Best Areas to Stay During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Leith Walk & Holyrood
When visiting the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where you stay can have a huge impact on your experience.
While many visitors look at accommodation directly on the Royal Mile, savvy Fringe-goers often choose nearby areas that offer better value, easier transport links and a more authentic local feel.
For guests staying with Destiny Student, the Holyrood and Leith Walk areas provide the perfect base for enjoying the festival while remaining close to Edinburgh's major attractions, restaurants and nightlife.
Holyrood: Best for Fringe Venues and Historic Edinburgh
Located at the foot of the Royal Mile, Holyrood places you right on the doorstep of the Fringe.
This area is ideal for visitors who want to spend less time travelling and more time enjoying performances. Many of the festival's biggest venues are within walking distance, including:
Pleasance Courtyard
Underbelly
Assembly Festival venues
Summerhall
The Royal Mile's street performers
Gilded Balloon venues
Beyond the Fringe, Holyrood is home to some of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks, including Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament and Arthur's Seat.
Why Stay in Holyrood?
✅ Walk to many of Edinburgh's biggest Fringe venues
✅ Easy access to the Royal Mile and Old Town
✅ Great for sightseeing between shows
✅ Close to Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
✅ Excellent bus routes across the city
Stay at Destiny Student Holyrood
Destiny Student Holyrood is perfectly positioned for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in the Fringe atmosphere. With major venues and attractions just a short walk away, it's ideal for first-time festival-goers and those planning packed show schedules.
Stay at Destiny Student Murano
Located nearby in the Southside area, Destiny Student Murano is another excellent option for Fringe visitors. Guests are close to:
Pleasance Courtyard
Summerhall
George Square venues
Cowgate entertainment
The Royal Mile
Murano is especially popular with students, groups and budget-conscious travellers attending multiple shows throughout the festival.
Leith Walk: Best for Food, Local Culture and Great Value
Stretching from Edinburgh city centre towards Leith, Leith Walk has become one of the city's most exciting neighbourhoods.
During Fringe season, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy the festival while staying slightly removed from the busiest crowds. The area is packed with:
Independent cafés
Global restaurants
Local pubs
Artisan bakeries
Boutique shops
Excellent tram and bus connections
You'll still be within easy reach of Fringe venues while enjoying a more local Edinburgh experience.
Why Stay on Leith Walk?
✅ Excellent value compared to the Old Town
✅ Fantastic food and drink scene
✅ Easy access to both Leith and the city centre
✅ Direct tram and bus links
✅ Less crowded than festival hotspots
Stay at Destiny Student Shrubhill
Situated just off Leith Walk, Destiny Student Shrubhill offers an ideal location for visitors wanting quick access to both Fringe venues and Edinburgh's shopping districts.
From Shrubhill you can easily reach:
Edinburgh Playhouse
St James Quarter
Princes Street
Assembly Rooms
George Street festival venues
The Royal Mile
The nearby tram stop also makes getting around the city simple during the busy festival period.
Stay at Destiny Student Burnet Point
Located in the heart of Leith, Destiny Student Burnet Point is perfect for visitors who want to combine Fringe performances with Edinburgh's renowned food and drink scene.
Guests can enjoy:
Independent cafes and restaurants on their doorstep
Easy access to Leith Shore
Direct tram links into the city centre
A quieter base after a busy day at the Fringe
Burnet Point is particularly well suited to longer stays, visitors who want to explore beyond the city centre and travellers looking for a more local Edinburgh experience.
