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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.
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
The communication was excellent from start to finish—everything was exactly as shown on the listing, which made me feel confident and relaxed. The apartment is clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough for a family getaway. It’s located in a quiet area but still within easy reach of Edinburgh’s main attractions via public transport. I loved how thoughtfully it was designed with comfort and convenience in mind. If you're looking for a cozy, reliable place to stay with your family, this is absolutely a top choice. Highly recommend it!
We booked a room at The Salisbury Hotel right during Storm Eowyn, and the staff (or owner) went above and beyond by offering us a free early check-in—such a thoughtful touch when the weather was so rough. The room itself is clean, well-maintained, and absolutely worth the price. Honestly, the only small suggestion would be that the heater could be a bit hotter, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Overall, the hospitality, comfort, and location make this stay unforgettable. I’d definitely return to The Salisbury Hotel on my next trip to Edinburgh.
We stayed here for an extended period, and from the moment we checked in, the team at Canon Court made us feel truly welcome—like we were at home. The apartment is generously sized, and being on the second floor offers a pleasant view of the surrounding buildings, adding to the calm and cozy atmosphere. The room itself is spotless, tastefully decorated, and thoughtfully furnished with every convenience we could need. From kitchen essentials to high-speed Wi-Fi, everything was well thought out. Plus, its central location makes exploring Edinburgh effortless—most attractions are just a short walk away, and public transport is right at your doorstep. I’d absolutely recommend this stay for anyone visiting Edinburgh, whether for work or leisure. It’s a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and quality.
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.
Staying at Southside Guest House completely exceeded my expectations. The place was spotlessly clean, warmly decorated, and felt incredibly modern with all the amenities in perfect condition. The interior design is elegant and spacious—really gives a high-end feel. Right downstairs, there are plenty of supermarkets and restaurants, so grabbing a meal or essentials is super convenient. Plus, getting to downtown Edinburgh by public transport is a breeze. This isn’t just a good value stay—it’s an exceptional one. I’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
The Sandaig Hostel offers exceptional service and is perfectly located right across from a bus stop, making transportation incredibly convenient. Whether you're exploring Edinburgh's historic center or heading out to nearby attractions, getting around is effortless. The friendly staff make you feel at home, and the overall experience is truly memorable. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers or groups alike—highly recommended for its value and welcoming atmosphere.
Staying at International Guest House | Edinburgh 37 was a delightful experience from start to finish. The host was incredibly warm and welcoming, offering thoughtful dining suggestions that made our meals in Edinburgh even more memorable. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to the Royal Mile, with charming shops and a peaceful park path along the way. It’s a perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. The room was clean, cozy, and well-appointed, all at a very reasonable price. For travelers who value a personal touch and authentic local charm, this guest house is an absolute gem. I’d highly recommend it and will definitely be returning.
Absolutely stunning stay! The location was perfect—just a short walk from the city center and surrounded by great cafes, shops, and attractions. The apartment itself was spacious, beautifully furnished, and in top-notch condition—truly five-star quality. I was especially impressed with the fully equipped kitchen, including a dishwasher, which made self-catering a breeze. Everything was clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the building felt secure and well-maintained. I’d 100% book again without hesitation. If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a home-like vibe in Edinburgh, this is the place to stay.
The location is absolutely unbeatable—right in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from all the main attractions, restaurants, and shops. We stayed in a two-bedroom apartment for four adults, and it was perfect—spacious, clean, and incredibly comfortable. The kitchenette had everything we needed, so we were able to cook meals on-site, which saved us a lot of money and added to the homey feel. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, from the modern design to the quiet, well-maintained rooms. This place truly delivers on its promise: great value, top-tier convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere. I’d recommend it without hesitation to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Staying at Royal Princes Suites was an absolute delight—so close to all the major attractions in Edinburgh that I barely needed to leave the hotel. The self-check-in and self-check-out process was seamless and convenient, saving me time and hassle. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from the historic Old Town, the Royal Mile, and the castle. Despite being central, the rooms were quiet and well-insulated, making for a peaceful night’s sleep. Clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed, this place offers great value for money. I’d highly recommend it to any traveler looking for comfort, convenience, and a stress-free stay in one of Scotland’s most beautiful cities.
The room had a somewhat unpleasant odor upon arrival, which could be improved with better ventilation or air freshness measures. That said, the location is quite convenient for exploring central Edinburgh, and the view of the castle from the apartment is truly impressive—definitely worth the stay for the scenic perspective. While the overall experience was positive, addressing the room’s air quality would significantly enhance guest comfort. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a unique urban stay with a historic backdrop.
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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