Edinburgh: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Edinburgh Travel Guide

Overview

Scotland's capital is one of Europe's most dramatic cities. A castle crowns an extinct volcano, a medieval spine of tall tenements runs down to a royal palace, and across a valley of gardens the elegant Georgian New Town is laid out in neat terraces. Together the Old and New Towns form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Edinburgh is compact, walkable and steeped in literature, from Robert Louis Stevenson and Walter Scott to the cafés where modern authors wrote. In August it becomes the world's biggest arts festival city.

Best Time to Visit

Edinburgh's weather is changeable all year, so pack layers and a waterproof whatever the month.

• May to June: Long daylight hours and comparatively settled weather, before the summer peak.
• August: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Book Festival fill the city with shows. It is exhilarating but extremely busy, and accommodation must be booked well ahead.
• September to October: Quieter, with autumn colour in the parks.
• Winter: Short, dark days, but Christmas markets and Hogmanay, Scotland's famous New Year celebration with a street party and fireworks, draw large crowds.

Top Attractions

1. Edinburgh Castle – Home of the Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland), the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel, the city's oldest building. Book timed tickets online.
2. The Royal Mile – The cobbled street linking the castle with Holyrood, lined with closes (narrow alleys), St Giles' Cathedral and shops selling tartan and whisky.
3. Palace of Holyroodhouse – The monarch's official residence in Scotland, with the romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey; check for closures during royal visits.
4. Arthur's Seat – A walk up the extinct volcano in Holyrood Park gives sweeping views over the city and the Firth of Forth.
5. Calton Hill – An easier climb with monuments and a classic sunset view down Princes Street.
6. National Museum of Scotland – Free entry, with collections ranging from Dolly the sheep to Scottish history and world cultures; don't miss the rooftop terrace.
7. Scottish National Gallery – Free, on the Mound between the Old and New Towns.
8. Dean Village and the Water of Leith – A riverside walk past old mill buildings to Stockbridge and its Sunday market.
9. Royal Yacht Britannia – The former royal yacht, moored at Leith.
10. Underground vaults and closes – Guided tours explore hidden streets beneath the Old Town, such as Mary King's Close.

Food and Drink

Scottish classics include haggis, neeps and tatties (vegetarian haggis is widely available), Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup), fresh seafood and salmon, and cranachan, a dessert of raspberries, cream, whisky and oats. Breakfast may include tattie scones and black pudding. Leith, the port district, has some of the city's best restaurants. Whisky lovers can join a tasting in the Old Town. Edinburgh also has a long-established South Asian food scene, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan cafés.

Getting There and Around

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) has flights across the UK and Europe and some long-haul routes. Airport buses and the tram connect it to the city centre. Edinburgh Waverley station lies in the valley between the Old and New Towns, with trains from London King's Cross taking around four and a half hours, plus frequent services to Glasgow and the Highlands.

The centre is very walkable, though hills and steps are steep. Lothian Buses and the tram accept contactless payment. For day trips, trains reach the Forth Bridge at North Queensferry, and coach tours run to Loch Ness, Stirling Castle and the Highlands.

Where to Stay

• Old Town: Atmospheric and central, near the castle and the Royal Mile.
• New Town: Elegant Georgian streets, upscale hotels and shopping.
• Stockbridge: Village feel, cafés and a weekend market.
• Leith: Waterfront dining and better value.
• Haymarket and Bruntsfield: Good transport links and quieter streets.

Budget Tips

• The National Museum, Scottish National Gallery and several other museums are free.
• Climbing Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill costs nothing.
• The Fringe has many free and pay-what-you-want shows.
• Book train tickets from England in advance for lower fares.
• Hotel prices spike in August and at Hogmanay; voyagiro.com compares 27+ booking sites for free, which helps find a room when the city is busy.

Practical Information

• Visa: Edinburgh is in the UK; many visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa. Check GOV.UK before booking.
• Currency: Pound sterling (GBP). Scottish banks issue their own notes, which are legal currency in the UK.
• Plugs: Type G, three-pin.
• Tourist tax: Edinburgh has approved a visitor levy on overnight stays; check the City of Edinburgh Council website for the current rate and start date.