No first trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The world-famous icon of Scotland is part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the country. Dominating the skyline of the city, the fortress looms over the streets below from its position on the Castle Rock. Due to its strategic location, it has been a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a focus of countless sieges and battles. It also offers stunning panoramic views over the city of Edinburgh. Due to the size and walkability of the city center, the best way to explore Scotland’s capital is on foot. That means, if you are looking for a central Airbnb, you’ll be no more than a 30-minute walk from the Royal Mile — the main street leading to the castle gates. The Airbnb near Edinburgh Castle rentals we’ve selected here are steeped in history, have views of the iconic site, Superhost status, and five-star reviews from past guests.
With Views of Edinburgh Castle, These Are the Best Central Airbnbs in Edinburgh
We hope you love the Airbnb near Edinburgh Castle rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
The best time to visit Edinburgh Castle
Photo: godrick/Shutterstock
Edinburgh is a year-round destination. However, it’s suggested to opt for the shoulder seasons of September to October and April to May. Due to the popularity of the Edinburgh Festival the summer, particularly August, is horribly busy. Accommodation is also hugely more expensive during this time. If you do want to take advantage of the world-famous festival, make sure to book far in advance. Winter is also a magical time, it does get dark early, but the festive lights and Christmas markets are simply beautiful.
Two-bedroom mezzanine apartment on The Meadows
Located in a Victorian building, which was part of Edinburgh’s old Royal Infirmary Hospital, this luxury apartment is within a conversion project at the north end of The Meadows. The restoration of the Grade B-listed buildings began in 2006, and today, they are some of the most sought-after rentals in the city. This Airbnb apartment is spread over two floors with a study area overlooking the reception space via a glass balcony. It’s seconds from the city’s most popular green space, The Meadows, and a ten-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and the city center. Within the development, there’s a 24-hour concierge, excellent coffee shops, bakeries, a grocery store, and eateries. The blend of modern amenities with the historical significance of the buildings perfectly suits the Scottish capital — a place where old meets new.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $340 per night
Two-bedroom garden apartment in New Town
The center of Edinburgh is divided into Old Town and New Town. The Old Town is where Edinburgh began. It’s characterized by a medieval street plan and Reformation-era buildings. Here, you’ll find the famous Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. New Town, on the other hand, is where the city expanded in the 1700s. It’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its impressive urban planning and architecture. The streets in the area are peppered with charming gardens, boutiques, cafes, and some of the better restaurants and bars in the city.
This two-bedroom garden apartment is situated on Northumberland Street (considered one of the top addresses in town.) From here, you’re minutes away from Stockbridge and Broughton Street. To reach the castle, you’ll have around a 30-minute walk. The route takes you through New Town onto Princess Street and up The Mound, past must-see sights and interesting parts of the city. The apartment is bright, spacious, and contemporary, with two bedrooms, an open-planned kitchen and living area, and a beautiful garden.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $377 per night
Charming cottage in The Grassmarket
The Grassmarket is steeped in history dating back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest marketplaces in the city. Today, it continues to be a vibrant area of town and sits under the shadow of the castle. This cottage Airbnb is hidden through a secret entrance between antique bookshops. It sits at the top of a residential area and has spectator views of Edinburgh Castle. The cottagecore interior is charming, with splashes of floral textiles and garden-themed wallpaper. If you’re looking for a romantic Airbnb for your getaway to Edinburgh, bookmark this listing.
Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $251 per night
One-bedroom apartment with world-class views
Also located in the Grassmarket, you can enjoy views of the castle from the living area of this one-bedroom Airbnb aptly named Castle View. Edinburgh Castle hosts a busy roster of events throughout the year. One of the key events is the Castle Of Light, which runs from November to January. Light installations bring the castle to life. This can be enjoyed inside the fortress’ walls or from the streets below. Edinburgh Castle is also renowned for its New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) celebrations, which traditionally include a spectacular fireworks display. If you’re visiting during winter, this Airbnb is in prime position for a viewing party. Keep in mind that Airbnbs book up very far in advance for Christmas and Hogmanay, so plan accordingly.
Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $164 per night
Three-bedroom National Trust property on the Royal Mile
Another larger option, with impressive 360 views of the city and castle, is this four-bedroom apartment. It’s located in a National Trust property that was once home to Sir Patrick Geddes, a Scot famed for his innovative thinking in the fields of urban planning and sociology. The apartment has retained many original features and is situated right next door to Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile. It’s worth noting that this property, like many protected historic buildings in the city, is unfortunately not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $477 per night
1800s house in Dean Village
It will be hard to find a more unusual Edinburgh Airbnb than this luxurious property with its stone spiral staircase and original 1880s features. It was renovated in 2015, and although there are nods to the past everywhere you look, it now features a modern open-planned living, kitchen, and dining layout and three plush en-suite bedrooms. It’s located in the charming Dean Village on the Water of Leith. From here, you can stroll down the water into Stockbridge or up cobbled streets, past pretty medieval mews houses into the city.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $753 per night
West End Georgian townhouse with garden
The West End of Edinburgh is an affluent district that forms a part of central Edinburgh, along with the New Town and Old Town. It feels like a historic village with lovely boutiques, galleries, picturesque courtyards, and superb pubs. This rental comprises the entire garden level of a beautiful Grade A-listed Georgian townhouse and includes a large private outdoor garden. It’s ideal for two couples or a small family. For chilly evenings, the patio has heaters and a retractable awning, and there’s free off-street parking with an EV charger for one large car. Parking in Edinburgh is one of the trickiest things to manage. Having a complimentary space in the center is almost unheard of. If you’re planning a Scottish road trip, keep this epic Airbnb in mind.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $213 per night
What to do near Edinburgh Castle
- Royal Mile — The Royal Mile is a historic street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace. It’s packed with shops, cafes, pubs, and historical sites, making it an excellent place to explore on foot.
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions — Just a stone’s throw away from the castle, Camera Obscura provides a fun and educational experience for all ages. It offers interactive exhibits that play with light, perspective, and illusion. The rooftop also provides stunning views of the city.
- St Giles’ Cathedral — This beautiful cathedral, also located on the Royal Mile, is a significant place of worship and a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. Inside, you’ll find stunning stained glass windows and intricate stonework.
- Princes Street Gardens — Right at the foot of the castle, these public gardens are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and you’ll also find monuments and statues dotting the landscape.
- Scottish Whisky Experience — Another attraction near the castle is the Scottish Whisky Experience. Here, you can learn about the history and process of whisky-making, and of course, sample some of the finest whiskies Scotland has to offer.
- National Museum of Scotland — A short walk from the castle, this museum houses a vast range of exhibits covering natural history, world cultures, art and design, science and technology, and Scottish history. It’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours, especially if it’s raining.
- Grassmarket — Once a medieval marketplace and site of public executions, Grassmarket is now a lively area filled with pubs, restaurants, and independent shops.
