Edinburgh

Travel Guide

Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle which includes a park
Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden which includes a park and heritage elements

Edinburgh Travel Guide Video

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh,nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance,with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacioushomes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from itscliff. Edinburgh was declared a World HeritageSite in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

EdinburghCastle has to be the most beautiful building in town. This fortressis built over an ancient extinct volcano, defended the city against attacks forhundreds of years. Below this you’ll find The Royal Mile, which is an idealplace to start your exploration of the Scottish capital. The cobblestone streetsconnect the Palace of Holyrood, the current official royal residence, with itsmedieval counterpart, Edinburgh Castle. Along theroute you will find some of the most important buildings of the city, such asSt. Giles' Cathedral and Parliament House.

It is only a short walk to Princes Street Gardens,which stretch along Princes Street, the main shopping area of ​​the city. Inthis beautiful green space you’ll find memorials and monuments, including theScott Monument, built in striking Gothic style in honour of the writer, Sir.Walter Scott from its galleries you have an incredible view of the city.

But that’s not even the best. From the hills risingup behind the city, the view is even more beautiful. Hike to the top ofArthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, and up Calton Hill, which houses a number ofimpressive monuments, including the National Monument.

If you want escape the beaten track, Edinburghalso has a number of lesser-known locations. Dean Village is located in a greenarea and is just five minutes drive from the city centre. In this harbordistrict you’ll find numerous bars, cafes and restaurants. It is also the finalresting place for the royal yacht Britannia. This magnificent ship served theBritish royal family for over 40 years all over the world’s hazardous waters.

The two most popular months to visit Edinburgh,are December and August. In August there are several art festivals, includingthe legendary Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh Art Festival. In December,there are all kinds of Christmas attractions and markets. The month ends withone of the most famous street parties in the world: Edinburgh's Hogmanay.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

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Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,168 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Royal Mile to Princes Street – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

Edinburgh City Centre

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Princes Street or Royal Mile and hop on the metro to see more of 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

4.5/5(1,225 area reviews)

Travellers 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 Princes Street and Assembly Rooms.

New Town
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring interior views and boating

Leith

5/5(1 area review)

Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Edinburgh Port and Royal Yacht Britannia 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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Tollcross

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

Tollcross is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Usher Hall and King's Theatre while in the area.

Tollcross
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Haymarket

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Haymarket for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Princes Street and FountainPark. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Haymarket Tram Station.

Haymarket
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €245 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
€245
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,965 reviews)
"- Acknowledged any issues and service recovery was quick and met expectations. - Breakfast was great! - Staff, except for the guy that looks like a marvel hero with a thick eastern block accent -- he was rude. - Irian was very responsive, and we greatly appreciate his help. - Great location!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €245 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
€245
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,737 reviews)
"Anastasia greeted us and helped us with parking and luggage and made us feel particularly welcome. Everyone at the hotel is well trained in customer service and helping guests to be comfortable. The location is great, food is fine, would return."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
4 out of 5
132 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €166 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
€166
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great updated large rooms. excellent dinner options and a large Bar area. good parking"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
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.
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,129 reviews)
"Great location right on the Royal Mile. Comfortable and clean. In an old castle-looking building with up to date furnishings, decor and technology. Very eco-friendly."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
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 (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (922 reviews)
"Cozy, clean, and comfortable. Many thanks!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
3 out of 5
74 - 77 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,092 reviews)
"Incredibly convenient to the city centre! Just a short walk to the Royal Mile. Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
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

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2147
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
762
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
66
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great for shopping attractions and food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Edinburgh!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

would recommend the hop on hop off city tour buses great value,

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good place to stay at Edinburgh airpoft

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Had dinner at no 11 Brasserie and it was lovely food.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Too many begging people on pavements