Edinburgh

Travel Guide
Calton Hill featuring chateau or palace, a city and a sunset

Edinburgh Travel Guide Video

Visitors flock to the cultural and historic heart of Scotland to enjoy the city’s atmosphere and its many landmarks, parks and gardens.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, Edinburgh's incredibly rich history and culture goes back so much further. Wander down the medieval side-streets of the Old Town or past the spectacular Georgian avenues and homes of the New Town, and enjoy the aesthetic charm of the city. Always in view and perched high on an ancient volcano, is Edinburgh Castle, which defended the city against attack for hundreds of years.

A good starting point is The Royal Mile, a series of cobblestone streets which lead you right from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as well as taking you past some of Edinburgh's best loved landmarks. Among them you'll see St. Giles' Cathedral and Parliament House.

Explore Princes Street Gardens that runs the length of the main shopping area of Princes Street. Around this stunning park, you’ll find memorials and monuments, including the Gothic Scott Monument built as a tribute to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, and from which you can enjoy remarkable views of the city.

For the most rewarding views however, take a hike to the top of an extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat or to Calton Hill, with its impressive monuments.

To find more beautiful spaces to enjoy, try a little further afield. Dean Village for example lies in the countryside yet is just five minutes from the heart of town. While away a few relaxing hours in the port district in some of the great bars, cafés and restaurants. This is also where you’ll find the decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia, which was used to take the British royal family all across the globe in over 40 years' service and is now a museum, open to the public.

Edinburgh is a fine city to visit all through the year. However some of the best times to visit are December and August. In the summer months, Edinburgh hosts some renowned arts festivals to which visitors flock from far and wide. The most famous of these are the Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh Art Festival. At Christmas the city takes on a magical feel with plenty of attractions and markets, and at New Year, join in with the famous Hogmanay street party, a great way to round off the year and welcome in a new one.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Old Town which includes street scenes and heritage elements

Old Town Edinburgh

5/5(1 area review)

Old Town Edinburgh is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile.

Old Town Edinburgh
Calton Hill which includes skyline, general coastal views and a city

Edinburgh City Centre

While you're in Edinburgh City Centre, take in top sights like Edinburgh Castle or Royal Mile, and hop on the metro to see more the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
Edinburgh which includes night scenes and heritage architecture

New Town

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers love New Town for its popular shops, and you can see more of Edinburgh by jumping on the metro at Princes Street Tram Stop or St Andrew Square Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Assembly Rooms and George Street.

New Town
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring boating and interior views

Leith

Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Leith Links and Edinburgh Port are major draws, and you can catch the metro at The Shore Tram Stop or Port of Leith Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Leith
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Haymarket

Take time in Haymarket to visit attractions like FountainPark and Princes Street. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Haymarket Tram Station to see more of the city.

Haymarket
National Library of Scotland which includes signage and interior views

Southside

If you're spending some time in Southside, Festival Theatre and The Meadows are top sights worth seeing.

Southside
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,274 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
P6,274
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,871 reviews)
"Picked this place as it looked high tech, the reclinable bed was a nice touch, the rainfall shower is nice though did get random hot and cold flashes in there and despite the door being closed the water tended to leak out and form a puddle outside the shower door, just had to keep the floor towel ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

YOTEL Edinburgh
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is P7,034 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P7,034
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,020 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,621 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
P6,621
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
"Staff very helpful and attentive"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Eden Locke
Eden Locke
4 out of 5
127 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (952 reviews)
"It was perfectly located, the staff was very helpful and kind. I also liked the café on site."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Eden Locke
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
4 out of 5
26 King's Stables Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (484 reviews)
Beautiful castle view
"This is an amazing location! You’ll feel like you live in Edinburgh!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
3.5 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,593 reviews)
Great location, quiet
"Clean, quiet, friendly staff close to everything. Slept like a baby!"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Edinburgh

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
18 Sep 2019

Edinburgh is lovely!

5/5 - Excellent

JLaw27
26 Jan 2019

If youre walking from Waverley Train station to the Hotel (10 min) prepare for an uphill climb or serious flight of stairs