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Step into Bristo Square, the beating heart of Edinburgh’s creative soul—where students, artists, and street vibes collide. Grab a latte at a sidewalk café, watch life unfold with effortless charm, and get swept up in the local energy. Weekends bring vibrant pop-up stalls selling handmade soaps, indie fashion, and quirky treasures—perfect for browsing without a plan!
Everything you need to know about Bristo Square
The Balmoral Hotel is a top choice located just a 5-minute walk from Bristo Square, offering unbeatable location and elegant Scottish-inspired décor. Its spacious rooms feature luxurious bedding and modern amenities, with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle from select windows. The hotel’s proximity to cultural hubs like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue and Royal Mile makes it ideal for exploring the city’s vibrant heart.
Another excellent option is The Elephant House Hotel, a boutique property famed for its literary heritage—once a creative inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. With its historic charm and warm hospitality, this hotel blends character and comfort seamlessly. Both properties provide easy access to Bristo Square and excellent public transport links, making them perfect bases for visitors seeking authenticity and convenience in Edinburgh.
Near Bristo Square, culture lovers will enjoy visiting The Elephant House Café, famously known as the birthplace of Harry Potter. This cozy, vintage-style café offers artisanal coffee, handmade pastries, and an atmospheric setting perfect for photos and quiet contemplation.
The square regularly hosts outdoor markets and independent art exhibitions, showcasing local designers’ creations—from handcrafted jewelry to limited-edition prints. Live music performances often take place on weekends, adding to the lively university-town vibe. For deeper engagement, join workshops hosted by local studios in pottery, calligraphy, or illustration, all within walking distance. These experiences highlight Edinburgh’s rich creative spirit and offer authentic, immersive moments right at the city’s artistic heart.
The fastest route from Bristo Square to Edinburgh Castle is by foot—just a 15-minute stroll along the Royal Mile, passing iconic landmarks like St. Giles Cathedral and charming medieval alleyways. This scenic walk offers a genuine taste of the city’s historic atmosphere.
For a quicker option, catch Bus 200 from a nearby stop, which runs directly to the base of Castle Rock in about 8 minutes. Alternatively, e-bike rentals are available near the square, allowing flexible, eco-friendly travel with minimal effort. All options deliver you swiftly to the castle’s gates, where panoramic views of Edinburgh await—perfect for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre is an excellent choice for families, located just a 3-minute walk from Bristo Square. It offers spacious family rooms equipped with child safety features and includes a complimentary breakfast, ensuring a stress-free start to the day.
Another great option is Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Brunswick Street), which provides family-friendly amenities such as baby cots, extra beds, and quiet, well-lit rooms. The hotel is surrounded by green spaces, playgrounds, and child-friendly restaurants like The Little Chef, making it easy for kids to stay entertained. All properties offer 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and convenience for parents and children alike. Its central location makes it ideal for families exploring Edinburgh’s attractions together.
Near Bristo Square, the The Balmoral Hotel stands out with its classic Scottish architecture and luxurious amenities, offering a 5-minute walk to the square. Guests enjoy personalized concierge services and an exquisite afternoon tea experience. For a more budget-friendly option, Jurys Inn Edinburgh provides modern rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and easy access to major attractions like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
The easiest way is taking Airport Bus 100 or Lothian Buses to Waverley Station, then walking 15 minutes to Bristo Square. Alternatively, pre-book a taxi or use Uber, which takes about 20 minutes and costs £30–£40. Many hotels offer complimentary airport transfers, so check availability in advance for added convenience.
Near Bristo Square, explore local art at independent galleries and cozy cafés hosting weekend markets and live music. During the Edinburgh Art Festival, don’t miss outdoor exhibitions. Visit the historic Tron Kirk church to appreciate Scotland’s religious heritage. For authentic local flavor, stop by Café Marmalade, renowned for handmade Scottish pastries and specialty coffee.
While Bristo Square is known for its artistic vibe, families can easily reach Edinburgh Zoo, the UK’s oldest zoo, just a 10-minute walk away. Home to penguins, koalas, and native Scottish wildlife, it features interactive zones and guided tours perfect for children. Nearby, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers expansive green spaces, educational programs, and picnic areas ideal for family relaxation.
Yes, most hotels near Bristo Square, including The Balmoral Hotel and Jurys Inn Edinburgh, provide free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout guest rooms and public areas. Premium properties even feature dual-band routers and dedicated workspaces for business travelers. Additionally, nearby cafés like Café Marmalade offer complimentary internet access, ideal for staying connected on the go.
From Bristo Square, you can easily reach the National Museum of Scotland, just a 10-minute walk away, featuring exhibits on science, technology, natural history, and Scottish culture, including interactive zones and a children’s discovery center. Another must-visit is Edinburgh Castle, accessible via tram or a 15-minute walk, offering rich history and panoramic city views. Both are free to enter and essential stops for cultural immersion.
Bristo Square itself is a prime spot for photographers, with its red-brick architecture and lush courtyard gardens providing striking backdrops. Just a 5-minute walk leads to Old Town Courtyard, featuring narrow alleys and stone walls that evoke medieval charm. For panoramic shots, head to Calton Hill, where summit views encompass Edinburgh Castle and the entire city skyline—especially stunning during sunset, making it a top destination for visual storytelling.
See what other travelers say about Bristo Square
Staying at Stewart by Heeton Concept was a fantastic experience! The hotel is just a 20-minute walk from the train station, which is very convenient if you're arriving by rail—especially with luggage. I appreciated the baggage storage option when we arrived early; it made our day much smoother. The room was spacious and well-designed, with a full kitchenette including a washing machine, induction hob, and oven—perfect for self-catering and long stays. It felt like home away from home. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, making check-in and any questions easy to handle. Great location, excellent facilities, and a really welcoming vibe. Definitely my top pick in Edinburgh and I’d stay here again without hesitation.
Staying at Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street was a fantastic experience. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and incredibly well-equipped—having a microwave, fridge, cutlery, and even a capsule coffee machine made self-catering so convenient. I picked up groceries from a nearby convenience store and heated them right in the room, which was such a time-saver. The large fridge was perfect for storing drinks and snacks. The hotel is just a short walk from major attractions—about 1.5 km—making it easy to explore the city on foot. Plus, bus service 100 stops right near the property, offering a direct link from the airport with no transfers needed. Even though cash payment is only £6, the overall value is outstanding. It’s rare to find such a practical, comfortable, and centrally located stay—definitely a top pick for any visit to Edinburgh.
Our stay at City Retreat Edinburgh ApartHotels was truly disappointing. The only redeeming feature was the shower, but everything else fell short. The room had a strong musty smell, and it felt visibly unclean—dust on surfaces, grime on the floor, and even the bedding seemed worn. It's located in a basement unit with steep, narrow stairs that felt eerie at night, especially since the outdoor light wasn’t working. Despite notices about noise and respecting guests above, we were repeatedly woken up by loud noises from the floor above. The wallpaper was peeling off in several spots—something I’ve photographed for proof. Overall, this place failed to meet basic standards of cleanliness and comfort. The housekeeping team needs urgent improvement, and the building clearly needs renovation. This experience ruined our trip to Edinburgh. If you're looking for a decent stay, avoid this property.
Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of the city, just steps away from major attractions and public transport hubs. I found it incredibly convenient to explore Edinburgh on foot or by train. The staff were warm, professional, and always ready to help. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, well-prepared, and varied, with both classic English options and international choices. Everything was delicious and served with a smile. From the comfortable rooms to the thoughtful touches, this stay exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Staying at the Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket was a fantastic experience overall. The room was larger than expected, featuring a comfortable sofa that made it feel more like a home away from home. Cleanliness was excellent—everything looked fresh and well-maintained. The in-room amenities were thoughtful: a capsule coffee machine and a fridge made mornings easy and convenient, especially for that quick caffeine fix. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—just a short walk to the train station and within easy reach of major attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and cozy bars nearby, so dinner and drinks are never an issue. The only downside is the cabinet above the tea station—it has a sharp corner that could easily cause injury if you’re not careful. It’s definitely a safety concern, especially when moving around with luggage or in low light. A simple fix like adding a soft edge cover would go a long way. Otherwise, this hotel offers great value and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying at The Roseate Edinburgh was a truly memorable experience. While it didn’t stand out dramatically over our previous night’s accommodation, the unique charm of being housed within a historic castle made all the difference. The atmosphere is quiet and serene—perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. Rooms were clean, well-appointed, and surprisingly peaceful, with excellent sound insulation. The surrounding area is pleasant too—cozy cafés, local shops, and easy access to public transport make getting around hassle-free. It’s not just a place to sleep; it feels like stepping into a story. Great value, great location, and an unforgettable stay overall.
Staying at Princes Street Suites was an absolute delight from the moment I arrived. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from Edinburgh’s main attractions, including the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat, with easy access to public transit. What truly amazed me was the building’s unique design: stepping into the basement via the elevator revealed a striking view of towering structures outside the window, almost like being in a modern urban landscape. Inside, the room was immaculate, well-equipped, and comfortable, with a cozy bed and a spacious bathroom. Everything matched my expectations—and then some. The overall experience was exceptional, and I’m already planning my next visit. If you’re looking for a convenient, stylish, and thoughtfully designed stay in Edinburgh, this is the place to be.
I was originally booked into the Indigo Hotel in Edinburgh, but due to unexpected renovations and no prior email notification about room changes, I was redirected to The Scotsman Hotel at check-in—literally across the street. Honestly, I was frustrated at first, as it felt like a downgrade in both price and quality. But stepping into The Scotsman completely changed my mind. From the moment I arrived, the welcome was warm and genuine—the staff were attentive without being pushy, even offering a complimentary champagne upon arrival. My room was cozy and beautifully decorated, with a calming colour scheme that made it perfect for unwinding after a long day. I also appreciated how they went out of their way to explain all the hotel’s amenities, including their stylish cocktail bar. It’s a real gem with a classy vibe, though it closes early at 11 PM, which is a bit disappointing if you’re looking for a late-night drink. Overall, despite the initial stress, this stay turned out to be one of the best parts of my trip. Great location, excellent service, and a lovely atmosphere—definitely worth staying at again.
Staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh City Centre was a fantastic experience overall. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from major attractions, shopping streets, and restaurants. The room was spacious, modern, and very comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The only downside was the Wi-Fi connection, which was extremely weak and often unreliable. I ended up using my mobile data for most of the time. Despite that small issue, the hotel offers excellent value for money, great service, and an ideal spot for exploring the city. Highly recommended for travelers who prioritize convenience and comfort.
Staying at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection in Edinburgh was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, offering a comfortable retreat after a day exploring the city. What truly stood out was the outdoor terrace—overlooking the heart of Edinburgh’s skyline with stunning views that made every morning and evening feel special. The service was exceptional too—staff went above and beyond with genuine warmth and attention to detail, making us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived. Every interaction felt personal and thoughtful. This hotel strikes the perfect balance between luxury and charm, and it’s clear they care about guest experience. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Edinburgh who wants a memorable, high-quality stay.
Absolutely loved my stay at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel! The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk to all the main attractions. I was able to explore the city on foot every day without needing transport. The room was spotless, comfortable, and quiet—perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. The whole atmosphere felt clean and well-maintained, with a nice touch of modern elegance. For anyone visiting Edinburgh, this is a top choice. Great value, great comfort, and an unbeatable central spot. Would definitely book again.
Staying at Village Hotel Edinburgh for three nights was an absolute delight. The location is super convenient—just a short metro ride into the city center, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The room was spotless, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful sleep every night. I especially appreciated the 24-hour fitness center—it's well-equipped and perfect for early morning workouts or late-night sessions. The on-site bar has a cozy, inviting vibe with soft background music, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The common areas are clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere. With its great value and excellent amenities, this hotel stands out. I’d definitely return and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh who wants a comfortable, lively stay.
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