Where To Stay In Edinburgh With Family – 4 Best Options
Wondering where to stay in Edinburgh with family?
Edinburgh is one of those magical cities that feels like it was made for exploring—especially with kids in tow.
With its fairytale castles, hands-on museums, sprawling green parks, and plenty of spots to refuel with hot chocolate, Scotland’s capital is an incredible destination for families.
Whether your little ones are aspiring knights and princesses, curious scientists, or just full of energy, there’s something here to keep them entertained.
The best part? Edinburgh is compact and walkable, meaning you won’t be spending half your trip navigating complicated transport systems.
You can stroll from the historic Royal Mile to the lush greenery of Princes Street Gardens or hop on a quick bus to the beach at Portobello.
Plus, the city’s welcoming vibe makes it easy for families to feel right at home.
But when it comes to choosing where to stay, location is key. You’ll want somewhere central but not too noisy, close to attractions but with space to unwind.
All of this will be discussed in this article.
Each area comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be summarized at the end of the paragraph.
At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a map highlighting all our recommended family-friendly areas to stay in Edinburgh, along with the city’s main attractions.
We start with an overview, which allows you to scan quickly which area might be the best option.
Now, let’s dive into our top recommendations!
The best areas to stay in Edinburgh with family are Old Town, New Town, Stockbridge, and Bruntsfield & Morningside.
Edinburgh has several great areas for families to stay, each offering something unique.
Old Town is ideal for history lovers, while New Town provides a quieter yet central location with green spaces.
For a more local feel, Stockbridge offers charm and nature, while Bruntsfield & Morningside provide a relaxed, residential vibe with plenty of parks.
Below, we’ll break down each of these recommended areas in more detail to help you decide which is the best fit for your family.
Tip: Tap on the name of the area to jump directly to that section of the article for more information!
Old Town: Perfect for families who want to be in the heart of Edinburgh’s history, with easy access to Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants. The medieval streets may be hilly, but the magic of the Royal Mile makes up for it!
New Town: A great choice for families looking for a quieter, more elegant stay while still being central. Wide streets, green spaces like Princes Street Gardens, and plenty of shops and cafés make it a relaxing yet convenient base.
Stockbridge: A charming, village-like neighborhood with a relaxed, local feel, ideal for families wanting a bit more space. With its cute cafés, the Royal Botanic Garden nearby, and the Water of Leith Walkway, it’s perfect for a slower-paced stay.
Bruntsfield & Morningside: These neighboring areas offer a residential, family-friendly vibe with lots of parks, independent shops, and cozy cafés. Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows provide plenty of space for kids to run around, while nearby bus routes make it easy to reach the city center.
The best areas to stay in Edinburgh with family are:
1. Old Town
Staying in Edinburgh’s Old Town is like stepping into a storybook, making it an exciting place for families to base themselves.
With its medieval streets, towering castle, and hidden passageways, kids and adults alike will feel the magic of the city’s past at every turn.
One of the biggest perks of staying here is that many of Edinburgh’s top attractions are just a short walk away.
Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland (which has plenty of hands-on exhibits for kids), and the spooky yet fun underground tours of the Real Mary King’s Close are all right on your doorstep.
That means less time worrying about transport and more time exploring.
Another major advantage of Old Town is its lively atmosphere.
The Royal Mile is packed with street performers, souvenir shops, and fun places to grab a bite, making even a simple stroll an adventure for kids.
There are also plenty of family-friendly restaurants and cafés, so finding a place to eat—even with picky eaters—isn’t a hassle.
And if you’re visiting in August during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Old Town turns into a giant outdoor stage with endless entertainment, including plenty of shows designed just for children.
That said, staying in Old Town does come with some challenges.
The area is known for its cobbled streets and steep hills, which can be tricky with a stroller or young children.
It’s also one of the busiest parts of the city, so if your family prefers a quieter environment at night, it might not be the best choice.
Lastly, accommodation here can be on the pricier side due to its prime location.
Pros
- Walking distance to top attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland
- Lively atmosphere with street performances and family-friendly dining
- Immersive historic charm that makes exploring fun for all ages
Cons
- Hilly streets and cobblestones can be challenging for strollers
- Can be noisy, especially during peak tourist seasons
- Accommodation tends to be more expensive due to its central location
2. New Town
New Town offers a quieter, more elegant alternative to Old Town while still being close to all the action.
This area is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture, wide streets, and spacious, well-kept parks like Princes Street Gardens.
Families will appreciate the relaxed pace of New Town, with plenty of green spaces where kids can play, run, or have a picnic.
It’s also home to a variety of family-friendly cafés and restaurants, offering everything from traditional Scottish fare to international cuisine.
Plus, it’s just a short walk to key attractions, including the Scott Monument, National Gallery, and a variety of shops and boutiques.
New Town’s charm lies in its blend of centrality and serenity.
It’s far enough from the crowds of the Royal Mile to provide a peaceful retreat but still within walking distance of many of Edinburgh’s most famous sites.
It also offers a mix of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to self-catering apartments, which is perfect for families needing flexibility.
However, the main downside is that it can feel a bit more residential and less “historic” compared to Old Town, which may be a downside for families wanting to fully immerse themselves in Edinburgh’s medieval past.
There’s also limited entertainment specifically aimed at children, so families may need to travel to other areas for some activities.
Lastly, New Town is not as close to the Edinburgh Castle, so expect a bit more walking.
Pros
- Peaceful yet central location, perfect for families who prefer a quieter stay
- Plenty of green spaces and parks, such as Princes Street Gardens
- Family-friendly cafés and restaurants with diverse options
Cons
- Less historic charm compared to Old Town
- Fewer child-specific attractions in the immediate area
- A bit farther from Edinburgh Castle and other top landmarks
3. Stockbridge
Stockbridge offers a charming, village-like atmosphere that’s perfect for families seeking a more relaxed and local experience.
Just a short walk from the city center, this neighborhood has a strong sense of community, with lovely independent shops, cozy cafés, and a popular weekly market.
It’s ideal for families who want to escape the hustle and bustle while still being close to Edinburgh’s attractions.
For outdoor-loving families, the nearby Royal Botanic Garden provides a beautiful, peaceful space to explore, while the Water of Leith Walkway offers scenic strolls and bike rides.
One of Stockbridge’s biggest draws is its family-friendly vibe. There are several parks, including the large Inverleith Park, where kids can run, play, and enjoy outdoor activities.
The neighborhood is also home to some great family-oriented cafes and pubs, perfect for taking a break after a day of exploring.
Stockbridge’s local charm makes it feel like a home away from home, offering a slower-paced and cozy alternative to the city’s more tourist-heavy areas.
That said, Stockbridge is a bit farther from the major tourist hotspots.
It’s still walkable to the city center, but it may take a little longer than staying in Old Town or New Town.
Public transportation options are available but not as frequent as in more central areas.
Also, the neighborhood is known for its high-end shops and eateries, which might not always suit families on a tighter budget.
Pros
- Peaceful, village-like atmosphere with a local feel
- Plenty of parks and outdoor spaces, like the Royal Botanic Garden
- Family-friendly cafés, shops, and a weekly market
Cons
- A bit farther from major tourist attractions
- Public transport options are more limited compared to central areas
- Can be more expensive due to its upscale shops and dining
4. Bruntsfield & Morningside
Bruntsfield and Morningside offer a laid-back, residential vibe that’s perfect for families who want a quieter stay while still being close to the action.
These neighborhoods are filled with leafy streets, charming independent shops, and plenty of green space.
The Meadows, a large park, is ideal for kids to run around, have a picnic, or even take part in outdoor sports.
Bruntsfield Links, just a stone’s throw away, is another great place for family-friendly activities, such as mini golf or just enjoying the outdoors.
Both areas are known for their welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere, with a mix of cozy cafés and restaurants catering to kids.
What makes Bruntsfield and Morningside especially great is their strong sense of community, where locals greet each other on the street, and it’s easy to feel at home.
Public transport links to the city center are frequent, making it simple to explore Edinburgh’s main attractions without staying right in the heart of the tourist crowds.
It’s also a very safe and family-friendly area, which is always a big plus when traveling with kids.
However, like Stockbridge, these areas are a bit removed from the main tourist attractions, so you may need to take a bus or tram to get to the Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle.
The accommodation in Bruntsfield and Morningside tends to be more residential, so there may be fewer hotel options compared to more tourist-focused areas.
Lastly, while there are some affordable places to eat, the overall vibe can lean a bit upscale, so it may not be ideal for families on a tight budget.
Pros
- Quiet, residential areas with a strong community feel
- Plenty of parks and outdoor spaces, like The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links
- Easy access to the city center via public transport
Cons
- A bit further from top tourist attractions
- Fewer hotel options compared to more central areas
- Can feel a bit upscale and pricey for some families