From sightseeing and historical sights in Old Town, to shopping in boutiques in New Town, Edinburgh is certainly not lacking when it comes to attractions, events and nightlife.
Take a trip to Scotland's capital city for its famous fringe festival, fine dining and spectacular scenery and to soak up the city's rich tapestry of culture, arts and heritage.
Top Sees for a Fee
Marvel at the dazzling gold, silver and precious gems of Scotland's Crown Jewels – known as the Honours of Scotland – and see the Stone of Destiny, Scotland’s coronation stone, at the historic Edinburgh Castle.
Seated high on Castle Rock, and visible from miles around, the magnificent castle dominates the city's skyline.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover its long, rich history as royal residence, military fortress and bolt-hole, and today, visitor attraction and military base.
Listen out for the thundering blast from Mons Meg – the castle’s legendary cannon - fired every day at 1pm in a tradition going back to 1861.
Tickets – online: Adults: £17.50; Concessions (60+): £14; Child (five-15) £10.50. Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG. Phone: 0131 225 9846.
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh. Famous for being the 16th-century home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Palace is set on a foundation of ancient volcanic rock, and was originally built for use as a monastery in 1128.
Take a tour around the beautifully landscaped Palace gardens, see the state apartments of the Palace itself and view old, master paintings inside The Queen's Gallery. Finally, explore the intriguing remains of the 12th Century Holyrood Abbey, said to be one of the grandest medieval abbeys in Scotland.
Tickets: Adult £16.50; Over 60 / Student: £14.90; Under 17 / Disabled: £9.50; Under 5 Free; Family (two adults and three under 17s) £42.50.
Embark on the Scotch Whisky Experience and unearth the history and secrets surrounding Scotland’s finest export from the experts.
Take a guided tour and discover how the 'golden dram' as it's known, is renowned for its exceptionally long aging process, with the name ‘whisky’ itself originating from the Gaelic name, uisge beatha, which translated means 'water of life'.
Put your whisky nosing and tasting skills to the test, see the world's largest whisky replica distillery with over 3,500 bottles or enjoy a tipple or two in the onsite Amber Whisky Bar.
A variety of tours are available ranging from the Gold Tour, at 70-90 minutes, priced £29.50, to the three-hour Taste of Scotland experience, at £79. Concession, child and family tickets are available.
354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE. Telephone: 0131 220 044.
Top Sees for Free
Discover the true, heart-warming tale of small Skye terrier Greyfriars Bobby, who became famous throughout Scotland in the 19th century.
After the passing of his owner, local policeman John Gray, the loyal dog could not bear to leave his master's body, remaining steadfast by his grave from 1858 until his death in 1872.
Don't miss a visit to the Greyfriars Bobby fountain, a bronze, life-size statue created by William Brodie in 1872. You can pay tribute to Bobby's grave inside the Kirkyard graveyard or warm up at the pet-friendly Greyfriars Bobby's Bar, nearby.
Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE.
Get a glimpse of the city’s magnificent Medieval architecture as you explore the winding pathways and cobble-stone streets of Edinburgh's most iconic street – the Royal Mile.
Stretching from the heart of the Old Town from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood, its name is derived from its tradition as processional route for kings and queens over the past 500 years.
Stroll around the street's six different areas: Castlehill and Castle Esplanade, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand. Stacked with things to see and do, you can take your pick from museums and souvenir shops to pubs and restaurants.
Satisfy your thirst for knowledge on a trip to the UK’s top museum, the National Museum of Scotland, just minutes away from the Royal Mile.
The museum is a popular attraction with families, housing a eye-opening number of artifacts showcasing Scotland’s history together with impressive items from around the world.
Discover exhibits such as Dolly the sheep and Moby the whale, while space buffs can lay hands on the Muonionalusta Meteorite – thought to be 800,000-years-old.
See attractions such as the Millenium Clock, a mechanical clock tower sculpture commissioned to mark the beginning of the millennium in 2000. Or delve into the mystery of Arthur's Seat Coffins - 17 miniature coffins which were found on the crags of Arthur's Seat mountain in 1836.
There's easily enough to keep you occupied for half-a-day, from fascinating exhibitions and displays to videos and interactive activities.
Getting Around
Surrounded by hills, Edinburgh is a compact city and many of the popular sights can easily be seen on foot.
It has a range of different public transport options to choose from while cyclists are also well catered for due to the city’s fantastic network of cycle paths and off-road routes.
Take the tram from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre in a journey time of around 35 minutes, or alternatively catch the train to two stations in the centre, at Waverley and Haymarket. The main station, Waverley, is located between the Old and New Town, just minutes away from all the popular attractions.
Going Out
Culture vultures can discover a kaleidoscopic range of events in the city, particularly during August when there’s an eclectic line-up of festivals to be found.
Experience Scottish hospitality at its finest, with the best of comedy, performing arts, dance and theatre at The Fringe, International Book, Arts and Food Festivals.
Hotels
Luxury: Join rock ‘n’ roll royalty including the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and more who have graced the doorstep of The Balmoral Hotel in previous years.
Pamper yourself with the ultimate in opulence at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street. Just one of a few hotels who can boast having their very own Poet-in-Residence, the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant, Number One, is a gastronomer’s dream.
From: £167, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ.
Midrange: Unwind and de-stress at contemporary, spacious four-star hotel Novotel Edinburgh Park.
After a hectic day’s sightseeing enjoy an evening swim in the hotel’s indoor pool, or head into the centre to sample the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Room facilities include high-speed internet, fridge and satellite TV.
15, Lochside Avenue, Hermiston Gait Retail Park, EH12 9DJ. (SAT NAV: EH11 4DG). Phone: +441316192802.
From £46.
Budget: Set in the heart of the Old Town, comfortable two-star Travelodge Edinburgh Central ticks all the boxes for a relaxing stay.
Highlights include complimentary tea and coffee and free wi-fi while popular attractions and public transport links are just on the doorstep.
33, St. Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TA.
From £27.
The facts
Currency: British pound and Scottish notes.
Best Time to Visit: July and August tend to be the busiest months with August being the most popular due to the many festivals the city hosts. September sees a quieter, relaxed city while Hogmanay or New Year is buzzing with three days of spectacular, celebratory events.
Visas/Injections/Precautions: None required.
