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Edinburgh, United Kingdom • Europe

Edinburgh

Scotland's dramatic capital - a brooding clifftop castle, medieval closes, Georgian elegance and an extinct volcano in the city centre.

#Castles#History#Hiking#Whisky#FestivalsCouplesFamilySolo TravelCultureHistory
7 Attractions
5 Restaurants
5 Hotels
1 Itineraries

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Quick facts

Best time to visit

May, June and September offer the best balance of long, mild days and manageable crowds. August is peak season, when the Fringe and Edinburgh festivals take over the city - thrilling but packed and pricey, so book far ahead. Winter is cold, dark and atmospheric, peaking with the famous Hogmanay New Year celebrations.

Daily budget
$180
Time zone
GMT+0 (GMT/BST)
Language
English (Scots and Gaelic also spoken)
Currency
GBP (British Pound (GBP))
Emergency
999 / 112
Power
Type G · 230V

About Edinburgh

Few cities make a first impression like Edinburgh. A mighty castle broods on a volcanic crag above the rooftops, the medieval Old Town tumbles down the Royal Mile in a warren of steep closes and wynds, and across a valley of gardens lies the elegant Georgian New Town, a masterpiece of 18th-century planning. The two together form a UNESCO World Heritage site, all set against green hills and the glittering Firth of Forth. This is a city of atmosphere and stories. Climb the extinct volcano of Arthurs Seat for a wild panorama, explore the haunted vaults and literary haunts that inspired everyone from Robert Louis Stevenson to J.K. Rowling, and warm up in a cosy pub with a dram of whisky and live folk music. In August the whole place erupts into the worlds largest arts festival, the Fringe, while at Hogmanay it throws one of the great New Year parties. Late spring and summer bring the longest, mildest days (and the Festival crowds), while autumn and winter are atmospheric and quieter. Pack for changeable weather whatever the season, wear sturdy shoes for the hills and cobbles, and let Scotlands capital cast its spell.

Photo Gallery

Edinburgh gallery 1
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Things to Do in Edinburgh

7
Edinburgh CastleHistorical

Edinburgh Castle

The mighty fortress on an extinct volcanic rock, dominating the skyline, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and the One O'Clock Gun.

2 hours From GBP 204.7(200,000)
The Royal MileHistorical

The Royal Mile

The atmospheric spine of the Old Town, a mile of medieval closes, shops and pubs running downhill from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

1-2 hours Free4.7(160,000)
Arthurs SeatNature

Arthurs Seat

An extinct volcano rising 251 metres in the heart of the city, an easy but rewarding hike to a wild, panoramic summit over Edinburgh and the sea.

2-3 hours Free4.8(120,000)
Palace of HolyroodhouseHistorical

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The official Scottish residence of the monarch at the foot of the Royal Mile, with royal apartments and the ruined abbey where Mary, Queen of Scots lived.

1.5 hours From GBP 194.5(70,000)
Calton HillNature

Calton Hill

A small hill near the centre dotted with neoclassical monuments, offering one of the best and easiest views over the city, castle and coast.

45 min Free4.7(80,000)
National Museum of ScotlandCulture

National Museum of Scotland

A vast and brilliant free museum covering Scottish history, science, nature and world cultures, with Dolly the cloned sheep and a stunning grand hall.

2-3 hours Free4.8(90,000)
Dean VillageNature

Dean Village

A picturesque former milling village on the Water of Leith, a hidden, photogenic pocket of greenery and old stone houses minutes from the centre.

1 hour Free4.6(45,000)

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

5
Mary's Milk Bar

Mary's Milk Bar

Dessert / Gelato $4.7(8,000)

A charming retro gelato parlour in the Grassmarket making small batches of inventive, delicious gelato fresh each day.

The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery by the Castle

Scottish / Fine Dining $$$$4.6(12,000)

A theatrically gothic, candlelit institution beside the castle, famous for its romantic rooms, Scottish produce and superb wine list.

Oink

Oink

Scottish / Street Food $4.6(14,000)

A tiny, famous spot serving generous hog roast rolls with crackling, stuffing and sauces - the best cheap lunch in the Old Town.

The Scran & Scallie

The Scran & Scallie

Scottish / Gastropub $$4.5(9,000)

A relaxed, top-quality gastropub from a Michelin-starred chef, serving elevated Scottish comfort food like fish and chips and pies.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

Scottish / Comfort Food $$4.5(11,000)

A cosy, popular spot near the castle for hearty Scottish comfort food, haggis and creative mashed-potato bowls.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

5
Prestonfield House

Prestonfield House

Luxury $$$$4.8(2,500)

A sumptuous, opulent 17th-century country house hotel with peacocks in the grounds, near Arthurs Seat, dripping with theatrical luxury.

The Balmoral

The Balmoral

Luxury $$$$4.7(4,000)

An iconic five-star hotel beneath its famous clock tower on Princes Street, with a Michelin restaurant, spa and grand Victorian style.

The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery by the Castle

Boutique $$$$4.7(1,800)

A handful of lavishly theatrical gothic suites beside the castle, all antiques, tapestries and roll-top baths - utterly romantic.

Motel One Edinburgh-Royal

Motel One Edinburgh-Royal

Mid-Range $$4.5(5,000)

A stylish, well-priced design hotel superbly located between the Royal Mile and Princes Street, with a chic bar and great value.

CODE Pod Hostel - The Court

CODE Pod Hostel - The Court

Hostel $4.5(3,500)

A smart, modern pod hostel right on the Royal Mile, with sleek private pods and a sociable lounge, ideal for budget travellers.

Edinburgh Itineraries

1
3-day trip

Classic 3 Days in Edinburgh

easy GBP 350 - 600

A loop through the Old Town castle and Royal Mile, the Georgian New Town and viewpoints, and a hike up Arthurs Seat, with a Highlands option.

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Edinburgh Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights$400 - $1,000$400 - $1,000$400 - $1,000
Accommodation$40/night$140/night$420/night
Food$20/day$45/day-
Activities$30/day$30/day$30/day
Local Transport$6/day$6/day$6/day
Daily Average$80$180$460

Local currency: British Pound (GBP)

Edinburgh Travel FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.

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