Named the best city to live in back in 2018, Edinburgh is a modern capital set in a fairytale location. With its sublime mixture of medieval, Victorian and Georgian architecture, the Scottish capital is easy to fall in love with. From the majestic castle on a crag to the unmissable museums, no visitor will be short of things to see and do in Edinburgh.
The city is incredibly dynamic: its pub scene is vibrant and summers are filled with festivals celebrating art, music, literature, and dance. Kids will be delighted by all the Harry Potter attractions and will go crazy at the Edinburgh Zoo. Don’t like crowds that much? Put your hiking boots on and venture onto Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with a breathtaking view over Edinburgh. Keep them on to try an axe-throwing session and set free your inner Vikings.
While all these activities are fun, Scottish people will be the real protagonists of your trip, making the city unforgettable. With their quick wit and colourful accents, Scots are incredibly friendly and welcoming. And just to make it all even better, we here at Plum Guide have done an awful lot of hard work (as usual), and have come up with the ultimate guide to where to stay in Edinburgh with family. Heed our expert advice, and you will definitely want to come back.
Book a stay in the Old Town
Edinburgh Castle
If this is your first time in Edinburgh, you’ll find no better place to stay than Old Town. The historic heart of the city, it provides visitors with impressive child-friendly museums and wonderful architecture dating back to the 12th century. Staying in this neighbourhood means great public transport, breathtaking views and being within walking distance from all the major tourist attractions. In addition, you’ll have the right to say that you slept in one of the most haunted areas of the world, at least according to Condé Nast Traveler. Better not tell the kids, though. Old Town is not just one of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, but it’s also the perfect place to find a good walking tour to get to know Scotland’s history and the city’s structure. There are so many to choose from, you’ll be overwhelmed by the variety.
Castle Looming, Plum Guide home in Edinburgh
Find a home in the New Town
The Ross Fountain, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Side-to-side with Old Town, you’ll find New Town. A chic district with plenty of shopping opportunities, New Town is particularly lovely during Christmastime when the Edinburgh markets warm up the cold Scottish winter. Although called “New Town”, this neighbourhood was built at the beginning of the 19th century, when a fire wiped out most of the buildings in the area.
Nowadays, New Town is famous for Princes Street, the perfect place to satisfy your shopping cravings, which overlooks the urban oasis that is Princes Street Gardens. It's also a stone’s throw away from Edinburgh's main train and bus stations, not to mention its traditional pubs and Scotland’s National Gallery.
Bells of Heather, Plum Guide home in Edinburgh
Reserve an apartment in Stockbridge
Picturesque cobbled street of Circus Lane in Stockbridge, with church in the distance, Edinburgh, Scotland
A picturesque neighbourhood close to the Water of Leith, Stockbridge has a reputation for being a trendy, bohemian village. Filled with independent shops, this area is particularly loved by writers and local artists. Our team recommends this area if you’re looking for a quiet stay, not too far from the city centre. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing walk, take memorable pictures and buy local products, be it cheese, unique souvenirs or art.
Navy & Brick, Plum Guide home in Edinburgh
Take the family to Dean Village
Dean Village, Edinburgh
A former grain milling area of more than 800 years, Dean Village is a quaint neighbourhood crossed by the Water of Leith. Quite close to Stockbridge, the area is quiet and residential, thus granting you a relaxing stay away from the crowded streets of Old and New Town.
We especially recommend this area for families with babies and toddlers who are looking for a safe neighbourhood with little or no noise to disturb their sleep. In addition, art lovers can enjoy a visit to Dean Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. These buildings, once an orphanage and an orphan hospital, were converted and refurbished to become art galleries. Pop in to spend a few hours surrounded by art, a lot of their exhibitions are free.
Lodge somewhere in Leith
Houses on the banks of the Water of Leith reflected in the water on a beautiful summer's day, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Edinburgh that's filled with homely character, look no further. Once a rough area to live in, Leith has gentrified over the years. Nowadays, the neighbourhood welcomes visitors from all over the world, students, and locals all in one lovely place, making it a great option if you're wondering where to stay in Edinburgh with kids. Leith is located roughly a 30-minute walk from Waverley Train Station or, if you prefer, you can just opt for a quick bus ride. Families will love this area for its varied restaurants and international cuisine. Be it Italian, Indian or Scottish, your palate will thank you. The neighbourhood is also famous for its antique and second-hand stores, not to mention its Saturday market. Drop by to find the perfect gift or souvenir to take back with you and have a piece of Edinburgh in your home.
House of Grey, Plum Guide home in Edinburgh
Stay in Morningside and Bruntsfield
Rounding off our list of where to stay in Edinburgh with family, we have Morningside and Bruntsfield. These two places constitute a charming combined neighbourhood situated just south of the city centre. Being just ten minutes away from the Meadows, where you can find the biggest play area in the city, these districts make the perfect stay for families. Morningside and Bruntsfield offer a great cafe scene and wonderful eateries, not to mention an abundance of quirky independent shops where you can support local businesses while shopping your way through your holiday.
