Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Data & Trends 2026

Over the analysis period June 2025 to May 2026, Edinburgh ran 67% average occupancy at a 217€ ADR, producing roughly 3,982€ in average monthly revenue across about 242 booked nights. Against the roughly 62% occupancy and 166€ ADR averaged across the UK cities ListingOK tracks, Edinburgh sits about five points above the national occupancy mark and around 51€ above on nightly rate, ranking first on both measures, ahead of London and Glasgow.

Seasonality reads at 104%, by far the most extreme spread among the UK cities tracked, reflecting the August festival concentration rather than steady year-round demand. Year-on-year revenue is down 2%, a mild softening, with peak nights in August and July and the trough in January and February. Pricing strategy here lives or dies on capturing the festival weeks.

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and its dominant tourism market, drawing visitors to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Old and New Towns (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Royal Botanic Garden and Arthur's Seat. Leisure city-breakers form the core of demand, supplemented by conference and business travel around the EICC, family visits tied to the University of Edinburgh, and a heavy summer flow of culture tourists. That mix sustains short-term-rental occupancy far above most UK cities.

For hosts, the defining feature is the August festival surge: the city's population swells dramatically during the Fringe and International Festival, and nightly rates that hold steady for much of the year multiply for a few weeks. Short stays of two to four nights dominate, walkable proximity to the Old Town and Princes Street matters more than size, and well-presented central flats consistently outperform larger units in outlying areas.

The Old Town, wrapped around the Royal Mile and Castle, is the most-requested base and commands the highest rates and steadiest occupancy, though it is hilly, cobbled and noisy. The New Town, with its Georgian terraces, Princes Street shopping and quieter elegance, suits families and longer stays and rents at a small premium for space and calm. Both sit inside the central core that performs best for short stays.

Leith, the regenerated waterfront with Michelin dining and a tram link to the centre, offers a lower entry price and a more local feel, trading central convenience for atmosphere. Stockbridge, just north of the New Town, is a village-like, residential pocket favoured by guests wanting a quieter, characterful stay near the Botanic Garden. Outlying districts can fill during August overflow but lack the year-round pull of the centre.