Discover Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In Edinburgh in 2025

Edinburgh is Scotland’s mesmerising capital. It is beautiful, filled with top attractions, and offers an amazing mix of ancient history and modern vibrancy. Moving in to live here is everyone’s dream, but wait! Whether you’re a student, a family with kids, or a tourist trying to settle in, this student Edinburgh guide will take you through the city’s lifestyle, attractions, and also the best neighbourhoods. to stay in Edinburgh.

Why Choose Edinburgh Best Neighbourhoods?  

Considered one of the most livable cities, Edinburgh attracts people for many reasons.

1. Festival City- Edinburgh hosts world-famous events, which also include the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is the largest arts festival in the world; hence, it is known as Festival City.
2. Safety and Quality of Life- With low crime rates and a strong community culture, Edinburgh is one of the safest cities in the United Kingdom.
3. Natural beauty- You can find the iconic Edinburgh Castle, stunning landscapes with an urban background.
4. Education and Economic Opportunities- Home to major financial giants like Barclays, JP Morgan Chase, tech startups like Neurolabs, Macomics, and creative businesses, Edinburgh provides excellent employment opportunities with amazing salaries.
5. Education- Education here is excellent and beneficial, as Edinburgh is home to some of the best universities, like the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, and Queen Margaret University.

Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Edinburgh 

Edinburgh best neighbourhoods combine rich history, lively culture, and excellent amenities. Each neighbourhood provides a unique balance of convenience, community, and lifestyle for students. Before choosing a place to live in Edinburgh, let's deep dive into the best neighbourhoods to stay in Edinburgh to understand them better. 

1. Old Town 

Best for- Historical charm, tourism
Average Rent -£1000+ central premium
Famous Spots -Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, Grassmarket

Situated along the Royal Mile, the Old Town is famous for its medieval street style and iconic tourist spots, including Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and Holyrood Palace. This amazing tourist destination boasts well-connected public transport, a rich local culture, and a variety of pubs, creating an energetic atmosphere. Old Town is packed with history and festival vibes every night, making it one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Edinburgh for students.  Students have easy access to lecture halls, libraries, cafes, and a late-night hangout. There are even student bars. The area’s housing with large historic flats, located centrally, adds to the high cost of living. During summer, although the tourist crowds are heavy and rental prices peak, Old Town displays charm, convenience, and Edinburgh’s unique spirit. Old Town is one of the best area to stay in Edinburgh.

2. New Town

Best for- Elegant Georgian architecture, upscale living
Average Rent- £1200-£1300 approx.
Famous Spots- Princes Street, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Georgian streets, high-end shops

New Town was built in the late 18th century and is located just north of Old Town. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, New Town shows elegant Georgian architecture, wide streets surrounded by square-style cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The area is packed with cultural spots like the Scottish National Gallery, restaurants, and designer boutiques. The neighbourhood mixes the urban lifestyle with high-quality housing, mostly historic flats and townhouses! Students can also benefit from excellent transport facilities. The universities are surrounded by a variety of cafes and restaurants.  The spacious flats and townhouses cost a premium but are less than Old Town. Festivals and shopping streets keep the New Town lively and make it popular among the best neighbourhoods to stay in Edinburgh for students and professionals.

3. Marchmont

Best for- Student and young professional living
Average Rent- Approx. £900-£1000
Famous Spots- Proximity to University of Edinburgh, Bruntsfield Links, local cafes

With charming Victorian and Scottish-style apartment housing, Marchmont is a student favourite and the best neighborhood in Edinburgh, Scotland, with leafy streets and a friendly community vibe. Close to The Meadows, with a friendly community vibe, Marchmont is ideal for picnics, jogging, or outdoor study sessions. The area is located just within walking distance of the University of Edinburgh and attracts students, professionals, and academics. Local shops, bakeries, and cafes add charm to the overall aesthetics of Marchmont. Housing is mainly large, shared flats, and rents are a little higher due to demand that encourages social living. The blend of green spaces, central location, peaceful streets, and a blend of academic life and relaxed living make Marchmont popular among the best places in Edinburgh.

4. Newington & Southside

Best for- Students, families, cultural vibe
Average Rent- Approx. £900-£1100
Famous Spots- University of Edinburgh campuses, dynamic cafes, Southside bars

Located in the South of Edinburgh’s city centre and close to the university, Newington blends student life and family communities in a vibrant and multicultural way. One can find affordable eateries, global-style cuisines, second-hand bookshops, pubs, and many other things to explore. Holyrood Park, Meadows, Royal Commonwealth Pool, and several museums are the city’s main attractions, along with the festive season that brings more charm. The housing includes old-style villas, which are within an affordable range. Travelling in Newington is convenient as the area is well served by buses. Whenever you visit, make sure to visit South Clerk Street to Dalkeith Road, as this is where you will get to explore everything from local food and shops to the area’s happening nightlife. Overall, Newington & Southside is known as one of the best Edinburgh neighbourhoods.

5.  Bruntfield 

Best for- Family-friendly, trendy locals
Average Rent- £1000-£1100
Famous Spots- Bruntsfield Links park, cozy cafes, independent shops

One of Edinburgh’s best neighbourhoods, Bruntsfield, surrounds the Meadow and is located south of Marchmont. It is occupied with many Victorian-style villas and vast green spaces for walking, sports, and picnics. Bruntsfield attracts students, young professionals, and families with its elegant and lively culture. The housing is traditional style with spacious flats, and the rent is slightly higher than in nearby areas. The neighborhood displays peaceful living and great local culture with several bakeries, restaurants, and bookshops. Traveling with affordable public transportation and the University of Edinburgh here makes Bruntfield a top choice for students. 

6. Stockbridge

Best for- Village-like charm, families
Average Rent- £1100-£1200
Famous Spots- Stockbridge Market, Water of Leith Walkway, Inverleith Park

Situated in the north of New Town, Stockbridge is like a charming village paved with cobblestones, artistic shops, and weekend markets. Along the Water of Leith, it has unique Georgian-style townhouses, the Royal Botanic Garden, and a famous Sunday market with organic and artisan goods, all just within walking distance.  It is the best neighbourhood to stay in Edinburgh for students. Stockbridge has bus routes for universities and is favoured by students. Although the cost of living is higher, this trendy area with a lot of amenities is desired by many young professionals and families, too. 

7. Morningside

Best for- Leafy, peaceful, family-oriented
Average Rent- £1100-£1200
Famous Spots- Victorian/Edwardian architecture, Dominion Cinema, local shops

Morningside is a leafy, upscale and best neighbourhood in Edinburgh that offers a polished home base. Known for its independent shops, cosy cafés, and strong community feel, it combines charm, safety, and convenience, and best part of Edinburgh to stay! It’s ideal for those wanting a peaceful environment with quick bus links to the university and city centre. Housing features larger, well-maintained, and attractive Victorian to Edwardian style architecture flats, making rent higher. Local facilities like boutiques, theatres, and nearby access to the Pentland Hills make the neighborhood relaxed and village-like.  Ideally, Morningside is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Edinburgh among students who wish for a quiet and peaceful lifestyle. Independent shops and cafes line the roadside, creating a charming atmosphere, while excellent schools add to the appeal of the area. Vast green spaces and cultural venues make Morningside great for students as well as professionals. As it attracts all kinds of people, the cost of living ranges from upper-middle to high.

8. Leith

Best for- Diverse, artistic, foodie hub
Average Rent- £950-£1100
Famous Spots- The Shore waterfront, Michelin-starred restaurants, Royal Yacht Britannia

Leith is one of the historic and best places to stay in Edinburgh Scotland. Famous for its historic transformation from port to neighborhood, Leith stands out for its lively, creative environment.  The waterfront restaurants, markets, independent shops, and lively nightlife add charm to the culture of the city. The houses in Leith blend historic and modern styles. It costs moderately and is lower, but it offers great value. Frequent buses make traveling to universities simple for students. Young professionals and creative people seek Leith for living a more laid-back and affordable life without ignoring culture, identity, and entertainment.

9. Portobello

Best for- Beachside living, outdoor
Average Rent- Around £900-£1000
Famous Spots- Portobello Beach, promenade, local pubs

Portobello is Edinburgh's coastal suburb. It is known for its sandy beach, promenade spots, and  Victorian swimming pool. Independent shops and cafes line the roadside in Portobello, creating a welcoming atmosphere, while excellent schools contribute to making it a great place for students to live. The houses have traditional flats, family homes that are a mix of Victorian and Georgian style, and affordable costs. Portobello has local cafes, markets, and year-round events, making it an active community. The commute is safe and peaceful, as there are good bus connections. If anyone wants to combine city life with a slow, seaside life, then Portobello is the best neighborhood Edinburgh has!

10. Blackford / King’s Buildings Area

Best for- Quiet residential, greenery
Average Rent- £900-£1000
Famous Spots- Blackford Hill, Hermitage of Braid Woods, nature walks

Blackford is located in the southern part of Morningside, in a quiet and peaceful residential area.  It is home to the University of Edinburgh's King's Buildings science campus. Blackford Hill, the Hermitage of Braid, and the Royal Observatory are some of the natural attractions here. There are small shops, cafes, and reliable bus transport. The peaceful vibe, nightlife, and the city's proximity to university campuses make it great for science and engineering students. This way, they can achieve a combination of academic and outdoor life.  Housing in residential areas is a mix of Victorian and Edwardian styles. There are student flats, shared houses, and family homes that are affordable. Buses are a convenient travel option, and the cost of living in Edinburgh is moderate, suitable for students. This makes Blackford Hill the best area to stay Edinburgh.

Life and Housing in Edinburgh

Life in Edinburgh combines rich history, cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and educational opportunities. The key to successfully living is preparation. Understand the best neighbourhoods to live in Edinburgh Scotland, budget for cost savings, and take advantage of cultural and educational opportunities.  World-class universities, a thriving job market, historic beauty, and festival vibes make

Edinburgh the perfect choice! It stands as one of Europe’s main destinations for studies, tourism, and living. Students benefit from a range of affordable housing apartment options. The city’s nightlife, excellent public transport like free bus travel for those who are under-22, and abundant green spaces make everyday life convenient and enjoyable.

If you have finally decided to move to Edinburgh, then amber is here for you! Choosing amber is like choosing a gateway to a comfortable and stress-free life in safe and affordable student apartments in Edinburgh.