Located in Southeastern Scotland on the island of Great Britain, you’ll find the historic yet spirited city of Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland sits on the Southern shores of the Firth of Forth, surrounded by hills, with an extinct volcano situated right in the middle of the city. Edinburgh’s history is built into every street – both the medieval Old Town and elegant New Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The natural landscape softens the city’s grandeur, making its beauty feel a little rough around the edges.

You can explore everything you need to see in Edinburgh in 2 to 4 days, however if you wish to visit surrounding areas, you may wish to stay in the city for longer. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who loves history, architecture, literature and culture, and is also great for solo travelers and couples. Prices here are mid-high, but will soar during the Fringe Festival in August. It’s the largest performing arts festival in the world, and during this time, the usually calm city becomes extremely busy, with its population almost doubling.

Unmissable Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the city’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle sits on the volcanic Castle Rock in the heart of the city. Built over 900 years ago, it has been a royal residence, military stronghold and a prison, meaning there is a lot of history to explore here. You’ll be able to see The Crown Jewels of Scotland, St Margaret’s Chapel, The Great Hall, The One O’Clock Gun and enjoy great views of the city. Make sure you book your ticket in advance, especially if you’re visiting during summer.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile stretches for just over a mile through the heart of the city’s Old Town, all the way from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Here you’ll find impressive Gothic buildings, narrow alleyways (the most famous is The Real Mary King’s Close), museums, pubs and shops. There is no better place to absorb the city’s deep history and character.

Arthur’s Seat

This extinct volcano provides a great escape to nature right in the heart of the city. Arthur’s Seat’s highest point is in Holyrood Park and if you make the climb to the top, you’ll get amazing views of the city, the Pentland Hills, and the North Sea. There are a few different routes you can take, some offering a gentle climb, while others are more challenging. A great place to start is at Holyrood Palace, where it will take 30-60 minutes to get to the top. If you want a quicker, easier hill to climb that still gives great views of the city, go to Calton Hill, right in the center of the city.

Old Town & New Town

Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town are greatly contrasting and make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Old Town you’ll find cobbled streets, closes and buildings that have such deep history. In the New Town, you can find great shopping and dining, on Princes Street, Rose Street, George Street and the surrounding areas. Princes Street Gardens lies between the Old and New Towns and it’s a great place to relax. From late November to early January, you’ll find the Christmas markets here.

National Museum of Scotland

This museum is located in the Old Town and is completely free to enter, making it the perfect place to spend the day. It’s extremely diverse, covering Scotland’s history, science, technology, art and world cultures. It’s perfect for all ages and you could easily spend hours here.

Getting Around Edinburgh

The city center is very walkable, with most of the attractions within walking distance of each other, however there are many hills and cobbled streets throughout the city, especially in the Old Town. Buses are frequent, reliable and cover most areas. A ticket costs £2.20 GBP (approx. $3.00 USD), and if you pay by contactless card, Lothian Buses cap the cost at £5 GBP (approx. $6.85 USD) per day, no matter how many buses or trams you take. There is also a great train network which can take you to nearby areas, and other cities throughout the UK. Taxis and Uber are available too, but are not the most affordable option.

Planning a Trip to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh can be enjoyed all year round, however if you’re looking for the fewest crowds, lower prices and mild weather, May-June or September is the best time to visit. August is extremely busy and expensive with the Fringe Festival and other festivals taking place, so if you aren’t visiting for a festival, it’s best to avoid this time. From late November to early January, you can enjoy the Christmas markets. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations in the world. Other times of year are still great to visit as there will be fewer crowds and lower prices, but the weather is colder and more unpredictable.

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