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A mini guide to
Haymarket & Murrayfield: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Book early for matchdays
Murrayfield holds 67,144 people, so rooms and trams fill up when Scotland play. Check the Scottish Rugby fixtures.
Take the tram west
Edinburgh Trams stop at Haymarket, West End and Murrayfield Stadium on the way to the airport.
Walk the canal
The Union Canal ends at Lochrin Basin, near the Leamington Lift Bridge, and a towpath runs west from there.
Plan the zoo separately
Edinburgh Zoo is on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill, about 2.5 km west of Haymarket; check the zoo’s site for opening times and how to get there.
Festival season
Edinburgh's big events
Dates come from the organisers. Confirm them on the official sites before you book, and expect busy streets and high prices.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
6 to 30 August 2027
The Fringe's 80th edition, with shows across the city.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6 to 28 August 2027
The annual military show in Edinburgh each August.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
29 to 31 December 2026, plus New Year's Day
A torchlight procession, concerts and the Street Party, followed by a free live-music trail on New Year's Day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Haymarket & Murrayfield?
Haymarket & Murrayfield is in Edinburgh, Scotland. The theatre district, the canal basin, the rugby stadium and the zoo, all west of the Castle. Nearby stops and stations include Haymarket, West End, Murrayfield Stadium.
How long do I need in Haymarket & Murrayfield?
A few hours; a day with the zoo. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Zoo, Corstorphine Hill. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Haymarket (ScotRail and Edinburgh Trams); West End (Edinburgh Trams); Murrayfield Stadium (Edinburgh Trams); Lothian Buses (City bus routes). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 22 places to eat and drink in and around Haymarket & Murrayfield, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 11 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Haymarket & Murrayfield accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Haymarket & Murrayfield
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Traverse Theatre
New-writing theatre founded in 1962, a short walk from the Lyceum.
St Cuthbert’s Church
Church of Scotland parish church of 1894, on a site probably used since the 7th century.
St John’s Church
Scottish Episcopal church at the west end of Princes Street, dedicated in 1818 and listed Category A.
Edinburgh
More areas to explore
Bruntsfield & Morningside
Leafy southern suburbs with local high streets, Blackford Hill and a hillside observatory
Open the mini guide →
Portobello & the Coast
A sandy beach and Victorian promenade on the Firth of Forth, about 5 km east of the centre
Open the mini guide →
Old Town & Royal Mile
The Castle, the Royal Mile and a maze of medieval closes
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Royal Lyceum Theatre: LochLowry, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Traverse Theatre: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Cuthbert’s Church: dun_deagh, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- St John’s Church: Euan Nelson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Bruntsfield & Morningside: Macumba, Public domain, source
- Portobello & the Coast: M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Old Town & Royal Mile: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- New Town: Chris Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill: Peulle, CC BY 4.0, source
- Stockbridge & Dean Village: Mike Shaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Leith & the Waterfront: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Grassmarket & Southside: rboed*, CC BY 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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