Where To Stay On A Budget In Edinburgh - 4 Affordable Options
Wondering where to stay on a budget in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is one of those cities that seems like a dream destination, with its iconic landmarks, historic streets, and vibrant atmosphere.
But let’s face it: traveling on a budget can make it tricky to find somewhere that’s both affordable and close to all the action.
Based on my last trip to this magical city, I’ll show you how you can fully enjoy Edinburgh on a budget.
And the best start is picking an area that’s located not far from the major attractions but with plenty of affordable hotels and restaurants around you!
From the medieval charm of the Old Town to the elegant streets of the New Town, the city is a true treasure trove.
Whether you’re wandering up the historic Royal Mile, marveling at the stunning views from Arthur’s Seat, or uncovering Scotland’s past at Edinburgh Castle, there’s no shortage of things to do.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal picks for the best neighborhoods to stay in Edinburgh, all with easy access to public transportation, so you can easily get from one must-see spot to the next without emptying your wallet.
Each area comes with its own unique advantages and drawbacks, which we’ve conveniently summarized after each section.
Comparing those summarized sections will definitely come in handy to pick the area that suits you the most.
Let’s dive into our top recommendations!
What are the best areas to stay in Edinburgh on a budget?
The best areas to stay in Edinburgh on a budget are Leith, Marchmont, Tollcross, and Southside.
You’ll find the best value for money in these four areas, each with easy access to public transport and within walking distance of the city center.
On the other hand, it’s best to avoid neighborhoods like New Town, Old Town, Stockbridge, and West End if you’re looking to save money.
These areas tend to be more expensive and finding affordable accommodation is almost impossible, so you’re better off staying in one of the cheaper places I’ve mentioned.
In the following paragraph, you can find an overview of each recommended neighborhood with a brief description. Click on the neighborhood and you will go directly to that part of the article.
Leith – If you’re looking for somewhere cheap with a bit of character, Leith is the place to be. This vibrant neighbourhood, located north of the city centre, has a very pleasant seaside atmosphere and is much more affordable than staying in the heart of Edinburgh. Princes Street is just 20 minutes away by bus and you can spend your time exploring the trendy bars, waterfront restaurants and local shops.
Marchmont – Marchmont is a quiet residential gem located south of the city centre. It’s the perfect combination of peaceful green spaces and affordable accommodation, with beautiful Georgian buildings lining the streets. You can easily hop on a bus or walk 20 minutes to the Royal Mile and other attractions, plus there are plenty of cosy cafes and parks to enjoy when you need a break from sightseeing.
Tollcross – If you’re looking for a lively, affordable neighbourhood with plenty of character, Tollcross is the place to be. West of the Old Town, it’s packed with affordable places to stay and is close to the University of Edinburgh and the Meadows. The bus ride into the city centre is very quick and you’ll find plenty of dining options and a bit of nightlife to enjoy once the sun goes down.
Southside – Southside is another affordable and convenient option that’s still very close to the action. Located south of the Old Town, this residential area is full of local shops, cafes and student accommodation. With excellent public transport links, you can easily get to the city centre or visit the main attractions without spending too much on transport. It’s a quiet location with easy access to everything Edinburgh has to offer.
The best areas to stay in Edinburgh on a budget are:
1. Leith
Leith has quickly become one of my favourite places to stay in Edinburgh and I can’t recommend it enough to travellers on a budget.
What makes it stand out is how it strikes that perfect balance between affordability and personality.
Unlike the more touristy areas closer to the city centre, Leith offers more reasonable accommodation options without compromising on charm.
This neighbourhood is bursting with personality – its maritime history gives it a unique atmosphere and you can really get a feel for the local culture as you wander the streets.
Leith is full of independent and trendy bars, restaurants and cafes, especially along the waterfront.
You won’t find the same level of tourist crowds here, which makes it feel much more authentic.
Plus, it’s well connected to the city centre with regular bus routes, meaning you can easily reach the main attractions in around 20 minutes, without the sky-high prices you’d find in places like New Town or Old Town.
Leith is also home to some fantastic sights such as the Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal, which are worth visiting without breaking the budget.
Overall, it’s a great area if you want to get a taste of Edinburgh’s local life and be close enough to all the sights.
It’s a little off the beaten tourist track, but that’s what makes it so special.
You’ll get more for your money and your stay here will feel more like an authentic Edinburgh experience.
2. Marchmont
Marchmont offers a relaxed, residential atmosphere combined with charming Georgian architecture and green spaces.
It’s a quiet neighbourhood, with plenty of local cafes, shops and parks, making it a lovely base for your Edinburgh adventure.
The great thing about Marchmont is that it’s a short bus ride (or 20-minute walk) from the Royal Mile and other must-see sights in the Old Town, so you’re never too far from the action. You get all the convenience of being close to the city centre, but with the added bonus of staying in a quieter, more affordable area.
It’s perfect for those who want to get a taste of Edinburgh’s local life while still being able to hop on a bus and explore all the tourist highlights.
That said, Marchmont isn’t perfect.
Since it’s primarily a residential area, it can get a little too quiet, especially in the evenings.
While there are plenty of cafes, you won’t find the same lively nightlife or variety of dining options that you’d find in places like Leith or Tollcross.
Another downside is that accommodation here is still a bit more expensive compared to other budget options further out of the city, so it may not be the cheapest option for all travellers.
Still, if you’re looking for a quiet, well-connected place to stay in Edinburgh, Marchmont is definitely worth considering – it offers a good balance between affordability and convenience, with a local charm that can make your stay feel a bit more like home.
3. Tollcross
Tollcross is one of those Edinburgh neighbourhoods that I really liked.
It’s lively, vibrant and offers a great combination of affordability and convenience, making it an ideal location for budget travellers who want to be close to the action without paying the steep prices of the city centre.
What I love about Tollcross is that it’s right on the edge of the Old Town, so you’re just a short bus ride away from major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum.
Plus, you’ve got the beautiful Meadows Park just down the road, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic when you need a break from sightseeing.
Tollcross also has a great range of dining options, whether you’re looking for a casual bite to eat or something a little more special.
It’s close to Edinburgh University, so you’ll find a good range of cheap local cafes and spots.
And with its mix of students and locals, it has a youthful, laid-back energy that’s a little more lively than some of the quieter residential neighbourhoods like Marchmont.
Tollcross isn’t without its drawbacks, though.
One of the biggest issues is that while it’s close to the city centre, the area can get a little… hectic, especially at weekends.
The streets are often packed with traffic, and since it’s a popular spot for students and young professionals, it can get pretty noisy, especially at night.
If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful stay, this may not be the best option.
Also, while accommodation is often more affordable than in the city centre, it’s not the cheapest option out there, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re on a very tight budget.
Overall, Tollcross offers a lively, well-connected base that’s perfect for those who want to be close to the action but still have the chance to retreat to a hip, budget-friendly neighbourhood.
Just be prepared for a little more noise and hustle and bustle compared to quieter areas.
4. Southside
Southside is one of those Edinburgh neighbourhoods that offers a great combination of affordability and convenience, making it a solid choice for travellers on a budget.
What I love about Southside is its relaxed, residential vibe.
It’s a place where you’ll find plenty of local cafes, quirky shops, and even some student accommodation, giving it a youthful, laid-back vibe.
Despite being a short bus ride or walk from the city centre, Southside feels a bit more “local” compared to the more touristy areas like Old Town and New Town, making it a refreshing change of pace.
One of the best parts about staying in Southside is the proximity to major attractions.
You’re just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh University, and getting to places like the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat is a breeze thanks to the excellent public transport links.
Whether you take a bus or walk a bit, everything feels close, and the low-key vibe of the area offers a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
However, Southside does have some downsides.
As it’s a largely residential area, nightlife options are fairly limited.
You won’t find the same buzz or variety of bars and restaurants as in more central areas like Tollcross or Leith, which can make for a bit quieter nights out.
Another downside is that accommodation can be a bit pricey compared to some of the outer areas of the city, and while it’s well connected, it doesn’t have the same direct access to central tourist spots that you might have in places like Leith.
Still, Southside is a great budget option if you’re looking for a more local experience in Edinburgh.
It has plenty of charm, good transport links and a quiet atmosphere, making it a great base for exploring the city without being surrounded by tourists.
Just keep in mind that it’s a quieter area, so if you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife, you might want to look elsewhere.