Where to Stay in Edinburgh for the Christmas Market: Best Areas & Hotels
If you’re planning a festive getaway to Edinburgh, choosing where to stay can make a big difference to your Christmas experience. With the famous Edinburgh Christmas Market, twinkling streets, cosy pubs and festive events spread across the city centre, staying in the right area means you can spend less time worrying about transport and more time soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.
As an Edinburgh girlie born and raised, I know the city well, so I’m sharing the best places to stay in Edinburgh for the Christmas Market, including the areas I’d consider, what each neighbourhood is best for and hotel recommendations for different budgets.
Whether you’re looking for a hotel right beside the Christmas Market, a romantic Christmas break in the Old Town, somewhere more affordable or a quieter neighbourhood away from the crowds, there’s an Edinburgh stay to suit you. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your festive trip.
New Town – Best Place to Stay for Edinburgh Christmas Market
If being close to the Edinburgh Christmas Market is your priority, I’d look at staying in Edinburgh’s New Town. This is one of the most convenient areas for a festive city break, putting you within easy walking distance of Princes Street Gardens, where the main Christmas Market is held.
The New Town is also a great base for exploring the rest of central Edinburgh. You’re close to Princes Street, George Street, the shops on Multrees Walk and the beautiful streets and squares that make this part of the city particularly magical at Christmas. From here, you can easily walk into the Old Town too, meaning many of Edinburgh’s biggest Christmas attractions are right on your doorstep.
Another big advantage is the choice of accommodation. There are plenty of luxury hotels, boutique stays and more affordable options in Edinburgh New Town, so you can find something to suit different budgets.
Why stay in New Town at Christmas?
- 🎄 Close to Edinburgh Christmas Market
- 🛍️ Excellent for Christmas shopping
- 🚶 Easy walking distance to Old Town
- 🍸 Lots of restaurants, bars and pubs nearby
- 🚆 Convenient for Waverley Station
- 🏨 Plenty of hotels to choose from
- ✨ Beautiful Georgian streets decorated for Christmas
My tip: If this is your first Christmas trip to Edinburgh and you want to be right in the middle of the festive action, New Town is one of the easiest areas to base yourself.
Old Town – Best for Christmas Atmosphere
If you want your Edinburgh Christmas trip to feel like something out of a festive film, Edinburgh Old Town is hard to beat. With its winding cobbled streets, historic buildings and dramatic castle views, this is one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Edinburgh at Christmas.
Staying in the Old Town also puts you close to some of the city’s most popular festive attractions. You can walk up the Royal Mile, explore the Christmas decorations around the historic streets and easily reach Princes Street Gardens and the Christmas Market on foot.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is that you’re surrounded by plenty of restaurants, traditional pubs and cosy spots for a warming drink after a chilly afternoon exploring the Christmas Market.
The Old Town can be busier and hillier than New Town, so it’s worth keeping this in mind if you have heavy luggage or prefer a quieter stay. However, for first-time visitors who want to combine Edinburgh’s Christmas Market with the city’s historic sights, it’s a fantastic option.
Why stay in Old Town at Christmas?
- 🎄 Easy walk to the Christmas Market
- 🏰 Close to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
- ✨ One of the most atmospheric areas in the city
- 🍷 Plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafés
- 🚶 Many major attractions are walkable
- 📸 Fantastic for festive photography
My tip: Choose the Old Town if you want your accommodation to be part of the Edinburgh experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep. The historic streets are particularly magical once the Christmas lights are on.
Princes Street & Waverley – Best for Convenience
If you want to be as central as possible, Princes Street and Waverley is another excellent area to stay in Edinburgh for the Christmas Market. You’ll be right beside the main shopping streets and just a short walk from Princes Street Gardens, making it incredibly easy to dip in and out of the festive action.
This area is particularly convenient if you’re arriving by train. Edinburgh Waverley Station sits right in the city centre, so you won’t have far to travel with your luggage before reaching your hotel. It also makes a great base if you’re planning day trips outside Edinburgh during your Christmas break.
You’re also perfectly positioned between the New Town and Old Town, meaning you can easily explore both sides of the city on foot. Spend the morning browsing the shops on Princes Street and George Street, wander through the Christmas Market in the afternoon and then head up towards the Royal Mile for dinner and drinks.
Why stay around Princes Street & Waverley?
- 🎄 Very close to Edinburgh Christmas Market
- 🚆 Ideal if arriving by train
- 🛍️ Excellent location for Christmas shopping
- 🚶 Convenient for both Old Town and New Town
- 🍽️ Plenty of restaurants and bars nearby
- 🏙️ Great central location for a short city break
- 🧳 Convenient if you’re travelling with luggage
My tip: This is one of the most practical areas to stay if you’re only visiting Edinburgh for a night or two. You can arrive at Waverley, check into your hotel and be exploring the Christmas Market within minutes.
West End & Haymarket – Best for Budget-Friendly Stays
Looking for where to stay in Edinburgh for the Christmas Market without paying central Edinburgh prices? The West End and Haymarket are worth considering.
This area is just west of the main city centre, but you can still walk into the Christmas Market and Princes Street in around 15–20 minutes, depending on exactly where you stay. Alternatively, Edinburgh’s excellent bus and tram network makes getting around simple if you don’t fancy walking in the cold.
Haymarket is also a particularly useful location if you’re arriving by train or travelling onwards from Edinburgh, with Haymarket Station offering rail connections and the tram providing a direct route towards Edinburgh Airport.
Accommodation here can also offer better value than staying directly beside Princes Street or in the heart of the Old Town. You’ll find everything from larger chain hotels to stylish apartments and boutique accommodation.
The West End itself has a slightly more relaxed feel than the busiest parts of the city centre, while still having plenty of independent cafés, restaurants and bars nearby.
Why stay in the West End or Haymarket?
- 💰 Potentially better value than staying directly in the centre
- 🎄 Around 15–20 minutes’ walk from the Christmas Market
- 🚆 Excellent transport connections
- ✈️ Easy access to Edinburgh Airport by tram
- 🍽️ Good selection of restaurants and bars
- 🏨 Lots of accommodation options
- 🌙 Quieter than the busiest parts of Old Town
My tip: If you’re staying in Edinburgh for several nights and want to keep accommodation costs down, I’d definitely check hotels around Haymarket before automatically booking somewhere directly beside the Christmas Market.
Stockbridge – Best for a Quieter Christmas Stay
If you’d rather escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Stockbridge is a lovely option for your Edinburgh Christmas stay. This charming neighbourhood sits just north of New Town and has a more relaxed, local feel, while still being close enough to walk into central Edinburgh.
Stockbridge is known for its independent cafés, restaurants, pubs and boutique shops, making it a great choice if you want to experience a slightly different side of Edinburgh. At Christmas, the area has a cosy atmosphere that feels a world away from the busier Christmas Market crowds.
You won’t be directly beside Princes Street Gardens, so you’ll need to allow a little longer to reach the main Christmas Market. However, central Edinburgh is still within walking distance, and buses make the journey straightforward if you don’t fancy walking.
This could be a particularly good choice for couples, repeat visitors or anyone looking for a quieter Christmas break in Edinburgh rather than being right in the middle of the tourist centre.
Why stay in Stockbridge at Christmas?
- ✨ Quieter and more residential atmosphere
- ☕ Excellent independent cafés and restaurants
- 🛍️ Great for boutique shopping
- 🎄 Easy enough to reach the Christmas Market
- 🏡 More relaxed alternative to the city centre
- 📸 Beautiful streets and architecture
My tip: I wouldn’t choose Stockbridge if being within a few minutes of the Christmas Market is your main priority. But if you’re staying for a few days and want somewhere peaceful to return to after a busy day exploring Edinburgh, it’s well worth considering.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh for Christmas on a Budget
Edinburgh can be an expensive city to visit at Christmas, particularly if you’re travelling during the busiest festive weekends. However, you don’t necessarily need to stay right beside the Christmas Market to enjoy a central location.
If you’re looking for cheap hotels near Edinburgh Christmas Market, I’d start by looking slightly outside the immediate Princes Street and Old Town area. Haymarket, the West End and areas just beyond the city centre can sometimes offer better-value accommodation while still being within easy reach of the Christmas attractions.
Another option is to look for hotels a little further from the centre but close to a tram or bus route. Edinburgh’s public transport makes it relatively easy to get into the city centre, and this can be a good way to reduce your accommodation costs without staying too far away.
My tips for saving money on an Edinburgh Christmas stay
- 💰 Compare hotels in Haymarket and the West End as well as the city centre.
- 🎄 Avoid assuming you need to stay directly beside the Christmas Market.
- 📅 Check weekday dates, which can sometimes be better value than weekends.
- 🚋 Consider staying near a tram or major bus route.
- 🏨 Compare hotels with apartments if you’re staying for several nights.
- 📆 Book early if your dates are fixed, particularly for December weekends.
Local tip: If your main reason for visiting is the Christmas Market, I’d rather stay a 15–20 minute walk away and save some money than pay a huge premium simply for a hotel address directly beside Princes Street.
Best Hotels Near Edinburgh Christmas Market for Every Budget
Once you’ve chosen the right area, the next step is finding somewhere to stay. Edinburgh hotel prices can rise significantly around Christmas, so I’d recommend booking as early as possible if you already know your dates.
I’ve picked a mixture of budget, mid-range and luxury hotels, with options in different parts of the city so you can choose based on both your budget and the atmosphere you’re looking for. Booking.com’s current Edinburgh Christmas Market listings also include several of these centrally located options.
Budget Stays
hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street)
📍 New Town
A great option if you want a simple, central base without paying luxury-hotel prices. Rose Street is right in the heart of New Town, with Princes Street and the Christmas Market just a short walk away.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street)
📍 Princes Street
For maximum convenience, this is worth checking. You’re directly on Princes Street, putting you within easy walking distance of the Christmas Market, shops and Waverley Station.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
Travelodge Edinburgh Central
📍 Old Town
A straightforward option for travellers who prioritise location and price. It puts you within walking distance of the Royal Mile and the Christmas Market.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
Mid-range hotels
Motel One Edinburgh Princes
📍 New Town / Princes Street
This would be one of my first hotels to check for a central Christmas stay. It’s on Princes Street and less than a five-minute walk from Waverley Station, with the Christmas Market around the corner. Booking.com currently lists it at 8.6/10 from more than 6,800 reviews.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile
📍 Old Town
A particularly useful choice if you want to stay close to the Royal Mile while still being within walking distance of the Christmas Market. It’s also a familiar, reliable option if you regularly stay in ibis hotels.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
📍 Grassmarket / Old Town
Located in the Grassmarket beneath Edinburgh Castle, this is a lovely option if you want to combine Christmas markets with Edinburgh’s historic atmosphere.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
Luxury stays
Old Waverley Hotel
📍 Princes Street
For a classic Edinburgh experience, this historic hotel has an excellent central position on Princes Street, right beside the Christmas Market area.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
InterContinental Edinburgh the George by IHG
📍 New Town / George Street
If you’re looking for something a little more special, this elegant New Town hotel is surrounded by some of Edinburgh’s best shopping, restaurants and festive decorations.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
📍 West End / Princes Street
Set at the western end of Princes Street, this is a good option if you want a luxury stay while remaining within easy reach of the Christmas Market and city centre.
The Edinburgh Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Edinburgh
📍 St Andrew Square / New Town
For a real treat, The Edinburgh Grand puts you in the heart of New Town, close to Princes Street and the Christmas shopping district.
🎄 The ultimate Christmas splurge
The Balmoral Hotel
📍 Princes Street / Waverley
If you’re looking to make your Edinburgh Christmas trip extra special, The Balmoral is an iconic choice. It sits directly beside Waverley Station on Princes Street, putting you incredibly close to the Christmas Market and the city’s main shopping area. Booking.com currently lists its location as within five minutes’ walk of Waverley Station and Princes Street shopping.
Check prices & availability on Booking.com
Local tip: Christmas is one of the busiest times of year to visit Edinburgh, so I wouldn’t wait until the last minute to book. Prices and availability can change considerably depending on your dates, particularly around weekends and Hogmanay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best area to stay for Edinburgh Christmas Market?
For the easiest access to the Christmas Market, I’d look at New Town, Princes Street or Waverley. These areas put you within easy walking distance of Princes Street Gardens, while Old Town is also a great option if you want to be closer to Edinburgh’s historic sights.
Is it better to stay in Old Town or New Town at Christmas?
It depends on what you’re looking for. New Town is particularly convenient for the Christmas Market, shopping and Waverley Station, while Old Town offers more historic surroundings and a traditional Edinburgh atmosphere. Both are excellent bases for a Christmas city break.
How close are the hotels to Edinburgh Christmas Market?
Many hotels in New Town, Princes Street and Waverley are only a few minutes’ walk from the main Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens. Hotels in Old Town are generally also within walking distance, although the exact journey depends on where you stay.
Where is the cheapest place to stay in Edinburgh at Christmas?
If you’re travelling on a budget, look beyond the immediate Princes Street area. Haymarket, the West End and areas slightly outside the city centre can sometimes offer better-value accommodation while still having easy public transport connections into the centre.
How many nights should I stay in Edinburgh for Christmas?
I’d recommend at least two nights if you want to experience the Christmas Market as well as some of Edinburgh’s other festive attractions. Three nights gives you more time to explore without feeling rushed.
Should I book my Edinburgh Christmas hotel in advance?
Yes. Edinburgh is particularly busy during December, with demand increasing around weekends and the period between Christmas and Hogmanay. Booking earlier gives you a wider choice of hotels and room types.
Can you walk from Edinburgh hotels to the Christmas Market?
Absolutely. If you stay in the city centre, New Town or Old Town, walking is often the easiest way to get to the Christmas Market. You’ll also be able to combine your visit with Edinburgh’s shops, restaurants, pubs and historic attractions.
Is Edinburgh Old Town good for a Christmas break?
Yes. Old Town is a fantastic choice if you want a more atmospheric stay. The Royal Mile, Grassmarket and surrounding historic streets feel particularly magical during the festive season, and you’re still within walking distance of the Christmas Market.
Where should couples stay in Edinburgh at Christmas?
For a romantic Christmas break, I’d look at New Town or Old Town, depending on the type of atmosphere you prefer. New Town is convenient for shopping and the Christmas Market, while Old Town offers historic streets, cosy pubs and beautiful views.
Is Edinburgh expensive at Christmas?
It can be. December is a popular time to visit, and accommodation prices can increase, particularly at weekends and around Hogmanay. If you’re travelling on a budget, compare different neighbourhoods and consider staying slightly outside the immediate city centre.
