The ancient capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city shaped by its place in dramatic historical events and dominated by its imposing and Gothic buildings. International visitors fall in love with Edinburgh every year, intrigued by the trove of cultural artefacts across the city and charmed by local stories. Here are some tips and information to help you plan your trip:
When to Visit
The best months to visit Edinburgh are during the spring and autumn seasons, from March – June and September – October. These are the best times to enjoy the city’s charms, without the high prices and floods of crowds that accompany the Fringe Festival in the summer. Furthermore, temperatures are perfect during these months, as you get to enjoy cool weather alongside slightly longer daylight hours.
Winter is bitterly cold, windy and wet, a particular problem on the cobbled streets and steep hills. Though summer months bring nice weather, they are also packed full of events: Holyrood Week, the Tattoo, the Edinburgh Arts Festival and the associated Fringe Festival. Navigating the crowds can be tedious unless you’re also there for the event.
Language
Scotland has three official languages: English, Scots, and Gaelic. However, everyone speaks English, so communication will not be a problem for English-speakers. Do note that most locals speak with a Scottish accent, and often mix Scots words with English ones, which can be a little difficult to understand. Here, things are not small but “wee”, and often a yes is not a “yes”, but an “aye”!
Currency
The only official currency of the UK is the Sterling Pound (£). For those travelling from London, do take note that Scottish banknotes are slightly different from those produced by the Banks of England for the UK. Though their appearance may differ, they are still considered legal tender throughout the UK.
Weather
A common saying in Scotland is that you will ‘experience four seasons in a day’, as it changes so quickly and often. Contrary to popular belief, Edinburgh is not actually a very rainy city (especially compared to the much wetter Glasgow). Where it does rain, it only falls in short, light showers. The wettest months are in summer and autumn. Snow is possible in winter, but is not common in Edinburgh, due to the city’s proximity to the sea.
The average winter temperatures for Edinburgh are around 1-7°C. And while summer is definitely warmer, you can still expect temperatures to be relatively cool with temperatures ranging from 9-19°C! You should also be aware that the strong winds coming from the North Sea can make it feel much colder than it actually is. During winter, the wind chill can make it drop to -10 or -15 °C! (A heavy jacket and layers are recommended!)
Getting to the City
All international arrivals will arrive at Edinburgh Airport. From the airport, there are a variety of means to get to the city.
Airport Bus
The Airlink 100 Express Bus offers the most direct route to the city centre, terminating at Waverley Bridge. Your journey will take about 25 minutes, as it is an express route, only stopping at limited locations, including Princes Street and Haymarket.
Tickets cost £4.50 for a single, and £7.50 for open-return (within 6 months). You can purchase tickets at the airport from a counter next to the bus stop, or onboard from the driver at any other stop. This bus runs 24 hours a day, at 15-minute intervals, but is less frequent through the night (0.00-4.30am).
You can also use the two other airport bus services, the Skylink 200 and Skylink 300, which connect the airport to other areas of Edinburgh; the 200 covers North Edinburgh, and the 300 covers West Edinburgh, both terminating in Leith. You will pay the same fare as the Airlink 100, but these routes operate only during the day, from 6 am until midnight, and will take longer given that they are not express services.
Tram
Another way to get to and from the city is via the tram line, which connects the airport to the city centre, with stops along Princes Street before its terminus on York Place. The tram operates from 5.30 – 11.30 pm, and runs in 7-minute intervals from 7 am – 7 pm, and 10-minute intervals otherwise.
All tram stops in Edinburgh have ticket machines in the platform, where you can buy single (£6), return (£8.50) or day (£9) tickets. You should pay with the exact fare if possible, as the machines don’t give back change. Transactions of more than £3 can be paid by card.
Private Hire Vehicles/Taxis
You can travel from Edinburgh city centre to the airport by taxi in around 30 minutes, and it costs £20 - £25 each way, but some companies will offer a discount for a return trip. Do take note that you will be charged an extra £5 as an airport surcharge. Uber is available in Edinburgh (and is often cheaper), as well as various city cab companies that charge by the meter.
If possible, we recommend that you pre-book your taxi if you are planning to take a cab since it often works out to be much cheaper (especially if you are travelling in a group), and the overall fare of £20 will already include the airport surcharge.
Getting Around Edinburgh
Walking
Edinburgh is generally a very walkable city, with many attractions mainly centred around the historic Old Town and city centre. Walking is also the best way to fully appreciate the city’s mishmash of different architectural styles. Driving around the compact city centre separates you from the fascinating array of winding stairways and narrow lanes in Edinburgh that are hidden by the imposing facades of the Old Town. Many of Edinburgh’s most interesting streets are closed to traffic, but host monuments, tea rooms and beautiful open squares.
Public Transportation
That said, the city has well-developed and reliable transport links that consist of an extensive bus network and a tram line. This is particularly useful if walking is not for you, or you are planning to visit an attraction that is slightly further out. Do note that a minimum purchase of £10 is required if you are planning to use the Transport for Edinburgh app to buy your mobile tickets.
Bus
The most popular mode of transport (after walking), Edinburgh’s buses are mainly operated by Lothian Buses and First. The sprawling bus network ensures that you can travel around Edinburgh with ease, with many different routes connecting the city centre to the city’s various neighbourhoods. All buses are wheelchair accessible and have a designated space for them onboard.
A single ticket will cost you £1.70, while a Day-ticket (valid for unlimited rides throughout the day) will set you back £4. You can pay for tickets in cash when boarding the bus, by depositing the money in the box next to the driver, but be aware that exact change is required, as the drivers have no access to cash and are unable to give back change. Alternatively, you can also buy your tickets on the Transport for Edinburgh app.
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
Black taxi cabs are easy to find throughout Edinburgh and are a quick and comfortable option for getting around the city. All cabs operate using the same tariffs, which will be displayed to you on the inside of the cab. Uber is also available in the city and may be a cheaper alternative.
You can pay by cash or card, but cash is recommended as there is a 5% surcharge for card payments.
Where to Stay
Leith
What used to be one of Edinburgh’s roughest addresses has gentrified. Full of character and internationally diverse, this neighbourhood contains restaurants and grocery stores from six continents and dozens of countries. This is a great area to have as a base, as it is cheaper than most of the other neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, and has some of the best food in the city.
Stockbridge
Edinburgh’s trendiest and most affluent “village”, Stockbridge has its own distinct character and identity. Close to the picturesque Waters of Leith, Stockbridge boasts fine restaurants and pubs selling locally brewed beers. There are also fine cheese shops and artisan coffee cafes. If you are looking to stay near the city centre, yet away from the usual touristy areas, Stockbridge is the place for you.
The Old Town
Teeming with history, the Old Town is supposedly also the most haunted part of Edinburgh (the Scottish capital is said to be one of the top 10 most haunted cities in the world). With its iconic architecture and charming streets and alleys, the Old Town is the place to stay for those wanting to be close to the action.
The New Town
Located in the shadow of the castle, the very heart of the city is home to some of its most popular attractions. There's shopping galore on Princes Street, pubs for days on Rose Street, and swanky bars on George Street. Transport links to the city are very easy to navigate with the main train station and bus station located here. Perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. With both George and Rose Streets at your doorstep, the New Town is also great for those seeking the nightlife.
Morningside and Bruntsfield
Morningside has the reputation of being one of the most well-to-do neighbourhoods in Scotland, and its next-door neighbour Bruntsfield isn’t far behind. This combined area located next to the Meadows has leafy terraces, beautiful architecture, quirky independent shops, churches and parks. Quieter than the other neighbourhoods in the city, it is one of the safest in the city. If you want peaceful parks, tantalizing tearooms and beautiful bistros, this is the best place to stay in Edinburgh.
Pro tip: The affluent neighbourhood of Morningside is the perfect place to go thrifting in, with charity stores always stocked with quality pieces at ridiculous prices.
What to Eat
More known for its historic charm rather than its food scene, Edinburgh is nonetheless blessed with a multitude of great places to eat and drink, as well as local Scottish produce of the highest quality. From foraged food to quirky cafes, there’s something for everyone.
For those interested in fine-dining, Edinburgh’s 5 restaurants holding Michelin stars allows it to stake its claim behind London in the UK’s fine-dining pecking order. With plenty of small diners and independent bistros littering the city, good food is never hard to come by. Some of the best and freshest seafood are served at the Mussel Inn along Rose Street, whereas the classic Scottish offerings of haggis, neeps and tatties are the most popular dish on the menu at the Arcade Bar along the Royal Mile.
There are also plenty of international options available, ranging from Thai, Italian, Indian, Spanish and Greek (and many more!).
What to Do
Burrowed beside long-dormant volcanoes and reigning over green moorlands, Edinburgh (or Ed-n-bruh in Scots) is known for more than its staggering landscape. The Athens of the North also claims a cast of legendary characters: Rebel leader Sir William Wallace (aka Braveheart); the tragic Mary, Queen of Scots; the Enlightenment thinkers David Hume and Adam Smith; "James Bond" actor Sean Connery; and prolific wordsmiths Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and J.K. Rowling – they are simply a handful who have called this city home.
With such a rich and storied history, Edinburgh offers an abundance of things to do. History buffs will enjoy Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace and other attractions found along the Royal Mile. Those in search of an authentic local experience will find it in the cosy neighbourhood pubs, shops and parks. Shoppers will find retail bliss in the New Town, and theatre hounds will be in their element at the Edinburgh Festival.
With a variety of tours available (many of them free), explore this beautiful city and the stories its historic closes and wynds hide to your heart’s content. This charming city is sure to leave its mark on you!
For more on what to do in Edinburgh, check out our guide [here].
Technology Needs
Travellers to Edinburgh should pack a standard UK power adapter to keep their electronic devices charged. Connectivity is also widely available and easily accessible with Edinburgh recently introducing a free Wi-Fi service in the city centre to allow tourists to access the internet.
For those keen to buy SIM cards, there are plenty of options available. We recommend getting your SIM card from either 3 or Giffgaff, which both offer a variety of no-contract plans. Giffgaff even delivers internationally, so you won’t have to be left without data until you find a phone shop.
