EDINBURGH
With this 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.
GETTING AROUND
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.
“It all begins with an idea.”
— UNKNOWN