My wife and i were both born and bred in Edinburgh but have lived in Melbourne for over 30 years,we know our way around the city,Surgeons hall area is absolutely the best place to be for everything the city has to offer.Surgeons hall is on the edge of the old town,an absolute paradise for the passionate photographer like my self,absolutely steeped in history,many museums in the area,the castle, the royal mile so much more,also plenty places to eat and drink.What i would not recommend is hiring a car,Edinburgh has the best public transport on the planet,buses going everywhere and a day pass at 4 pounds is brilliant value,highly recommend Jana's place in Drummond street you will not get a better location than this.