Edinburgh

Travel Guide
Calton Hill which includes a city, skyline and heritage architecture
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.

Edinburgh Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Britannia Hotel Edinburgh
Britannia Hotel Edinburgh
3 out of 5
69 Belford Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €52 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
€52
per night
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,010 reviews)
"THANK YOU"

Reviewed on 25 May 2023

Britannia Hotel Edinburgh
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club
4 out of 5
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, Kirknewton, Scotland
The price is €166 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
€166
per night
2 Jul - 3 Jul
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Kirknewton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Beautiful property!"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2023

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club
Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
4 out of 5
1 Morrison Link, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €185 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
€185
per night
2 Jul - 3 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,237 reviews)
"Location. Good breakfast. Courtesy service close to Hay market Station"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2023

Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
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.
Eden Locke
Eden Locke
4 out of 5
127 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (829 reviews)
"Eden Locke provided an exceptional experience for me the week I was in town. Friendly staff, clean rooms, and modern property!"

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2023

Eden Locke
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 apartment in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,611 reviews)
"Excellent location, helpful staff, big rooms. Perfect hotel for a visit to Edinburgh’s old town."

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2023

Cheval Old Town Chambers
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
3.5 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,397 reviews)
"Awesome! Only issue was no shampoo :("

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2023

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Edinburgh

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2147
" "5 - Excellent 71.95040214477211%
4 - Good
762
" "4 - Good 25.536193029490615%
3 - Okay
66
" "3 - Okay 2.2117962466487935%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 0.13404825737265416%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 0.1675603217158177%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Mar 2020

Great for shopping attractions and food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Mar 2020

Love Edinburgh!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Good place to stay at Edinburgh airpoft

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Mar 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

Too many begging people on pavements