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Edinburgh is one of the prettiest cities not only in the UK but the whole of Europe and it’s a delight to explore. Whether you want the charms of the Edinburgh Old Town, the world-class shopping on Princes Street, or how about climbing an extinct volcano (Arthur’s Seat) pretty much right in the city centre. Well, Edinburgh, Scotland has it all and some!
Visiting in August for the biggest arts festival in the world? It may sound crazy but now is the time to start looking for rentals in Edinburgh because they sell like hotcakes!
The Scottish capital has hotels and hostels galore, but you might fancy saying somewhere with a little more personality and character. How about checking out some Edinburgh Airbnbs? There certainly are some cool and quirky options. Fancy a Harry Potter-themed apartment? A place that’ll make you feel like Scottish Royalty? Or simply a no-frills room at a bargain-basement price? Airbnb rentals in Edinburgh really do capture the imagination.
We’ve put together a list of the 15 best Airbnbs in Edinburgh to help you to plan and make the most of your time visiting Edinburgh, Scotland. So, let’s take a closer look at your accommodation options in the Scottish capital!
Photo: @taya.travels
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Edinburgh, Scotland
Quiet Royal Mile Apartment
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Awesome location
- > Wall mounted TV
Warm Double Room in City Centre
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Laptop friendly workspace
- > Flexible check-in/out times
Majestic Georgian City Centre Flat
- > $$$$$$$
- > 9 Guests
- > Super King Beds
- > High Ceilings and Chandeliers
Comfy Room with Private en Suite
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Private en suite bathroom
- > Lounge with lots of books
Large Sunny Room on Royal Mile
- > $
- > 3 Guests
- > Incredible Location
- > Power Shower
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Edinburgh
Quiet Royal Mile Apartment | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Edinburgh
Let’s kick off with an apartment that’s right in the thick of the action within walking distance of all the Edinburgh places to visit. There’s nowhere better to stay in Edinburgh than The Royal Mile if you want to delve into the city’s grisly history, sample some of the top places to eat and drink, and pick up some awesome souvenirs! This colourful studio apartment puts all that right on your doorstep with its fantastic location right in Central Edinburgh.
Don’t expect to spend all of your time out the flat though – this place is pretty nice! There’s an LED mounted wall TV and iPod compatible music docks if you fancy a night in. Edinburgh can be pretty expensive, so the fully equipped kitchen will save you from splashing out on restaurants if you’re on a budget!
Warm Double Room in City Centre | Best Budget Airbnb in Edinburgh
There are very few downsides to Edinburgh, but the one thing you can’t deny is it’s quite expensive! Hopefully, that won’t put you off visiting because we’ve found the perfect Edinburgh apartment for you! Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you have to compromise on location or quality. It’s right in central Edinburgh within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions.
This private room is part of a home where you’re welcome to share the kitchen and you’ll have your own bathroom too. There’s even shower gel and shampoo provided! A desk is a bonus for any digital nomads on a shoestring.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on OspreyMajestic Georgian City Centre Flat | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Edinburgh
Some Edinburgh apartments we can only dream of staying in, and unless you’re in a big group, this falls into that category. You can find Georgian architecture throughout the city, which is characterised by high ceilings and spacious rooms. It’s full of grand furniture, chandeliers, and places where you can host dinner parties – if that’s what you’re into! Four super king beds mean that a good night’s sleep is guaranteed in this awesome short term rental in Edinburgh.
Comfy Room with Private en Suite | Perfect Edinburgh Airbnb for Solo Travellers
If you’re travelling solo, it could be a good idea to consider an Edinburgh homestay. It might give you a bit more space than the average city flat, and local experience is invaluable for finding your way around. Also, when you fancy a chat and a bit of company, just seek out your host. All of that is available here – there even happy to borrow books and chill in their living room.
What’s the catch, then? It’s miles away? No, actually, this home is in one of the best spots in Edinburgh – right in the Old Town! And you’ve got your own private bathroom. Need we say anymore…?
Large Sunny Room on Royal Mile | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Edinburgh for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads are quick to pick out certain things in travel listings, and seeing unlimited use of fast free fibre-optic Wi-Fi will have them scrambling to book this place. Look further into this listing and you’ll see that the hosts have thought of everything you could need to work in this home away from home and still have a great base from which to explore Edinburgh.
There is even a range of travel adaptors from the US, Europe, and Australia! You’ve got a power shower and underfloor heating, which is a lifesaver if you’re travelling to Scotland in winter! This bright apartment is right in Edinburgh city centre just a short walk to Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Castle.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Edinburgh
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Edinburgh!
Edinburgh Castle Apartment | Best Airbnb in Edinburgh for Nightlife
Old Town is legendary for its traditional Scottish pubs and bars, so you’ll want somewhere within walking (or carrying) distance after some whiskies! This studio apartment isn’t just a pad to crash though – it’s got an indoor fireplace, comfortable sofas, and views of Edinburgh Castle!
The best thing about staying here is waking up the morning after and heading to one of the many cafes on hand. You’ll sort that hangover right out with a strong coffee and a full Scottish breakfast.
Old Town Historic Building Apt | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
Travelling with your other half? Show them how special and important they are with this incredible Edinburgh Airbnb. A plus listing (so you know it’s good), it’s decorated with a mix of antique and modern furnishings in an open plan living area. Light flows in through that skylight, which will shed light on your preparing a romantic dinner for two in the fully equipped kitchen.
You can both starfish in the huge double bed – although it’s probably not quite big enough for you to get away from your partner’s snoring! With a fantastic location in Old Town it just a few minutes walk to Edinburgh Castle. You’ve also got the entire rental unit all to yourselves!
Quirky Wee Arthur’s Seat Apartment | Best Homestay in Edinburgh
If you’re reading this and wondering why on earth wee is in the title… it’s Scottish for small. However, this place isn’t that small as you pretty much have your own living room in this apartment! Two sofas and a TV make this Edinburgh homestay a real reminder of your home! Even better, you get a complimentary breakfast from your friendly host – something you won’t find on too many listings in town!
This characterful flat is the perfect place to spend a few days resting and recharging – great if you’ve been travelling long term! It’s not quite a two-bedroom apartment but it’s sort of halfway there (check the listing to see what I mean!), but you’ve still got the entire rental unit. It’s great for mates and it’s in a fantastic location right in Edinburgh city centre and is within walking distance of places like Edinburgh Castle.
Central, Quiet, Colourful Room | Runner up Homestay in Edinburgh
There are so many great homestays in Edinburgh that we couldn’t just show you one. You might not get your own living room in this one, but you do get a lovely minimalist bedroom with plenty of plants! It’s another one that offers you a complimentary breakfast – the self-service option is available in your host’s hallway dining space. This is a great place to stay if you want a local experience on a budget in Edinburgh city centre.
Luxury Apartment by the Castle | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Edinburgh
It’s not hard to find a luxury Airbnb in Edinburgh, but it was hard to select one for our list! In the end, this gorgeous place won as it’s got an excellent location, and the quirkiness lends it plenty of character! It’s got a traditional Scottish flavour without being kitschy and tacky – just look at the tartan throw, deer’s head, and painting of Edinburgh Castle on the wall!
An ideal place to explore the city, it’s right in Edinburgh Old Town. What a place to come back to at night, where you can relax with a hot bath or chill with a book in the living room! It’s got to be one of the most unique rentals in Edinburgh!
Magical Harry Potter Inspired Flat | Best Airbnb in Edinburgh for Families
Fancy a little bit of magic on your trip? Slytherin to this spellbinding Edinburgh apartment, based on the boy wizard himself – Harry Potter. It’s Diagon Alley, one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh, opposite some of the city’s coolest attractions (well, it’s close to them at least)! With space for up to four guests, it’s a great place to stay as a family and you get this entire rental unit for yourselves. If you have really young ones, they’ll have a lot of fun hunting for the secret cupboard! The host hasn’t confirmed if they keep broomsticks in there…
Luxury 3BDR apartment | Best Airbnb in Edinburgh for a Group of Friends
If you’re travelling with a group of friends this snazzy apartment in the heart of Edinburgh’s new town is perfect for you.
Enjoy three luxurious bedrooms with large king-sized beds, a fully equipped kitchen and three modern, clean bathrooms. The ideal base for exploring some of Edinbourghs best attractions and the new edition of the Jonnie Walker experience which is within walking distance.
Now you may be thinking this place is a little on the pricey side and you’d be right. But, if you split the cost between six,, you’ll get yourself a luxury pad in the heart of Edinburgh for a steal of a price.
Classical Loft on The Royal Mile | Best Airbnb in Royal Mile
We’ve already sung the praises of the Royal Mile, but we’ve got a couple more Edinburgh apartments to show you nearby. Portraits on the walls, an indoor fireplace, antique furnishings and shelves of books will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, almost as if you were staying in a century-old cottage in Edinburgh. There are mod cons too though – the kitchen is fully equipped and the dining room is perfect for enjoying your creation with your travelling companions!
If you’re travelling solo, we challenge you to find a better spot to sit with a book and a glass of wine! It’s one of the best rentals in Edinburgh for pretty much anyone tbf!
Flat with Historic Castle View | Another Great Apartment in Royal Mile
We promise this is the last Edinburgh apartment we’re going to show you near the Royal Mile. No, really! Views of the castle mean that you don’t have to brave heading out on a rainy day (they happen quite a lot) and you can stay toasty in this warm and welcoming flat in front of the electric fire! The host says that the only complaint they ever receive is that guests can’t get up in the morning – so rest assured you’ll get a good night’s sleep right in the heart of Edinburgh old town!
Comfy Apartment Off Princes Street | Top Value Airbnb in New Town
Looking for an old place in the new town? There’s no better Airbnb in Edinburgh than this comfy apartment then! Located on the top floor of a historic building (so no noise from above), this is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Rose Street and Princes Street. The building maybe 200 years old, but inside you’ve got a wall-mounted TV and DVD player, an electric stove, and en suite shower rooms. A fabulous place to round off our article of the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh!
What To Pack For Edinburgh
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Edinburgh Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Edinburgh Airbnbs
So, that concludes our list of the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh, Scotland. We’ve taken into account a range of different budgets, accommodation styles, and tastes. So, we’re pretty sure that you’ll have found the perfect place for you and your party!
Whether it’s an awesome apartment where you can gaze at the castle after a few drams of whisky at Grassmarket, a place where you can step out onto the Royal Mile in Edinburgh old town, or a quirky apartment with a local, Edinburgh has got it all.
Feel like we’ve given you too much choice for rentals in Edinburgh? Understandable.
There are just so many great Airbnbs in Edinburgh! If you’re having trouble deciding, keep it simple and go for our favourite Edinburgh apartment – Quiet Royal Mile Apartment. It’s got an unbeatable location while offering great value and style!
All that’s left now is for us to wish you an incredible holiday in Edinburgh, Scotland. Have a great trip!
- Check out our Backpacking Edinburgh guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Edinburgh guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in the UK too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Scotland.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around Scotland.
Buy Us a Coffee!
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