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!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Edinburgh, Scotland
Quiet Royal Mile Apartment
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Awesome location
- > Wall mounted TV
Quirky wee Arthur’s Seat apartment
- > $
- > 3 Guests
- > Breakfast Included
- > Your own living room!
Old Town Historic Building Apt
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > King Bed
- > Fully equipped kitchen
Magical Harry Potter inspired flat
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Awesome location
- > Secret Cupboard!
Majestic Georgian City Centre Flat
- > $$$$$$$
- > 9 Guests
- > Super King Beds
- > High Ceilings and Chandeliers
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
Why Stay in an Airbnb?
- Local Experience: No matter how big your guidebook is, it won’t have the superb local know-how can get from your hosts. Be sure to get their recommendations on things to do!
- Unique Properties: In a place chock full of unique vacation rentals, why on earth would you want to stay in a drab and dull hotel?!
- Privacy: Cabins, chalets, and treehouses mean you and your companion(s) can get the break you need without anyone else interfering. From a entire rental unit to a studio apartment, there’s heaps of options.
- Affordability: When it comes to value for money, Airbnbs offer so much more than hotels at the same price.
- Airbnb Experiences: It’s not all about where to stay – check out what there is to do in the area with Airbnb Experiences!
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Edinburgh
Overall Best Value Airbnb in Edinburgh | Quiet Royal Mile Apartment
- $$
- Awesome location
- 4 Guests
- Wall mounted TV
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!
Best Budget Airbnb in Edinburgh | Warm Double Room in City Centre
- $
- Laptop friendly workspace
- 2 Guests
- Flexible check-in/out times
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.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Edinburgh start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Perfect Short Term Rental for Digital Nomads | Large Sunny Room on Royal Mile
- $
- Incredible Location
- 3 Guests
- Power Shower
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.
We’ve tested countless packs over the years, and now we’ve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag.
Want more deetz on why we love it so damn much? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
Learn More Now!Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers | Comfy Room with Private en Suite
- $
- Private en suite bathroom
- 2 Guests
- Lounge with lots of books
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…?
Best Airbnb in Edinburgh for Nightlife | Grassmarket Apartment Castle View
- $$
- Best location for nightlife
- 2 Guests
- Views of Edinburgh Castle
The Grassmarket area is legendary for its traditional Scottish pubs and bars, so you’ll want somewhere within walking (or carrying) distance after some whiskies! This studio apartment isn’t just a pad to crash though – it’s got an indoor fireplace, comfortable sofas, and views of Edinburgh Castle!
Perhaps the best thing about staying here is waking up the morning after and heading to one of the many cafes on hand. You’ll sort that hangover right out with a strong coffee and a full Scottish breakfast. Don’t miss out on Lorne sausage!
Best Short Term Rental for Couples | Old Town Historic Building Apt
- $$
- King Bed
- 2 Guests
- Fully equipped kitchen
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!
Best Homestay in Edinburgh | Quirky Wee Arthur’s Seat Apartment
- $
- Breakfast Included
- 3 Guests
- Your own living room!
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.
Runner up Homestay in Edinburgh | Central, Quiet, Colourful Room
- $
- Fully equipped kitchen
- 2 Guests
- Basic amenities provided
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.
Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Edinburgh | Luxury Apartment by the Castle
- $$$$
- Near Edinburgh Castle
- 2 Guests
- Quirky and Historic
It’s not hard to find a luxury Airbnb in Edinburgh, but it was hard to select one for our list! In the end, this gorgeous place won as it’s got an excellent location, and the quirkiness lends it plenty of character! It’s got a traditional Scottish flavour without being kitschy and tacky – just look at the tartan throw, deer’s head, and painting of Edinburgh Castle on the wall!
An ideal place to explore the city, it’s right in Edinburgh Old Town. What a place to come back to at night, where you can relax with a hot bath or chill with a book in the living room! It’s got to be one of the most unique rentals in Edinburgh!
Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Edinburgh | Majestic Georgian City Centre Flat
- $$$$$$$
- Super King Beds
- 9 Guests
- High Ceilings and Chandeliers
Some Edinburgh apartments we can only dream of staying in, and unless you’re in a big group, this falls into that category. You can find Georgian architecture throughout the city, which is characterised by high ceilings and spacious rooms. It’s full of grand furniture, chandeliers, and places where you can host dinner parties – if that’s what you’re into! Four super king beds mean that a good night’s sleep is guaranteed in this awesome short term rental in Edinburgh.
Best Airbnb in Edinburgh for Families | Magical Harry Potter Inspired Flat
- $$
- Awesome location
- 4 Guests
- Secret Cupboard!
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…
Best Airbnb in Edinburgh for a Group of Friends | Refurbished Georgian New Town Flat
- $$
- Dining Room
- 6 Guests
- Centuries Old stone walls
Edinburgh’s New Town sometimes gets overlooked by guests who want to be close to the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. However, some of the best shopping is around Princes Street and parallel Rose Street, where this apartment is located. In the Georgian building, you’ve got a fully equipped kitchen and a living room perfect for spending time together. Rather head out? Some great pubs are on your doorstep too. If you’re splitting this place six ways, it ends up being one of the most affordable rentals in Edinburgh!
Best Airbnb in Royal Mile | Classical Loft on The Royal Mile
- $$$
- Fully equipped kitchen
- 2 Guests
- Hundreds of Books
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!
Another Great Apartment in Royal Mile | Flat with Historic Castle View
- $$
- Close to bars
- 2 Guests
- Views of Edinburg Castle
We promise this is the last Edinburgh apartment we’re going to show you near the Royal Mile. No, really! Views of the castle mean that you don’t have to brave heading out on a rainy day (they happen quite a lot) and you can stay toasty in this warm and welcoming flat in front of the electric fire! The host says that the only complaint they ever receive is that guests can’t get up in the morning – so rest assured you’ll get a good night’s sleep right in the heart of Edinburgh old town!
Top Value Airbnb in New Town | Comfy Apartment Off Princes Street
- $$
- En suite shower rooms
- 4 Guests
- Indoor Fireplace
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 your Edinburgh Airbnb
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a trip is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Airbnb Packing list for our top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Your Edinburgh Travel Insurance
World Nomads’ mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently.
They’ve been doing it since 2002 – protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you.
Get a quote below or read our in-depth review!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
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!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
