Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a wonderful place to spend a long weekend or to incorporate as part of a broader Scotland itinerary because it is one of the country’s most popular destinations. Exploring Edinburgh Castle, checking out one of the city’s top museums, going on a local hike, or attending the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe are just a few of the many things to do in this historic and culturally lively capital.
In addition to its proximity to the sea and the countryside, the city centre of Edinburgh is home to a number of renowned museums, art galleries, and theatres. Edinburgh Castle, located on top of a volcanic rock, overlooks and dominates the city. During his journeys to Scotland, King Charles III stays at his official residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is located in this city.
Whether you want to eat your way through Edinburgh’s culinary scene, sample the offerings of the local bars or retrace the city’s historical steps, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to have a wonderful time in the Scottish capital.
Planning Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh based only on the weather, the months of June through August are your best bet. Scotland is known for its notoriously dark and dreary winters, but its pleasant summers with plenty of sunshine make it a great place to enjoy the outdoors. If you wish to avoid the crowds, you should know that the summer is also the high season for tourists, so arranging your trip for either May or September is recommended. Pack plenty of layers, no matter what time of year you plan to visit.
Although the majority of the city can be covered on foot, the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are reliable alternatives. You can also take a taxi or an app like Uber. You can also choose to rent a car, although we advise against driving or parking in the heart of Edinburgh.
Incorporate a trip to Edinburgh into a longer tour of Scotland; if you’d rather not navigate the country’s twisting roads by car, take use of the trains. It takes less than an hour to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow, and the same goes for Dundee and St. Andrews to the north. However, learning about Scottish culture doesn’t require seeing only the country’s major attractions. The Scottish Borders, North Berwick, and Stirling are all within easy day trip distance.
Where to Stay
While all 12 of Edinburgh’s districts have their own unique appeal, some may be more conveniently located than others, depending on your plans.
Old Town: Location at the centre of history and a hub for tourism.
New Town: Princes Street and the surrounding area feature several shops, eateries, and watering holes.
Stockbridge/Dean Village: Pretty and upscale.
Leith: Trendy, young, great pubs, restaurants, and waterfront strolls.
West End: To dine out and go shopping.
West Edinburgh: A rising area including the prestigious Murrayfield stadium
South Side: The Meadows is a student and family community.
The majority of visitors choose to stay in the New Town and Royal Mile areas of the city. These two neighborhoods are home to many of the city’s most visited attractions and commercial districts, as well as a wide variety of hotels, from large chains to quaint inns. Leith is a hip district with lots of unique cafes, boutiques, and booksellers, and it’s ideally located near the ocean if that’s where you’d like to stay. Portobello is a seaside resort area about 20 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street, perfect if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path. The Balmoral, The Witchery by the Castle, The Royal Scots Club, and The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh are just a few of Edinburgh’s most famous hotels.
Things to Do
The city of Edinburgh is rich in history, culture, and art, and it also features extensive retail districts. All tourists should visit Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified palaces in Europe, and climb Arthur’s Seat, the city’s highest point, The Royal Yacht Britannia, The National Museum of Scotland, a spacious, up-to-date museum featuring exhibits on Scotland’s industrial past, and its natural environment are just a few of the must see attractions.
Some of the other enjoyable things to do in Edinburgh include:
- The National Gallery of Scotland is a large museum that features art from Scotland and throughout the world in its three exhibition halls.
- Eat at The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
- Visit Edinburgh Zoo, a massive park-based zoo with free hilltop safari rides, keeper talks, and hands-on animal interactions.
- Stroll though and have a picnic in Princes Street Gardens. A public park that has been designated as a Green Flag park because of its geological and botanical significance.
- Take in some of the best views of the city from Calton Hill. A large hill with neoclassical structures and panoramic views of the city skyline and Edinburgh Castle.
- Visit St Giles’ Cathedral, a magnificent gothic medieval structure and a Presbyterian church where John Knox once preached.
- The Scotch Whisky Experience: An attraction with cutting-edge displays and a barrel ride that tells the story of Scotland’s national beverage.
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: A five-story, enduring tower that houses interactive displays of humorous optical illusions.
Food and Drink
Edinburgh is an international city with restaurants serving food from all over the world, but you must try some traditional Scottish dishes while you’re there. Haggis, the national food of Scotland and a meat pudding baked in a sheep’s stomach, can be found in many establishments across Edinburgh. Stornoway black pudding, Cullen skink, Cranachan, and smoked salmon are also popular. The Abbey Bar and The Balmoral Whisky Bar are just two of the many establishments where you can indulge in some of the finest Scottish whisky.
With all this local knowledge you now have all you need to know for planning your ultimate trip to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, without overlooking any of the essential elements to make it a memory making adventure.
