Neighbourhood guide

Staying in Old Town during the festivals

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

The honest version

Old Town

Old Town is the Royal Mile and the streets running off it — cobbled, steep, and packed with the biggest Fringe venues (Pleasance, Underbelly Cowgate, Just the Tonic, Assembly Roxy). Festival prices are aggressive: a flat that lets for £900/month in winter will list at £3,000 or more for August. Crowds are constant. The energy is what you came for. If your show or your tickets are in Old Town, the convenience is worth the cost.

Stay here if, look elsewhere if

Stay here if

You're attending lots of Fringe shows and want to walk home from each one
You're here for a short stay and want to be in the thick of it
You're a performer in an Old Town venue

Look elsewhere if

You're staying longer than a week and worry about getting tired of the noise
You're on a budget
You're a light sleeper
You have anyone with mobility needs (the cobbles are unforgiving)

Properties in Old Town

All 1 places →

Example listing

Old Town

Studio in the heart of the Old Town

Compact studio off the Royal Mile, 5 minutes from Pleasance Courtyard.

Whole 1 bed Sleeps 2

Layout preview — not a real booking

Other areas to consider

All neighbourhoods →

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

Bruntsfield

Family-friendly, independent shops, a 20-minute walk to most venues.

0 listings · Mid band