Edinburgh is a charming and historic capital of Scotland, known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and magical intrigue. The city is home to countless attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood House and Calton Hill with its many historic monuments.
The city has a diverse terrain and a pretty, old-world warren of snickets, stairways and cobbled streets where you’ll love discovering something new around every corner. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous trip, Edinburgh has something for everyone.
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Edinburgh is a popular destination for its quirks and charms. For example, the city is home to the ‘world's smallest pub’ (the Wee Pub), as well as the ‘world's narrowest house’ (the Skinny House). There's also a statue of a Skye Terrier dog named Greyfriars Bobby, whose nose you must touch for good luck!
Speaking of charms, the wild landscape and whimsical architecture of the city even inspired the Harry Potter novels - the author set about writing the first book in a coffee shop on George IV Bridge.
Edinburgh is also full of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. One of these is the hidden garden at Dunbar's Close, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Another is Dean Village, a picturesque area that feels like a tiny rural village. Don’t blame us when your phone storage gets chock-full of photos!
The Statue of Greyfriars Bobby
There are countless reasons why one should visit Edinburgh. The city is steeped in history and boasts an array of well-preserved Medieval and Georgian architecture, including the iconic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an extinct volcano and offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
Edinburgh is a cultural hub, with a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums and galleries including the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, as well as several annual festivals, including the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe during part of July and all of August. It’s a busy time in the city, but definitely the best time of year to visit.
The natural beauty surrounding the city is breathtaking. Nestled among rolling hills and surrounded by stunning countryside, Edinburgh city includes the nearby Pentland Hills and the picturesque coastlines of East Lothian and Fife. A trip to Edinburgh is incomplete without attempting the reach the summit of Arthur’s Seat, another ancient volcano peak set in royal parkland.
The Scottish capital is also known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals, making it a welcoming and inclusive destination for visitors from all walks of life. With so much to see and do, Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Scotland's rich history and culture.
Edinburgh has a vibrant food and drink scene that is sure to delight any traveller. Scottish cuisine features prominently in many restaurants throughout the city, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. There are now 5 restaurants in the city with Michelin Stars.
Visitors must sample traditional dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties (or turnips and potatoes to you and I), Cullen skink, a delicious soup of haddock, potatoes and onions, and the popular pudding of Caledonian cream, made with whipped cream, raspberries, and honey.
Scotland is also renowned for its whisky, and visitors to Edinburgh can enjoy tours of local distilleries, as well as sampling a range of single malts and blended whiskies in the city's many bars and pubs.
Try out some sweet treats too! Scottish parlies are a type of cookie, dark from treacle and richly favoured with ginger. They were once served to the upper-class members of the Scottish Parliament (hence the name) but are now freely available to all.
Great for kids: There are numerous family-friendly attractions and activities, including the Edinburgh Zoo and Dynamic Earth.
Explore the city's many museums and galleries, many of which offer free admission.
Edinburgh's surrounding towns and villages offer visitors the opportunity to explore more of Scotland's natural beauty and unique culture. Other nearby towns worth visiting include the harbour town of Leith on the city’s outskirts, as well as Dunbar and Falkirk.
The village of Cramond, located just a short distance from Edinburgh, offers visitors the opportunity to explore a charming coastal village with a rich history. Be sure to check out the Roman ruins and walk along the Cramond Island causeway during low tide..
A picturesque seaside town located just 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train. It's known for its sandy beaches, quaint shops, and picturesque harbour. Visitors can explore the ruins of the 13th-century castle, and take a boat trip to the nearby Bass Rock to see its famous gannet colony. Golf enthusiasts can also play a round at one of the town's two golf courses, including the North Berwick Golf Club, which is one of the oldest clubs in the world.
A historic university town located on the east coast of Scotland, known for its stunning golf courses and beautiful beaches. The town has a rich history dating back to the middle ages but it is probably best known for being the location where Prince William met Kate Middleton while studying at the illustrious university back in the early 2000s. Keen golfers will want to see The Old Course - one of the most famous golf courses in the world that has hosted the British Open numerous times.
A quaint town located on the banks of the Firth of Forth, known for its picturesque harbour and stunning views of the three Forth Bridges. The iconic Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the bridges up close, or simply stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the scenic views.
Edinburgh is easily accessible by plane, train, and car. Edinburgh Airport is located just a short distance from the city centre and the city is also well-connected by train, with regular services running from London and other major UK cities. Once in the city, visitors can easily get around by bus, tram, or taxi.
The scenery outside Edinburgh makes a road trip to the Scottish capital pretty irresistible. However, travelling by car within Edinburgh can be challenging, especially during peak traffic hours when the roads can be congested. However, if you do choose to drive, it's important to note that there are many one-way streets and restricted areas in the city centre, so it's essential to have a good map or GPS system to navigate.
Additionally, parking can be limited and expensive in certain areas, so it's advisable to plan ahead and book parking in advance if possible.
The city has a well-developed public transport network, including buses, trams, and trains, which is often a more convenient and cost-effective way to get around.
While public transport is generally efficient in the city, sometimes zipping around with a local at the wheel is preferable. Taxis can be expensive in the city though, so use them sparingly.
Exploring a city on two wheels is always fun and efficient, but be warned - Edinburgh is hilly so unless you’re an experienced cyclist you may struggle! Perhaps save two-wheeled adventures for the coastal promenade in Leith.
Edinburgh is very walkable, despite the hilly terrain. The city is fairly small, so distances between top attractions are short enough to enjoy at a leisurely pace, and all over the city, you’ll find not-so-secret snickets, alleys and stairways that will lead you to another pretty cobbled street.
Speaking of cobbles - they really are all over the city, so those with reduced mobility should be aware of uneven surfaces!
The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is mild, and there are many festivals and events happening in the city.
The currency used in Edinburgh is the British pound sterling (GBP).
The best way to get around Edinburgh is on foot, as many of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of each other. Alternatively, you can use public transport, including buses and trams.
Some of the must-visit attractions in Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, and the Scottish National Gallery.
Edinburgh has a vibrant food scene, with many restaurants offering traditional Scottish cuisine, including haggis, neeps, and tatties. There are also many international restaurants and trendy cafes in the city.
Yes, Edinburgh is a family-friendly destination, with many attractions and activities suitable for children, including the Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura, and the Edinburgh Dungeon.
Edinburgh has a bustling nightlife, with many pubs, bars, and nightclubs offering a variety of entertainment options. The city is especially lively during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.
