Edinburgh is full of surprises: the fusion of old and new, the presence of natural within the urban. It is a lively and progressive city, yet finds a way to maintain the integrity and charm of the eras it has seen pass. From the skyline dominated by the Edinburgh Castle – an Iron Age fixture stately on the Castle Rock, to the beautiful natural oases surrounding the Water of Leith, to new waterfront development of Leith, filled with the coolest restaurants and bars, the days are always full in Edinburgh. At a small hotel in one of these diverse but equally exciting neighborhoods, revel in the dynamism particular to the Scottish capital.
Edinburgh’s Old Town has maintained its position as the core of the city through many reigns and a couple-thousand years. Home to the “Royal Mile” and the Edinburgh Castle, a must-see for any visitor of the UK, the Old Town is the beating heart of the city, today the old streets filled with the company of lively locals and visitors alike. The “Royal Mile” stretches from the iconic Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace and the ruined Holyrood Abbey, encompassing part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adhering to the street plan of the Medieval Ages, wandering through the cobbled streets is the best way to harken back to time of kings and knights. The Old Town is the choice for those looking to be among the century-old buildings, within the ruins of eras long passed. In cozy interiors, traditional Scottish facades, and top-of-the-line amenities, a small hotel in the Old Town of Edinburgh promises an enchanting experience for all hours of the day and night.
Despite the name, Edinburgh’s New Town is not, relatively speaking, new. Constructed in the mid-18th century as a solution for overcrowding in the Old Town, the New Town is now home to opulent Neo-Classical architecture, all three of the national art galleries of Edinburgh, and the iconic Scott Monument – looming over the Prince Street Gardens. Through winding cobbled roads, past black Georgian-era facades, and maybe even up to the tip of the Scott Monument, the New Town has a unique feeling as preserved from centuries prior. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is known both for its free-entry, as well as its totally impressive and expansive collection of portraits: together with a magnificent façade, the Scottish National Photography Collection, and a mural-covered interior, plan on devoting an afternoon to truly experience this attraction. With trendy interior design concepts that reflect the New Town’s fusion between old and new, experience a real slice of Edinburgh at a small hotel in the area.
In the area surrounding Dean Village and the Water of Leith, find natural oases tucked into the landscape just steps up away from the bustling New Town and Stockbridge. Stockbridge is known for its bohemian vibes and some darn good Scottish cuisine. At a small hotel here, you’ll have all the trendy shopping, chic cocktail bars, and beautiful botanical gardens at your fingertips. The Water of Leith passes through Stockbridge, as well as Inverleith, Canonmills, and Warriston on its winding 22-mile journey through Edinburgh to the port of Leith. More reasonably, there is a 12.25-mile walkway along the river bank near the center of the city, where nature and relaxation-lovers can stroll along the beautiful leafy waterway in this city oasis. Once known as the “Water of Leith Village”, and today referred to as Dean Village, this bucolic landscape is a former milling village. Now a must-see in Edinburgh, this winding cobblestone-brick-waterscape feels like it’s from a fairytale. In a small hotel in the area surrounding Dean Village and the Water of Leith, keep this feeling going – tucked into the magical atmosphere of Edinburgh.
At the foot of the extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat, Prestonfield is a mostly residential neighborhood just about 3 miles south of the center. Prestonfield House, a popular Edinburgh attraction due to its establishment in 1687 and its being highly-praised by hotel and hospitality critics, now also utilizes their roundhouse to host the Taste of Scotland festival. A perfect area to stay for those seeking romantic views of the Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat from their quaint small hotel, after a long day of trekking through the city streets. Make sure to also check out the less-visited and beautifully perserved Craigmillar Castle, located just south of Prestonfield, or one of the escape rooms for some fun with the family.
Getting there: On an average weekday, there are 31 trains embarking from London to Edinburgh on a comfortable 5-hour trip. From England by car, expect a beautiful 6-hour ride. For a cheap and quick trip, you can also fly from major English cities and be in Edinburgh in just over an hour.