Kingdom
- Closest travel hub: Grassmarket (Bus)
- Star rating: 4.5 – Google, 8.6 – Booking, 4.3 – Tripadvisor
#6: Six Brunton Place Guest House
Best for: enjoying a bit of Edinburgh’s imperial history and imagining you’re a Laird from the 1800s
Solo vibe
In short none – this place is for feeling rich.
Socialising with other travellers at this guest house will be a minimum. But that’s typical for luxury spots. You may run into other guests in the garden or dining room. But you’re not a million miles from some of the coolest hangout spots in Old Town, with a few minutes on local public transport.
So if you’re here for some isolation and relaxation, then this works. If meeting people is key – then your best bet is flexing to a tinder match over where you’re staying.
Why stay here?
This is where you can pamper yourself while traveling alone in Edinburgh. Perks include high spec en-suite bathrooms, garden access, starfish-able beds, roll top baths, and restaurant standard breakfast in a classic dining room.
Plus in my own experience the friendly staff are quite engaging, so ask them where they’d go if in the city for a bit of a laugh. I often do this as you’re generally on the same level and you can pick up some great recommendations when you want to venture outside the comfort of this Georgian-style townhouse. For me, it felt truly like a home away from home!
If I was that wealthy…lol!
What’s around?
The Royal Terrace Gardens are across the street when you want time to relax. Just a short walk from the hotel, you’ll find the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scott Monument. Don’t miss nearby Calton Hill for stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s skyline.
Explore Princes Street to find popular hangouts in this part of Edinburgh. The Guildford Arms and Cafe Royal are two well-known pubs loved by travellers and locals alike. Waverley Market is another nearby fun spot, particularly if you are a foodie. You’ve seen these before in other cities, lots of stalls with independent traders etc.
- Price per night average: $220 – $320 per night for a room
- Address: 6 Brunton Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5EG, United Kingdom
- Closest travel hub: Brunton Place (Bus)
- Star rating: 4.7 – Google; 9.4 – Booking
Best eco-friendly place to stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh doesn’t leave out environmentally-conscious travellers. Here is my top eco-friendly recommendation for where to stay in Edinburgh.
#7: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Best for: sustainable travel practices, luxurious amenities, and courtyard dining in a photogenic location
Solo vibe
The Garden is the hotel’s best gathering point to meet with friends and other travellers. A calm space with comfortable seats, natural lighting, and free Wi-Fi. Just be mindful of the closing time. The BABA bar and restaurant is the go-to spot next door for later hangouts.
Travellers and locals seeking self-care can unwind at the spa’s sauna or steam room. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, check out the gym’s group classes. You can join Pilates, spin, yoga, and HIIT and meet other like-minded guests.
Why stay here?
An absolutely gorgeous hotel with luxury amenities and an unbeatable location in Edinburgh. Perks include a spa, sauna, steam room, gym, bar, and private garden square. And with five-star service, it’s the perfect spot for R&R on your solo Edinburgh trip.
The stylish, upscale hotel suites eco-conscious solo travellers by providing energy-efficient LED lighting, complimentary mineral water, and meals prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms to reduce wasteful emissions. Modern solutions practiced inside rooms and common areas.
What’s around?
Get the best of New Town and Old Town while staying here. Wander George Street to hangout at upscale bars and cocktail lounges or explore Princes Street to see many of Edinburgh’s beautiful monuments. Walking through nearby Princes Street Gardens is a fantastic way to meet people while viewing Edinburgh Castle.
- Price per night average: Not cheap – $300 – $600 per night depending on the type of room
- Address: 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Closest travel hub: George Street (Bus)
- Star rating: 4.6 – Google; 8.9 – Booking, 4.5 – Tripadvisor
Slightly unrelated – but related. Looking for a ready made group of friends? Try G Adventures solo-ish group trips linked below.
SOLO TOUR DEALS: Up to 25% Off Solo-ish Tour Deals – G AdventuresTime to check out
And that’s a wrap – that’s the 7 best places to stay in Edinburgh for solo travellers!
To sum up, our tips include:
- To save money and make friends, stay at Royal Mile Backpackers – Consistently rated by all sources amongst one of the best hostels in Edinburgh
- To sleep comfortably on a budget, head to CoDE Pod
- For mid-range budgets in a unique space, check out Ocean Mist Leith
- For a glimpse into local life, stay at Hotel Ceilidh-Donia
- For luxury and great location, head to Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
- For luxury and relaxation, stay at Six Brunton Place Guest House
- And if you’re an eco-conscious traveller, head to Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Thanks for reading and visiting Three Week Traveller. Have fun exploring Edinburgh. See you on the next trip!
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