The Old Town is Edinburgh's medieval heart, running along the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It's dense with historic closes, ancient stone buildings and atmospheric pubs, making it the obvious base for first-time visitors who want the city's biggest sights within walking distance.
Old Town at a glance
- Distance to Edinburgh Castle
- About 570 m as the crow flies, roughly 7 min on foot.
- From the city centre
- About 100 m as the crow flies.
- Nearest station
- Edinburgh Waverley (train station), about 270 m from the centre of the area.
- Source
- Distances computed from OpenStreetMap coordinates (© OpenStreetMap contributors), checked 2026-09-14. Straight-line figures — walking routes are longer.
Staying here puts you on or near the Royal Mile, close to Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, the Grassmarket and the museums on Chambers Street. It's compact and very walkable, though the cobbled streets are steep and can be busy day and night; evenings bring lively pubs and, in August, packed festival crowds.
Getting around
Almost every central sight is on foot from here, and Edinburgh Castle is a short walk uphill. Waverley station sits at the foot of the Old Town, and the airport tram/bus connects via nearby stops; Edinburgh (EDI) is roughly 30–40 minutes away by tram or bus.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Historic, atmospheric and tourist-focused, at its liveliest along the Royal Mile.
- Watch out for
- Steep cobbled hills, stairs and heavy crowds, especially during the August festivals.
- Nightlife
- Plenty of traditional pubs and live-music bars, though some streets can be noisy at night.
Frequently asked
Is Old Town a good area to stay in Edinburgh?
It's the obvious base for first-time visitors and sightseers, putting you on or near the Royal Mile with Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, the Grassmarket and the Chambers Street museums within walking distance. The trade-off is steep cobbled hills, stairs and heavy crowds, so those wanting quiet or easy walking may prefer elsewhere.
How far is Old Town from Edinburgh Castle?
Edinburgh Castle is about 570 m away in a straight line, roughly 7 minutes on foot. It sits at the top of the Royal Mile, so expect a short uphill walk.
What's the nearest station to Old Town and how do I get around?
Almost every central sight is on foot from here. The nearest rail stop is Edinburgh Waverley train station, about 270 m from the area's centre, sitting at the foot of the Old Town, with airport tram/bus connections via nearby stops.
Is Old Town central?
Yes, it's right in the middle of the city, about 100 m from the city centre in a straight line. It's compact and very walkable, though the cobbled streets are steep.
Is Old Town too noisy to sleep?
Streets near the Royal Mile and Grassmarket can be loud in the evenings, particularly at weekends and during the August festivals. A room set back from the main streets helps.
Comparing areas? See the full Edinburgh area guide →
Other areas near Old Town
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — area location, distances and nearest station (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), checked 2026-09-14
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Old Town, Edinburgh — honest orientation, no invented data.