The Scottish capital is just as much about its craft and its soul as it is about its lodgings. To many, it’s the perfect city: full of history, beautiful architecture, great food, friendly locals, and easily walkable. It’s worth a few nights, whether as part of a wider Scotland trip (next stop, the Highlands or the Cairngorms) or a weekend city break.
Staying in any one of the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh means getting familiar with its true character—the stone terraces, the Georgian crescents, the morning tattie scones. From a sweet mews house down a cobbled street in the New Town to a centuries-old dovecote cottage in Brunstfield or a bright Old Town loft with a serious kitchen, these homes channel the charm and beauty that make Edinburgh one of the best cities in the world.
Perks: Central location, quiet street, 10-minute walk to Waverley station
It doesn’t get more central than this charming mews house. Here, you’re only a short walk to St. Andrews Square and National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, plus Waverley train station is only slightly further. Despite its “smack-dab in the middle”-ness, there’s a remarkable amount of space: two floors of contemporary interiors, a minimal pistachio green kitchen (equipped with a proving drawer for avid bakers), and a tub for soaking in after a day out and about. When the sun shines, spend time on the bistro chairs out front with a takeaway coffee from Stòr Coffee around the corner. From $1,111 per night.
Perks: Period charm, underfloor heating, private garden
Hidden within a walled garden in Bruntsfield (a residential part of town), this 1600s dovecote cottage is an architecturally intriguing hideaway. A tiny loft bedroom is tucked in the tower, surrounded by cubbyholes and views over the private garden. For those who love a bit of period drama, this early modern design is an interesting overnighter: On the ground floor, there’s a cedar wood kitchen and a cozy pull-out sofa bed amid original stone walls. A glass panel reveals an ancient cavern beneath, while outside a sun-catching terrace framed by roses and clematis makes it perfect for a morning breakfast. There are heated floors (ideal during winter) and a wood-burner for cozying up next to. From $320 per night.
Perks: Sweeping views, charming interiors, kid-friendly, dedicated workspace
Located on the top floor of what was once the White Horse Coaching Inn, this historic apartment—built by Laurence Ord in 1624—feels charmingly quaint and thoroughly modern at the same time. Here, original details from the exposed rafters to the lime plaster walls are offset with little luxuries such as underfloor heating, soft linens, and a drop-down screen for movie nights. Other surprises include a moody kitchen whose island features a slice of green volcanic rock hewn from the local Loch Sween quarry. Meanwhile, the living area features Scottish antiques and, of course, plenty of tweed. Another perk of your upstairs vantage point is the sweeping views you get of local sights like the Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, and the Old Town. From $658 per night.
Perks: Original midcentury pieces, private gardens, fully stocked kitchen
Another Stockbridge favorite, this Georgian mews house is a bright, airy hideout filled with original artworks, plants, and midcentury pieces. With its private entrance, a charming kitchen for early breakfast or cooking come supper time, and cozy living area, it’s perfect for creative stays or a quick city escape. Upstairs, a spacious bedroom and bathroom keep things simple. Outside, there are seven acres of private gardens, then you can wander a few minutes to Stockbridge’s best spots—some favorites including Fortitude for strong brews, Stockbridge Eating House for a bistro-style lunch, and Dick’s for menswear. It’s peaceful and wonderfully charming for dropping in and out of village life. From $325 per night.
Perks: High ceilings, central location, lots of space
This West End gem is a perfect mix of Georgian charm and cool comfort. Super-soaring ceilings, sash windows, and stylish furniture keep the space light, while a fully equipped kitchen and sleek bathrooms bring the period details into a more contemporary view. Ideal to take over for a weeklong jaunt, this ground floor flat is just a stroll from Princes Street, Dean Village, and Haymarket Station, making getting around that much easier. It’s also a quick stroll to one of the city’s best restaurants, The Palmerston, which is open for coffee and pastries from 9 a.m., although we recommend their set lunch: two courses for $28 and three courses for $32. From $360 per night.
Perks: Double bedroom, kid-friendly, lots of privacy, central location
Perfect for couples or small families, this cozy, one-bedroom basement apartment in New Town has a comfortable living room, dining area, modern kitchen, and a sophisticated range cooker for cooking dinner There’s a generous double bedroom, plus a sofa bed and cot for little ones. With a separate entrance and total privacy, it means you can fully relax in the quiet courtyard, but if you’re after getting out and about, a number of delicious cafés and spots to eat—Milk for brunch and Nishiki for delicious Japanese plates are of note—plus transport hubs are all close by. From $263 per night.
Perks: Central location, quiet surroundings, crib, washer and dryer
For a spot just off the Royal Mile, this sleek studio stays peacefully removed from the crowds. Inside, it’s calm and pared-back—with lovely soft light, clever design, and everything you need for a few nights in the city. There’s a compact kitchen for easygoing mornings, a comfortable living space to chill out in, and a very dreamy bed to slip into at the end of a long day. You’re steps from Edinburgh’s galleries and late-night haunts—but it’s quiet enough to feel far away from busy Old Town antics. This is one location to book early for the Fringe. From $417 per night.
Perks: Fully stocked kitchen, high-end appliances, kid-friendly
Claiming a prized postal code in Stockbridge—one of Edinburgh’s grooviest neighborhoods—this family-friendly warehouse combines industrial charm with modern comfort. A cozy nursery is there for young families, plus the private entrance and underground parking make it ideal for those seeking a little security. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, fully stocked with Le Creuset crockery, Japanese knives, and BOSH appliances, while the living room calls you to flop in front of the TV on the velvet sofa. Steps from independent cafés, restaurants, and sweet shops, it’s a comfortable escape in the city. From $340 per night.
Perks: Lots of sunlight, cozy lodgings, smart TV, high-end appliances
Deep in Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, this owner-managed flat nails that sweet spot between period property and modern design details. Sunlight pours through dual-aspect windows onto curated art, vintage finds, and contemporary pieces that feel lived-in but also polished. There’s a touch of homely comfort, with a bespoke kitchen flowing into a cozy dining alcove—perfect for breakfasts or candlelit meals in. After a day wandering Stockbridge or George Street, settle into the sitting room’s armchair with a view over leafy gardens. From $301 per night.
Craving an escape? From colorful carry-ons to cleverly designed packing cubes (how did we ever travel without them?), shop everything you need to make the journey in style—and as streamlined and stress-free as possible.
