Edinburgh
Temperature
7°
Time
10:48 AM
Edinburgh
Scotland’s enchanting capital of Edinburgh is a city of striking contrasts. Perched dramatically on an extinct volcano, the world-famous Edinburgh Castle is visible from almost any point in the city, a constant reminder of Edinburgh’s long and fascinating history. As you explore the city’s striking architecture, tranquil green spaces and exciting attractions, you will soon understand why it has served as inspiration for so many authors and poets.Find your trip
The Old Town is Edinburgh's oldest neighbourhood and is filled with historic monuments, narrow streets, and lovely shops and pubs with tons of personality. Its charming architecture and its rich history will leave you in awe.
Towering majestically over the city, this iconic and fascinating castle serves three main roles: royal palace, historic fortress, and war museum. Check out the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and medieval bombard Mons Meg, and end your visit admiring the stunning view over the city.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions features five floors of optical illusions that anyone can get immersed in. Get lost in a mirror room or challenge your balance in the vortex tunnel, you can take fun for granted.
For a mysterious journey through Scotland's myths and legends, head over to Rosslyn Chapel, a magnificient chapel feature in Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code". Hear the intriguing tales behind Rosslyn’s beautiful ornate carvings before taking a peaceful walk along Roslin Glen Country Park.
The National Museum of Scotland offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for all history enthusiasts. In their galleries, you will come across ancient Egyptian mummies, the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and specimens collected by Charles Darwin. Keep an eye out on the temporary exhibitions as well.
Explore the lives of over 1,000 animal species from all over the world. Watch giant pandas, big cats, penguins and other birds, or take part in some of interactive activities offered by this non-profit zoological park. Don't miss out on the Edinburgh Zoo gardens, a lush paradise with countless exotic flowers and plants.
The Scottish Parliament is located within the Holyrood area, overseen by the Royal Mile. The building has won awards for its striking architecture. It's the place to learn about Scotland's political history, watch live debates, and admire its unique architecture. If you want to watch the members of the Scottish Parliament in action, you need to book a free of charge ticket beforehand.
Escape the city and watch the beautiful Scottish scenery from a bike. You can start your trip from the Edinburgh city centre, and there are paths for all fitness levels with colour codes which are easy to follow. One of the best areas for off-road cycling is the Pentland Hills Regional Park, just outside Edinburgh. If you don't have a bike with you, you can rent one in one of the many shops around the city.
The Old Town is Edinburgh's oldest neighbourhood and is filled with historic monuments, narrow streets, and lovely shops and pubs with tons of personality. Its charming architecture and its rich history will leave you in awe.
Towering majestically over the city, this iconic and fascinating castle serves three main roles: royal palace, historic fortress, and war museum. Check out the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and medieval bombard Mons Meg, and end your visit admiring the stunning view over the city.
Contini Ristorante serves all the classic Italian dishes and specialties with an innovative twist. When going through the menu, look out for the fresh fish dishes, delicious Italian wines, and make sure you have room for a dessert, such as the heavenly tiramisu.
Britannia Spice is an award-winning restaurant offering the best food from Bangladesh, northern India, Thailand, and Nepal. Besides its outstanding dishes, its location is just perfect—it is located situated in Leith, facing The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Since its opening in 2005, this fine dining restaurant has won several awards, including a Michelin star. The restaurant is located in the five-star Balmoral Hotel, boasting a pretty sophisticated environment.
Located right in the heart of the city, the Mussel Inn is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is praised for its carefully-prepared seafood and fish dishes, prepared only with the freshest catches from Scottish seas, keeping everything local and yummy.
Craving a delicious burger and a cold beer? If so, Holyrood 9A is the place to go. Right In the heart of Edinburgh's old town, this cosy pub offers a menu full of tasty burgers and ales and craft beers from all around the world.
Whether you choose to sit at the open kitchen counter or in the dining room, you will be served the best traditional Japanese dishes including, but not limited to, sushi and tempura. Fun fact: Kanpai is the Japanese expression for "cheers", something you will hear frequently in this place.
This is a top-notch Thai restaurant that puts the emphasis on authenticity, with Thai chefs in the kitchen and the best Thai cuisine on the menu. "Passorn" means Angel, and their service is truly celestial. The restaurant has also received several distinctions including the "Bib Gourmand" in the Michelin guide for 2015-16.
Wildfire is a family-owned Scottish steak and seafood bistro. They focus on carefully sourced Aberdeen Angus beef and Scottish seafood, offering some of the finest Scottish cheeses as well. Wildfire is the perfect place to get to know Scottish gastronomy.
Contini Ristorante serves all the classic Italian dishes and specialties with an innovative twist. When going through the menu, look out for the fresh fish dishes, delicious Italian wines, and make sure you have room for a dessert, such as the heavenly tiramisu.
Britannia Spice is an award-winning restaurant offering the best food from Bangladesh, northern India, Thailand, and Nepal. Besides its outstanding dishes, its location is just perfect—it is located situated in Leith, facing The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Do not miss the small streets in Edinburgh Old Town, the so-called 'closes', which not only hide cosy backyards but also cheese shops, jewelers, and kilt designer shops. To regain some strength and energy after a long shopping spree, nibble on some shortbread, typical Scottish biscuits sold everywhere.
Right by the Royal Mile you will find Victoria Street, where brightly coloured shops line up to sell all sorts of products to the city's visitors. Pick up artisan cheese, cutting edge fashion, or authentic Scottish design products, and when the hunger kicks in, head over to one of the many restaurants and pubs located within this vibrant area.
House of Fraser Jenners is one of the top leading department stores in the United Kingdom. It features boutiques of all the major high-end brands selling clothing for men, women and children, as well as accessories and interior design decorations.
Located right next to Waverley Station, Waverley Mall is a shopping destination for both shopping fans and food lovers. Here you will not only find all sorts of clothing brands, but also a wide range of small food venues and coffee shops. It is great shopping spot for rainy days.
Beautiful design comes naturally to Sheila Fleet, the designer of these lovely pieces of jewellery. Her designs are heavily inspired by the sea, the sky, and the colours of the landscapes of Scotland. You will most likely walk out of the shop either with a new neckless, a ring, or a pair of earrings.
If you want to take a piece of Scotland home with you, then do not miss a visit to Heritage of Scotland, the ultimate store for all things Scottish. They have kilts, bagpipes, rugby shirts, Celtic and Scottish jewellery, suits of armour and so much more.
Head to Cranachan & Crowdie for food and beverage souvenirs. This charming store sells a wide range of whiskey and ale, and also quality Scottish treats like the best shortbread, award-winning chocolates, traditional Black Bun, different types of oatcakes as well as jams, marmalade, and chutneys.
Miss Katie Cupcake is a vintage paradise with handmade jewellery, vintage books and a number of knick-knacks that you may suddenly realize you have been missing all your life. It is also one of the cutest shops in the city, definitely worth a little visit.
Do not miss the small streets in Edinburgh Old Town, the so-called 'closes', which not only hide cosy backyards but also cheese shops, jewelers, and kilt designer shops. To regain some strength and energy after a long shopping spree, nibble on some shortbread, typical Scottish biscuits sold everywhere.
Right by the Royal Mile you will find Victoria Street, where brightly coloured shops line up to sell all sorts of products to the city's visitors. Pick up artisan cheese, cutting edge fashion, or authentic Scottish design products, and when the hunger kicks in, head over to one of the many restaurants and pubs located within this vibrant area.
Edinburgh Airport is located 11 km west of the city, and connections to the city take usually 25-30 minutes to get to the city regardless of whether you go by bus, taxi or rented car. Airlink express bus number 100 operates from the airport to Waverley Bridge (close to Princes Street and the main rail and bus stations). It departs every 10 minutes during the day and the journey takes 30 minutes. Tickets can be bought in advance online, at the bus stop, or from the driver. If you arrive by night, take the night bus N22 (from stop D). This bus runs from the airport via South Gyle to the city centre and tothe Ocean Terminal in Leith between 00:45 and 04:15 seven nights a week. It departs every 30 minutes. There is also the bus service 35 (from stop F) that runs to the city centre and on to the Ocean Terminal. It departs every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes in the evenings and Sundays. Taxi prices to and from the airport vary and many of the vehicles are adapted for disabled people. Taxis are located on the first floor of the multi-storey car park opposite the main terminal building. Edinburgh Airport has a car hire centre where you can find all the major car hire companies such as Hertz, AVIS, Europecar, Alamo, Budget and Sixt. It is conveniently located with direct access to the terminal and easy to book in advance via the airport website.
Late spring and summer's longer days and warmer temperatures make these periods the best time to visit Edinburgh. However, rain can be expected at anytime in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland, even in summer.
Citizens from EEA countries or Switzerland then you must have either a valid passport or a national identity card issued by a EEA country, which is valid for the whole of your stay. Citizens from non-EEA countries must hold a valid passport before visiting Scotland and the UK. Depending on your country and/or stay duration, you might need a visa. Check out visa policies for the UK at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
There are various bus companies operating in Edinburgh. The largest are First Edinburgh and Lothian Buses, you can use both to get around town or explore the surrounding coast and countryside. For both companies you can purchase tickets on the bus, in shops, online or in the mobile app. Edinburgh is a small and fairly compact city though, and most destinations in the city are within walking distance. For more information check the companies' websites. Lothian Buses: www.lothianbuses.com/index.php First Edinburgh www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland_east/
Unoccupied taxis have are indicated with a light on the top. You can also book a taxi by contacting the following companies: City Cabs +44 131 228 1211 Central Radio Taxis +44 131 229 2468
Stamps are available from post offices and newsagents and you will find several post offices in the city centre, with the most central being the Tollcross Post Office, located in Home Street.
To find details on your nearest health services including pharmacies, dentists, doctors, and hospitals, visit the NHS24 website (www.nhs24.scot), or call 111 in case of emergency. Here are some major pharmacies: Royal Mile Pharmacy - Alphega Pharmacy 67 High St, Edinburgh +44 131 556 1971 Edinburgh University Pharmacy 6 Bristo Pl, Edinburgh +44 131 668 2182 Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy 257A Leith Walk, Edinburgh +44 131 554 6591
Edinburgh Airport is located 11 km west of the city, and connections to the city take usually 25-30 minutes to get to the city regardless of whether you go by bus, taxi or rented car. Airlink express bus number 100 operates from the airport to Waverley Bridge (close to Princes Street and the main rail and bus stations). It departs every 10 minutes during the day and the journey takes 30 minutes. Tickets can be bought in advance online, at the bus stop, or from the driver. If you arrive by night, take the night bus N22 (from stop D). This bus runs from the airport via South Gyle to the city centre and tothe Ocean Terminal in Leith between 00:45 and 04:15 seven nights a week. It departs every 30 minutes. There is also the bus service 35 (from stop F) that runs to the city centre and on to the Ocean Terminal. It departs every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes in the evenings and Sundays. Taxi prices to and from the airport vary and many of the vehicles are adapted for disabled people. Taxis are located on the first floor of the multi-storey car park opposite the main terminal building. Edinburgh Airport has a car hire centre where you can find all the major car hire companies such as Hertz, AVIS, Europecar, Alamo, Budget and Sixt. It is conveniently located with direct access to the terminal and easy to book in advance via the airport website.
Late spring and summer's longer days and warmer temperatures make these periods the best time to visit Edinburgh. However, rain can be expected at anytime in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland, even in summer.
