Edinburgh

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

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

Old Town showing heritage elements and street scenes

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 Royal Mile 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 Assembly Rooms and George Street.

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 Leith Links and Edinburgh Port 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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Haymarket

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Haymarket for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like FountainPark and Princes Street. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Haymarket Tram Station.

Haymarket
National Library of Scotland featuring signage and interior views

Southside

If you're spending some time in Southside, Festival Theatre and The Meadows are top sights worth seeing.

Southside
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 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€185
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
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 helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,552 reviews)
Haymarket Hotel
"Good hotel at Haymarket. Pretty central for everything. Great staff and sercvice, would recommend."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2024

Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €278 per night from 5 May to 6 May
€278
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"The hotel had amazing views of Edinburg Castle and was in close proximity to many of Edinburg’s historic sites. The room was comfortable and the staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €197 per night from 12 May to 13 May
€197
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,940 reviews)
"The hotel is well located and certainly high tech. The breakfast was good with a wide variety of different options. I just thought a kettle for a cup of tea in the morning shouldn’t have been too much trouble. Overall though, nice staff who were very helpful."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

YOTEL 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.
Native Edinburgh
Native Edinburgh
4 out of 5
74 - 77 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (905 reviews)
"Perfect location, friendly staff, and clean room. What more can you ask for!"

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2024

Native Edinburgh
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, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (511 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"The hotel is very nice, clean and comfortable. The view out of our room of the castle was stunning! The location is perfect for any tourist and the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
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 concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (975 reviews)
"Incredible stay. From having my bags delivered to my room while I was out to the yoga mat, instructions on how to use appliances and even a noise machine - they think of everything. Such a great experience, would definitely recommend hotel and location! The only small point is that there is an active ..."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Eden Locke
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.

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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