The chic area offers village charm in the heart of one of Scotland’s biggest cities.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The neighbourhood was crowned one of the eight best places to live in Scotland(Image: Christian Mueller / Getty Images)
Everywhere in Scotland is worth a visit, but at the end of the day everyone will have their own preferences. Some people prefer the quiet and idyllic atmosphere of a village, while others crave the hustle and bustle of city living.
However, there is one city neighbourhood that offers the best of both worlds. It was even recently crowned one of the top destinations in Scotland to live.
As previously reported by the Daily Record, Scotland’s eight “best places to live” for 2026 were revealed by Muddy Stilettos. Among the destinations singled out was Stockbridge in Edinburgh.
Stockbridge is an affluent area of the Scottish capital, situated a short walk from the city centre. It is known for its cobbled streets and Georgian architecture.
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The neighbourhood offers a village atmosphere, despite its close proximity to the centre of Edinburgh. There are various parks and independent shops dotted around, as well as charming cafés and restaurants.
Among the various acclaimed eateries around Stockbridge are intimate fine dining restaurant Eòrna, Italian specialists Sotto, and modern café The Pantry. The neighbourhood is also home to the Mootz General Store sandwich shop, which the Daily Record previously described as “absolutely incredible”.
Elsewhere, there are a number of bustling pubs and bars around Stockbridge. These include atmospheric basement pub The Bailie Bar, laid-back hangout spot The Stockbridge Tap, and cosy pub and chic cocktail bar St Bernard’s Bar.
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Muddy Stilettos wrote: “The fact that Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and one of the most picturesque in the world, with the castle perched atop and Princes Street Gardens below, are two great reasons to live here, but there are loads more.
“Divided into the medieval Old Town to the south and Georgian New Town to the north, the centre is easily walkable with lots of green spaces to enjoy the views or take a break from the crowds of year-round tourists. Stockbridge is an ever-popular district—close to the city centre, on the attractive Water of Leith walkway, and with its own foodie scene, pubs, independent retailers and attractions.”
Even if a move to Stockbridge in 2026 isn’t on the cards, it is still well worth visiting. It is a great choice for a day trip, whether you live in Edinburgh or further afield.
In terms of places to stay in Stockbridge, there is no shortage of options despite its small size. From luxury hotels to modern self-catered accommodation, there is something for everyone.
One of the most popular hotels in Stockbridge is The Raeburn. Situated in a historic Georgian property, the hotel is home to a restaurant and a bar.
The Raeburn(Image: Booking.com)
Each room at The Raeburn comes with free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen television, an Apple docking station, a minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Meanwhile, the hotel’s brasserie-style restaurant serves up British dishes prepared with local produce.
The Raeburn has earned very positive feedback from guests, with an overall rating of 9.2 out of 10 on Booking.com. The hotel has been described in reviews as “faultless” and “fabulous”, while one visitor called it “expensive but comparative to similar hotels in the area”.
Elsewhere, for those looking for self-catered accommodation, St Bernards Row is a flat located in the heart of Stockbridge. The property is available to book through holidaycottages.co.uk for £362 for two nights.
St Bernards Row(Image: holidaycottages.co.uk)
The accommodation is comprised of an open-plan kitchen and lounge with a small balcony, a double bedroom, and a bathroom with a shower over bath. The living space includes a TV with a DVD player, while the kitchen comes with an electric hob and oven, a fridge, and a microwave.
Positive reviews of St Bernards Row on holidaycottages.co.uk have praised the accommodation as “perfect” and “comfortable”. On the other hand, one guest called the flat “disappointing” and described it as “cheaply furnished”.