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Underbelly Cowgate is the beating heart of Edinburgh’s nightlife—nestled in a historic alleyway, this vibrant space blends craft cocktails, spontaneous gigs, street food, and late-night charm. It’s more than a bar; it’s a cultural crossroads where spontaneity meets soul, and every visit feels like discovering something new.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a 4-minute walk from the train station, this hotel offers 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Relax at the fitness center or sauna, and enjoy British and Scottish cuisine with vegetarian options available. Rooms feature private bathrooms, and nearby attractions include the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Theatre. Perfect for both business and leisure travelers!
Everything you need to know about Underbelly Cowgate
Near Underbelly Cowgate in Edinburgh, The Caledonian Hotel Edinburgh stands out as a top choice. Located just a 5-minute walk away, this historic boutique hotel blends Victorian architecture with modern amenities. Guests enjoy complimentary train transfers to Edinburgh Waverley Station, ensuring seamless travel. The rooftop The Terrace Restaurant offers panoramic views of Castle Rock, perfect for dining with a view. Surrounded by independent pubs and art venues, the area pulses with local culture—ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and convenience.
Walk along Castlehill from Underbelly Cowgate—it’s just a 10-minute stroll to Edinburgh Castle. This route winds through the heart of Old Town, showcasing medieval stone walls and narrow alleyways rich in history. Alternatively, take Bus 23 or 8, alighting at "Castle Street"—just a 3-minute walk to the castle. For the best experience, visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy stunning views of the fortress bathed in natural light against the city skyline.
Near Underbelly Cowgate, immerse yourself in improvisational theatre performances and underground bar nights—key highlights during the Edinburgh International Festival. Local artists often stage experimental shows and immersive productions in intimate venues. Along The Royal Mile, discover iconic spots like The Witchery and The Balmoral Bar, offering rare Scotch whiskies and live folk music. At night, the area glows under vintage streetlamps, evoking 18th-century theatrical grandeur—perfect for experiencing Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural soul firsthand.
The Elephant House Hotel is one of the top choices just a 5-minute walk from Underbelly Cowgate. Located in the historic heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, it features authentic Scottish stone architecture with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Its prime location offers easy access to cultural venues, restaurants, and scenic views of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Another excellent option is Staycity Aparthotels Edinburgh City Centre, situated right in the Cowgate district. This aparthotel provides spacious studio and apartment-style rooms with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and living areas—perfect for families or extended stays. It’s only a 3-minute walk to Underbelly Cowgate, making it ideal for attending live shows or exploring local nightlife.
The area is renowned for its vibrant underground arts scene, street performances, and cozy pubs. Staying here allows visitors to immerse themselves in Edinburgh’s hidden cultural energy and enjoy spontaneous entertainment throughout the night.
Yes, both The Elephant House Hotel and Staycity Aparthotels Edinburgh City Centre offer exceptional transport access. Located just a 3–5 minute walk from Underbelly Cowgate, they’re surrounded by major bus routes and within walking distance of the Edinburgh Trams station, connecting directly to the city center and Edinburgh Airport.
The tram system runs frequently, especially on weekends and during festivals, with a journey time of about 10 minutes to the airport. Both hotels provide secure parking (subject to availability) and bicycle storage, catering to travelers who prefer eco-friendly or flexible travel options.
Additionally, guests receive complimentary walking tour maps and local guides that highlight key attractions, enabling seamless exploration. This makes the area ideal for those seeking effortless connectivity while immersing in the historic charm of Old Town Edinburgh.
Underbelly Cowgate is a hub of underground creativity, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each summer. It hosts independent theatre troupes, stand-up comedians, and experimental performance artists from around the world, offering immersive and often improvised shows.
Beyond formal performances, the Cowgate area is packed with intimate bars and art spaces like The Wee Playhouse and The Stand Comedy Club, which regularly feature comedy workshops, improv nights, and avant-garde performances. Visitors can join a nighttime street performance tour, wandering through hidden venues to experience Edinburgh’s raw, grassroots artistic spirit.
Many nearby hotels partner with local cultural groups to offer exclusive City Explorer Packages, including discounted tickets, guided backstage tours, and limited-edition memorabilia—allowing guests to dive deep into the city’s alternative creative heartbeat.
See what other travelers say about Underbelly Cowgate
We were absolutely delighted to receive a complimentary coffee and breakfast treat on my wife's birthday during our stay at Gleneagles Townhouse—such a thoughtful surprise! Though we had initially planned for Christmas, the team still went above and beyond to make our visit special. John personally ensured everything was just right, creating a memorable experience on an otherwise ordinary day. The location is unbeatable—central in Edinburgh, with easy access to public transport and all major attractions. The ambiance is calm and elegant, and the attention to detail truly sets this place apart. It’s rare to find such genuine hospitality combined with comfort and charm. I’d definitely return and recommend this gem to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
We were really disappointed with this property, especially considering the price we paid—over €250 per night. The description made it sound like a luxury suite, but the reality was far from it. The room is advertised as 20m², but it’s barely over 10m²—way smaller than expected. There's no chair to sit on, the kitchenette is practically useless with appliances that don’t work, and the TV is placed on the wrong side of the bed, making it impossible to use comfortably. No closet space for luggage, minimal storage, and one side of the bed pressed directly against the wall—very inconvenient. The lack of any real service is frustrating. The room was noisy, felt dirty, and had a broken roller blind. The hot water system is poor—hot water runs out quickly, and there’s hardly enough pressure. The mini-fridge is tiny; you can't even stand a bottle upright inside. Coffee and tea are low quality, and we found spider webs in corners. Calling this a 'luxury suite' is misleading at best. For the price, it’s an absolute rip-off. I would have been happy paying around €80 per night, but at €250? Not worth it. In Edinburgh, you could easily find a 4-star hotel with actual service or even a 5-star option for just a bit more—this experience completely ruined our weekend. Would not recommend.
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 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.
Staying at Hotel Indigo Edinburgh was an absolute delight. The hotel has a unique charm with its stylish design and thoughtful touches throughout—right from the moment you step in, it feels special. A quick note: there are two Indigo hotels in Edinburgh, but this one is not located right across from the train station, which actually works in its favor—it’s quieter and more peaceful, perfect for a relaxing getaway without being far from city life. My room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and super comfortable—great sleep quality. The breakfast was outstanding: fresh, abundant, and full of local flavors. I especially loved the coffee and homemade pastries. Overall, this place offers fantastic value and a memorable stay. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a stylish yet serene experience in Edinburgh.
Staying at Destiny Student – Murano was a fantastic experience! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short bus ride from campus, and right outside the hostel are supermarkets and plenty of restaurants, so grocery shopping and dining out are super easy. The room is small but perfectly functional, with a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. I brought my own towel and toiletries, which worked out fine, but they also offer basic bath amenities at reception if needed. Compared to other expensive hotels in Edinburgh, this place feels like a breath of fresh air—affordable, clean, and well-located. If I’m back in town for university, I’d definitely choose this again. Highly recommend it for students or budget-conscious travelers!
I stayed here for a week and was genuinely impressed with the overall experience. The place is clean, cozy, and well-maintained—exactly what you’d want from a student accommodation in Edinburgh. At first, the mattress felt a bit too soft, but I soon realized it’s a two-sided one, and flipping it made a noticeable difference. That little detail shows how thoughtful the setup is. The surrounding area is super convenient—there are plenty of shops nearby for groceries and essentials, and the kitchen is fully equipped with clean utensils and appliances, perfect for cooking your own meals. Public transport is just steps away: buses and trams run regularly, and it’s only two stops to the city center—ideal for exploring without hassle. The only minor downside is the sound insulation, which isn’t great—but honestly, that’s common across many UK hostels and guesthouses, not unique to this property. Overall, it’s a fantastic value-for-money option with a welcoming vibe and excellent location.
Staying at The Ben Doran Guest House felt like stepping into a piece of Edinburgh's history. The exterior is modest, but inside, it’s a charming Georgian townhouse with over 300 years of character—original woodwork, elegant furnishings, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxing break. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, sharing fascinating stories about the building’s past. The rooms are quiet and cozy, and the breakfast was exceptional—fresh, locally sourced, and beautifully presented. What really stood out was the location: right outside the front door is a bus stop with frequent service to the city center, making exploring easy and stress-free. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s an experience. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
This is definitely a couples-only retreat, and honestly, it delivers on every front—excellent service, thoughtfully designed rooms, and a unique vibe that feels special. It’s not your typical casual hotel, but if you're looking for something fun, quirky, and romantic, this place hits the mark perfectly. I’d absolutely come back if I ever visit Edinburgh with my partner. The bar downstairs looks fantastic—heard their cocktails are top-notch, though I didn’t get to try them myself. The photos of the room are actually spot-on; the hotel’s images truly reflect the real space, which is always a relief. A charming, memorable stay from start to finish.
Staying at Allison House 16 in Edinburgh was an absolute delight. The staff went above and beyond with their kindness, politeness, and helpfulness—always smiling and ready to assist with anything we needed. Our room was spotless and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy atmosphere that made it feel like home. What stood out the most was the daily housekeeping: they consistently cleaned the space, refilled the water bottles, and restocked coffee, tea, and sugar without us having to ask. It’s these thoughtful little touches that truly elevate the experience. Every detail felt cared for, making our stay both relaxing and memorable. I’d highly recommend this charming retreat to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
The location of Burnets Apartments is absolutely unbeatable! It’s perfectly situated for exploring Edinburgh, with everything from cafes to historic sites just a short walk away. The apartment itself was incredibly spacious and spotlessly clean—perfect for a family stay. Communication with the platform was prompt and friendly, making any inquiries or concerns easy to resolve. After two weeks of traveling across the UK, we did notice that the common areas (like the stairwell) aren’t as meticulously maintained as the main living space. That said, the stairwell has a charming old-world character typical of Edinburgh’s older buildings—so if you’re not overly concerned about modern finishes, it’s actually part of the charm. Safety was never an issue, even with four people in the group—lighting is excellent, and the neighborhood stays busy and lively throughout the day and night. One unexpected bonus? You can enjoy street performances right from your window—such a fun little touch! Overall, this place exceeded our expectations. We’d book again in a heartbeat.
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.
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