Edinburgh : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Edinburgh

With its history, spectacular panoramas and mysterious legends, Edinburgh is full of iconic places not to be missed during your stay.

Edinburgh Castle: perched on its rock, it's the city's icon and a historical must-see.
The Royal Mile: the old town's main thoroughfare, full of charm, pubs and boutiques.
Holyrood Palace: royal residence at the foot of the old town, rich in history.
Arthur's Seat: an accessible hike with breathtaking views over the whole city.
National Museum of Scotland: fascinating and free, perfect for young and old.
Calton Hill: ideal for admiring neoclassical monuments and the sunset.
Victoria Street: a colorful street often associated with the world of Harry Potter.
Dean Village: a peaceful old village on the waterfront, a stone's throw from the center.

The Leith district: dynamic and undergoing a renaissance, perfect for discovering another facet of the city.

Calton Hill in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh

Activities

Whether you're a thrill-seeker, history buff or curious about local flavors, Edinburgh promises immersive experiences that bring the city to life like nowhere else.

When to go to Edinburgh

Edinburgh can be enjoyed all year round, but if you want to take in everything the city has to offer, it's best to be there between May and September. From May to September, the days are longer, the temperatures milder (15-20ºC on average) and the beautiful green parks invite you to come and stroll. In August, with the International Fringe Festival, the world's biggest arts festival, the atmosphere is so vibrant it's hard to miss. There's nothing quite like it; it's crowded and busy, but that's what makes it the most expensive time of year to be in Edinburgh. If you want to find a quieter time of year, I'd try May, June or September. It's a bit busy, but the weather is generally pleasant and fewer people also means that good quality accommodation is generally cheaper. During the winter months, Edinburgh can also be charming with a bit of fog and Christmas markets, but it's cooler. Whatever the season, the city is full of life and charm... a good jacket is always your best companion!

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Edinburgh may not be the most affordable city in the UK, but there are plenty of options to suit all budgets. Depending on how you prefer to travel, you can expect to spend between €81 and €560 per person per day. When travelling on a budget, don't expect to spend less than €10 on a meal in a cheap restaurant. A dinner for two in a restaurant serving traditional dishes will cost around €50 and up to €95 depending on the quality of the restaurant. A local beer usually costs between €4 and €6.5 and a bottle of water between €1 and €3. Depending on the type of accommodation, the price of accommodation for a couple varies between €110 and €550, again depending on the period. Public transport remains reasonable, with a ticket costing between €2 and €2.5, and activities/tours can also vary from a few euros to over €200, particularly for some top-of-the-range excursions. In short, whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveller, Scotland's capital will fit your wallet!

One night in a hotel for 2 people

110€550€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

10€25€50€

Local beer (33cl)

4€6.5€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

50€95€200€

Bottle of water

1€3€5€

Public transport single ticket

2€2.5€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

2.5€

Visits and activities

5€200€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 81.00€ to 560.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Start your day with a good Scottish breakfast in a café on the Royal Mile, the iconic thoroughfare that links Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood. Then walk up to Edinburgh Castle on its volcanic rock. Immerse yourself in the country's history and admire the fantastic views over the city.

Enjoy a winding walk along the Royal Mile, buy something in a tartan shop or explore the hidden alleyways that hold even more mystery. For lunch, settle down in a traditional pub to try the famous haggis... if you have a strong stomach.

In the afternoon, climb the ancient volcano of Arthur's Seat for one of the best views of Edinburgh (great for digestion!). If the weather is bad, replace the walk with a visit to the fascinating National Museum of Scotland, free of charge!

Finish your day on Calton Hill at sunset to admire the neoclassical monuments and twinkling lights of the golden city. In the evening, consider a haunted guided tour? In Edinburgh, legends never sleep...

Practical information about Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is very walkable, especially the old section. Public transport is very good including buses everywhere and a tram service to the airport taking about half an hour direct from the airport to the city centre. The best time to go is from May to September, long days with good weather, although the weather is usually unpredictable any time of the year...so don't leave home without a windbreaker and umbrella (even in the summer). The currency is the pound sterling (GBP) and you will find that bank cards (debit/credit) are accepted just about everywhere including small purchases; be sure to check with your bank if there are any fees for overseas transactions. An entrance to national museums is usually free; thus, some culture without excess spending. If you will be traveling from countries within the continent, the electricity sockets are type G (three pin) so you may need a type G receptacle adaptor. Finally, Edinburgh is hilly – so good walking shoes would be suggested. But to really gain the local atmosphere, you have to let yourself be carried away between odd-ball pubs, ancient stones and mystical tales...Edinburgh is to experience not purely visit.