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 Edinburgh Castle to Royal Mile – 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 Edinburgh Castle or Princes Street 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 Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre 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
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €171 per night from 26 Jun to 27 Jun
€171
26 Jun - 27 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,259 reviews)
"Great shower. Bed was uncomfortable. Nice enough room."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

YOTEL Edinburgh
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €156 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
€156
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,506 reviews)
"Staff was quite helpful and very welcoming. Clean room."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €197 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
€197
29 Jun - 30 Jun
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! (1,929 reviews)
"Excellent location! Great restaurants right across the street and can see castle. Beds were comfy but didn’t like the small bathroom/ tub was super tall and hard to get into and sink was small too close to toilet."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Apex Grassmarket 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.
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! (2,112 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Cheval Old Town Chambers
Cheval Old Town Chambers
5 out of 5
Royal Mile, 329 High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,092 reviews)
"Excellent room as central as you can get"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Cheval Old Town Chambers
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! (1,083 reviews)
"Veey convinient location."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

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