Edinburgh
Temperature
5°
Time
6:27 AM
Edinburgh
Edinburgh still breathes the spirit of its past, with its streets running through town like scars of bygone eras. Yet, amidst this tapestry of history, the city gracefully blends ancient heritage with vibrant modernity. Walk the historic Royal Mile, where centuries of stories unfold, explore the bustling Princes Street, and discover the allure of Edinburgh's world-renowned festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With remarkable architecture, tranquil green spaces, and a wealth of exciting attractions, it's no wonder this city has ignited the imaginations of countless authors and poets throughout history.Find your trip
Kick off your visit to Edinburgh with a visit to the Old Town. With its narrow winding streets, medieval architecture, and centuries-old buildings, this charming district is the best place to get a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. Stroll along the famous Royal Mile, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with shops, traditional pubs, and historical sites. Explore the hidden 'closes' and alleys that unveil stories of Edinburgh's past, and visit iconic landmarks like the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful St Giles' Cathedral.
Perched atop Castle Rock, overlooking Scotland's capital for over a millennium, the iconic Edinburgh Castle holds a storied past as a military fortress and royal residence. Today, it stands proudly as a museum, showcasing a wealth of historic and precious treasures. Admire the splendour of the Scottish Crown Jewels, marvel at the ancient Stone of Destiny, and witness the medieval bombard known as Mons Meg. After exploring the castle's interior, venture outside to stroll along the charming cobbled promenades and meander through winding stone steps. As you do, bask in the breathtaking vistas that stretch across the city, providing a picturesque backdrop to your visit.
Dive into Edinburgh's historic past and discover the city's acclaimed landmarks and hidden secrets on this Royal Mile guided walking tour. Follow your guide along Edinburgh's legendary Royal Mile as you gain a fascinating insight into the famous writers, poets, and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and see top landmarks such as St Giles' Cathedral and the National Galleries of Scotland.
Discover the enigmatic Loch Ness and the sublime Scottish Highlands on this day trip from Edinburgh. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Explore the famous Cairngorms National Park and soak up the stunning views of the Scottish Highlands, with an optional cruise for a chance to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
For a mysterious journey through Scotland's myths and legends, head over to Rosslyn Chapel, a magnificent chapel featured in Dan Brown's 'Da Vinci Code.' Hear the intriguing tales behind Rosslyn’s beautiful ornate carvings before taking a peaceful walk along Roslin Glen Country Park.
The National Museum of Scotland offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for all history enthusiasts. In their galleries, you'll come across ancient Egyptian mummies, the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and specimens collected by Charles Darwin. Keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions as well.
Explore the exciting world of optical illusions at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, a unique museum that offers five floors of immersive fun. Lose yourself in mind-bending experiences as you navigate through intriguing mirror rooms and test your balance in the thrilling vortex tunnel. As a bonus, don't forget to ascend to the rooftop for the best panoramic views of Edinburgh.
Explore the lives of over 1,000 animal species from all over the world. Watch giant pandas, big cats, penguins and other birds, or take part in some of the interactive activities offered by this non-profit zoological park. Don't miss out on the Edinburgh Zoo gardens, a lush paradise with countless exotic flowers and plants.
Kick off your visit to Edinburgh with a visit to the Old Town. With its narrow winding streets, medieval architecture, and centuries-old buildings, this charming district is the best place to get a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. Stroll along the famous Royal Mile, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with shops, traditional pubs, and historical sites. Explore the hidden 'closes' and alleys that unveil stories of Edinburgh's past, and visit iconic landmarks like the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful St Giles' Cathedral.
Perched atop Castle Rock, overlooking Scotland's capital for over a millennium, the iconic Edinburgh Castle holds a storied past as a military fortress and royal residence. Today, it stands proudly as a museum, showcasing a wealth of historic and precious treasures. Admire the splendour of the Scottish Crown Jewels, marvel at the ancient Stone of Destiny, and witness the medieval bombard known as Mons Meg. After exploring the castle's interior, venture outside to stroll along the charming cobbled promenades and meander through winding stone steps. As you do, bask in the breathtaking vistas that stretch across the city, providing a picturesque backdrop to your visit.
Set in one of Edinburgh’s most stunning rooms—a grand, columned Georgian hall — Contini is a family-run restaurant that offers an authentic modern Italian dining experience. With a commitment to quality, the restaurant sources its produce directly from the markets in Italy, ensuring the freshest ingredients for its ever-evolving monthly menus. Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade pasta and mouthwatering Puglian focaccia, made fresh each morning, and make sure to save room for a dessert, such as the heavenly tiramisu.
Experience the epitome of sophisticated Scottish fine dining at Number One, located within the enchanting luxury of the Balmoral Hotel. Widely recognized as one of Scotland's finest restaurants, Number One showcases the culinary prowess of its chefs, who skillfully combine classic flavours with a modern flair to create seasonal Scottish dishes that captivate the senses.
Located right in the heart of the city, the Mussel Inn is a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking a lively and informal bistro experience. From indulgent seafood chowder and succulent king prawns to kilo pots of mussels, scallops, oysters, shellfish pasta, and sea bass, the Mussel Inn is a treasure trove of classic seafood dishes that will delight your taste buds.
Whether you choose to sit at the open kitchen counter or in the dining room, you'll be treated to the finest selection of Japanese delicacies including, but not limited to, sushi and tempura. Fun fact: Kanpai is the Japanese expression for 'cheers', something you'll hear frequently in this place.
For a classic yet imaginative menu featuring the very best of Scottish produce, look no further than this award-winning restaurant right by the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Dishes at this restaurant are true pieces of culinary art and are served in a historical, intimate setting.
Discover the essence of Scottish gastronomy at Wildfire, a small family-owned steak and seafood bistro. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, including carefully selected Aberdeen Angus beef and fresh Scottish seafood, Wildfire invites you to savour the flavours of the land and sea. Set in an intimate ambiance with wood and bare stone decor, this restaurant provides the perfect setting to enjoy simply prepared yet incredibly flavorful dishes that celebrate the best of Scotland's culinary traditions.
Locanda de Gusti embraces the essence of Naples-inspired cuisine, offering a delightful array of fresh artisan Southern Italian dishes. From exquisite seafood to handmade pasta, their menu showcases the best ingredients sourced from both Italy and Scotland. Locanda De Gusti's commitment to quality is unwavering, as everything is meticulously prepared from scratch each day, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
Treat yourself to some fine French cuisine at Martin Wishart, an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant that overlooks the beautiful waters of the Leith. Indulge in an exquisite culinary experience, which combines the best seasonal Scottish produce with classical French techniques, resulting in truly inventive and delectable dishes.
Set in one of Edinburgh’s most stunning rooms—a grand, columned Georgian hall — Contini is a family-run restaurant that offers an authentic modern Italian dining experience. With a commitment to quality, the restaurant sources its produce directly from the markets in Italy, ensuring the freshest ingredients for its ever-evolving monthly menus. Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade pasta and mouthwatering Puglian focaccia, made fresh each morning, and make sure to save room for a dessert, such as the heavenly tiramisu.
Experience the epitome of sophisticated Scottish fine dining at Number One, located within the enchanting luxury of the Balmoral Hotel. Widely recognized as one of Scotland's finest restaurants, Number One showcases the culinary prowess of its chefs, who skillfully combine classic flavours with a modern flair to create seasonal Scottish dishes that captivate the senses.
If you're looking for traditional Scottish artefacts and souvenirs, head to the cobbled streets of the Old Town — the Royal Mile is packed with shops selling Scottish specialities such as luxuriously soft cashmere, the unavoidable kilts, bagpipes, and whisky.
If you want to take a piece of Scotland home with you, then do not miss a visit to Heritage of Scotland, the ultimate store for all things Scottish. They have kilts, bagpipes, rugby shirts, Celtic and Scottish jewellery, suits of armour, and so much more.
Claiming to be 'the first gourmet marshmallow shop', The Marshmallow Lady is a unique establishment selling these fluffy homemade treats crafted with love, using locally sourced ingredients. For the daring foodie, there's the adventurous beer-flavoured marshmallow. If that doesn't tempt you, perhaps the enticing chocolate mousse flavour sounds more appealing. With a wide variety of flavours available, The Marshmallow Lady ensures there's something to please every palate.
In Edinburgh's Old Town, the historic Royal Mile serves as the central axis connecting the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Branching off this iconic thoroughfare is a labyrinth of narrow alleys known as 'closes'. These charming alleys offer more than just picturesque backyards—they house hidden treasures such as cheese shops, jewellers, and kilt designers. Amidst your exploration, be sure to indulge in the quintessential Scottish treat of shortbread, available throughout the area.
Just off the Royal Mile, lies Victoria Street, where brightly coloured shops line up to sell all sorts of products to the city's visitors. Here, you can discover a plethora of offerings, ranging from artisanal cheese and cutting-edge fashion to authentic Scottish design products. Should hunger strike, you'll find yourself spoilt for choice with the abundance of restaurants and pubs nestled within this lively area.
Located right next to Waverley Station, Waverley Market is a shopping destination for both shopping fans and food lovers. It features authentic Scottish and popular high-street brands along with a wide range of small food venues and coffee shops.
Every Saturday behind the castle, the bustling Edinburgh Farmers' Market takes place selling and serving an array of local delights, including meats, cheeses, baked goods, and craft beer, plus a diverse range of products such as candles, knitwear, and more.
Discover the legendary Cadenhead Whisky, hailed as Scotland's oldest independent bottler. Prepare to be amazed by their extensive collection of whiskies, rums, and gins sourced from every corner of the world. The staff is very knowledgeable and will give you a great insight into all the different options and guide you through your choice.
If you're looking for traditional Scottish artefacts and souvenirs, head to the cobbled streets of the Old Town — the Royal Mile is packed with shops selling Scottish specialities such as luxuriously soft cashmere, the unavoidable kilts, bagpipes, and whisky.
If you want to take a piece of Scotland home with you, then do not miss a visit to Heritage of Scotland, the ultimate store for all things Scottish. They have kilts, bagpipes, rugby shirts, Celtic and Scottish jewellery, suits of armour, and so much more.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located 11 km west of the city, and connections to the city centre usually take between 25-30 minutes regardless of whether you go by bus, taxi, or rented car. The Airlink 100 and Skylink 200 and 400 services provide fantastic connections across the city of Edinburgh. Tickets can be bought in advance online, at the bus stop, or from the driver. If you arrive by night, take the night bus N22 (from stop D). This bus runs from the airport via South Gyle to the city centre and to the Ocean Terminal in Leith between 12:45 am and 4:15 am seven nights a week. It departs every 30 minutes. There is also the bus service 35 (from stop F) that runs to the city centre and to the Ocean Terminal. It departs every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes in the evenings and Sundays. Taxis are located on the first floor of the multi-storey car park opposite the main terminal building. Edinburgh Airport has a car hire centre where you can find all the major car hire companies. It is conveniently located with direct access to the terminal and easy to book in advance via the airport website.
Late spring and summer's longer days and warmer temperatures make these periods the best time to visit Edinburgh. It's important to note that Edinburgh's weather can be unpredictable, with rain showers occurring throughout the year. Therefore, it's advisable to pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions regardless of the season you choose to visit.
Citizens of the European Union member-states, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland, and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) only require a valid passport to enter the UK. Residents of a further 10 countries do not require entry visas for stays under 6 months: the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Nationals of some further countries do not require a visa but need to hold an entry certificate. Use the UK Government website to check for specific requirements.
There are various bus companies operating in Edinburgh. The largest are First Bus and Lothian Buses, you can use both to get around town or explore the surrounding coast and countryside. For both companies, you can purchase tickets on the bus, in shops, online, or in the mobile app. However, Edinburgh is a small and fairly compact city, and most destinations in the city are within walking distance.
Unoccupied taxis are indicated with a light on the top. You can also book a taxi by contacting the following companies: City Cabs +44 131 228 1211 Central Taxis +44 131 229 2468
Stamps are available from post offices and newsagents, and you'll find several post offices in the city centre, with the most central being the Tollcross Post Office, located on Home Street.
There are several major pharmacy chains in Edinburgh that provide a wide range of pharmaceutical products and services. These include Boots, LloydsPharmacy, Superdrug Pharmacy, and Well Pharmacy.
Country code: +44 Area code: 131
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located 11 km west of the city, and connections to the city centre usually take between 25-30 minutes regardless of whether you go by bus, taxi, or rented car. The Airlink 100 and Skylink 200 and 400 services provide fantastic connections across the city of Edinburgh. Tickets can be bought in advance online, at the bus stop, or from the driver. If you arrive by night, take the night bus N22 (from stop D). This bus runs from the airport via South Gyle to the city centre and to the Ocean Terminal in Leith between 12:45 am and 4:15 am seven nights a week. It departs every 30 minutes. There is also the bus service 35 (from stop F) that runs to the city centre and to the Ocean Terminal. It departs every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes in the evenings and Sundays. Taxis are located on the first floor of the multi-storey car park opposite the main terminal building. Edinburgh Airport has a car hire centre where you can find all the major car hire companies. It is conveniently located with direct access to the terminal and easy to book in advance via the airport website.
Late spring and summer's longer days and warmer temperatures make these periods the best time to visit Edinburgh. It's important to note that Edinburgh's weather can be unpredictable, with rain showers occurring throughout the year. Therefore, it's advisable to pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions regardless of the season you choose to visit.