Edinburgh Old Town: Hours, Address, Edinburgh Old Town Reviews: 4.5/5
Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh Old Town
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Edinburgh's oldest neighborhood, dating back to medieval times: these small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and historical monuments.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Edinburgh Old Town
The area
Neighborhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavored souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,105 within 3 miles

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
6,826
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Healthy

Doctors
1,035
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • European • British

@pizza Royal Mile
288
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly

Tupiniquim Brasil crepes
284
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Brazilian • Street Food

Pizza Posto
542
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • Neapolitan

Paolozzi Restaurant & Bar
231
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Neapolitan

Edinburgh Larder Cafe
1,691
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • British

The Piper's Rest Public House
507
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub

The Haggis Box
116
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Healthy • Scottish

The Grain Store
1,329
0.1 mi$$$$ • European • British • Contemporary
Attractions
466 within 6 miles

National Museum of Scotland
21,816
0.1 miSpeciality Museums • Natural History Museums

The Real Mary King's Close
18,606
505 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

St Giles' Cathedral
6,490
445 ftChurches & Cathedrals

Greyfriars Kirkyard
829
0.1 miCemeteries

National Library of Scotland
173
276 ftVisitor Centers • Libraries

Greyfriars Bobby
2,913
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Royal Mile
25,557
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Gladstone's Land
608
0.1 miHistoric Sites

George IV Bridge
101
500 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

Greyfriars Kirk
1,399
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
16,155 reviews
Excellent
11,788
Very good
3,866
Average
436
Poor
46
Terrible
20
jasonhulme
Bolton, UK68 contributions
Couples
Just come back from a few days in Edinburgh, what an amazing city, we stayed in the old town which was beautiful. Everything is within easy walking distance, we bought a hop on tour bus but we hardly used it. There is hidden courtyards and walkways everywhere all connecting the town on different levels, blink and you'd miss many of them. Edinburgh to me is all about exploring, everytime you look you'll notice something unique. The buildings are amazing, with some really odd ones that look completely out of place. It's full of oddities, charm and magic, it's very different from other places we have visited. Whether you are soaking up the history or enjoying a pastry at a local french bakery, Edinburgh old town is a must visit. Edinburgh is a mega tourist attraction and it was very busy in July but not annoying and we didn't have to queue that much. Strolling through the old town in the evening choosing a restaurant or pub is the best time, it's not as busy and you can soak up the history of the old town.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Denise M
13 contributions
Easy to miss on George IV Bridge road near the National Museum of Scotland. You need to make a reservation as this delightful find is popular and only has a small seating capacity. I had the seafood dish. The presentation was perfect and the small portions allowed me to even sneak in a wee dessert too. The staff were helpful and attentive.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dkervin
North Kingstown, RI8 contributions
Couples
Edinburgh was amazing. We are out most nights and when leaving the restaurant at 10:30PM it was still light out.
The Castle tour was much more than we ever expected and so much history to learn about.
A favorite for me was the Golf Tavern and the 36 hole pitch and putt course. They provided a Guinness, a club, putter and ball for £10.
Wonderful
The Castle tour was much more than we ever expected and so much history to learn about.
A favorite for me was the Golf Tavern and the 36 hole pitch and putt course. They provided a Guinness, a club, putter and ball for £10.
Wonderful
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mojoblue717
Manchester, UK2,819 contributions
For our first time visit we chose a Hotel right in the middle of Old Town, just off the Royal Mile, which we were glad we did, as we spent most of our 3 day visit in this area, especially in the evening, for our meals out. Place is full of history and a guide book read before you go will make your trip that much more interesting. The area basically stretches from the Castle along the Royal Mile down to Holyrood, with a series of areas like Grassmarket, Chambers Street and Market St running parallel, and is separated from the New Town by the famous Princes Street. The area is full of interesting & historical buildings, Museums, Gallerys, with apparently few people living there, in parts it is quite touristy. Nevertheless it has a charm of its own, too grand to put into words in this Review. Before doing too much walking round the area, we bought a Hop on Hop off bus ticket, which allowed us to take in the whole area (also the New Town) in one go and then we later walked selected areas where we could take in more of what the place had to offer, at our leisure. Make sure you have good footwear as there a lot of cobbles and much walking up and down hill. Whilst the New Town, also has a beauty & charm of its own, the Old Town is the hub of what we expect Edinburgh to be, and is quite unmissable. Pity I've left it so late in life to find out
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveller1999
Durham, UK301 contributions
You cannot escape history in the Old Town. Nor can you escape shops selling tatty souvenirs and anything else to take the money from your pocket. Everything is expensive. But, avoiding the money grabbers, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience if you can see it in quieter periods, avoiding bumping into all the tourists jamming every inch of available space - very wearing.
Once off the main tourist streets howver there is a trmedous amount of dirt, rubbish and graffiti everywhere. It's as though a concious decision has been made to concentrate solely on the streets with the highest rated properties and therefore generating most income for the council. The biggest industry in Edinburgh is said to be finance, followed in second place by tourism.. They seem to be hand in glove here.
Once off the main tourist streets howver there is a trmedous amount of dirt, rubbish and graffiti everywhere. It's as though a concious decision has been made to concentrate solely on the streets with the highest rated properties and therefore generating most income for the council. The biggest industry in Edinburgh is said to be finance, followed in second place by tourism.. They seem to be hand in glove here.
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike O
Roanoke, VA1,288 contributions
Walking through the Edinburgh Old Town, as well as New Town, is a must do. The area is compact and easy to navigate, it is also a bit hilly. The tourist crowds discovered the Royal Mile eons ago, but it is not hard to wander off to quieter streets an alleys.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cybershrew
Winchester, UK48 contributions
Lovely to wander around. so many quirky shops and cosy places to eat. Be warned, over the weekends can get very busy, recommend booking in advance for food. Even same day or next day very busy. Book further in advance to avoid disappointment. But a lovely city and the old town is the best part!
Written November 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GrandTour143298
Leeds, UK2 contributions
Couples
We just got back from a fantastic weekend we stayed at the house of god's was so much fun but like someone else has said the locals need to get over themselves .sick of hearing off people about the roadworks etc. they have a conversation and they'll cut in with Edinburgh is a disgrace the leaders this bla bla bla this is the case all over the UK right now houses being built or roads dug up jist don't keep beating on to your visitors about it .
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adrian B
Brighton, UK449 contributions
For me pound for pound this is one of the most impressive tourist destinations in the UK. Of course you have areas of London that are spectacular but none really capture a spirit and hold your attention like Edinburgh Old Town. Almost every building is historical and impressive, on a cold wintery evening with the bagpipes blowing it almost transports you back to the Scotland of old. For me the whole place is like one big museum piece that you can walk around. To give you context I am from the UK and have a university major in History, id like to think in 45 years I have visited most historical sights across the UK so I feel qualified enough to say if you are visiting the UK then you should definitely visit the old town Edinburgh.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
My Reviews
London, UK143 contributions
This was our first time walking the Royal Mile and we were surprised with the hustle and bustle in the streets with so many 'acts' and entertainment points along the way. You cannot be stuck for a place to eat as it has such a variety of cuisines on offer. People are so friendly which adds to the friendly atmosphere :)
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JessL D
Bradford, MA
Group of Americans traveling to Scotland next year and planning on doing a lot of drinking at local pubs. Unfortunately, my father-in-law refuses to drink anything but Coors Light out of the bottle or a can. ANYTHING else or anything draft is *currently* a no-no, but we are working on it! Can anyone give us an idea of what the beers at the pubs will be like? Do they even have bottles? Or, can anyone recommend a beer similar to Coors that will be readily available in Edinburgh? Please hold your judgment…we recognize he is inflexible.
tomWrexham
wrexham24 contributions
All pubs have bottles, don't drink beer, but coors is a well known lager so would think they would sell it
lisadrew82
Basingstoke, UK659 contributions
My friend and I are going to visit Edinburgh end of August and not sure where to stay. We want to visit lots of bars but also the castle and the zoo. It’s there a certain area that’s best ? Thanks
sandra t
Stoke-on-Trent, UK21 contributions
we stayed at the Premier Inn which is good value for money but there are plenty of hotels to stay in as well and are within walking distance to the castle, there are plenty of places to eat and drink too we only went for the day so don't know certain area's very well but we went on the tour bus which takes you all around the old town and you can get off any where you like, your ticket is valid until the next day. hope this is helpful.
Unhappy customer
Bathgate, UK8 contributions
What restaurants are open on Christmas day
andyonekanobie
Elgin, UK483 contributions
The list is way to long but mostly they are open for paid in advance bookings only so if you want to just drop in on Christmas day...you might struggle.
Search the restaurant your after then email them and ask about a booking.
Angela Hanggi
Jakarta, Indonesia3 contributions
How i get here from Claremont Guesthouse ...is this walking distance ???
MiMiLavette
Tacoma, WA59 contributions
It is about 2.3 miles away in a car from the Claremont Guesthouse. Taxi is probably better.
lynford
Florida Keys, FL151 contributions
is this near McDonald holyrood Hotel? any suggestions of things to see within walking distance of hotel. will only be there 1 day
HejMej
Kassel, Germany27 contributions
Hello! It's all pretty near. You can easily walk from your Hotel to the Royal Mile and be there. It's very touristic though but has a lot of nice pubs around where also good food is being served.
From the Royal Mile get to High Streetand you must see Victoria Street, it's simply beautiful and was the inspiration for the Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Also you have a nice view to the castle.
Enjoy your time!
tnelsonlee
Chicago, IL
I will be visiting from Chicago soon. Want to stay in a hotel near or in downtown Edinburgh, nice but not too expensive but be able to visit old town via a tour. Anyone have tips to offer?
Sandra B
Richmond-upon-Thames, UK195 contributions
There are quite a few hotels around, so its just a question,which will have deals on offer. We've stayed at the Radisson Blue, which about 10min walk to the castle and downtown. So close to lots of sights, pubs and restaurants
marialauracor
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hola! Donde puedo encontrar los free tours de la old town en español? Solo tenemos dos noches en Edimburgo. Que recomiendan? Gracias
Nikolaus P
Vienna, Austria482 contributions
Hallo, ob es kostenlose Führungen gibt ist mir nicht bekannt, ich schätze aber eher nicht. Wir waren nur einen Tag in Edinburgh unterwegs und haben die Stadtbesichtigung alleine unternommen.
lorna.x
London, UK22 contributions
How much is a taxi from Edinburgh airport to old town ?
Also anyone recommend any trips to go on please
mayogirl41
Washington Township, NJ36 contributions
We took the Stirling Castle, Loch Loman, whisky tour which was very interesting. Loved the castle and our guide! We left Edinburgh at 9 am and returned about 6 pm. Lunch is on your own..We used Land Experience Co. and tour was booked for us by the hotel staff.
We also used the Edinburgh On-Off Tour which stops directly across the street from the Grassmarket Hotel. Gave us a great 'lay of the land' before deciding what to do first.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Old Town
- Edinburgh Old Town is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Edinburgh Old Town tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 79 Edinburgh Old Town tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Edinburgh Old Town:
- Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh (From $17.22)
- JK Rowling' s Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh (From $18.03)
- Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends (From $20.16)
- Walking Tour of Edinburgh's Old Town - History and Tales (From $17.22)
- Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults Historical Walk (From $26.61)
- Hotels near Edinburgh Old Town:
- (0.02 mi) Cowgate Tourist Hostel
- (0.02 mi) Edinburgh Festival Hostel
- (0.08 mi) Cheval Old Town Chambers
- (0.07 mi) Code Pod Hostels - The Court
- (0.06 mi) Eve's Old Fishmarket Close, Old Town, Edinburgh
- Restaurants near Edinburgh Old Town:
- (0.03 mi) The Three Sisters
- (0.10 mi) @pizza Royal Mile
- (0.07 mi) Colonnades At The Signet Library
- (0.06 mi) The Cellar Door Restaurant
- (0.09 mi) Burgers and Beers Grillhouse
- Attractions near Edinburgh Old Town:
- (0.02 mi) Movement
- (0.03 mi) Mini Mack Tours
- (0.03 mi) Sneaky Pete's
- (0.10 mi) National Museum of Scotland
- (0.10 mi) The Real Mary King's Close