Find hotels near Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh

Top reasons to visit Edinburgh Zoo

• Diverse Animal Exhibits: Edinburgh Zoo features a wide range of fascinating animals, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Beautiful Grounds: Enjoy a scenic stroll through the zoo's lovely landscapes, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
• Proximity to Attractions: The zoo is close to historic sites like Edinburgh Castle, allowing for a rich cultural experience.
• Local Entertainment: If visiting during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, enjoy a vibrant array of performances and events.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The zoo offers various engaging activities, ensuring a fun day for visitors of all ages.

Find great hotels near Edinburgh Zoo

Discover the perfect accommodation for your stay in Edinburgh Zoo, where a variety of hotels and guesthouses cater to every type of traveler. Whether you're seeking business amenities, LGBTQIA-friendly spaces, or pet-friendly options, you'll find the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring. Choose from hotels near Edinburgh Zoo for easy access to the attractions, ensuring a memorable vacation experience in Scotland's vibrant capital.

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers a sophisticated blend of business convenience and eco-friendly practices. Located 3 miles from Edinburgh Zoo, this 4-star hotel is perfect for eco-conscious travelers seeking a professional atmosphere. The hotel features business amenities such as multiple meeting rooms and a dedicated business center, ensuring a seamless experience for corporate guests. With its eco-certification, guests can enjoy a comfortable stay while minimizing their environmental impact.
• Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket: Just 2 miles away from Edinburgh Zoo, the Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is a chic, eco-certified hotel that caters to business travelers with style and efficiency. This 4-star accommodation boasts multiple meeting rooms and a well-equipped business center, making it an excellent choice for those on work-related trips. The hotel's modern design and sustainable practices create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring guests can balance productivity with relaxation during their stay in Edinburgh.
• YOTEL Edinburgh: Located 3 miles from Edinburgh Zoo, YOTEL Edinburgh is a contemporary hotel that combines comfort with cutting-edge technology. Offering a range of dining options, including a bar and restaurant, guests can indulge in delicious meals without leaving the property. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness center, perfect for those looking to stay active during their vacation. With smart TVs in rooms, guests can unwind while enjoying entertainment options. Its proximity to the city center ensures easy access to Edinburgh's vibrant attractions.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Zoo

Exploring the area around Edinburgh Zoo offers a delightful mix of history and friendly vibes. Just a short drive from the city center, you'll find charming neighborhoods like Murrayfield, perfect for family-friendly outings and shopping. Whether you're interested in historical sites or looking for a romantic stroll, this vibrant region of Scotland promises a memorable holiday experience filled with warmth and local charm.

• Edinburgh: As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant metropolis rich in history and culture. Home to the famous Edinburgh Zoo, the city attracts travelers year-round, with peak visits from July to September. Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of cultural experiences, from world-class museums to lively theater performances. The city's historic streets are lined with shops, cafes, and iconic landmarks like the Edinburgh Castle, making it a perfect destination for family outings and city explorations. Expect a blend of historic charm and modern amenities as you navigate through this enchanting urban landscape.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Located just a few miles from Edinburgh Zoo, Old Town Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the city's medieval roots. This neighborhood draws visitors primarily during the spring and summer months, particularly from April to July. With its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, Old Town is ideal for those seeking cultural and family-themed experiences. Popular attractions include historic sites, lively markets, and an array of shops and theaters. Don't miss the chance to explore the Royal Mile and enjoy the local events that often take place in this historic enclave.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Also situated about three miles from Edinburgh Zoo, the City Centre is the bustling heart of Edinburgh. Known for its cultural richness, the City Centre sees high tourist traffic during the summer months. The area features a blend of shopping districts, educational institutions, and theaters that cater to visitors of all ages. Iconic landmarks such as the Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens provide stunning backdrops for leisurely strolls. Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or soak up the city's artistic vibe, the City Centre offers a dynamic travel experience.

Things to do near Edinburgh Zoo

At Edinburgh Zoo, visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as walking through the beautiful grounds, playing golf nearby, and experiencing local entertainment. Don't miss the chance to explore the zoo itself, featuring a variety of fascinating animals. Additionally, if your visit coincides with it, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival offers an exciting array of performances and events that showcase the vibrant culture of the city.

Shopping

Edinburgh Zoo offers great shopping nearby with options like Craigleith Retail Park, just 1 mile away, and both Gyle Shopping Centre and FountainPark only 2 miles away, featuring entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore additional shopping options further afield.

Recreation

At Edinburgh Zoo, you can enjoy the sports atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, just a mile away, or engage in outdoor activities at Bruntsfield Links Golf Course, two miles from the zoo. For a cultural experience, visit Queen's Hall, located three miles away, featuring various musical performances.

Adventure

For thrilling adventures near Edinburgh Zoo, try Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, located 1 mile away, for an action-packed experience. Bedlam Paintball, 3 miles away, offers exciting team challenges. If you enjoy winter sports, the Midlothian Ski Centre, also 3 miles away, features skiing and sports vibes for all skill levels.

Nightlife

After a day at Edinburgh Zoo, enjoy a night at the Royal Lyceum Theatre for a captivating performance, or catch a romantic film at Dominion Cinema or Cineworld Edinburgh, both offering great entertainment just a short drive away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Zoo

To save money on your visit to Edinburgh Zoo, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Book hotels one month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially for Tuesday stays, which are the cheapest. Utilize Expedia’s search features to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and future savings with OneKeyCash.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Zoo 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 Edinburgh Zoo 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 Edinburgh Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Zoo is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search feature lets you easily set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Edinburgh Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
• 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.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Zoo

During your visit to Edinburgh Zoo, explore nearby attractions such as the historic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the vibrant streets filled with culture. Families can engage in various activities at the zoo, which is just a short walk from the entrance. The area offers a blend of entertainment and scenic spots, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a memorable experience in Edinburgh.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Scotland's royal history. Explore its fascinating exhibits, including the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny, while soaking in the romantic and cultural ambiance of the castle grounds.
• Princes Street: A bustling thoroughfare in the heart of the city, Princes Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and gardens. Experience the vibrant city vibes as you stroll along, enjoying the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the lush Princes Street Gardens.
• Grassmarket: This lively area is known for its charming cobbled streets and historic architecture. Perfect for families, Grassmarket features outdoor markets, diverse eateries, and a friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the local culture.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Zoo

The best time to visit Edinburgh Zoo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Edinburgh Zoo

When visiting Edinburgh Zoo, you can conveniently fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI), located 4 miles away. Nearby accommodations include the 5.5-star Crescent House and 5-star hotels like Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and The Balmoral Hotel, all situated about 7 miles from the airport. Alternatively, you could fly into Glasgow International Airport (GLA), which is 45 miles away, with excellent hotel options such as the 5-star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort and Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa, both offering shuttle services. Lastly, Dundee Airport (DND) is 36 miles from the zoo, with options like the 5-star Hideaway Experience and Premier Inn Dundee North, both offering shuttle services on request.