Edinburgh

Travel Guide

Calton Hill which includes a sunset, skyline and a city
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle which includes a park
Princes Street Gardens which includes a garden
Royal Botanic Garden featuring heritage elements and a park

Edinburgh Travel Guide Video

Scotland’s capital is filled with attractive landmarks, parks and gardens, and hosts cultural festivals that draw millions of visitors each year.

Nestled beside long extinct volcanoes and built on seven hills, Edinburgh offers spectacular scenery in a rugged setting. The city itself is visually impressive with the medieval buildings of the Old Town and the wide Georgian roads and spacious homes of the New Town. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995. The city’s crowning glory and the reason for its existence is Edinburgh Castle. For hundreds of years, this fortress perched on an ancient volcano defended the city from attack. Start your exploration of Scotland’s capital city at The Royal Mile. This series of cobblestone streets links the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an official royal residence. Along the route you’ll come across some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral and Parliament House.Just a short walk away is Princes Street Gardens, which runs the length of Princes Street, the city’s main shopping area. While you are enjoying this pretty green space, visit some of its memorials and monuments including the Scott Monument. This Gothic structure was built to honor the novelist Sir Walter Scott. Its viewing galleries offer good views of the city.Enjoy even more beautiful views from the hills that rise over the city. Hike to the summits of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, and Calton Hill, which is home to a number of impressive monuments.Veer off the beaten track and explore some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known sites. Dean Village is surrounded by countryside and is just five minutes from the city center. The port district has a wealth of bars, cafes and restaurants and is also the final resting place of the Royal Yacht Britannia. This magnificent vessel sailed the British royal family around the world for more than 40 years. Two of the most popular months to visit Edinburgh are December and August. Overlapping arts festivals running through August include the Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh Art Festival. December is packed with Yuletide attractions and markets, and is rounded off with one of the world’s most famous street parties: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh showing street scenes, outdoor eating and a city

Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,280 area reviews)

Preserving its medieval street plan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features the Royal Mile, St. Giles' Cathedral, and the National Museum of Scotland. Explore narrow closes and hidden passages for a unique experience.

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

Edinburgh City Centre

While you're in Edinburgh City Centre, take in top sights like Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle, and hop on the metro to see more 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(898 area reviews)

Discover original neo-classical and Georgian architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy Building. Shop along Princes Street, George Street, and the newly redeveloped St James Quarter.

New Town
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring boating and interior views

Leith

3/5(1 area review)

Undergoing significant regeneration, Leith boasts a busy port, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Ocean Terminal shopping centre. The shore area offers charming pubs and restaurants, while cultural attractions include Leith Theatre and Leith School of Art.

Leith
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Tollcross

4.5/5(34 area reviews)

Travelers come to Tollcross for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Usher Hall and King's Theatre while you're in town.

Tollcross
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West End

4.5/5(193 area reviews)

Visitors to West End love its popular shops, and you can check out Dean Village and Johnnie Walker Princes Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Haymarket Tram Station.

West End
Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$223 nightly
The price is $268 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$268 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and 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! (2,048 reviews)
Great location in Grassmarket
"The service and staff were outstanding"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$214 nightly
The price is $257 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$257 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,787 reviews)
"Perfectly situated around the major sites of Edinburgh. Outstanding service. Excellent, complete breakfast. No complaints!"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
$145 nightly
The price is $174 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$174 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hostal in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (987 reviews)
"Last minute option for the Fringe, reasonably priced considering and pods were nice comfortable and private. Didn't even notice the other 9 folks in the room!"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
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! (2,205 reviews)
"great location . comfortable accommodation"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court

PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court

4 out of 5
121 Grove St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (376 reviews)
"Nice property. Well maintained and clean"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court
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! (958 reviews)
"Awesome hotel in a great part of down just around the corner and a small uphill walk to the castle. The staff was excellent and very friendly. The room was very nice with a decent view. It’s a bit dated but not bad at all. I’d seek out this hotel again."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
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.

Getting around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is fairly compact and exploring the winding streets of its oldest areas on foot is an experience not to be missed. Most of the central neighborhoods are less than a half-hour walk away from one another. Get further out from the center by using the reliable bus network, run by FirstBus. Ticket prices are reasonable and buses are frequent. Taxis are also a common sight in the streets. Visit the Transport for Edinburgh Opens in a new window website.Browse Edinburgh rental cars.

Best time to visit

Some say August is the only time of year to visit Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a vast event of performing arts, transforms the city throughout the month. Visit then to find the streets packed and the bars open all night. Be aware, though, that accommodations are extremely expensive in August and fill up months in advance. A spring or fall visit will show you a more sedate side to the city.

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