Edinburgh, United Kingdom: travel guide
Scotland's dramatic capital perches on volcanic rock, where a medieval Old Town faces a Georgian New Town across a valley. Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline and the annual Fringe Festival draws artists worldwide.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- EDI
Top places to visit in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military
Heritage · 4.9 rating · about 2 h
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — the spectacular military music and pageantry show held annually on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in August, with the famous Massed Pipes and Drums.
Edinburgh Portobello Beach
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 3 h
Portobello Beach — Edinburgh's spectacular sandy beach just 20 minutes from the centre, with the historic Victorian promenade, the famous Italian ice cream shops, and the unique Edinburgh seaside experience.
Edinburgh Castle
Fort · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · entry GBP 20
A volcanic rock fortress commanding the Old Town skyline. Contains the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the National War Museum, and the One O'Clock Gun fired daily at 13:00.
Royal Mile & Old Town
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 2 h
The famous medieval mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace is lined with closes, wynds, historic pubs, and shops. Walking its full length reveals 1,000 years of Scottish history.
National Museum of Scotland
Museum · 4.8 rating · about 2.5 h
Scotland's flagship museum tracing the nation from geology and Vikings to the Industrial Revolution and Dolly the Sheep. The Grand Gallery Victorian atrium is stunning. Free entry.
Arthur's Seat
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 2 h
An ancient volcanic plug rising 251 m in Holyrood Park, offering the most dramatic free panoramic view of Edinburgh. The 45-minute moderate hike rewards you with unforgettable Highland scenery in the city.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · entry GBP 20
The official Scottish residence of the British monarch, at the foot of the Royal Mile. Mary Queen of Scots lived here; the tumultuous royal history is brought to life in superb audio-guided tours.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 4 h
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival — the world's largest arts festival held every August, with over 3,000 shows, hundreds of venues, and the spectacular street performances on the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh Calton Hill
Viewpoint · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h
Calton Hill — the dramatic hill in central Edinburgh with the spectacular Nelson Monument, the unfinished National Monument (Edinburgh's Disgrace), and the iconic panoramic city views.
Edinburgh Princes Street Gardens
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 1 h
The Princes Street Gardens — Edinburgh's spectacular central park created by draining the old North Loch, with the Scott Monument, the floral clock, and the dramatic Castle Rock backdrop.
Edinburgh Royal Mile Walking
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 3 h
A walking tour of the Royal Mile — the spectacular mile-long historic street from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace, with the close (alleyways), the historic pubs, the famous statues, and the heart of medieval Edinburgh.
Edinburgh National Museum Full
Museum · 4.8 rating · about 3 h
The National Museum of Scotland — the spectacular collection covering Scottish history, world cultures, science and technology, with Dolly the Sheep (the first cloned mammal) and the iconic rooftop terrace.
Things to do
- Edinburgh Ghost Tour — Real Mary King's Close Activity · 1.3 h · from GBP 20 per person
- Scotch Whisky Experience Tasting Tour Activity · 1.5 h · from GBP 25 per person
Day trips and tours
- Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands Tour 12 h · from GBP 75
- Highland Whisky & Outlander Locations Tour 10 h · from GBP 63
- Rosslyn Chapel & Scottish Borders Tour 7 h · from GBP 43
- St Andrews & East Neuk Fishing Villages 9 h · from GBP 59
Where to stay in Edinburgh
- Old Town (Royal Mile) about GBP 150 per night
The historic heart of Edinburgh. Cobblestone closes, stunning castle views, and excellent restaurants. Most atmospheric area to stay.
- New Town (George Street) about GBP 190 per night
Georgian architecture, upmarket shopping, and great restaurants. Slightly more modern feel. Excellent boutique hotels.
Hotels
- The Witchery by the Castle Apartments 5-star · GBP 400 to GBP 700 per night
- The Balmoral Edinburgh 5-star · GBP 350 to GBP 2,500 per night
- Code Hostel Edinburgh 2-star · GBP 28 to GBP 95 per night
Where to eat
- The Witchery by the Castle Scottish, Seafood, Modern British · about GBP 95 per person
- Ondine Seafood Restaurant Seafood, Scottish · about GBP 75 per person
- Maison Bleue North African, French, Mediterranean · about GBP 38 per person
- The Shore Bar & Restaurant Seafood, Scottish · about GBP 50 per person
- The Kitchin Scottish, Modern European · about GBP 120 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Tram main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Festival Ticket Touting
Royal Mile during Edinburgh Fringe (August)
Touts sell overpriced or fake tickets for Fringe shows and Hogmanay events outside venues. Tickets can be counterfeit.
How to avoid it: Buy Fringe tickets only from the official Box Office or venue websites. Check the event's official website for authorised sellers.
ATM Card Skimming
Princes Street and Old Town ATMs
Card skimming devices are placed on ATMs in tourist areas. Card data is cloned and used fraudulently.
How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside banks. Cover your PIN when entering it. Check the card slot for any loose or attached devices.