Best Areas To Stay In Edinburgh For Families

Choosing where to stay in Edinburgh with kids can honestly make or break your trip.

On paper, Edinburgh looks compact and walkable. But once you arrive, you quickly realize the city is full of steep hills, cobbled streets, narrow staircases, and busy nightlife areas that feel completely different depending on whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a stroller that suddenly feels 20kg heavier halfway up the Royal Mile.

I lived in Edinburgh for over 2 years after moving to Scotland from Melbourne, Australia, and during that time I worked as a nanny for 4 local families with children ranging from 18 months old to 12 years old.

I learned quickly that the “best” area in Edinburgh depends entirely on the kind of family trip you want.

Some neighborhoods are fantastic for sightseeing but exhausting with young kids. Others are quieter and much easier for families, but less convenient if it’s your first time visiting Edinburgh.

And some areas that constantly appear in travel guides are honestly not places I’d recommend for families with small children at all.

Quick Answer – Best Places To Stay In Edinburgh For Families

If you want the short version, New Town is usually the best place to stay in Edinburgh for families visiting for the first time.

It’s flatter, easier to navigate with kids, well connected by public transport, and generally less chaotic than Old Town.

That said, the “best” neighborhood really depends on your travel style, your children’s ages, and how long you’re staying in the city.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best areas in Edinburgh for families:

If this is your first trip to the city, I’d personally focus on either New Town or the quieter side of Old Town near Holyrood.

They give you the easiest balance between sightseeing, transport, restaurants, and family practicality.

Families staying longer than 4 or 5 days often end up preferring quieter neighborhoods like Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, or Leith because they feel more residential and less tourist-heavy.

Best Area To Stay In Edinburgh For First Timers With Kids

New Town

If you’re visiting Edinburgh with kids for the first time, New Town is usually the area I recommend most.

It gives families the best balance between:

• walkability
• transport
• quieter evenings
• restaurant options
• and easier streets for strollers and tired kids

Compared to Old Town, New Town feels much calmer and more practical.

The streets are wider, flatter, and easier to navigate with children, especially after a long sightseeing day.

You’re still incredibly central, but without constantly dragging a stroller uphill over cobblestones.

This is also one of the easiest areas in Edinburgh for:

• airport transfers
• tram access
• train connections
• grocery stores
• pharmacies
• and chain restaurants if you need familiar kid-friendly food

When I worked as a nanny in Edinburgh, New Town was one of the areas where daily life with children simply felt easier.

You’re close to places like Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery, and multiple transport hubs, but you still have quieter residential streets nearby where families can decompress after busy days exploring the city.

Why I Think New Town Works So Well For Families

For many families, especially those visiting Scotland for the first time, New Town removes a lot of the stress that can come with staying in Edinburgh.

You’re still close enough to walk to:

• Edinburgh Castle
• the Royal Mile
• Princes Street
• Waverley Station
• and many major attractions

but you don’t have to deal with Old Town’s steepest hills every single day.

This becomes especially important if:

• you’re traveling with toddlers
• your child still naps
• you’re carrying a baby carrier
• or you simply don’t want every sightseeing day to feel physically exhausting

Downsides Of Staying In New Town

The biggest downside is cost.

New Town is one of the more expensive areas in Edinburgh, especially during:

• summer
• August festival season
• Christmas markets
• and UK school holidays

Accommodation also books out very early for families because larger rooms and apartment-style stays are limited.

The other downside is that parts of New Town can feel less “historic Edinburgh” compared to Old Town.

You won’t step outside directly onto medieval streets or hidden closes.

But personally, I think many families appreciate having a calmer and more functional base while still being close to the main attractions.

Best Area For Sightseeing Families

Old Town

If your family wants the full “storybook Edinburgh” experience, Old Town is hard to beat.

This is the Edinburgh most people picture before they visit:

• medieval alleyways
• historic stone buildings
• castle views
• hidden closes
• bagpipes on the Royal Mile
• and major attractions within walking distance

For first-time visitors, staying in Old Town can feel incredibly magical.

You’re close to:

• Edinburgh Castle
• the Royal Mile
• Victoria Street
• the National Museum of Scotland
• St Giles’ Cathedral
• and many of the city’s best tours and attractions

If you only have a short trip to Edinburgh, staying here can save a huge amount of transport time.

This is especially true if you’re following a busy Edinburgh itinerary with kids and want to maximize sightseeing without constantly jumping on buses or trams.

Why Older Kids Usually Enjoy Old Town More

Personally, I think Old Town works better for:

• older kids
• tweens
• teens
• and families who prioritize atmosphere over convenience

There’s a lot happening visually, which makes it exciting for children who enjoy history, Harry Potter connections, ghost tours, castles, and exploring winding streets.

But with younger children, the reality can feel very different.

What Parents Should Know Before Booking Old Town

This is the area where I think many travel guides massively oversimplify things for families.

Old Town is beautiful, but it can also be:

• loud
• crowded
• steep
• physically exhausting
• and surprisingly difficult with strollers

A lot of accommodation is inside older historic buildings that:

• don’t have lifts
• have narrow staircases
• involve uphill walks
• or sit above busy pubs and bars

And while the Royal Mile looks compact on a map, pushing a stroller uphill on cobblestones after a full sightseeing day is honestly not very fun.

I’d especially avoid booking directly around Grassmarket with young children unless your family is comfortable with:

• nightlife noise
• late evenings
• crowded pubs
• and a much busier atmosphere at night

The Best Part Of Old Town For Families

If you do want to stay in Old Town, I’d personally look closer to the Holyrood end rather than Grassmarket.

The atmosphere tends to feel:

• slightly calmer
• less nightlife-heavy
• and easier for families at night

You’re still close to the major attractions, but without quite as much evening chaos.

And if walkability is one of your biggest concerns, I’d strongly recommend reading my guide on whether Edinburgh is walkable with kids before booking accommodation in Old Town specifically.

Best Quiet Neighborhoods In Edinburgh For Families

Stockbridge

If Old Town feels a little too chaotic for your family, Stockbridge is usually the neighborhood I recommend next.

It has a much calmer, more local atmosphere while still being close enough to the city centre to make sightseeing easy.

Honestly, this is the kind of area where Edinburgh starts to feel less like a tourist destination and more like a place people genuinely live.

You’ll find:

• independent cafes
• small bookstores
• playgrounds
• riverside walks
• local bakeries
• and far fewer crowds than Old Town

For families traveling with toddlers or younger kids, that quieter atmosphere can make a huge difference.

After long sightseeing days, being able to come back to a neighborhood that feels relaxed instead of packed with nightlife and tour groups is honestly underrated.

Stockbridge also works well for:

• apartment stays
• slower travel
• grocery shopping
• and families staying longer than just a weekend

The biggest downside is that you lose some immediate access to the main attractions.

You’ll likely walk a little further or rely on buses more often than if you stayed directly in New Town or Old Town.

But personally, I think many families find that tradeoff worth it.

Bruntsfield And Morningside

Bruntsfield and Morningside feel even more residential than Stockbridge.

These are the kinds of neighborhoods where you’ll see:

• local parents with strollers
• children walking home from school
• parks full of families
• and cafes that feel designed for actual daily life rather than tourism

When I worked as a nanny in Edinburgh, these areas always felt very family-oriented to me.

They’re quieter, greener, and generally much easier to navigate with young children than Old Town.

Accommodation here also tends to include:

• larger apartments
• more modern buildings
• wider streets
• and easier stroller access

For families staying 4 or 5 days or longer, I honestly think these neighborhoods can make Edinburgh feel significantly less overwhelming.

They’re especially good if:

• your child still naps
• you want playground access nearby
• you prefer apartment-style accommodation
• or you don’t want every part of your trip to feel tourist-heavy

Who These Areas Are Best For

I’d personally prioritize Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, or Morningside if:

• you’ve already visited Edinburgh before
• you’re staying longer than a few days
• you’re traveling with toddlers
• you want quieter evenings
• or you prefer slower-paced family travel

They may not give you the immediate “castle outside your window” experience of Old Town, but they often provide a much easier day-to-day experience for families.

If you’re trying to decide how long you actually need in Edinburgh, that can also affect which neighborhood makes the most sense. Families staying longer often have much more flexibility staying outside the busiest tourist areas.

Best Budget-Friendly Areas For Families

Haymarket And West End

If you’re trying to balance convenience with a slightly lower accommodation budget, Haymarket and the West End are often some of the best-value areas for families in Edinburgh.

They don’t have the same dramatic historic atmosphere as Old Town, but they’re extremely practical.

This area works especially well for families who:

• are arriving by train
• want direct airport tram access
• are taking day trips around Scotland
• or don’t want to deal with steep hills constantly

Compared to Old Town, the streets here are generally:

• flatter
• wider
• easier with luggage
• and much more stroller-friendly

You’ll also usually find:

• larger hotel rooms
• chain hotels
• aparthotels
• grocery stores
• and family-friendly restaurants nearby

For shorter stays, I honestly think this area is underrated.

You can still walk into central Edinburgh fairly easily, but returning to your accommodation at the end of the day often feels significantly less stressful than navigating crowded Old Town streets with tired children.

Leith

Leith is one of the fastest-growing areas for families visiting Edinburgh, especially for longer stays.

Years ago, most tourists barely considered staying here. Now, the tram connection into the city centre has made it much more convenient.

The biggest advantage of Leith is value for money.

Families can often get:

• larger apartments
• more modern accommodation
• kitchens
• washing machines
• and more space overall

for much less than they’d pay in central Edinburgh.

And when you’re traveling with children, space matters a lot more than people expect.

Leith also has:

• an excellent food scene
• supermarkets
• playgrounds
• waterfront walks
• and a much more local atmosphere than Old Town

Personally, I think Leith works best for:

• repeat visitors
• families staying 5+ days
• slower travel styles
• and families who don’t mind using public transport daily

What Families Should Know Before Staying In Leith

The biggest downside is distance.

Even with the tram, you’re still further from Edinburgh’s main tourist attractions than if you stayed in New Town or Old Town.

That means:

• more transport planning
• less flexibility for midday breaks
• and slightly longer sightseeing days

This can become frustrating with overtired toddlers or kids who need downtime during the day.

I also think Leith works much better for families who already know they prefer slower travel rather than trying to cram every major attraction into 2 days.

If safety is one of your concerns when deciding where to stay, I’d also recommend reading my full guide on whether Edinburgh is safe for tourists and families before booking accommodation.

The Most Overrated Area For Families

Why I Would Avoid Grassmarket With Young Kids

I know this might be controversial because Grassmarket appears on almost every “best area to stay in Edinburgh” list.

And to be fair, it looks incredible.

You’ve got:

• castle views
• historic buildings
• colorful shopfronts
• pubs
• restaurants
• and easy access to Old Town attractions

For adults, couples, and nightlife-focused trips, it can be a fantastic base.

But personally?

I would not choose Grassmarket with young children.

Especially not with:

• toddlers
• babies
• early sleepers
• or kids who get overstimulated easily

The biggest issue is noise.

Grassmarket stays busy late into the evening, particularly during:

• weekends
• summer
• festival season
• and school holidays

Even if your accommodation itself is nice, the surrounding atmosphere can feel hectic once pubs start filling up at night.

And because many buildings are older, noise insulation is often not great.

I’ve known families who loved the location during the day but were completely exhausted by the nighttime noise after a few evenings.

The hills around Grassmarket can also become frustrating very quickly with strollers.

On a map, the area looks central and convenient. In reality, getting back to your accommodation after a full sightseeing day can involve:

• steep uphill walks
• crowded pedestrian areas
• cobblestones
• and narrow footpaths

It’s not impossible with kids, obviously.

But I think many travel guides romanticize the area without really considering what it feels like practically for families.

Who Grassmarket Does Work Well For

I actually think Grassmarket can still work well for:

• families with older teens
• very short Edinburgh trips
• families prioritizing nightlife and atmosphere
• or parents who don’t mind late evenings and busier surroundings

But if your ideal family trip includes:

• quiet evenings
• easier stroller access
• midday naps
• or less sensory overload

then I honestly think there are much better neighborhoods in Edinburgh for families.

Where I’d Stay Based On Your Family Travel Style

At the end of the day, there really isn’t one single “best” neighborhood in Edinburgh for every family.

The right area depends on your kids, your trip style, and honestly, your tolerance for hills and chaos.

Here’s how I’d personally narrow it down.

If You’re Visiting Edinburgh For The First Time

I’d stay in New Town.

It gives you the easiest balance between:

• sightseeing
• walkability
• transport
• restaurants
• and family practicality

You’re still central without dealing with the steepest hills and busiest nightlife areas every single day.

If You Want The Full Historic Edinburgh Experience

Stay in Old Town.

This is the best choice if your priority is:

• atmosphere
• castle views
• history
• and being close to the main attractions

But personally, I think it works much better for families with older kids than toddlers.

If You’re Travelling With Toddlers

I’d seriously consider Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, or Morningside.

These areas feel calmer, greener, and far less overwhelming with small children.

You’ll usually get:

• quieter evenings
• easier stroller access
• nearby playgrounds
• and a more relaxed daily pace

which honestly matters a lot once you’re dealing with naps, snack stops, and overtired meltdowns.

If Your Child Still Naps

Stay as centrally as your budget allows.

Being able to quickly return to your accommodation midday is incredibly valuable in Edinburgh because the city can become physically exhausting for little kids surprisingly fast.

This is one reason I think New Town works so well for families with younger children.

If You’re Travelling With A Stroller

I’d avoid relying too heavily on Old Town unless you’re comfortable with:

• cobblestones
• steep hills
• stair-heavy accommodation
• and uneven streets

New Town, Haymarket, Bruntsfield, and parts of Stockbridge are all significantly easier with strollers.

If walkability is one of your biggest concerns, my guide on whether Edinburgh is walkable with kids goes into much more detail about what families should realistically expect.

If You Only Have 2 Days In Edinburgh

Stay central.

Personally, I would not stay in Leith or further outside the city centre for such a short trip.

You’ll save a huge amount of time by being able to walk to major attractions instead of adding extra transport connections.

If You’re Visiting During Festival Season

Location becomes even more important during August.

The city gets extremely busy during:

• the Edinburgh Fringe
• the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• and summer festivals

Family accommodation books out early, prices rise quickly, and central transport becomes much more crowded.

If you’re traveling during this period, I’d book accommodation as early as possible — especially if you need:

• family rooms
• apartment stays
• washing facilities
• or multiple beds

Edinburgh is one of those cities where the “right” neighborhood can genuinely make your family trip feel dramatically easier.

And honestly, once you factor in tired kids, unpredictable weather, and Edinburgh’s hills, convenience usually matters far more than choosing the most photogenic location possible.

What Families Need To Know Before Booking Edinburgh Accommodation

Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in the world, but I genuinely think it catches a lot of families off guard the first time they visit.

People hear that the city is “walkable” and assume that means easy.

Technically? Yes, you can walk almost everywhere.

But there’s a huge difference between walking around Edinburgh as a solo traveler and navigating it with:

• a stroller
• tired toddlers
• multiple kids
• luggage
• or children who hit their limit after 20 minutes of uphill walking

The city is built across hills, and some of the most beautiful areas are also the most physically exhausting with young kids.

Old Town especially can be tricky because of:

• uneven cobblestones
• steep streets
• stair-heavy buildings
• narrow footpaths
• apartments without lifts

I’ve watched exhausted parents try carrying strollers and suitcases up 4 flights of stairs after a full travel day, and honestly, it can turn a great trip stressful very quickly.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid Edinburgh with kids. Far from it.

It just means choosing the right neighborhood matters much more here than it does in flatter European cities.

Edinburgh Is Not As Stroller-Friendly As People Expect

If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, I highly recommend thinking carefully about:

• hill access
• tram proximity
• elevator availability
• apartment stairs
• and how far you’ll realistically want to walk every day

New Town, Haymarket, and Bruntsfield are usually much easier with strollers than large parts of Old Town.

If walkability is one of your biggest concerns, I’d also read my full guide on whether Edinburgh is walkable with kids before booking accommodation.

Hotels Vs Apartments For Families

For shorter trips, hotels are usually easier.

But for families staying more than 3 or 4 days, I often think apartments become the better option in Edinburgh.

Having access to:

• a washing machine
• separate sleeping spaces
• a kitchen
• grocery stores nearby
• and room for kids to decompress

can make a massive difference during a longer trip.

This is especially true if your child still naps or goes to bed early.

One thing many families don’t realize is that older Edinburgh buildings often don’t have lifts, even in expensive accommodation. Always double check this before booking if you’ll have a stroller or heavy luggage.

Why Location Matters More Than Saving Money

I know it’s tempting to save money by booking further outside the city center.

But with kids, I honestly think location is worth paying extra for in Edinburgh.

Being able to:

• walk back for naps
• avoid extra transport connections
• quickly escape bad weather
• or head back to the hotel after an overtired meltdown

is incredibly valuable.

This becomes even more important during winter or rainy periods when Edinburgh weather changes every 10 minutes.

If you’re visiting during colder months, my rainy day in Edinburgh with kids guide can help you plan indoor activities close to the neighborhoods that work best for families.

And before you book anything, I’d also recommend checking my Edinburgh packing list because the weather and hills can really affect what families actually end up using during their trip.

Family Accommodation Tips For Edinburgh

Book Early During Festival Season

If you’re visiting Edinburgh during:

• summer
• August festival season
• Christmas markets
• or UK school holidays

book your accommodation as early as possible.

Family rooms in Edinburgh sell out fast, especially in central neighborhoods like New Town and Old Town.

And because many Edinburgh hotels are inside older historic buildings, there are often fewer:

• larger family rooms
• elevator-access rooms
• apartment-style stays
• and connected room options

than families expect.

Prices also rise dramatically during August in particular.

I’ve seen accommodation prices double or even triple during the Edinburgh Fringe and Military Tattoo season.

Always Double Check Lift Access

This is probably one of the biggest practical mistakes families make when booking Edinburgh accommodation.

A huge number of buildings — especially in Old Town — do not have lifts.

Even beautiful apartments and expensive boutique hotels can involve:

• steep staircases
• multiple floors
• narrow entrances
• and difficult stroller access

Never assume a lift exists unless the listing specifically confirms it.

If you’re traveling with:

• babies
• strollers
• grandparents
• or heavy luggage

this matters far more than most people realize.

Apartments Often Work Better Than Hotels For Longer Trips

For stays longer than a few days, I personally think apartment-style accommodation becomes much more useful for families.

Having:

• laundry access
• separate sleeping spaces
• a kitchen
• extra room for downtime
• and nearby grocery stores

can make the trip feel dramatically less stressful.

This is especially true with younger children who:

• still nap
• need snacks constantly
• wake early
• or struggle with busy restaurants every night

Parking Is Harder Than Many Visitors Expect

If you’re road tripping Scotland, don’t automatically assume your accommodation will include parking.

Parking in central Edinburgh can be:

• expensive
• limited
• stressful
• and difficult to navigate

particularly in Old Town.

Personally, unless you’re immediately continuing a Scotland road trip, I usually think families are better off avoiding a car while staying in Edinburgh itself.

The city is much easier to explore using:

• trams
• buses
• trains
• and walking

especially once you factor in one-way streets and limited parking.

Think About Your Daily Rhythm — Not Just The Photos

This is honestly my biggest piece of advice for families visiting Edinburgh.

Don’t just choose accommodation based on:

• castle views
• Instagram photos
• or how “historic” an area looks online

Think about what your days will actually feel like.

Because things like:

• where you’ll grab breakfast
• how far your kids can realistically walk
• where your child might nap
• how easy it is to get home in the rain
• and whether the streets are quiet at night

often end up mattering far more than having the most famous view in the city

FAQ – Best Areas To Stay In Edinburgh For Families

What Is The Best Area In Edinburgh For Families?

For most families visiting Edinburgh for the first time, New Town is usually the best choice. It’s central, flatter, quieter than Old Town, and much easier with strollers and young kids. You still have easy access to the main attractions without dealing with constant hills and late-night crowds.

Is Old Town Or New Town Better For Families?

Old Town is better for sightseeing and historic atmosphere, while New Town is usually easier for families day-to-day. Families with toddlers or strollers will often find New Town more practical because the streets are flatter, quieter, and easier to navigate.

Is Edinburgh Walkable With Kids?

Yes, Edinburgh is walkable with kids, but the hills and cobblestones can be tiring. Staying centrally makes a huge difference because you can return to your accommodation for breaks instead of relying on transport throughout the day.

Is Edinburgh Stroller-Friendly?

Some parts are, but Old Town can be difficult with a stroller because of steep hills, cobblestones, and stair-heavy buildings. New Town, Haymarket, Stockbridge, and Bruntsfield are usually much easier for families with younger children.

Is Leith Good For Families?

Leith can be a great choice for families staying longer in Edinburgh. Accommodation is often larger and more affordable, and the tram makes city access easier. It works best for slower-paced trips rather than short sightseeing-heavy visits.

Where Should Families Avoid Staying In Edinburgh?

I’d personally avoid staying directly in Grassmarket with young children. While it’s central and beautiful, it can also be noisy, crowded, and difficult with strollers — especially during weekends and festival season.

How Many Days Do Families Need In Edinburgh?

I usually recommend at least 3 days in Edinburgh with kids. That gives families enough time to explore the main attractions without rushing constantly or exhausting younger children.

Ready To Plan Your Edinburgh Family Trip?

At the end of the day, there really isn’t one perfect neighborhood for every family visiting Edinburgh.

If it’s your first trip and you want the easiest overall experience, I’d personally choose New Town. Families wanting the full historic atmosphere usually love Old Town, while quieter neighborhoods like Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, and Morningside often work better for slower-paced trips with younger children. And if you’re staying longer or want more apartment space for your budget, Leith can be an excellent option.

Once you’ve narrowed down your ideal area, I’d strongly recommend booking accommodation as early as possible — especially if you’re visiting during summer, festival season, Christmas, or UK school holidays. Family rooms and apartment stays in Edinburgh disappear surprisingly quickly.

The next thing I’d figure out is how long you actually want to stay in the city. A short 2 day trip often makes central neighborhoods worth the extra cost, while longer stays give you much more flexibility with areas like Stockbridge or Leith.

If you’re still planning the rest of your trip, these guides will help you organize everything more easily:

• how many days in Edinburgh with kids
• 3 day Edinburgh itinerary with kids
• rainy day in Edinburgh with kids
• is Edinburgh walkable with kids
• Edinburgh packing list

And if you want help organizing sightseeing days without completely exhausting your kids, my free family trip planner can help you map out your Edinburgh days in a way that actually feels manageable.

If planning accommodation, neighborhoods, transport, and itineraries is starting to feel overwhelming, I also offer an Edinburgh Travel Concierge service, a GPT (AI), trainned on all of my Edinburgh knowledge creates personalized Edinburgh trips based on their travel style, budget, and kids’ ages in less than 20 minutes.