George Square Tours

Photo by Gina Fierlafijn Reddie


George Square is one of the main stops on any tourist visit. Learn about its historical background or just sit back and watch the world go by.

Located in Edinburgh, this public square is free to visit. It's the perfect place to go for a fun and cheap day out! When you're ready for more exploring, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre and Royal Yacht Britannia are nearby.

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Hapimag Resort Edinburgh
First Lasswade Road House
The Scotsman Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near George Square

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Stay Central

Stay Central

3 out of 5
139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay Central
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

4 out of 5
43 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near George Square

While visiting George Square in Edinburgh, immerse yourself in vibrant activities like attending local theater performances and art exhibitions. You can also explore nearby attractions and enjoy shopping options in the area. For adventure enthusiasts, Pinkston Watersports offers thrilling water activities. Don't miss out on the lively festivals that often take place, adding to the unique charm of this historic square.

Shopping

Visit The Hub, a charming store 0.5 miles from George Square, and explore Scottish Gems, another shopping center also 0.5 miles away, perfect for gifts. Don't miss Tron Kirk, a public market just 0.4 miles away, offering a unique shopping experience in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live sports events. For a cultural escape, enjoy a concert at the nearby Queen's Hall, known for its vibrant entertainment scene. Alternatively, relax and unwind at Prestonfield Golf Club, where you can enjoy outdoor golfing amidst beautiful surroundings.

Adventure

Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, located 2 miles from George Square, offers an exhilarating paintball experience amidst thrilling outdoor challenges. Bedlam Paintball, only 1 mile away, provides an adrenaline-packed adventure in a vibrant setting. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, 4 miles distant, features skiing and other snow activities.

Nightlife

In George Square, Edinburgh, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offers adventurous arcade fun, while Greyfriar's Bobby and Canongate Tolbooth provide cozy pubs with a romantic atmosphere, perfect for enjoying drinks and entertainment just a short walk away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near George Square

George Square in Edinburgh is a vibrant hub offering a mix of cultural and historic attractions. Visitors can explore nearby museums, historic colleges, and elegant castles, making it perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the rich history of George Square and its significance in Glasgow, as well as enjoy the beautiful surroundings that make this area a must-visit on your trip.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers stunning views of the city. Explore its rich history, including the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, while soaking in the romantic and cultural vibes that permeate the air.
  • University of Edinburgh: A prestigious institution with a rich academic heritage, this university boasts stunning architecture and vibrant green spaces. Stroll around the campus to experience the cultural ambiance and learn about its significant contributions to education.
  • Grassmarket: A lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and pubs, Grassmarket is perfect for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities. Its historic charm and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration.

Best time to go to George Square

The best time to visit George Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around George Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around George Square falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for George Square

To save money on your visit to George Square, plan your trip between January and March when hotel prices are generally lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and consider last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s tools to find the best prices by filtering from lowest to highest. Combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings, and join Expedia's One Key program for exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around George Square are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around George Square is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around George Square is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around George Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at George Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.