The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Edinburgh
Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital! Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable adventure, Edinburgh has something for everyone. Here is your ultimate guide to experiencing this vibrant city.
Top attractions
Edinburgh offers an abundance of attractions, visitors are truly spoilt for choice.
Edinburgh Castle is situated on Castle Rock, this historic fortress provides breathtaking views of Edinburgh and is home to the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in the United Kingdom. Stick around for the daily firing of the one o'clock gun!
Visit The Scotch Whisky Experience and immerse yourself in Scotland's whisky tradition with a guided tour and tasting experience. Discover the intricacies of the whisky-making process and savour some of the finest Scotch whiskies available.
Tour The Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace with a complimentary audio guide, available in over 30 languages. Be sure to visit the Royal Deck Tearoom for delicious scones, cakes, soups, and sandwiches.
The National Museum of Scotland is a great day out where you can discover an extensive array of artefacts, ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies, Scottish history through the ages to cutting-edge technology. The museum is free to enter.
Accommodation options
From budget to luxury, the city offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.
For a budget-friendly option, Travelodge Edinburgh Central is just a 10-minute walk from Waverley Train Station and close to the Royal Mile, making it perfect for experiencing Edinburgh.
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers stylish rooms and excellent amenities, including a spa and fitness centre. Conveniently located in the heart of the bustling city, it is an ideal mid-range choice for those wanting to stay close to all the action.
Discover the unique setting of luxury floating hotel Fingal, permanently docked in Edinburgh's vibrant waterfront, just two miles from the city centre. The hotel provides cosy cabins with a distinctive nautical charm and the 2 AA Rosette Lighthouse Restaurant is not to be missed.
Getting around
Edinburgh is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. However, there are plenty of public transport options:
By bus: Edinburgh's bus system, managed by Lothian Buses, is comprehensive and reliable. With more than 50 routes, including night services and airport connections, you can effortlessly travel around the city and its outskirts.
By tram: This convenient service run by Edinburgh Trams links Edinburgh Airport to the city centre and beyond, featuring 23 stops on the route. It is a fantastic choice for airport transfers and navigating key parts of the city.
By taxi: Edinburgh has a multiple taxi companies to choose from, such as Central Taxis.
Top travel tips
Pack for all weathers: Packing for a trip to Edinburgh can be a bit tricky due to its unpredictable weather. Layers are always a good idea as the weather can change in an instant. Be prepared for the Scottish rain and bring a waterproof jacket and umbrella to keep yourself dry. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for days exploring the city's many cobbled streets and hills.
Book in advance: Edinburgh is a popular destination year round. Accommodation and event tickets tend to sell out fast, particularly during peak times such as school holidays, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Hogmanay.
Explore beyond the city center: There are many great options outside of Edinburgh's city centre for an exciting day trip. Visit the stunning 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, located on the outskirts of Edinburgh in Midlothian. The chapel is famous for its elaborate and enigmatic stone carvings, which have sparked many legends and theories. Take an excursion to the seaside at Portbello beach for bracing sea air, or take the tram down to Leith to explore the Shore area.
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Ziyi Zhu
Kate Bielinski
Winston Tjia
Jeremy Rata
Xiaoxia Xu
