Edinburgh

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Experience Scotland's historic and cultural hub in Edinburgh

Edinburgh - Vacation Briefing

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a vibrant and historic city that's home to world-renowned festivals, events and attractions. The city is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, traditional pubs and vibrant street life. From the UNESCO world heritage site of the Old Town to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, there's no shortage of captivating attractions to explore in Edinburgh.

Popular Sights in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Royal Mile Holyrood Palace Arthur's Seat National Museum of Scotland Calton Hill Scott Monument St. Giles' Cathedral Princes Street Scottish National Gallery

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Things to do during your Edinburgh vacation

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is known for its rich history and stunning architecture. With its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, Edinburgh offers visitors a wide range of activities to explore and enjoy. From visiting historic landmarks to indulging in the local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. Explore its grand halls, visit the Crown Jewels, and discover its fascinating history.
Royal Mile: Stroll along the famous Royal Mile, a historic street that spans from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Discover charming shops, historic landmarks, and experience the lively atmosphere of this iconic thoroughfare.
Arthur's Seat: Hike up to Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano and the highest point in Holyrood Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape as you conquer this natural landmark.
National Museum of Scotland: Immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland. With a vast collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits, there is plenty to discover and learn.
The Scotch Whisky Experience: Embark on a journey through the world of Scotch whisky at The Scotch Whisky Experience. Learn about the distilling process, sample different varieties, and appreciate Scotland's national drink.
Calton Hill: Climb Calton Hill to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh's skyline. Marvel at iconic structures such as the National Monument and the Nelson Monument while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
Royal Yacht Britannia: Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating residence of the British royal family. Explore the luxurious interiors, learn about its fascinating history, and enjoy stunning waterfront views.
Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Embark on a spooky adventure through Edinburgh's haunted history with a Ghost Tour. Explore eerie locations, hear chilling stories, and experience the city's darker side.
Scottish Parliament Building: Visit the iconic Scottish Parliament Building, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about Scotland's democratic process and admire the unique design.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Escape to the tranquil oasis of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Explore beautifully landscaped gardens, discover exotic plant species, and unwind in nature's embrace.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Immerse yourself in the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Experience a diverse range of performances, from comedy shows to theatrical productions, in venues across the city.

Why you should visit Edinburgh

Overall

Edinburgh, United Kingdom is a highly desirable destination with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Safety

Edinburgh is generally a safe city with a low crime rate and political stability, making it a secure destination for travelers.

Culture

Edinburgh boasts a strong cultural heritage with its numerous museums, historical sites, and festivals, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience.

Nightlife

Edinburgh has a decent nightlife scene with a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs, offering entertainment options for visitors.

Adventure

Although Edinburgh might not be the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers, it still offers some adventure activities like hiking in nearby hills and exploring the rugged countryside.

Relaxation

While Edinburgh may not be known for its relaxing ambiance, it offers beautiful parks, gardens, and serene spots where visitors can unwind and enjoy nature.

Best time to visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming city that offers something for everyone throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is mild, the days are longer, and the city comes alive with festivals and events.

Jan

Mild weather but busy

1°C - 7°C

Feb

Cool weather but less crowded

1°C - 8°C

Mar

Milder weather and fewer crowds

2°C - 9°C

Apr

Blooming spring and fewer tourists

4°C - 12°C

May

Mild weather and vibrant festivals

7°C - 15°C

Jun

Long daylight hours and cultural events

10°C - 17°C

Jul

Warm weather and less crowded

12°C - 19°C

Aug

Festival season but crowded

12°C - 18°C

Sep

Mild weather and fewer tourists

10°C - 16°C

Oct

Autumn colors and quieter streets

7°C - 13°C

Nov

Cosy atmosphere and fewer tourists

4°C - 9°C

Dec

Festive season but crowded

2°C - 7°C

A guide To your first day of Edinburgh vacation

morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and soak in the breathtaking views of the city.
Explore the Royal Mile, a historic street that stretches from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visit the various shops, cafes, and museums along the way.

afternoon

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take in the views of the city's landmarks.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland to learn about the country's fascinating history and explore the diverse collections of art, culture, and natural history.

evening

Indulge in a traditional Scottish dinner at a local pub or restaurant. Try some haggis, neeps, and tatties for an authentic taste of Scotland.
Experience the vibrant nightlife in Edinburgh. Head to bars and pubs in the Old Town or enjoy live music performances at one of the city's many venues.

night

Take a ghost tour through the historic streets of Edinburgh. Hear spooky stories and legends as you explore the city's haunted spots.
Enjoy a traditional Scottish whisky tasting experience. Visit a whisky bar or take a guided tour of a whisky distillery to sample a variety of Scottish whiskies.

How to get to Edinburgh

By Plane

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the primary airport for reaching the city. It offers convenient connections to major European and international destinations. Located just 25 minutes from the city center, travelers can easily reach their final destination via dedicated airport buses or taxis.

Check direct connections to EDI Airport

By other means

Edinburgh is well-served by an extensive public transport network. The Edinburgh Waverley railway station, situated in the heart of the city, provides frequent train services to various domestic and international destinations. Buses, trams, and taxis offer convenient options to explore the city and its surroundings.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!