Edinburgh Festival Rooms

Neighbourhood guide

Staying in New Town during the festivals

Georgian elegance north of Princes Street. Higher-end, less Fringe-focused.

01

The honest version

New Town

The New Town is Edinburgh's planned Georgian quarter, built in the 1760s. Wide streets, neoclassical terraces, and the city's most expensive accommodation. Princes Street is five minutes south; George Street's bars and restaurants are at the heart of the New Town itself. Few Fringe venues here — the festival's centre of gravity is the south side of Princes Street. If you're here primarily for the International Festival (classical music, opera, theatre) rather than Fringe, the New Town puts you next to the Festival Theatre, Usher Hall, and the Lyceum.

02

Stay here if, look elsewhere if

Stay here if

  • You're here for the International Festival or the Book Festival
  • You want central but quieter
  • You can afford the premium
  • You're combining a festival visit with broader Edinburgh tourism

Look elsewhere if

  • You're Fringe-focused
  • You're on a budget
  • You want festival atmosphere outside your door
03

Properties in New Town

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04

Other areas to consider

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Leith

Edinburgh's working port, now its food capital. Cheaper than the centre, with a 25-minute commute trade-off.

1 listing · Low band

Marchmont

Student tenements south of The Meadows. Performers love it.

1 listing · Mid band

Old Town

The medieval centre, the highest concentration of Fringe venues. Expensive and never quiet.

1 listing · Premium band