2024 Edinburgh Travel Guide (+ Free Download)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here.
The capital of Scotland is an enchanting city that mixes medieval history, natural landscape, and urban life in a way that few places can. But with so much to see, it can be difficult to know what to include in your itinerary. In this Edinburgh Travel Guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about Edinburgh to help you plan the ideal Scottish getaway!
Free Edinburgh Itinerary Download
Erica and I enjoy making the best itineraries on the internet. We are biased. Download our FREE Edinburgh Itinerary. No email is needed; it is immediately downloaded to your computer or phone.
Our Edinburgh Itinerary is a sample of our larger Wayfinder Itineraries for Paris and London. Our full itineraries are just as impressive as the Edinburgh Itinerary, but they are better. They include five excursion days and a Transport Guide (infographic and video). Enjoy this Edinburgh Itinerary, and if you’re headed to Paris or London, check out our Wayfinder Itineraries (coming in December).
Edinburgh Video Guide
Check out our Edinburgh Travel Guide video for more tips on visiting Edinburgh. Plus, this video will familiarize you with this ancient city’s look and feel.
Edinburgh Facts
We love a good Edinburgh fact, and we bet you will, too. If nothing else, you can impress your seatmate with these on the flight over.
- Although English is the primary language, Scots is a minority language spoken by approximately 30% of people. Scottish Gaelic is another minority language, although just 1% of the population can speak it.
- There are more trees per head here than any other city in the UK.
- Parts of Harry Potter were written in The Elephant House, a cafe on Victoria Street in Old Town, Edinburgh. The original cafe burned down, but you can get a pint of Butter Beer at the new cafe!
- Despite its name, the Royal Mile measures one mile and 107 yards!
- Sir Nils Olav, a King penguin living in the Edinburgh Zoo, is the only knighted penguin in the world.
- The national animal of Scotland is the unicorn.
Edinburgh Geography
Edinburgh is located in the southeastern part of Scotland, right on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. It’s roughly 100 square miles in size with a year-round population of 540,000 people (it’s the second-largest city in Scotland after Glasgow).
In the heart of the city center sits Old Town, which contains Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, including the Royal Mile and the Edinburgh Castle. To the north of Old Town is New Town, a more modern neighborhood (built in the 18th century) with various restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Free Download!
1 DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY
If you have limited time in this capital city, don’t miss out. Our one day itinerary takes you to great spots on an easy walking tour of London.
Download to your phone and take it on the go.
Edinburgh Travel Details: Fast FAQs
Let’s get some quick faqs out of the way before we dive into Edinburgh trip planning details.
What’s the currency?
Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom use the pound sterling (commonly referred to as the pound). It can be written either as £ or as GBP.
Do I need cash in Edinburgh?
Most places in Edinburgh will accept credit cards, so you don’t have to carry loads of cash. Even the street performers we saw took Venmo or other online payments! However, we recommend keeping a few pounds in your pocket for small items or vendors that may not accept cards.
Can I use my electronics in Edinburgh?
If you’re coming from the States, you’ll need a plug adapter to use your electronics. Edinburgh (and the UK) has a voltage of 230V and uses Type G plugs. Most of the small electronics we travel with (phones, tablets, and computers) can be used with both voltages using a cheap and light plug adapter.
Hair tools, like a hair dryer or curling iron, are trickier and not as easy to use abroad. The voltage conversion could break your heat-styling tools, so it’s best not to use them abroad!
Is a visa needed to visit Edinburgh and the rest of the UK?
American citizens traveling for tourism do not require a visa for short stays to Edinburgh or the rest of the UK.
You can use this UK government website to check your country-specific visa requirements
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Edinburgh?
There’s so much to do in Edinburgh any month of the year. However, the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October) are a great time to go as they are less crowded than summer, and there are still plenty of days of sun and relatively friendly weather.
July and August are the busiest months to visit. Not only will you be dealing with crowds of tourists, but you’ll also find that flights and accommodation are quite expensive.
Remember that popular events like the Military Tattoo and the Fringe Festival take place throughout August, which drives up the price for incoming visitors.
Sites like the Royal Mile are also extremely crowded during this time (we’re talking shoulder-to-shoulder!). While it can be overwhelming and gritty, it’s still a fun, must-see experience if you’re in town.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Edinburgh?
The central part of Edinburgh is a compact and walkable city, so two or three days is a good amount of time to spend. This would allow you to tick off a few Old Town and New Town sites without feeling too rushed.
If you choose to spend longer than three days, you might consider taking a day trip outside the city to Stirling Castle. You can also drive to the Highlands and take a guided tour of Inverness and Loch Ness. It’s roughly a 3.5-hour drive, but worth it to see this beautiful part of the country!
How Much Does a Trip to Edinburgh Cost?
Edinburgh is not a cheap destination. It’s considered one of Europe’s most expensive cities for lodging! This is mainly due to prices in August for the festivals we mentioned above since those costs drive up the average price of rooms for the year.
To give you an idea of how much things cost, let’s look at an example itinerary for 2 full days and 3 nights for two people traveling in September.
- Roundtrip train ticket from London to Edinburgh Waverly Train Station: £40 per person
- Hotel stay at the Mercure Edinburgh City – Princes Street Hotel (3 star): £383 per night
- Food:
- £10 breakfast and coffee (some hotels include breakfast)
- £15 for lunch
- £25 for dinners.
- Tours: Guided tours are not expensive (lots of walking tours are often free). There are many options – history tours, ghost tours, bus tours, Harry Potter tours, etc.
- £25 per person
- Edinburgh Castle Tickets:
- £19.50 per adult
- £11:40 per child (7 to 15)
- There are also discounted package tickets for families
- Transport: walking is free!
- Total: £1,418 for two people
- Make sure to budget for other expenses, like beers or whisky at the pub or local souvenirs (tartan scarves and kilts make great gifts!).
Getting to Edinburgh
Getting to Edinburgh from London via train
London is a central transportation hub for people traveling to and from Edinburgh. There aren’t any direct trains going to Edinburgh from the airports, but you can always head into the city first. You can take the direct train from London Euston (6 hours) or London Kings Cross (5 hours).
Getting to Edinburgh from Edinburgh Airport
If you are flying directly into Scotland, there are several ways to get into the city center of Edinburgh.
The easiest way is by tram. From the airport, the ride to New Town is only 30 minutes. There are even luggage racks on the tram to bring your big suitcases. You can also travel from the airport with the Bright Bus Airport Express or by taxi or Uber, taking you to New Town in about 20 to 25 minutes.
Getting around Edinburgh
As we said, Edinburgh is small, compact, and relatively walkable. But if you want to venture further out (or if you’ve had your fill of walking), there are different transportation methods to help you get around.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t be afraid to take the bus. It’s cheap, easy to navigate, and will take you almost anywhere you need to go. Expect a single journey to cost about £2 per person (with a cap for Lothian of £4.80/day or £22/week).
- There are two main bus companies. Lothian Buses has more than 50 routes that cover all of Edinburgh and some nearby surrounding areas. You can buy a paper ticket or just use your contactless card as you board! Tap in on every journey with the same card, and you’ll be charged the lowest rate for the trips you take with a daily and weekly maximum.
First Buses is the other company, and they offer contactless payments as well, but there is no daily cap. Pay in exact change or download their app to buy tickets at the lowest price. - Most people use the Edinburgh Tram to and from the airport. Besides that, you probably won’t be using it for the main tourist sites. Buy your tickets (£7 per adult) at the tram vending machines at the station with a credit card, exact change, or via the Lothian Buses app.
- Taxis are readily available but more expensive than buses or trams. From the airport, you can expect to pay around £30 to £40. If you’re doing a short trip within the city, the price will likely be around £10. You can flag them down or hail one via the FREENOW app.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
As a tourist, you’ll likely want to book a hotel somewhere along the Royal Mile, as it’s close to all the most popular sights and attractions in the city. You can find a variety of high-end and mid-range options here. If you’re looking for a reliable chain with multiple locations, try Ibis or Premier Inn, both of which are really nice and clean 3-star hotels.
Either way, make sure to book early. Things can get expensive or even sell out months in advance. To give you somewhere to start, we list a few options around Edinburgh, each of which have their own personality.
Old Town
As the heart of Edinburgh’s historic center, Old Town is comprised of winding alleys, cobbled streets, and charming architecture. It’s also here where you’ll find the Royal Mile, as well as St. Giles’ Cathedral, Grassmarket, and the National Museum of Scotland. This is an excellent choice for first-time visitors or anyone who wants to be in the center of all the action!
- The Scotsman Hotel: Just one block from the Edinburgh Waverly train station. This is a tasteful, luxury hotel with a bar, restaurant, and even a built-in Art Deco-styled movie theater.
- The Witchery: With only 9 rooms, the Witchery is a stunning hotel located inside a collection of historic buildings dating back to the late 1500s. It is famous for its afternoon tea and fine dining restaurant (the Original Dining Room).
New Town
Largely developed in the 18th century, New Town is a great neighborhood for shopping, picturesque gardens, and beautiful neoclassical architecture. Even though it’s just a 5 to 10-minute walk north from Old Town, it is more spacious and better laid out, so it doesn’t feel overly crowded.
- Tigerlily: Eclectic boutique hotel with 33 rooms on top of one of the city’s hottest and trendiest bars.
- Kimpton Charlotte Square: A perfect mix of modern and classical, this luxury hotel has a private outdoor courtyard, fitness center, spa, and indoor pool. We loved the on-site restaurant (BABA Bar), which also hosts a complimentary social hour every night from 5 to 6 PM.
Stockbridge
To the north of New Town, you’ll find Stockbridge. This neighborhood feels more like a local village, with boutique shops, trendy cafes, and more vacation rentals than hotels. Running through the heart of Stockbridge is the Water of Leith River, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll away from the bustle of the tourist areas.
- The Raeburn: A family home turned luxury boutique hotel. In addition to the 10 guest rooms, the hotel has a bar, restaurant, library, and outdoor terrace.
- 7 Gloucester Square: You’ll feel like a local when you book this 3-bedroom home. It features a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and free parking.
Leith
Over the past few years, Leith has transformed from a harbor area to a bustling, hip neighborhood with a thriving arts scene. It’s located on the water, so there are plenty of waterfront bars, restaurants, and art galleries, as well as the Royal Yacht Britannia. You can get to the Old Town in 15 minutes by car or 35 minutes by bus.
- Malmaison: Perched right on the edge of the waterfront. The on-site restaurant has breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner.
- Fingal: For a truly unique experience, book a room on this 5-star yacht. There is a reason why TripAdvisor named it the #1 luxury hotel in all of the United Kingdom!
Free Download!
1 DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY
If you have limited time in this capital city, don’t miss out. Our one day itinerary takes you to great spots on an easy walking tour of London.
Download to your phone and take it on the go.
Things to Do in Edinburgh: Classic Experiences
Edinburgh Castle
As the most popular attraction in the country, a visit to the historic Edinburgh Castle is a must during your visit. Over the last 1,000 years, it’s been used as a royal residence, a treasury, and even a prison.
The castle is located atop a volcanic rock in the middle of Old Town and can be seen from almost every corner of Edinburgh. You can easily walk up to the entrance of the castle, which sits a 15-20 minute walk from the Royal Mile.
There’s a lot to see and learn here, so we recommend going with a tour to shed more insight on the history and architecture of the castle. But if you want to go on your own, book tickets early, as they can sell out days in advance.
Royal Mile
This iconic street is arguably the most famous in all of Scotland. Running from Edinburgh Castle all the way down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is dotted with shops, cafes, restaurants, and numerous landmarks.
- Grassmarket Square: Located below Edinburgh Castle, this market is home to handicraft shops, cute cafes, and a variety of delicious restaurants.
- Victoria Street: This famous street is known for its multi-story, pastel-colored buildings. Come to dine, shop, or just take a few photos!
- St. Gile’s Cathedral: Founded in the 12th century, St. Giles’ Cathedral was where John Knox preached during the Scottish Reformation. Architectural highlights include the Victorian stained glass windows and the medieval crown steeple.
- Closes: Branching off of the Royal Mile are closes, which are essentially a passageway that leads to different courtyards or buildings. There are quite a few to see in this area, but Trunk’s Close, Paisley’s Close, and Dunbar Close are some of the most famous. There’s also a popular tourist attraction at Mary King’s Close, find out if it’s worth a visit with our review.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: This has been the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland since the 16th century. Book a tour of the palace, or on a nice day, go for a walk around the 10-acre royal gardens.
We take you on a tour of the Royal Mile in this video, but you can also go with a pro and book a Royal Mile Walking Tour.
Princes Street Gardens
If you’re looking for somewhere to rest or catch a breath of fresh air, head to the Princes Street Gardens. These two parks, referred to as the East Princes Street Gardens and the West Princes Street Gardens, are located right next to each other at the base of Edinburgh Castle.
While many people come for a walk or picnic, others come to see the different statues and monuments scattered about. There are also some cafes and snack bars, as well as an outdoor concert venue.
Hike Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the peak of an extinct volcano that erupted over 350 million years ago. Several different routes lead up to the top, which boasts panoramic views of the entire city of Edinburgh. Some are longer and steeper than others, but plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours walking up and down.
If the trek is too strenuous for you, you can climb to the top of Calton Hill instead. The trail to the top only takes 20 minutes and still offers some superb views of the city center as well as Arthur’s Seat.
Dean Village
Dean Village is like stepping foot inside the pages of a fairytale. Set along the Water of Leith, this neighborhood is full of well-reserved cottages and Victorian buildings. Plus, it’s surrounded by trees, wildflowers, and the babbling river, giving it an even more picturesque atmosphere!
Visit a Museum
Edinburgh is a city for museum lovers. There are so many different ones to choose from, but here is a short list of our favorites:
- Writers’ Museum: Dedicated to the lives of Scottish writers and poets, including Rober Burns, Walt Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
- Gladstone’s Land: This is an interesting museum about the lives of people in Edinburgh throughout history.
- Camera Obscura: Five floors of optical illusions, light shows, and interactive exhibits.
- National Museum of Scotland: Huge range of historical artifacts, natural history specimens, and contemporary art.
If you have spare time, you can also visit the following museums:
- National Galleries of Scotland: Comprised of three major art galleries (National, Portrait, and Modern)
- Museum of Childhood: A free museum featuring toys, games, and interactive exhibits that kids and families will love.
- Museum on the Mound: Exhibits all about finance and economics (lots of things are interactive and hands-on, so it’s a lot more fun than you may think).
- Museum of Edinburgh: Learn all about the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
- Dynamic Earth: Fascinating science museum that’s just as fun as it is educational.
Royal Yacht Britannica
The Royal Yacht Britannica was used by Queen Elizabeth II from 1954 until 1997. Hop on board this beautifully crafted vessel to see the royal apartments, crew quarters, engine room, and more. Make sure to grab a snack in the Royal Deck Tea Room to enjoy a taste of royalty while soaking in the beautiful water views.
Festivals
Although August is the busiest and most chaotic time to visit Edinburgh, you can participate in two of the city’s most famous festivals.
The Fringe Festival is the world’s largest arts fair. As an open-access festival, anyone can perform here, so expect to see diverse dance, theater, comedy, cabaret, opera, and more performances. The festival takes place in different venues across the city, making it a great opportunity to explore Edinburgh while also seeing amazing performances.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo also takes place in August. It features military bands and performances from different countries around the world. In addition to the music, the shows are accompanied by lighting effects, projections, and sometimes even fireworks!
Where to Eat in Edinburgh
There are some amazing restaurants in Edinburgh, but here are a couple of places we can recommend first-hand:
- Oink: Small chain specializing in pulled pork sandwiches
- Whiski Bar & Restaurant: Traditional Scottish food with nightly live music
- Timberyard: A Michelin Star restaurant focusing on locally sourced ingredients from artisan suppliers
- Fhior: Upscale fine dining with 7 or 10-course tasting menu
- The Pantry: Simple delicious food that’s great for breakfast, brunch, or lunch
- Scran Bistro: Another good choice for breakfast with 3 locations around the city
- Johnnie Walker or The Scotch Whiskey Experience: Fun tasting spot for whisky lovers! Tours are also available.
Heading Out of Edinburgh
Have a day or two to spare? Then take a day trip to one of these exciting sites around Scotland.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is a 15th-century fortress that has survived eight different sieges, many of which took place during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It’s a 1-hour drive by car or a 50-minute ride on the train. If you take the train, you’ll need to walk 15-20 minutes or hire a taxi to take you to the castle.
Inverness, Loch Ness, and the Scottish Highlands
Although it’s 3.5 hours from Edinburgh, a visit to the Scottish Highlands will show you the stunning natural beauty the country is known for. Explore the deep water lake of Loch Ness (yes, this is where the supposed Loch Ness Monster lives!) or stroll through the vibrant city of Inverness. Renting a car is advised as it’ll allow you to explore the mountains, glens, and rugged landscapes.
- So much more than the Loch Ness Monster, read our 18 Things to Do in Inverness.
- Review: Tour from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands (1-Day Tour)
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides islands. This area is gorgeous, with picturesque villages, historic castles, and dramatic cliffs. It’s highly recommended you stay the night here, as it’s about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Edinburgh. Watch our video for a full guide to Skye.
Thinking of Adding London to Your Travels?
Check out our one-day London Itinerary, which includes a walking tour of the city’s best sites.
Free Download!
1 DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY
If you have limited time in this capital city, don’t miss out. Our one day itinerary takes you to great spots on an easy walking tour of London.
Download to your phone and take it on the go.
