Holiday flats are popular in Edinburgh, and it's easy to understand why. The city is popular with tourists, with Edinburgh second only to London in the number of tourists that visit each year. That makes hotel tariffs rather pricey, and renting an Edinburgh apartment especially attractive. One benefit of a holiday flat is that they generally work out to be a better value than a stay at a hotel. Flats are usually more spacious than a hotel room, and they often include free Wi-Fi and a washer/dryer. And by preparing the occasional meal in your flat, you can save money by not having to pay for 3 meals a day in restaurants.
If your holiday flat is in Old Town, you will be in the oldest part of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle is in Old Town, along with several theatres and parts of the Royal Mile, a mile-long shopping street. Old Town also includes the Grassmarket section. This area, once the part of town where prisoners were hanged, is now known for the quality of its real ale and its restaurants. The area is a perfect location to use as your headquarters if you plan your trip to Edinburgh around the Edinburgh Festival in August. Home to the Fringe Festival and several other festival attractions, Old Town is especially lively this time of year. If your plans don't coincide with the festival, don't worry. You'd be hard pressed not to find a pub with live entertainment or a concert at one of the area's churches.
New Town is popular with many tourists and very centrally located. It is considered the main shopping area in Edinburgh with high-end shops on Princes and Rose Streets. Stay near George Street if you are one who prefers trendy cocktails and a good nightlife. But if you're one who prefers a more low-key, friendly atmosphere, a flat near Stockbridge with its relaxed cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops may be exactly the location for you.
If your main focus is nightlife, the alternative Carlton may be the section of Edinburgh that best suits your style. This areas is known for its nightlife, bar and restaurant scene, and its slightly gay vibe.
Or you may want to consider Leith with the city's main harbour. Once home to stevedores, this area has been recently gentrified and offers well-appointed flats, lovely seafood restaurants and brilliant pubs.
A trip to Edinburgh can be a magical experience, and a holiday flat will make you feel truly a part of what's going on around you. It's easy to feel like a local in this city, and a holiday flat will make you start to believe the illusion.
