Frequently Asked Questions

The Old Waverley Hotel is unique mainly because of its exceptional central location on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street, directly opposite Waverley Station and within easy walking distance of the Old Town, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle. Housed in a distinctive Victorian building, it retains a traditional Scottish character that sets it apart from more modern city-centre hotels, with classic interiors and a heritage feel that reflects Edinburgh’s historic atmosphere. Many of its rooms and public spaces also offer standout views across Princes Street Gardens towards landmarks like the Scott Monument and the castle, making the experience feel especially tied to the city itself. Combined with its long-standing reputation and traditional Scottish hospitality, it offers a more classic, atmospheric stay right in the heart of Edinburgh rather than a contemporary or boutique hotel experience.

The Old Waverley Hotel is generally suitable for families and small groups, but with some limits. It offers triple rooms designed to accommodate up to three guests, which can work well for families with a child, and cots or travel beds are available for infants on request depending on availability. For larger groups, the hotel can sometimes accommodate multiple rooms together, but bookings of more than a few rooms may be subject to restrictions or special conditions. Overall, it’s a good option for family stays in Edinburgh thanks to its central location and flexible room setup, but it’s best suited to small families or groups rather than large parties.

The Old Waverley Hotel offers a range of room types designed to suit different types of travellers, from solo guests to families and groups. These include standard single rooms, standard double rooms, and standard twin rooms, as well as standard triple rooms which can accommodate up to three guests. There are also junior double rooms, which are more compact and typically have frosted windows with no external view, and a selection of upgraded rooms such as Princes Street view double and twin rooms, which offer views over the city. For a more premium stay, the hotel also features superior double rooms, of which include views of Edinburgh Castle and extra space or enhanced amenities.

Rooms at the Old Waverley Hotel include a range of standard amenities designed to ensure a comfortable city-centre stay. All rooms feature an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee making facilities, along with practical touches such as a hairdryer, desk, and an iron with ironing board (often available in-room or on request). Guests can also expect essentials including towels, heating, and wardrobe space, with many rooms offering additional comfort such as a seating area and air conditioning. Higher-category rooms provide added extras like upgraded toiletries and enhanced views over Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle, while even the standard rooms are well equipped with everything needed for a convenient and enjoyable stay in the heart of the city.

Irons and ironing boards are available in all of our rooms at the Old Waverley Hotel.

Each room at the Old Waverley Hotel is fitted with a hairdryer for your convenience.

There are no in-room safes available in any of the rooms at the Old Waverley Hotel.

All of our rooms at the Old Waverley Hotel are thoughtfully stocked with complimentary tea, instant coffee, milk, and sugar.

Images shown are representative of the style and standard you can expect at the Old Waverley Hotel. Please note that each room is individually designed and may vary in layout. As a result, we are unable to guarantee allocation of a specific room.

Minimum stays may apply depending on the dates of your visit. These requirements can vary during weekends, peak periods, and seasonal high-demand times, as well as according to the specific rate or promotional offer selected at the time of booking at the Old Waverley Hotel.

Unfortunately, we do not accept pets at the Old Waverley Hotel. But our sister hotel, Princes Street Suites, has pet-friendly apartments, and it is only a three-minute walk from our hotel.Click here to learn more

Bookings can be made directly through our website www.oldwaverley.co.uk, by telephone, or via trusted third-party travel agents.

We also offer a Best Rate Guarantee when you book directly with the Old Waverley Hotel. If you find your room available online at a lower price within 24 hours of making your booking, we will be happy to match it, provided the booking conditions are identical. To qualify, you must contact us within 24 hours of your reservation with full details of the website where the lower rate was found.

The price match applies only to bookings made directly through our website, where the reservation is still within the cancellation period, and where the lower rate is available and bookable online at the time we verify it. The offer must be for the same room type, identical check-in and check-out dates, and the same booking conditions (such as breakfast inclusion or non-refundable terms).

Please note that this guarantee does not apply to group, corporate, wholesale, associate, or package rates, nor to travel agent promotions or third-party package deals, including basic bookings made via sites such as Booking.com. If you require any assistance you can contact our reservations team by phone on T: +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

Join our members list and enjoy 20% off all future reservations. Sign up today to unlock exclusive savings, along with access to our best available rates and special perks designed to enhance your stay at the Old Waverley Hotel, available only when you book directly with us. You can join our members list by signing up here

Terms and conditions apply, including blackout dates and minimum stay requirements.

If you find your room at the Old Waverley Hotel available online at a lower price within 24 hours of making your booking, we will be happy to match it, provided the booking conditions are identical. To qualify, you must contact us within 24 hours of your reservation with full details of the website where the lower rate was found. The price match applies only to bookings made directly through our website, where the reservation is still within the cancellation period, and where the lower rate is still available and bookable online at the time we verify it. The offer must also be for the same room type, check-in and check-out dates, and identical booking conditions, such as breakfast inclusion or non-refundable terms. Please note that this guarantee does not apply to group, corporate, wholesale, associate, or package rates, nor to travel agent promotions or third-party package deals, including basic bookings made via sites such as Booking.com. If you require any assistance you can contact our reservations team by phone on T: +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

There are several ways to amend or cancel your booking at the Old Waverley Hotel. First, please check your booking confirmation email to review the cancellation terms. If your booking is still eligible for changes or cancellation, you can proceed in a few ways. If you booked directly with us (rather than through a third-party travel agent), you can use the link in your confirmation email to amend or cancel your reservation, or click here Alternatively, you can contact our reservations team by phone on T: +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk If you made your booking through a third-party provider, you will need to contact them directly to make any changes or cancellations. For more information, please visit our terms and conditions

Prior to your arrival at the Old Waverley Hotel, we will place a pre-authorisation on your credit or debit card for the value of the first night’s stay. This is taken approximately 24 hours before check-in. The pre-authorisation is not a charge; it is temporarily held by your bank to ensure sufficient funds are available in the event of a cancellation or no-show.

If you cancel your reservation after 16:00 GMT on the day prior to arrival, or fail to arrive, a cancellation fee equal to the first night’s stay will be applied in line with our policy.

The remaining balance of your reservation will be collected at check-in.

Security Deposit

On arrival, a further pre-authorisation of £25 per room will be taken as a security deposit. This is held to cover any incidental charges or damages that may occur during your stay. This is not a payment and will be released after departure, provided no charges are required. As with all pre-authorisations, release times may vary depending on your bank and can take up to 9–10 working days.

Please note that pre-authorisations will be released upon departure, provided no charges are incurred during your stay. Depending on your bank, this release may take 9–10 working days to appear in your account.

If you have not yet received your booking confirmation for your stay with us at the Old Waverley Hotel, and you booked directly with us, please first check your junk or spam email folder, as confirmation emails can sometimes be filtered there. If you find it there, please mark future emails from us as “not junk” to ensure you receive all future correspondence.

If you are still unable to locate your booking confirmation, please contact our reservations team by phone on T: +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

If you booked via a third-party travel agent, please contact them directly to confirm your reservation details. Alternatively, our Reservations Team will also be happy to assist you using the contact details above.

If you have misplaced your reservation number for your stay at the Old Waverley Hotel, please do not hesitate to contact our reservations team by phone on T: +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

If you booked through a third-party travel agent, we recommend contacting them directly to retrieve your booking details. Alternatively, our Reservations Team will be happy to assist you using the contact details above.

At the Old Waverley Hotel, a pre-authorisation of £25 per room is required on a credit or debit card upon arrival. This is held as a security deposit to cover any incidental charges or damages that may occur during your stay.

Please note that this is not a payment; the funds are temporarily held by your bank and will be released upon departure, provided no charges are incurred. Depending on your bank, the release of funds may take 9–10 working days to appear in your account.

Yes, all rates at the Old Waverley Hotel are inclusive of taxes. This includes the Edinburgh City Visitor Levy, which applies to all visitors to the city.

The levy will come into effect for stays from 24 July 2026. Advance bookings made from 1 October 2025 for stays on or after 24 July 2026 will also be subject to this charge.

All our rates will continue to be shown inclusive of the Edinburgh City Visitor Levy and applicable VAT, so you can book with confidence and with no hidden charges.

At the Old Waverley Hotel we accept American Express, VISA, Master card and Maestro.

The Old Waverley Hotel no longer issues proformas for telephone payments. Instead, we now use a secure “Pay by Link” system.

Guests wishing to make payment prior to arrival must request this at least 10 days in advance. To arrange this, please contact our reservations team by phone on T: +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

At the Old Waverley Hotel, our members receive 20% off when booking directly with us.

You can join our members list by signing up here

By joining, you’ll unlock exclusive savings on future stays, access to our best available rates, and additional perks designed to enhance your experience at the Old Waverley Hotel—available only when booking directly with us.

Terms & Conditions apply, including blackout dates, minimum stay requirements, and availability. Seasonal promotions may also apply, each subject to their own terms.

Check-in at the Old Waverley Hotel is from 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00. Please note that every guest staying with us is required to present a physical form of ID at check-in for security purposes.

Early check-in and late check-out at the Old Waverley Hotel cannot be guaranteed; however, we will always do our best to accommodate requests, subject to availability. Late check-out is available until 1pm at a cost of £20 per hour.

You can add late check-out when booking directly through our website, or during your stay by contacting Reception the day before departure to check availability and make a request.

Reception at the Old Waverley Hotel is open 24 hours a day for your convenience.

Guests at the Old Waverley Hotel may store their luggage with us free of charge. Please note that items are left at the owner’s risk.

Unfortunately, we are unable to store luggage for non-residents.

Our team at the Old Waverley Hotel is available 24 hours a day at Reception and will be happy to assist you throughout your stay. Alternatively, you can contact our team by phone on T: +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

We also provide a digital guest directory designed to help you make the most of your visit. It includes useful information about our services, room facilities, as well as hotel policies and emergency contact details. You will also find recommendations for things to see and do in Edinburgh, along with access to discounted tickets for local tours and attractions.

You can access the guest directory here

At the Old Waverley Hotel, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of service while remaining true to our environmental and social values.

To help reduce our environmental impact, we do not provide daily housekeeping as standard. This helps minimise water, energy, and linen usage, supporting a more sustainable future.

Should you require additional housekeeping services during your stay, our Front of House team will be happy to assist and arrange this for you upon request.

If you require any additional items or amenities during your stay at the Old Waverley Hotel, please contact Reception. Our team will be happy to assist with requests such as extra towels, bedding, or other essentials.

Reception is available 24 hours a day to support you throughout your stay. Alternatively, you can contact our team by phone on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

Yes, at the Old Waverley Hotel, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Yes, at the Old Waverley Hotel we offer both room-only and bed and breakfast rates. If you choose a room-only option, breakfast can be added at any point during your stay for an additional charge by speaking to our reception team, who will be happy to assist.

Breakfast is served in our restaurant and includes a full cooked Scottish breakfast alongside a selection of continental options such as fresh pastries, fruit, cereals, fruit juices, tea, and coffee. The cost is £15 per person per day.

Breakfast is available during the following times: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 10:00 am and Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Yes, the Old Waverley Hotel in Edinburgh offers both a bar and a restaurant for guests and visitors. The Abbotsford Room Bar & Lounge provides a relaxed and welcoming setting where you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks, including Scottish whiskies, cocktails, wines, and spirits, all while taking in impressive views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.
Alongside this, the hotel serves food throughout the day, with options ranging from light lunches and bar meals to more substantial evening dishes, as well as afternoon tea and a full Scottish breakfast. This makes it a convenient choice not only for accommodation but also for dining and drinks in a prime city-centre location.
You can explore our menus here

No, the Old Waverley Hotel does not have a gym on the property.

No, the Old Waverley Hotel does not offer on-site bike storage facilities.

Due to our central location, some level of external noise is unavoidable at the Old Waverley Hotel. However, we are continually working to enhance guest comfort and improve the overall experience.

We offer an on-site, paid dry cleaning service at the Old Waverley Hotel for our guests. Please speak with a member of our team, who will be more than happy to assist you with arrangements. You can also contact us by phone on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

Our Maintenance Team at the Old Waverley Hotel works daily to maintain and improve the standards of our rooms, ensuring the best possible guest experience.

If you encounter any issues during your stay, please report them to Reception and we will address them promptly.

All rooms at the Old Waverley Hotel feature glass panels, and we are continually working to improve water containment in these areas to enhance guest comfort.

Not all rates at the Old Waverley Hotel include breakfast. If you choose a room-only option, breakfast can be added at any point during your stay for an additional charge by speaking to our reception team, who will be happy to assist.

Breakfast is served in our restaurant and includes a full cooked Scottish breakfast alongside a selection of continental options such as fresh pastries, fruit, cereals, fruit juices, tea, and coffee. The cost is £15 per person per day.

Breakfast is available during the following times: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 10:00 am and Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Yes — at the Old Waverley Hotel, we maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the property. If anything does not meet your expectations, please notify Reception immediately so we can address it promptly.

Yes, we offer a digital guest directory for guests at the Old Waverley Hotel, designed to help you make the most of your stay. It provides useful information about our hotel services, room facilities, and key policies, as well as important emergency contact details. You’ll also find recommendations for things to see and do in Edinburgh, along with access to discounted tickets for a range of local tours and attractions.

You can access the guest directory here

Yes, we do have lift access at the Old Waverley Hotel. As a listed building, there are some structural limitations, and as a result, there is no lift from street level to reception. Guests are therefore required to climb 27 steps to reach the reception area, which is located on the first floor. From there, lift access is available to all other floors of the hotel. If you require assistance with your luggage, please use the bell located at the foot of the stairs to request a porter.

If you have any questions or specific accessibility requirements, please do not hesitate to contact our team by phone on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

The Old Waverley Hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh on Princes Street, one of the city’s most famous and central thoroughfares. It sits directly opposite Waverley Train Station and at the edge of Princes Street Gardens, making it exceptionally well placed for exploring the city. Major attractions such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Old Town are all within easy walking distance, while shops, restaurants, and transport links are right on the doorstep. Its central position in Edinburgh makes it an ideal base for both leisure and business stays.

The Old Waverley Hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh on Princes Street, one of the city’s most famous and central thoroughfares. It sits directly opposite Waverley Train Station and at the edge of Princes Street Gardens, making it exceptionally well placed for exploring the city. Major attractions such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Old Town are all within easy walking distance, while shops, restaurants, and transport links are right on the doorstep. Its central position in Edinburgh makes it an ideal base for both leisure and business stays.

The Old Waverley Hotel is approximately 8 miles (13 km) from Edinburgh Airport, with a journey time of around 20–25 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic.

Guests have several convenient transport options to choose from. A taxi or private transfer offers the fastest and most direct route, providing a door-to-door service. The Edinburgh Tram is a reliable option, taking around 45–55 minutes in total, including a short onward walk or taxi from central city stops. Alternatively, the Airlink 100 airport bus provides a frequent and cost-effective service into the city centre, from which the hotel is a short walk or taxi ride away.

For added convenience, you can also pre-book a transfer with our partner Welcome Pickups here

The Old Waverley Hotel is approximately 8 miles (13 km) from Edinburgh Airport, with a journey time of around 20–25 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic.

Guests have several convenient transport options to choose from. A taxi or private transfer offers the fastest and most direct route, providing a door-to-door service. The Edinburgh Tram is a reliable option, taking around 45–55 minutes in total, including a short onward walk or taxi from central city stops. Alternatively, the Airlink 100 airport bus provides a frequent and cost-effective service into the city centre, from which the hotel is a short walk or taxi ride away.

For added convenience, you can also pre-book a transfer with our partner Welcome Pickups here

Yes, public transport is highly accessible from the Old Waverley Hotel due to its central location on Princes Street in Edinburgh. The hotel sits directly opposite Edinburgh Waverley Station, which provides extensive rail connections across Scotland and the rest of the UK. In addition, numerous local and regional bus routes run along Princes Street and nearby North Bridge, offering easy access to all parts of the city, including Edinburgh Airport connections via tram and bus services. Taxis are also readily available in the immediate area, making it extremely convenient for guests to get around without a car.

Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is the closest station to the Old Waverley Hotel, located just a short walk from the property.

As Edinburgh’s main railway hub, Waverley offers direct services to major cities across Scotland and the UK, including London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, and Newcastle, making it easy to travel both nationally and regionally. The station is also well connected to local rail services across the Lothians and surrounding areas.

If you need to purchase train tickets, you can book them here

Yes, the Old Waverley Hotel is very close to both the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Located on Princes Street in the heart of the city, the hotel is just a short walk from the entrance to the Royal Mile, which leads directly up to Edinburgh Castle. The castle itself is only around a 10–15 minute walk away, making it easily accessible for guests. Its central position in Edinburgh means you can comfortably explore both attractions on foot, along with many other key landmarks, shops, and restaurants nearby.

Yes, the Old Waverley Hotel is located directly on Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh. In fact, it sits right on one of the city’s most famous streets, placing guests in a prime central position opposite Waverley Station and next to Princes Street Gardens. This means visitors are surrounded by shops, restaurants, and major attractions, with excellent transport links and many of Edinburgh’s key sights within easy walking distance.

The Old Waverley Hotel does not offer on-site parking. However, guests can take advantage of a 40% discounted partner rate of £14.40 for 24 hours at the nearby Q-Park, located in the city centre just a short walk from the property.

Q-Park is open 24/7 and features PaSS Technology (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) for seamless entry and exit. It also offers electric vehicle charging points for added convenience.

To access the discounted rate, guests must pre-book their space via the Q-Park website prior to arrival, providing their vehicle registration and entering the discount code: PSSOM40.

The car park is located at Greenside Row, EH1 3AN, just off the east end of Princes Street beneath the OMNI Centre and Edinburgh Playhouse, approximately a 5-minute walk from Princes Street Suites.

Please note that Edinburgh operates a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). For further information, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk

Children of all ages are welcome at the Old Waverley Hotel; however, all guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Travel cots are available for infants, subject to availability. If you require one, please contact our team in advance and we will be happy to assist.

We recognise that our operations at the Old Waverley Hotel have an environmental impact, and we are committed to reducing this wherever possible. We continuously strive to improve our sustainability practices in line with best industry standards, and we encourage our team, suppliers, and guests to support us in making environmentally responsible choices.

You can view our full environmental policy here

The Old Waverley Hotel takes the privacy of our guests extremely seriously. You can view our full privacy policy here

The Old Waverley Hotel takes the privacy of our guests extremely seriously. You can view our full Cookie policy here

The Old Waverley Hotel takes anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters extremely seriously. You can view our full policy here

The Old Waverley Hotel takes Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity matters extremely seriously. You can view our full policy here

Unfortunately, we do not accept pets at the Old Waverley Hotel.

As a listed building, there are some structural limitations, and as a result, there is no lift from street level to reception. Guests are therefore required to climb 27 steps to reach the reception area, which is located on the first floor. From there, lift access is available to all other floors of the hotel. If you require assistance with your luggage, please use the bell located at the foot of the stairs to request a porter.

If you have any questions or specific accessibility requirements, please do not hesitate to contact our team by phone on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

If you cancel your reservation at the Old Waverley Hotel after 16:00 GMT on the day prior to arrival, or fail to arrive, a cancellation fee equal to the first night’s stay will apply. This is in line with our cancellation policy, and the pre-authorisation is taken 24 hours prior to arrival.

For full details of our terms and conditions, please click here

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our team by phone on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

If you would like to raise or discuss any concerns regarding your experience at the Old Waverley Hotel, please contact our team and we will respond as soon as possible to address the issue with you directly.

You can reach us on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

Yes, we welcome all feedback about your experience at the Old Waverley Hotel. Whether positive or negative, guest reviews are extremely valuable to us as they help us continuously improve our service.

Please feel free to contact our team on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk
Alternatively, you can also leave a review via the travel agent or booking platform you used to make your reservation.

Yes, we offer corporate rates at the Old Waverley Hotel. If you would like to discuss corporate bookings or set up a corporate agreement, please contact our team on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

We offer group bookings at the Old Waverley Hotel. For reservations of more than five apartments, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

To confirm a group booking of five or more rooms, full pre-payment for the entire stay is required. Please note that our standard cancellation policy does not apply to group reservations, and cancellation terms may vary depending on the number of rooms and length of stay.

We therefore recommend contacting us prior to making a reservation so we can discuss your requirements in detail and provide the most suitable terms. Please contact our team on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

Depending on the length of stay at the Old Waverley Hotel, we may be able to offer additional discounts on a case-by-case basis.

If you are interested in an extended stay, please contact our team on +44 (0)131 556 4648 or by email at info@oldwaverley.co.uk

Yes our members list and enjoy 20% off all future reservations. Sign up today to unlock exclusive savings, along with access to our best available rates and special perks designed to enhance your stay at the Old Waverley Hotel available only when you book directly with us. You can join our members list by signing up here

Terms and conditions apply, including blackout dates and minimum stay requirements.

The Old Waverley Hotel is in a fantastic central location on Princes Street, making it ideal for exploring Edinburgh on foot. Just a short stroll away is the historic Royal Mile, where you can visit Edinburgh Castle, explore hidden closes, enjoy whisky tastings, and browse traditional shops and cafés. You’re also very close to Princes Street Gardens, a great spot for a scenic walk with views of the castle, as well as Waverley Mall and the wider New Town, which offer plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions including the National Galleries and the Scott Monument. If you’re happy to wander a little further, Calton Hill is nearby for panoramic city views, and the Grassmarket area offers lively pubs, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere just below the castle. If you would like to book tickets for attractions, you can access discounted rates through our partner TourDesk here

Yes, both the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are within very easy walking distance of the Old Waverley Hotel in Edinburgh. The hotel is located on Princes Street, directly opposite Waverley Station, and it takes only about 5–10 minutes on foot to reach the start of the Royal Mile. From there, Edinburgh Castle is at the top of the historic street, roughly a 15–20 minute walk from the hotel depending on your pace. The route is uphill as you approach the Castle, but it’s a very straightforward and scenic walk through the heart of the Old Town. If you would like to book tickets for attractions, you can access discounted rates through our partner TourDesk here

There are plenty of great outdoor activities within easy walking distance of the Old Waverley Hotel thanks to its central location on Princes Street. You can stroll straight into Princes Street Gardens for a relaxed walk with views of Edinburgh Castle, or head up to Calton Hill for one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the city. The nearby Royal Mile also offers a more lively outdoor experience with street performers, historic closes, and plenty of sights along the way up to Edinburgh Castle. If you’re looking for something a bit more active, you can also walk to Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park for a longer hike with rewarding views over the city, or take a scenic walk through the Old Town’s winding streets and courtyards. If you would like to book tickets for attractions, you can access discounted rates through our partner TourDesk here

The Old Waverley Hotel is perfectly located for exploring many of Edinburgh’s key cultural and historic attractions. Just a short walk away is the Royal Mile, which leads up to Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks offering rich history and sweeping views over the city. Along the Royal Mile you’ll also find the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland, as well as St Giles’ Cathedral and the Museum of Edinburgh, all showcasing different layers of the city’s heritage. On Princes Street, close to the hotel, you can visit the Scott Monument, a striking Gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott that you can also climb for panoramic views across Edinburgh. The nearby Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland add further depth, with world-class art and fascinating historical collections, making the surrounding area a rich cultural hub all within easy walking distance. If you would like to book tickets for attractions, you can access discounted rates through our partner TourDesk here

Families staying at the Old Waverley Hotel are perfectly placed for a wide range of fun and engaging activities within easy walking distance. Princes Street Gardens is right on the doorstep, offering open green space for picnics, play areas for children, and excellent views of Edinburgh Castle. A short walk up the Royal Mile leads to Edinburgh Castle itself, which is both educational and exciting for all ages, with its historic buildings, Crown Jewels, and sweeping city views. Nearby, the National Museum of Scotland is a favourite for families thanks to its interactive exhibits, dinosaur skeletons, and hands-on science displays. The Scott Monument on Princes Street also offers an adventurous climb for older children and teens with rewarding panoramic views at the top. For something more relaxed, families can enjoy wandering through the Old Town’s cobbled streets or exploring street performers and shops along the Royal Mile, making the area both entertaining and easy to explore together. If you would like to book tickets for attractions, you can access discounted rates through our partner TourDesk here

Groups staying at the Old Waverley Hotel will find plenty to see and do right on their doorstep thanks to its central Princes Street location. A great starting point is a walk up the Royal Mile, where groups can explore historic closes, visit Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy guided tours that bring the city’s rich history to life. For a relaxed outdoor option, Princes Street Gardens is perfect for meeting up, taking in views of the castle, or enjoying a picnic together. The nearby Scott Monument offers a memorable group challenge for those who want to climb to the top for panoramic city views. Cultural attractions like the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland are also ideal for groups, offering world-class art and fascinating exhibits to explore at your own pace. In the evening, the nearby Old Town and New Town areas provide a wide choice of restaurants, pubs, and lively venues, making it easy for groups to dine and socialise together. If you would like to book tickets for attractions, you can access discounted rates through our partner TourDesk here

Couples staying at the Old Waverley Hotel are perfectly placed to enjoy some of Edinburgh’s most romantic and atmospheric experiences. A sunset stroll through Princes Street Gardens offers beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle, while climbing Calton Hill is a favourite for couples looking for panoramic city views, especially at golden hour. The nearby Royal Mile is ideal for wandering hand-in-hand through historic streets, stopping for cosy cafés, whisky tastings, or exploring hidden closes together. For a cultural date, the Scottish National Gallery on Princes Street provides a peaceful setting to enjoy world-class art, and the National Museum of Scotland offers an engaging and varied experience. In the evening, the nearby Old Town and New Town are filled with intimate restaurants, wine bars, and traditional pubs, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed and memorable night out together. If you would like to book tickets for attractions, you can access discounted rates through our partner TourDesk here

Edinburgh is widely considered one of the best cities in the UK for a walking break.

The city is compact, highly walkable, and full of character, with most major attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The historic Old Town, including the Royal Mile, offers cobbled streets, closes, and landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, all connected by scenic routes that are best explored on foot.

Edinburgh also offers excellent contrast within short distances: you can move from medieval streets to elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town, or from the city centre to open green space in Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views. Many of the city’s museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and viewpoints are also easily accessible without needing transport.

With its mix of history, scenery, and compact layout, Edinburgh is ideal for a short walking-focused city break. If you would like to book tickets for attractions, you can access discounted rates through our partner TourDesk here