Edinburgh is definitely one of my favorite cities in Europe. The cobbled stoned streets, medieval architecture and small town vibes makes it feel as though you have transported into a story book village. Despite being a small city, there is plenty to see and do in Edinburgh. If you are planning a trip to the quaint, charming city in the future then keep reading for my complete Edinburgh Travel Guide.
EDINBURGH TRAVEL GUIDE
WHEN TO VISIT:
Scotland doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to weather. The winters are quite dark and cold and the spring months tend to be very rainy. In my opinion the best times to travel to Edinburgh are either late spring (late May/early June) or early autumn (mid September/early October). In June the weather is quite mild at around 18°C/65°F and the city benefits from quite a lot of sunshine. The weather in September is very similar with averages of about 16°C/60°F. There will most likely be rain regardless of the time of year you decide to visit so definitely pack an umbrella.
WHAT TO DO:
Hike Arthur's Seat
The first item on my Edinburgh travel guide is hiking Arthur’s Seat, as there is no better way to see Edinburgh than from the top of an ancient volcano! Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in Holyrood Park, and sits 251m above sea level. The steep hill is part of the remains of a volcano that erupted about 350 million years ago. The climb to the highest point, is strenuous, but worth the breathtaking views of the city!
Go Back in Time at the Edinburgh Castle
The Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle that dominates the city skyline. It’s one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe and Scotland’s number one paid for attraction. The historic castle has had many uses in its past, from royal residence, to fortress and even prison. Located at one end of the Royal Mile, the castle is now part of Edinburgh’s Old and New Town World Heritage Sites. Entry tickets start at £10.50, but it is best to reserve online to ensure availability.
Visit Calton Hill
For a slightly easier climb with equally stunning views don’t miss Calton Hill. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in central Edinburgh and has panoramic views of the city and the Edinburgh Castle. At the top of the hill you will also find several historic monuments including an Observatory, and an unfinished Athenian acropolis. Calton Hill is easy to access as there are several entry points and a staircase on Regent Street that leads up to it.
Dabble in the Arts at the Scottish National Gallery
Edinburgh is home to many historic monuments and museums, however, one of my favorites is the Scottish National Gallery. Best of all, the famous art museum is free to enter! In fact, it is Edinburgh’s top free visitors attraction. The museum displays some of the greatest art in the world and is located in the heart of the city, right below the Edinburgh Castle. It’s open daily from 10 am – 5 pm and definitely worth a visit.
Walk the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s most iconic street and a must on any Edinburgh travel guide. It runs through the heart of the city, connecting the Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The street measures approximately 1.8km, and is lined with historic monuments and museums, cathedrals, and some of the best restaurants in the city. ADD MORE about the shops
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Located at the end of the Royal mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the home of Scottish Royal family. The palace is Queen Elizabeth’s official residence in Scotland, and was once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. There is plenty to see in the palace, which has 14 state apartments, in addition to the royal gardens. Tickets start at £9.50 and can be purchased online or at the entrance.
Get Spooked at a Haunted Underground Tour
If you are looking for a unique and bone chilling tour of Edinburgh try one of the haunted underground tours. I have yet to try them as I don’t think I’m brave enough, but these are definitely a popular way to see the city! Edinburgh claims to be one of the most haunted cities in the world and the ghost tours take you through cemeteries, old prisons and dark grim residences. They last about an hour and there are several different tour companies that offer them, including City of Edinburgh Tours and the City of the Dead Tours.
Try the Scotch
Whether or not you are a fan of whiskey I highly recommend going on a Scotch tasting while in Edinburgh. The Scotch Whiskey Experience located on the Royal Mile is a fun interactive activity that includes high tech exhibits and a barrel ride. You’ll learn all about the history and production process of Scotch. The tour ends in one of the most impressive display rooms, where you will get to enjoy a tasting. The Scotch Whiskey Experience offers many different tour packages ranging from a basic one hour tour and tasting, to a three hour masterclass.
WHERE TO EAT:
Afternoon Tea at The Dome
As you may or may not know, I am a big fan of Afternoon Tea and always make it a point to go whenever I’m in the UK. Therefore, my Edinburgh travel guide wouldn’t be complete without sharing my top choice for High Tea. Luckily afternoon tea in Edinburgh is a bit cheaper than in London, so I was able go for a more elevated experience without breaking the bank! There are several options for afternoon tea in Edinburgh but my favorite was definitely The Dome. They have a delicious selection of teas and pastries for a very affordable price. They even offer vegan and gluten free options for those with dietary restrictions. The tea room is quite luxurious, so make sure to dress the part!
Fish & Chips at L'Alba D'Oro
You can’t be in the UK without trying the local fish and chips. There are quite a few fish and chips shops in Edinburgh but L’Alba D’Oro has the best by far! If you aren’t much of a fish fan don’t worry! They have got plenty of other items on the menu including pies, chicken and burgers. They even have several vegetarian side options. The prices are quite reasonable as well, which is perfect for those travelers on a budget.
The Elephant House Café
For all Harry Potter fans, a stop at the Elephant House Café is a must! The quaint café claims to be the “birthplace of Harry Potter.” Legend has it that J.K Rowling would often sit in the Elephant Cafe when she first started to write the famous novels. Stop by for a delicious and hardy Scottish breakfast or some tea and pastries if you want something a bit lighter. Try to get a seat in the backroom as it has some of the best views of the Edinburgh Castle.
EXCURSIONS:
Visit the Highlands
If your Edinburgh travel plans include a trip to the Highlands then you’re in luck! Edinburgh is the perfect base to go and explore the Highlands. There is plenty to see in the Highlands and you can definitely spend days visiting Lochness, Inverness and the Isle of Sky. However, if you’d prefer to just see some of the highlights then a day trip from Edinburgh is the perfect option. There are several tour companies that offer 1 day excursions to the Highlands.
We chose to travel with The Hairy Coo. They offer several different tour options, including a “free” Highlands Highlight tour. The tour has a similar concept to a typical Free Walking Tour and you pay what you think the tour was the worth at the end. The tour itself was a great value and we saw so many different things, including the famous Hairy Coo Cows! They also offer single and multi day excursion to Lochness and Stirling.
St Andrews
For a seaside escape head to the small town of St. Andrews. The famous golf town is located about an hour away from Edinburgh. The easiest forms of transport are either by car or coach bus. Once in St. Andrews you can spend the day wandering the quaint streets, visiting the University of St. Andrews, and the castle ruins. Head to one of the beaches for a bit of costal air, but don’t bother bringing your swimsuit as the North Sea is freezing regardless of the time of year!
WHERE TO STAY:
Edinburgh has a wide range of accommodation options. Depending on your Edinburgh travel plans and your budget you may wish to stay in a hostel or splurge on a slightly nicer central hotel. Since the city is quite small most areas are an easy walk to several attractions. During my most recent visit I stayed at an airbnb just behind Calton Hill and it was very affordable and a short walking distance to most of the historic sights. If you are trying to save a bit of money but aren’t too keen on hostels then try looking in the New Town area as accommodation tends to be slightly cheaper but you are still close to most sights.
Budget Accomodation
Castle Rock Hostel
Castle Rock Hostel is one of the best reviewed hostels in Edinburgh and perfect for travelers on a budget. The hostel is located in the heart of the city, just off the Royal Mile. Many of the dorms even have a view of the Edinburgh Castle! The staff is incredible helpful and friendly and they normally offer free walking tours and nightly pub crawls for guests to enjoy.
Mid Range Accommodation
The Courtyard by Marriot
This mid range hotel offers modern accommodation and a central location. The Courtyard by Marriot is a great option for those that wish to be close to the historical sights but also the shopping and restaurant scene as it’s only a five minute walk from Princes Street. The hotel has a large outdoor terrace that is perfect for evening drinks and snacks.
Luxury Accommodation
The Scotsman
For those that wish to splurge then The Scotsman is the perfect option. The 1905 landmark hotel is set in the former Scotsman Newspaper building. The location is ideal as it’s a two minute walk from the train station and a 9 minute walk from the Edinburgh Castle. This lux hotel still has many of its original features including the grand marble staircase and stained glass windows.
TRANSPORTATION:
The easiest way to get to Edinburgh is to fly. Prices and available airlines will vary depending on your country of origin. If you are traveling from within Europe then several budget airlines such as, Ryanair and Easy Jet offer affordable year round flights to Edinburgh from most major European cities. If you are flying from outside of the EU it may be slightly cheaper to fly to London and then book a low budget flight from London to Scotland. For those that decide to combine Edinburgh with a trip to London or any other English city, then I highly recommend taking the train at least one way. The ride is about 4 hours and it is the most scenic train ride I have ever been on!
Once in Edinburgh, the local transport is quite efficient from the airport and train or bus stations. The city itself is quite small and can be seen mostly on foot.
Edinburgh is a must see city that should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s charm, history and culture is sure to captivate most travelers. Whether you are planning a weekend or a slightly longer trip to the Scottish city then I hope my Edinburgh travel guide has given you an idea of what to see during your stay.
Safe Travels,
-Vip <3
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