Not only is Edinburgh the capital of Scotland, but it’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and for good reason! Edinburgh is full of amazing historic sites and artefacts including the crown jewels of Scotland. This coupled with the great parks and fun, modern vibe, and you’ll fall in love with Edinburgh from day one.

One of the keys to having an authentic and memorable vacation is selecting the right home base. Thankfully there’s lots of unique accommodation in Edinburgh, so you can skip the stuffy hotel and really enjoy yourself!

To help you out on with your trip planning and preparation, we’ve compiled this list of some of the best bed and breakfasts and cottages in Edinburgh. And because we know people travel for many reasons, there’s something to fit every budget and travel style whether you’re on a family summer vacation or a solo business trip.

In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Edinburgh for One Night

FIRST TIME IN EDINBURGH

Private Room near Holyrood Palace

Right in the centre of it all, this is one of the best budget bed and breakfasts in Edinburgh where you can enjoy comfort and convenience for a great price.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Arthur’s Seat
  • Plenty of restaurants and shops

Is this amazing Edinburgh Bed & Breakfast booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favourite properties below!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.










    Unique Accommodation in Edinburgh

    Wondering Where To Stay in Edinburgh? There’s no reason to stay at some boring stuffy hotel when there are so many great options for unique accommodation in Edinburgh! The fairytale-like magic and charm of Scotland is something you’ll want to experience in its entirety, and this is difficult to accomplish when you’re in a less-than-ideal hotel or crowded hostel.

    The best bed and breakfasts and cottages in Edinburgh preserve the historic charm of the city as well as provide you with modern amenities and home-style comforts. Plus, the property owners are usually available to give you local tips and recommendations for the city!

    Whether you’re travelling with young children or on a long backpacking trip with friends, there are great selections for bed and breakfasts and cottages in Edinburgh. A fun and unique place to stay is often what makes the difference between an average trip and one with memories to last a lifetime.

    Staying in a Bed and Breakfast in Edinburgh

    Staying in a Bed and Breakfast in Edinburgh
    There’s no shortage of castle views in Edinburgh!

    Bed and breakfasts are like the perfect combination between a hotel and a private apartment; there are still staff on hand to help you with questions and concerns, but the atmosphere and ambience are much more relaxed and personable.

    While there is some variation depending on the property, you can expect to find modern facilities and well-furnished rooms at most bed and breakfasts. Even budget bed and breakfasts in Edinburgh will usually supply amenities like towels, soap, and complimentary drinks. Many bed and breakfasts have private bathrooms in each room, while some properties have a shared bathroom.

    Since Edinburgh is a city of history, many of the best bed and breakfasts in Edinburgh are close to some of the historic sites or are even in historic and restored buildings themselves! It’s also possible to find properties a bit outside of the city if you prefer a more quiet setting for your vacation.

    It’s easy to find rooms at bed and breakfasts for one or two people, but some properties also have larger spaces available for families or groups. When booking a room at a bed and breakfast, check to verify if breakfast is included in the room price or not, since this varies from property to property.

    Staying in a Cottage in Edinburgh

    Staying in a Cottage in Edinburgh
    Edinburgh’s charm is on full display around every corner.

    What better way to appreciate the character of Scotland than by staying at your own cottage? Practically the quintessential model for what unique accommodation in Edinburgh should be like, most cottages preserve a countryside charm while still providing modern comforts.

    Many of the best cottages in Edinburgh are located in the downtown area, but you can also find some properties with a more central location. Renting a cottage also generally means you have access to the entire space, which is a big benefit if you’re travelling with a group or you want more privacy.

    While cottages tend to be a bit more expensive than bed and breakfasts, you can still find very good budget cottages in Edinburgh. On the other hand, if you’re not worried about the price, some of the very best unique accommodation options in Edinburgh are cottages because of the beautiful properties and great amenities.

    If you find a cottage outside of city limits, it’s a good idea to check if parking is available or what public transportation options there are. Some cottages will also offer additional services like regular cleaning or meals.

    The comforts of home combined with the beautiful scenery and atmosphere of Edinburgh is what make cottages so great. It’s the perfect way to have your own space and privacy while still enjoying a local experience while travelling.

    OVERALL BEST VALUE BED AND BREAKFAST IN EDINBURGH
    Private Room near Holyrood Palace Edinburgh
    OVERALL BEST VALUE BED AND BREAKFAST IN EDINBURGH

    Private Room near Holyrood Palace

    • > $
    • > 2 Guests
    • > Equipped kitchen
    • > Continental breakfast included
    BEST BUDGET BED AND BREAKFAST IN EDINBURGH
    Edinburgh Rosslyn Villa
    BEST BUDGET BED AND BREAKFAST IN EDINBURGH

    Rosslyn Villa

    • > $
    • > 2 Guests
    • > Indoor fireplace
    • > Great lounge area
    BEST BED AND BREAKFAST FOR COUPLES IN EDINBURGH
    Double room with en-suite
    BEST BED AND BREAKFAST FOR COUPLES IN EDINBURGH

    Double room with en-suite

    • > $
    • > 2 Guests
    • > Private lounge
    BEST BED AND BREAKFAST FOR A GROUP OF FRIENDS
    16 Pilrig Guest House Edinburgh
    BEST BED AND BREAKFAST FOR A GROUP OF FRIENDS

    16 Pilrig Guest House

    • > $
    • > 6 Guests
    • > Breakfast included
    • > Shared lounge
    OVER-THE-TOP LUXURY BED AND BREAKFAST
    Arrandale Guest House Edinburgh
    OVER-THE-TOP LUXURY BED AND BREAKFAST

    Arrandale Guest House

    • > $$$$
    • > 2 Guests
    • > Breakfast included
    • > Amazing Victorian design
    BEST BED AND BREAKFAST FOR FAMILIES VISITING EDINBURGH
    Stylish BB near Arthurs seat
    BEST BED AND BREAKFAST FOR FAMILIES VISITING EDINBURGH

    Stylish B&B near Arthurs seat

    • > $$
    • > 4 Guests
    • > Complimentary Breakfast
    • > Air conditioning and heating
    BEST COTTAGE FOR BACKPACKERS
    Kinnaird Guesthouse
    BEST COTTAGE FOR BACKPACKERS

    Kinnaird Guesthouse

    • > $
    • > 2 Guests
    • > Equipped kitchen
    • > Towels provided

    The 13 Top Bed and Breakfasts and Cottages in Edinburgh

    Regardless of what brings you to Edinburgh, we feel confident that every type of traveller can find a suitable option on this list! Our selection of the best bed and breakfasts and cottages in Edinburgh is designed to help take the stress off of trip planning and find a truly unique place to stay.

    Overall Best Value Bed and Breakfast in Edinburgh – Private Room near Holyrood Palace

    Private Room near Holyrood Palace Edinburgh
    Ok, the decor’s not much – but the location will definitely make up for it!
    • $
    • 2 Guests
    • Equipped kitchen
    • Continental breakfast included

    Right in the centre of it all, this is one of the best budget bed and breakfasts in Edinburgh where you can enjoy comfort and convenience for a great price. You’ll get your own private room, plus the use of communal spaces including a kitchen where breakfast is served each morning.

    The location is unbeatable: easy walking distance from the top attractions of Edinburgh like the Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat! There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, and easy public transportation to reach other parts of the city.

    Best Budget Bed and Breakfast in Edinburgh – Rosslyn Villa

    Edinburgh Rosslyn Villa
    We love the vintage decor in this B&B built in the 1800s!
    • $
    • 2 Guests
    • Indoor fireplace
    • Great lounge area

    Located in Fife a little outside of Edinburgh, the Rosslyn Villa has a nice relaxed atmosphere but is still close enough to easily reach the centre of Edinburgh for sightseeing and adventure!

    A perfect space for couples and solo travellers, the room price is also adjustable if you’re travelling alone so you won’t have to pay extra! A continental breakfast is also included in the room price, and you can request packed lunch or evening meals for an additional charge.

    A bus stop is located close to the house with connections to Edinburgh and St. Andrews, or you can also use the free parking available on site if you decide to rent your own vehicle.

    Best Budget Cottage in Edinburgh – Brewers Cottage on the Meadows

    Brewers Cottage on the Meadows Edinburgh
    This airy cottage is definitely not short on charm.
    • $
    • 4 Guests
    • Indoor fireplace
    • Nice views of the Meadows

    You might think that having your own private cottage is out of your price range, but think again! This quaint and charming cottage is the perfect place to spend your vacation in Edinburgh without breaking your budget.

    The property is centrally located and overlooks The Meadows, Edinburgh’s largest public green space. In 10 minutes, you can easily walk to nearby attractions like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, and public transportation will take you everywhere else in the city!

    With the great amenities, perfect location, and unbeatable price, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best budget cottages in Edinburgh!

    Budget Tip: Dorms in Edinburgh start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!

    Best Bed and Breakfast for Couples in Edinburgh – Double room with en-suite

    Double room with en-suite
    • $
    • 2 Guests
    • Private lounge

    This bed and breakfast gets top marks for combining the comforts of home with exceptional hospitality and service. Each private room has hotel-quality beds, but there is also an equipped kitchen, lounge space, free wifi and en-suite for your convenience.

    Located in a residential area of Fife just outside of Edinburgh, the property is perfectly suited for couples looking for a quieter setting while still having easy access to the city centre! The train station is within a 10-minute walk and you’re right on a bus route. There is also free private parking on-site if you rent your own vehicle and avoid public transport.

    Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
    audy on top of a mountain in japan with the osprey aether

    We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

    Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

    View on Osprey View on REI

    Best Bed and Breakfast for a Group of Friends – 16 Pilrig Guest House

    16 Pilrig Guest House Edinburgh
    This B&B has available rooms for every group size.
    • $
    • 6 Guests
    • Breakfast included
    • Shared lounge

    Edinburgh is an ideal place to travel with friends since there are so many options for awesome nightlife, pleasant parks, and fun tours. Finding accommodation for everyone together can get expensive though, but not when you stay at 16 Pilrig Guest House! There’s free wifi at this charming Victorian house and its lovely rooms offer a comfortable place to stay.

    You can book individual beds, or rent a whole room with up to six beds depending on your group size. A complimentary breakfast is served every day, and there are plenty of other restaurants and cafes within a short walk for easy access to great food. It’s easy to explore Edinburgh from here. Using the nearby train stop, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the Edinburgh city centre.

    Over-the-Top Luxury Bed and Breakfast – Arrandale Guest House

    Arrandale Guest House Edinburgh
    This central B&B has hotel-like touches, without all the stuffiness.
    • $$$$
    • 2 Guests
    • Breakfast included
    • Classic Victorian design

    Ready to feel like royalty when you travel to Edinburgh? Make sure that this vacation is the trip of a lifetime by booking a room at the Arrandale Guest House. This bed and breakfast embodies everything unique accommodation in Edinburgh should be!

    This charming Victorian house comes with classic high ceilings and elegant decorations. Plus, it’s located in Edinburgh city centre, making it possible to numerous top attractions like the Royal Mile, Princes Street, Holyrood Palace, and the Edinburgh Castle!

    You can’t beat its central location. But if you want to head out further, main bus routes are close to the property, and there is also free private parking on-site if you’re travelling with your own vehicle. Other facilities include free wifi access, a garden and air conditioning.

    Best Cottage for Families Visiting Edinburgh – Central Holiday Cottage With Garden

    Central Holiday Cottage With Garden
    • $$
    • 4 Guests
    • Equipped kitchen
    • Laundry facilities

    Travelling with kids can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a property with the necessary amenities that don’t come with a sky-high price! Thankfully, at this charming cottage, you can have privacy, convenience, and a reasonable price tag.

    The cottage has an equipped kitchen and living space, plus the sofa can open up into a bed if you have a larger family. There’s a wood-burning stove for the cooler months and it’s just a five-minute walk away is Inverleith Park, both great options for energetic young children!

    There’s free wifi as well as free private parking. You’re also right on a bus route so it’s easy to jump on public transport so you can head into Edinburgh’s city centre. You’ll be exploring places like Princes Street, the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh castle in no time!

    Best Bed and Breakfast for Families Visiting Edinburgh – Stylish B&B near Arthurs seat

    Stylish BB near Arthurs seat
    • $$
    • 4 Guests
    • Complimentary Breakfast
    • Air conditioning and heating

    Staying at a bed and breakfast with your whole family is possible in Edinburgh! This stylish B&B is close to Edinburgh’s city centre, Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Mile area with numerous attractions within walking distance. You can also jump on the nearby public transport for places like Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.

    Guests have access to the communal kitchen so you can prepare meals for picky eaters, and items are included for a do-it-yourself style breakfast each morning. There is also a large private car park and free wifi access and the lovely rooms include a TV.

    Best Cottage for Backpackers – Kinnaird Guesthouse

    Kinnaird Guesthouse
    • $
    • 2 Guests
    • Equipped kitchen
    • Towels provided

    Backpacking is fun, but it can also become a bit stressful! While many backpackers opt to stay in hostels, it’s also possible to find more private options like this cottage in Edinburgh. Pass up the crowded dormitory room for a private room with excellent public transportation links nearby.

    Since the property is in a central location it’s easy to reach places like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the rest of the highlights of Edinburgh’s city centre on foot. Facilities include free wifi, a garden and patio, TV and free brekkie.

    Most Beautiful Cottage in Edinburgh – 16th Century Dovecot Cottage

    Edinburgh 16th Century Dovecot Cottage
    It doesn’t get much more “cottage” than this!
    • $$$
    • 2 Guests
    • Indoor fireplace
    • Magical stone design

    Turn a trip to Edinburgh into a fairytale adventure at this elegant 16th-century cottage! You’ll feel worlds away from the rush of downtown traffic, but it’s only a short 20-minute walk to the city centre.

    The cottage is fitted with all the comforts of home like an equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, free Wi-fi, and a living area. Best suited for 2 people, the cottage can accommodate up to 4 with the sofa bed in the living room.

    During the summer you can relax and enjoy the outdoor patio, while in the winter there is a cosy indoor fireplace to keep you warm!

    Amazing Luxury Bed and Breakfast – The St. Valery

    The St Valery Edinburgh
    If you’re looking for a taste of luxury, look no further!
    • $$$
    • 2 Guests
    • Breakfast included
    • Private garden

    Treat yourself to exceptional service and luxury during your trip to Edinburgh at The St. Valery bed and breakfast! This beautiful Victorian-style property is centrally located, and you can easily walk to attractions like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Princes’ Street.

    Onsite you can enjoy a hot breakfast every morning which is included in the room price, as well as free toiletries and an electric kettle in your room. There are easy public transportation options to reach the airport, and staff are available to help you book tours and arrange activities during your stay.

    Best Bed and Breakfast for a Weekend in Edinburgh – Abercorn Guest House

    Edinburgh Abercorn Guest House
    Every inch of this stylish guesthouse is decorated beautifully.
    • $$
    • 2 Guests
    • Breakfast included
    • Elegant Victorian decorations

    It’s difficult to fit all of Edinburgh’s attractions into a weekend visit, but finding a bed and breakfast like the Abercorn Guest House helps. The property is located between the centre and the beach, so you can easily make it to both areas even if you’re only staying a few days!

    The elegant Victorian-era property set the mood perfectly for your trip, and the great modern amenities will ensure your stay is comfortable.

    Breakfast is provided each morning, with early breakfast available on request if you want to get a head-start on the day. There are numerous public transportation options nearby, as well as parking available on site if you decide to rent your own vehicle.

    Most Traditional Bed and Breakfast in Edinburgh – Blossom Guest House

    Blossom Guest House Edinburgh
    If you’re looking for a no-frills guesthouse experience, you’ve found it here!
    • $$
    • 2 Guests
    • TV and coffee in room
    • Nice city views

    An all-around pleasant and comfortable place to stay, the Blossom Guest House offers traditional charm and convenience for travellers in Edinburgh. Like all the best bed and breakfasts in Edinburgh, breakfast is included every morning with the room price.

    Centrally located, some of the rooms at the Blossom Guest House even have views of top attractions like Arthur’s Seat! It’s easy to walk to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile, and numerous great restaurants and cafes. For more distant attractions there is good public transportation and free parking available onsite.

    Check out these other great resources

    We have loads more information to help you plan your trip.

    FAQ about Bed and Breakfasts in Edinburgh

    Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Edinburgh.

    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 Bed and Breakfasts in Edinburgh

    Edinburgh is truly nothing short of magical; however, staying at a poor accommodation option can quickly turn a fun vacation into a nightmare. Not to fear though, with this list of unique accommodation in Edinburgh, you are certain to find a highly-rated and comfortable place to stay!

    Whether you’re a photographer hoping to get some great shots of the historic sites or a group of friends travelling across Europe for the summer, staying at one of the best bed and breakfasts or cottages in Edinburgh is one way you can ensure your travel experience is fun and authentic!

    From amazing luxury private cottages to the best budget bed and breakfasts in Edinburgh, it’s possible to find something for every traveller’s needs.

    Just remember, when travelling internationally, it’s always a good idea to get travel insurance! Even in a place like Edinburgh which is considered very safe, it’s always better to be prepared for the unexpected!


    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!