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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.
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, just steps from Princes Street and George Street, this hotel blends luxury with convenience. Rooms feature Smart TVs, premium linens, and complimentary treat boxes plus a fridge stocked with fresh milk. Dine at The Garden, an indoor courtyard serving everything from salads to Scottish cocktails, or savor Middle Eastern flavors at BABA’s mezze grill. Unwind with free access to the gym, pool, and spa (some treatments at extra cost). Perfect for business or leisure, it’s a 5-minute walk to Waverley Station and 7 miles from the airport—effortless connectivity!
This hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a 10-minute walk from Princes Street and George Street. Enjoy the garden views and take advantage of free WiFi and concierge services. Whether for business or leisure, its meeting rooms and wedding services cater to all needs. The on-site restaurant serves local cuisine with garden views, and the bar is ideal for evening drinks. Rooms are equipped with minibars and smart TVs, plus luxury toiletries for a comfortable stay.
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
Honestly, just one word: amazing! From the moment I walked in, everything about this hotel exceeded my expectations. The breakfast was outstanding—plenty of variety and delicious quality, with staff who were friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I stayed in room 44, a unique loft-style layout that felt quirky and cool—definitely not your average hotel room. Despite being split-level, it was incredibly quiet, making for a peaceful night’s sleep. I loved the bathroom amenities—they used my favorite brand, Baudruche, and the scent alone made me feel pampered. Granted, the room size isn’t huge compared to some mainland hotels, but considering I was staying in a beautifully preserved historic building right in the heart of Edinburgh, it felt like a real privilege. The location is fantastic—walkable to major sights and super convenient for public transit. Everything about this stay screamed quality and charm. If I ever come back to Edinburgh, this will be my first choice again. A truly unforgettable experience.
From the moment we arrived, the warm hospitality at Kimpton Charlotte Square made our stay in Edinburgh truly special. A huge shoutout to Brian from the concierge team—he was absolutely outstanding! Not only does he speak seven languages fluently, but his knowledge of local spots and genuine kindness made every interaction a pleasure. Whether it was recommending hidden gems or helping with last-minute travel plans, he went above and beyond with a smile. His professionalism and personal touch turned what could’ve been just another hotel stay into an unforgettable experience. The staff’s attention to detail, combined with the charming atmosphere of the hotel, made this place feel like home. I’d highly recommend this gem to any traveler looking for warmth, style, and exceptional service—truly a standout in Edinburgh.
Staying at The Bonham was an excellent experience overall. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from the city center and well-connected by public transit. The room was clean, spacious, and beautifully designed with modern touches. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and the breakfast spread was impressive with fresh options including made-to-order eggs—perfect for starting the day. One downside was the 12.5% fee applied to all purchases made through the platform, which felt a bit unexpected and not clearly communicated upfront. Still, despite that, the quality of the hotel, service, and value for money made it worth it. I’d definitely recommend and stay here again.
This was our second stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh, and once again, we were thoroughly impressed. We traveled with three families this time, and even invited two other households to join us—everyone had a fantastic experience. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with everything you’d need for a comfortable stay. Even though we were on the ground floor, there was no sense of being closed in or dull—just clean, bright, and welcoming. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable: just an 8-minute walk to Calton Hill and about 15 minutes to the train station. In terms of value for money, it’s hard to beat—best location in its price range, and arguably the most affordable option in that area. We’ve considered trying other hotels this year, but after checking out alternatives, we kept coming back to this one. Edinburgh is simply magical, and staying here made every moment of our trip more memorable.
This hotel is truly exceptional—perfectly situated in the charming Stockbridge neighborhood of Edinburgh. It’s close enough to walk to all the top attractions, yet peaceful and quiet away from the tourist crowds. The staff go above and beyond with their warm hospitality and attention to detail, making you feel right at home. Every interaction was thoughtful and genuine. I’ve stayed in many hotels across the UK, and this one stands out for its combination of location, comfort, and service. I’d absolutely stay here again if I ever return to Edinburgh—highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable, stress-free experience.
Staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh was an absolute delight. Located right within the University of Edinburgh campus, the hotel offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere—perfect for a relaxing getaway. Just a short 10-minute walk from the historic Old Town, I had easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions. The convenience of having a nearby supermarket and a Starbucks made daily errands effortless. Best of all, the rooms come with a microwave and refrigerator—ideal for preparing simple meals, which is a huge plus when traveling or staying longer. The spacious, well-designed rooms combined with the excellent location make this hotel a standout choice. Highly recommend for both business and leisure travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm.
Staying at Fraser Suites Edinburgh was an absolute delight! The room exceeded all my expectations—spacious, clean, and beautifully designed with modern amenities. The bed was incredibly comfortable, making for a restful night's sleep. What stood out most was the convenient location; it’s just a short metro ride to the city center, and everything I needed—from cafes to shops—was within walking distance. The staff were warm and attentive, even offering a little welcome gift upon check-in, which added a nice personal touch. It’s rare to find such a well-balanced mix of comfort, convenience, and value. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
I was completely spontaneous with my trip to Edinburgh and ended up booking this hotel on a whim—what a great surprise! Located just a 500-meter walk from the train station, it’s incredibly convenient for travelers arriving by rail. What truly impressed me, though, was how peaceful and quiet the rooms were at night—despite being right in the heart of the city, I had a deep, restful sleep without any noise disturbance. The overall atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with friendly staff and a well-designed interior that feels both modern and cozy. It’s hands-down one of the best value stays I’ve had in Edinburgh. If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and tranquility all in one place, this hotel is a must-try. I’ll definitely be returning.
Staying at Le Monde Hotel was such a delightful experience from start to finish. Each room is named after a different city, giving it a unique and personal touch—warm, cozy, and full of character. The location couldn’t be better: just steps away from St. Andrew Square, with easy access to buses and trams heading straight to the airport. Right across the square is Edinburgh’s main bus station, where tours to the Highlands depart daily—perfect for spontaneous adventures. A short stroll takes you to Rose Street, a vibrant hub packed with diverse restaurants and cafes. I even stumbled upon Happy Lamb Hotpot right near the Scott Monument—had a steaming bowl of lamb hotpot on a rainy day, and it was absolutely unforgettable. Comfortable rooms, unbeatable location, and great food nearby make this hotel a real gem. Highly recommend!
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.
Our late August stay at Ard-Na-Said was absolutely delightful. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at home—everything we needed was thoughtfully provided. Check-in was smooth and hassle-free, and the quiet, safe neighborhood added to the peaceful vibe. We especially loved the afternoon tea at Prestonfield, just a short, pleasant stroll away—perfect for relaxing after exploring. The area is packed with great dining options; we had a fantastic time at Wee Greek and Papaya Thai, both offering delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. The lounge setup with coffee, tea, and snacks is a real plus—ideal for unwinding. Getting into town by bus is super easy, and it’s only a quick walk to the base of Arthur’s Seat (though the hike up is definitely no joke!). We’d happily return to this charming guesthouse without hesitation. A wonderful balance of comfort, convenience, and character—highly recommended!
Stayed two nights at Destiny Scotland - St Andrew Square Apartments, and had a fantastic experience overall. The first night was in room 1B—clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. On the second night, I upgraded to the 3rd-floor premium room (unit 8), which had a great location right next to the elevator for easy access. The kitchenette is fully equipped with a dishwasher and fridge—perfect for self-catering. The window faces the street, giving nice views during the day, though it’s worth noting that noise from the road might be noticeable if you’re sensitive to sound. One small suggestion: repositioning the living area and bedroom could improve the flow and privacy. The bathroom in this unit is slightly smaller than the one in 1B, which I personally preferred. Despite that, the location is unbeatable—everything is within walking distance, from historic landmarks to shopping spots. Public transport is just steps away too. For convenience, cleanliness, and value, this place truly earns a full five-star rating.
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