The Southside lies just south of the Old Town, around the university and the Meadows. Student-friendly and local in feel, it offers good value and green space slightly away from the tourist bustle, making it well suited to budget-minded visitors and longer stays.
Southside at a glance
- Distance to Edinburgh Castle
- About 1.3 km as the crow flies, roughly 16 min on foot.
- From the city centre
- About 910 m as the crow flies.
- Source
- Distances computed from OpenStreetMap coordinates (© OpenStreetMap contributors), checked 2026-09-14. Straight-line figures — walking routes are longer.
You're near the University of Edinburgh, the museums on Chambers Street and the open expanse of the Meadows. The area has a relaxed, everyday atmosphere with cafés, pubs and shops, and it remains walkable to the Royal Mile while feeling less crowded in the evenings.
Getting around
The Old Town and Edinburgh Castle are a walk of around 15–20 minutes north, and frequent buses serve the area. For Edinburgh (EDI), you'll usually connect via a bus or the tram in the centre.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Local, student-influenced and unpretentious, away from the main tourist crowds.
- Green space
- The Meadows provide large open parkland ideal for walks and relaxing.
- Budget
- Often better value and a practical choice for longer stays.
Frequently asked
Is Southside a good area to stay in Edinburgh?
It's well suited to budget-minded visitors and longer stays, with a local, student-influenced feel and good value near the university and the Meadows. If you want to be in the middle of the tourist core or prefer a livelier evening scene right on your doorstep, you may want to look elsewhere.
How far is Southside from Edinburgh Castle?
Edinburgh Castle is about 1.3 km away in a straight line, roughly 16 minutes on foot heading north into the Old Town.
How do you get around from Southside?
The Old Town and Edinburgh Castle are a walk of around 15–20 minutes north, and frequent buses serve the area. For Edinburgh Airport (EDI), you'll usually connect via a bus or the tram in the centre.
Is Southside central?
It sits just south of the Old Town, with the city centre about 910 m away in a straight line, so it stays walkable to the Royal Mile while feeling less crowded in the evenings.
Is Southside quiet at night?
It's more residential and local than the tourist core, though university term and nearby pubs can bring some evening activity.
Comparing areas? See the full Edinburgh area guide →
Other areas near Southside
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 Southside, Edinburgh — honest orientation, no invented data.