Edinburgh, United Kingdom: travel guide
A castle on volcanic rock, a medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town
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.
About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is built across a ridge of volcanic rock, with the castle on top and the medieval Old Town running down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Across a valley sits the planned Georgian New Town, a calmer grid of squares and terraces.
The city is easy to cover on foot. You can climb Arthur's Seat for a view over the rooftops and the Firth of Forth, spend an afternoon in the National Museum of Scotland, and explore the closes and vaults off the main street. In August the festivals, including the Fringe, fill theatres and streets.
Edinburgh suits history lovers, writers and festival-goers, and is a good base for the Highlands. Late spring and summer have the longest days, while winter brings short days and crisp light.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- EDI
Last updated
Top places to visit in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military
military-tattoo · 4.9 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
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
urban-beach · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
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 £20 (≈ ₹2,460)
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 · check the fee at the gate
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 · free entry
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 · free entry
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 £20 (≈ ₹2,460)
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
arts-festival · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
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
hilltop · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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
central-park · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
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
royal-mile · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
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
national-museum · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · free entry
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 to Edinburgh
Airport: Edinburgh (EDI)
Getting around
- Bus
- Tram
- Walking
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.
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Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Edinburgh?
- The highest-rated places in our Edinburgh guide are Edinburgh Royal Edinburgh Military, National Museum of Scotland, Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Calton Hill.
- Where should I stay in Edinburgh?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Edinburgh: Old Town (Royal Mile), New Town (George Street).
- How do I get around Edinburgh?
- Ways to get around Edinburgh covered in our guide: City bus, Tram, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Edinburgh?
- Scams reported to us for Edinburgh include Festival Ticket Touting; ATM Card Skimming. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Edinburgh?
- The nearest airport to Edinburgh has the code EDI.