University of Edinburgh Tours

University of Edinburgh which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
University of Edinburgh showing heritage architecture and heritage elements
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
University of Edinburgh showing heritage elements and heritage architecture


The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

Explore the campuses of the University of Edinburgh and soak up the academic atmosphere in its museums and galleries. Sights such as the quad of the Georgian Old College and the Gothic towers of New College on the Mound are iconic parts of the cityscape.

Visit the university, which was established in 1583 and has been at the cutting edge of academia ever since. The Higgs boson particle, Dolly the Sheep and the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle all have their origins here in its halls.

Learn about niche areas of study in the university's museums. See Renaissance flutes and a Nepali bowed lute in the Musical Instrument Museum or examine life masks in the Anatomical Museum, both of which have limited opening hours. The Natural History Collections and the Cockburn Geological Museum present research from their respective departments and are available for public viewing by appointment.

The Talbot Rice Gallery, the university's main gallery, features a permanent collection of contemporary art as well as visiting exhibitions. Discover the artists of the future at rooms displaying the work of students at Edinburgh College of Art. Works from across different disciplines are regularly presented for the public in the college's maze of halls and corridors.

Ponder life's big questions with intellectuals at one of the university's public lectures. Researchers and academics share or debate their thoughts in venues including George Square Lecture Theatre. Topics are wide ranging, covering anything from sustainable development to the life of women under the Romans.

Visit the University of Edinburgh in August and experience the unique atmosphere of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A month of comedy and art, with hundreds of performers taking over the city, uses the student union buildings to stage shows. Laugh for hours at some of the best comedians in the country or experiment with daring theater and acrobatics.

The University of Edinburgh is spread over different campuses linked by the Lothian Buses network. Book in advance for some of the museums and lectures since demand is great.

Plan a trip to see University of Edinburgh

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The Scotsman Hotel
First Lasswade Road House
First Pleasance Luxury Apartment

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Best Lodging Options Near University of Edinburgh

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

4 out of 5
80 High Street The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - 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.

Things to do near University of Edinburgh

Explore the vibrant atmosphere around the University of Edinburgh with its rich offerings of theater, festivals, and entertainment. Don't miss iconic tourist attractions like the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, which showcase the city's history and culture. Additionally, keep an eye out for outstanding conferences that often take place in this historic setting, making your visit both enjoyable and enriching.

Shopping

The Hub, located 0.4 miles from the University of Edinburgh, offers unique gifts, while the Tartan Weaving Mill, just 0.5 miles away, showcases traditional Scottish crafts. For a lively atmosphere, visit the Tron Kirk, also 0.4 miles from the university, featuring various local vendors.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 2 miles from the university. Just 0.3 miles away, Queen's Hall provides a vibrant setting for music lovers. For a fun ice-skating experience, head to Murrayfield Ice Rink, also 2 miles away, combining sports and adventure.

Adventure

Midlothian Ski Centre, 0.9 mile from the University of Edinburgh, offers thrilling ski experiences in a vibrant atmosphere. For paintball enthusiasts, Bedlam Paintball, 1 mile away, promises an action-packed adventure. Additionally, the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, 4 miles from campus, provides excellent skiing opportunities in a lively setting.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the University of Edinburgh offers a blend of excitement and charm. Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for a fun arcade experience. For a cozy evening, enjoy drinks at Greyfriar's Bobby, then catch a show at the King's Theatre for a taste of local culture.

Find the best attractions near University of Edinburgh

Exploring the University of Edinburgh offers a delightful mix of cultural and historical experiences. You can visit iconic attractions such as the Edinburgh Castle, along with various museums and monuments that showcase the city's rich heritage. These points of interest cater to families and travelers seeking an engaging city experience, ensuring your visit is both enriching and enjoyable.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers stunning views of the city and a deep dive into Scotland's royal history. With its majestic architecture and rich cultural significance, exploring the castle feels like stepping back in time.
  • Grassmarket: A vibrant area filled with shops, pubs, and eateries, Grassmarket is perfect for families seeking outdoor fun. Its lively atmosphere and historic charm make it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the local culture.
  • National Museum of Scotland: Just a short walk away, this museum showcases Scotland's history and heritage through engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore diverse collections that highlight the country's art, culture, and natural history.

Best time to go to University of Edinburgh

Visitor numbers around University of Edinburgh is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit University of Edinburgh can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around University of Edinburgh falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around University of Edinburgh falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Edinburgh

To save money on your trip to the University of Edinburgh, consider visiting between January and March for lower hotel rates. Book your stay about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations, and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for added savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings. Don’t forget to enter code autumn24 for additional offers!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of Edinburgh are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around University of Edinburgh is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of Edinburgh is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around University of Edinburgh is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, favorite destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category—just select the "Eco-certified" filter to view sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the University of Edinburgh with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.