EDINBURGH
With this Edinburgh travel guide, we hope you will get to experience some of the best things to do and see in this quaint little town in northern Europe. We will guide you through the city with details on how to get around, what to see, where to eat and the best locations to stay to enjoy them all.
HISTORY
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, sits at the base of an extinct volcano known as Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh's history stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of settlement on Castle Rock dating back to 8500 BC. The city officially became Scotland's capital in 1437 and has served as a major cultural, educational, and political center. Its history is marked by periods of growth, conflict, and transformation.
The city expanded with the construction of the New Town, a planned urban development. However, the Old Town faced issues of overcrowding and poor living conditions, leading to significant changes in the 19th century with redevelopment and the establishment of iconic landmarks like the Scott Monument.
Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995. Today, Edinburgh is a thriving city with a rich history, home to the Scottish Parliament, the highest courts in Scotland, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
For travel to Edinburgh, specific requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Non-UK citizens will need to ensure they have the necessary travel documents, which may include a passport, visa, or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Starting January 8, 2025, some nationalities, including U.S. citizens, may need an ETA for short visits or transit through the UK, even if they don't typically require a visa.
https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
English is the main language spoken in Edinburgh. However, there's a variety of accents and dialects within English spoken in Edinburgh, with some people also using the Scots language or Scottish Gaelic.
Scots: This is a West Germanic language historically spoken in the Lowlands of Scotland. While many consider it a dialect of English, others view it as a separate language.
Scottish Gaelic: This Celtic language is not as widely spoken as English or Scots, but it is still part of Scottish culture and has a presence in Edinburgh.
The local currency is the British pound sterling (GBP). It is also used throughout the rest of the United Kingdom.
On average, 1 GBP = 1.35 USD
On average 1 GBP = 1.15 EURO
In Edinburgh, the average temperature in summer (June, July, and August) typically ranges from a low of 9°C (48°F) to a high of 17°C (63°F).
June: Average high around 16°C (61°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
July: Average high around 18°C (64°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F).
August: Average high around 18°C (64°F), with lows around 11°C (52°F).
During winter (December, January, and February), the temperature typically ranges from 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F). January is usually the coldest month.
December: Average high of 6°C (43°F) and average low of 1°C (34°F).
January: Average high of 6°C (43°F) and average low of 1°C (34°F).
February: Average high of 6°C (43°F) and average low of 1°C (34°F).
The best time to visit the Scottish capital is between August to December. The city comes alive with music, laughter and theater during August. The Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe Festival, and the Royal Military Tattoo are held then. During December, enjoy the lights and sounds of the festive season with Christmas displays, holiday markets, and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. Don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes to explore the many cobblestone streets and warm clothing if your visiting during winter.
TRANSPORTATION
The public transport system in Edinburgh has been rated as one of the top operators in the UK. The city’s main bus, operated by Lothian, is available throughout the city and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bus tickets can be purchased on site via cash, or contactless payments. Mobile tickets are available on the Lothian app, which is free to download (TfEapp.com). All Lothian buses and Edinburgh trams are wheelchair accessible. Taxis are also widely available and operate 24/7. Please note, they are more expensive than public transportation.
The Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is about 7.5 miles west of the city center. The trams connect from the airport to the city in about 30 minutes. They operate daily from 7am to 7pm, with departures every 7 minutes. The Edinburgh tram connects from Newhaven in the east to the Edinburgh Airport in the west, passing through the city center with stops at the popular Princess Street and Haymarket Train Station.
From Newhaven:
The first tram leaves at 5:20am
The last tram leaves at 11:56pm
From Edinburgh Airport:
The first tram leaves at 6:30am
The last tram leaves at 10:52pm
A single one-way adult ticket between the airport and the city will cost about 7.90 GBP.
A single open return adult ticket between the airport and the city will cost about 9.50 GBP.
Children and family tickets are also available.
Remember to always buy tickets before you board.
Lothian operates the three bus services between the Edinburgh airport and the city. The express bus service, called AIRLINK 100, take about 30 minutes, has a dedicated baggage area, offers free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and operates 24/7. Then there are 2 regular bus routes that operate between the city and airport; Service 17 bus, formerly known as SKYLINK 200, and Service 18 formerly known as SKYLINK 400.
AIRLINK 100: Waverley Bridge <—> Airport
A single adult ticket starts from 5.50 GBP
Children and family fares are also available
Contactless Payments accepted, incl. Google/Apple Pay
SKYLINK 200 or Service 17: Ocean Terminal <—> Airport
A single adult ticket starts from 2.20 GBP
Children and family fares are also available
Contactless Payments accepted, incl. Google/Apple Pay
SKYLINK 400 or Service 18: Fort Kinnaird <—> Airport
A single adult ticket starts from 2.20 GBP
Children and family fares are also available
Contactless Payments accepted, incl. Google/Apple Pay
For journeys beyond the city, to places like Glasgow or Stirling, you can travel by train/rail from Edinburgh Waverley station. Also, if you’re anything like us (i.e. we like new things), then try out the country’s newest railway line, Borders Railway. Stirling is 50 minutes away, while Dunfermline is about 35 minutes away.
ATTRACTIONS
ROYAL MILE
In Scotland’s historic capital, you will find a series of streets, approximately one mile in length, connecting two royal residences, Edinburgh Castle at its west end and Palace of Holyroodhouse at its east end. Located in the old town if Edinburgh, the streets which make up the Royal Mile are (west to east) Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate and Abbey Strand.
https://ewh.org.uk/the-royal-mile/
EDINBURGH CASTLE
One of the most popular attractions in the city,,the Edinburgh Castle has served as a key fortress, a royal palace, and a safe-haven for the Crown Jewels. The castle has played a crucial role in Scottish life for more than 900 years.
https://www.edinburghcastle.scot
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, located just steps away from the Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile on Castlehill. Here, you will find five floors of interactive experiences with over 100 mind-bending optical illusions and engaging exhibits. Bonus, from the terrace located on the rooftop, you will see the views of the whole city.
https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk
THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE
Located just across the street from Camera Obscura, you will find the home of the Scotch whisky. It’s also home to The Diageo Claive Scotch Whisky Collection, the largest whisky collection in the world. Here, you can choose from a selection of whisky tours and experiences, ranging from 50 minutes up to 3 hours. Most tours are offered daily from 10am to 6:20pm and prices start from 24 GBP.
https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
PRINCESS STREET GARDENS
Located in the heart of the city, Princess Street Gardens is a beautiful green space that separates Edinburgh’s Old Town from its 18th century New Town. Here you will find a number of public monuments and memorials including the Scott Monument, the David Livingstone Statue, the Royal Scots Regimental Memorial, the Scots American War Memorial, the Ross Fountain, and the world-renowned Floral Clock. The park offers a perfect play area for children, plenty of space for picnics, reading, or relaxing walks along the paths. It is open daily at 7am, with closing times varying throughout the year.
SCOTT MONUMENT
Writer, author, and literary legend, Sir Walter Scott is the namesake behind one of Edinburgh’s most recognizable landmarks. The Scott monument, one of the largest in the world dedicated to a writer, can be found on Princess Street in the Princess Street Gardens. Climb the tower to the third floor for unforgettable views of the city. The memorial is open daily from 10am to 3:30pm, with guided tours available every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased (card payments only) on arrival and prices start at 7 GBP.
https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/scott-monument
SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY
Situated just below the Edinburgh Castle, in the western area of the Princess Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery is home to some of the greatest Scottish painters. It also referred to as the National Gallery of Scotland, or just the National. It also houses notable works by Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and other European painters. Entry is free and it opens daily from 10am to 5pm.
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-gallery
PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
Located at the end of the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse is the King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. While at the Palace, be sure to check out the King’s Gallery. The art gallery exhibits works from the Royal Collection, featuring old master paintings, rare furniture, decorative arts and images from the vast photograph collection. The Palace is open daily from 9:30am until September 8th 2025. After which, it is open 5 days a week from Thursday to Monday (i.e. closed on Tuesday and Wednesday). Ticket prices for the Palace and the King’s Gallery start at 10.50 GBP and 5.50 GBP respectively.
https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
At the museum, you will learn about all the world’s wonders including science, nature, art, design, fashion, and technology. Entry is free and it opens daily from 10am to 5pm.
https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland
CALTON HILL
One of Edinburgh’s main hills, Calton Hill, is an extinct volcano with panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline including landmarks like Princess Street, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s seat. It is also home to the National Monument of Scotland, an unfinished replica of the Parthenon in Athens. The acropolis-like structure sits atop of the hill and was built to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic wars. Walking up Calton Hill typically takes 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the route and your pace. The paths are well-maintained, and there's a gentle incline. Entry is free into this UNESCO World Heritage Site; however guided tours are also available for a fee.
“Live Your Life By A Compass, Not A Clock.”
— Stephen Covey