University of Edinburgh

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


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 theatre 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.

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CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

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Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

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Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

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ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

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Stay Central

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Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

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Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

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Things to do near University of Edinburgh

Near the University of Edinburgh, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural scene, featuring an array of theatres, art galleries, and exciting festivals throughout the year. Explore the historic streets and discover unique shops and cafés, or enjoy the stunning architecture that the city has to offer. Edinburgh promises a delightful blend of activities and experiences for every tourist.

Shopping

The Hub, located 644m from the University of Edinburgh, offers unique gifts and souvenirs. Similarly, Tron Kirk, a public market also 644m away, immerses you in vibrant city vibes. For a delightful selection, the Tartan Weaving Mill is just 805m from the university.

Recreation

Enjoy an exhilarating day at Murrayfield Stadium, immersing yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere. For a dose of culture, visit Queen's Hall, where captivating concerts await. Wind down at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, perfect for family fun and relaxation in the aquatic centre.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 1.4km from the University of Edinburgh, where you can enjoy exhilarating slopes. For a different adventure, join the excitement at Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, 3.2km away, or challenge yourself at Bedlam Paintball, 1.6km away.

Nightlife

In Edinburgh, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offers a fun arcade experience with an adventurous vibe, while Greyfriar's Bobby provides a romantic pub atmosphere perfect for a relaxed drink. For a cultural night out, the King's Theatre showcases captivating performances in a charming setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near University of Edinburgh

At the University of Edinburgh and its surroundings, visitors can explore a wealth of cultural attractions, including museums, monuments, and the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Ideal for families and those seeking an enriching city experience, these points of interest provide a captivating glimpse into Scotland's heritage and vibrant atmosphere. There's something for everyone to enjoy in this historic and picturesque setting.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Scotland's royal heritage. Explore its ancient halls and discover the captivating tales of battles and legends that shaped the nation.
  • Grassmarket: A vibrant hub of activity, Grassmarket is renowned for its charming cobbled streets, lively atmosphere, and diverse eateries. Ideal for families, it’s a perfect spot to relax outdoors while soaking up the local culture and history.
  • St. Giles' Cathedral: This stunning medieval cathedral, with its distinctive crown steeple, is a masterpiece of architecture. Step inside to admire the intricate stained glass and experience the peaceful ambiance that resonates with centuries of worship.

Best time to go to University of Edinburgh

The best time to visit University of Edinburgh is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 RainMostly 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 during your visit to the University of Edinburgh, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel at least a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings with Expedia packages. Additionally, explore free attractions around the university to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, favoured location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel booking at the University of Edinburgh with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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