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Flight price per month

Per person in euros: cheapest direct return flight for 2 to 4 nights. Select a month for flight times, hotels and things to do.

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Discover Edinburgh

Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Royal Mile
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
Arthur's Seat

City guide

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh commands the southern shore of the Firth of Forth in Scotland, built across a dramatic landscape of extinct volcanic crags and steep ridges. The Scottish capital splits into two distinct architectural worlds: the winding medieval Old Town and the graceful neoclassical Georgian New Town.

Its skyline is breathtakingly theatrical: Edinburgh Castle sits high upon volcanic Castle Rock, shadowed stone wynds plunge down from the Royal Mile, and wild highland scenery rises directly within city limits at Arthur's Seat. The city echoes with tales of royals, philosophers, poets, and body snatchers.

Best time to go
May through September offers the most pleasant weather, with mild daytime highs between 16 and 20°C and long northern summer daylight. August is festival month (the Edinburgh Festival Fringe): the city bursts with world-class performing arts, though accommodation prices surge. December features magical festive markets and the world-famous Hogmanay New Year celebrations.
From the airport
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located 13 kilometres west of the city. The Edinburgh Tram departs right outside the terminal, reaching Princes Street and St Andrew Square in approximately 35 minutes. The Airlink 100 express bus offers a quick alternative. Taxis to downtown cost around 30 to 35 pounds.
Getting around
The historic centre is best traversed on foot, though prepare for steep stone steps, hilly cobblestones, and hidden closes. The local bus network run by Lothian Buses and the tram system are exceptionally frequent, clean, and modern. Simply tap your contactless bank card onboard; fares are automatically capped daily.

What to see in Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh CastleThe historic fortress crowning Castle Rock, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, St. Margaret's Chapel, and the historic Stone of Destiny, with the traditional One O'Clock Gun fired daily.
  • The Royal MileThe spine of the medieval Old Town stretching from the castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with historic tenements, hidden closes, and traditional taverns.
  • Arthur's SeatAn ancient extinct volcano rising 251 metres above the city in Holyrood Park, offering a rewarding hike and sweeping panoramic vistas over the Firth of Forth.
  • Calton HillA prominent hilltop at the eastern end of Princes Street, crowned with neoclassical monuments and providing one of the most famous photographic views of Edinburgh.

Neighbourhoods

  • Old TownThe atmospheric medieval core of towering stone tenements, atmospheric cobblestone alleys, ghost tours, and cozy historic pubs.
  • New TownA masterwork of 18th-century town planning featuring broad avenues, sandstone Georgian townhouses, chic cocktail lounges, and boutique shopping along George Street.
  • LeithThe historic port district along the Water of Leith, now a thriving culinary haven filled with Michelin-starred restaurants, craft breweries, and weekend markets.

Food and drink

Taste traditional Scottish haggis served with neeps and tatties (mashed turnip and potatoes) and a rich whisky cream sauce. Warm up with a bowl of creamy Cullen skink (smoked haddock chowder) and enjoy freshly caught Scottish seafood. Round off the evening by sampling single malt Scotch whiskies in an atmospheric cellar tavern.

Questions about Edinburgh

How challenging is the walk up Arthur's Seat?

The walk takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes from Holyroodhouse. The path is rocky and uneven near the rocky summit, so supportive walking shoes are recommended.

Is August a good time to visit Edinburgh?

If you love theater, stand-up comedy, and electric street energy, the Edinburgh Fringe is unbeatable. Be sure to book flights and hotels months in advance, as the city fills up completely.

Month by month breakdown

Fotocredits (3)
  • Edinburgh Castle door Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Royal Mile door Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Arthur's Seat door Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons