Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Overview
Edinburgh, a city steeped in history and magic, captivates with its medieval Old Town, majestic Edinburgh Castle, and the vibrant Royal Mile. Experience the thrill of ghost tours, explore hidden closes, and enjoy breathtaking views from Calton Hill, a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.
Best Time to Travel
Best Months
May to September
During May to September, Edinburgh experiences milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and generally less rainfall than the winter months. Expect pleasant but changeable weather, with sunshine interspersed with occasional showers.
Months to Avoid
November to March - Cold, wet, short daylight hours, and often windy. Many outdoor attractions might be less enjoyable.
Consider visiting during other months
Peak Season
July and August - Peak tourist season due to school holidays and especially the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Royal Military Tattoo.
Expect larger crowds and higher prices
Top Things to Do
Rosslyn Castle
MacDuff Castle
Yester Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Dairsie Castle
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Scottish Parliament Building
National Museum of Scotland
The Real Mary King's Close
Edinburgh Zoo
Rosslyn Chapel
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Palace of Holyroodhouse
National Galleries of Scotland: National
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Dynamic Earth
Holyrood Park
Royal Commonwealth Pool
The Falkirk Wheel
Xtreme Karting / Combat Edinburgh
The Scotsman Hotel
Malmaison Edinburgh
Barony Castle Hotel
Britannia Hotel Edinburgh
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
Orocco Pier Hotel
Black Ivy
The Nether Abbey Hotel
Recommended Hotels
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Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
1 Festival Square
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West by IHG
107 Queensferry Road
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Edinburgh
25-33 Shandwick Place
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
53 Princes Street
Malmaison Edinburgh
1 Tower Place Leith
Britannia Edinburgh Hotel
69 Belford Road
The Ben Doran Guest House
11 Mayfield Gardens
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh by IHG
51-59 York Place
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
80 High Street The Royal Mile
Channings Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
12-16 South Learmonth Gardens
The Balmoral Hotel
1 Princes Street
Travelodge Edinburgh Learmonth
18-20 Learmonth Terrace
Hotel Indigo - Edinburgh - Princes Street by IHG
20 Princes Street
Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh
111 Glasgow Road
Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre
34 Bread Street
Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood
81 Holyrood Road
voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace by IHG
18 Royal Terrace
Old Waverley Hotel
43 Princes Street
Fountain Court Apartments - Royal Garden
2 York Buildings
Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG
38 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel
Grosvenor Street
The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
Princes Street
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
19 North Bridge
Leonardo Edinburgh City
79 Lauriston Place
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Recommended Restaurants
The Kitchin
Modern Scottish
Leith
Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite modern Scottish cuisine with a 'From Nature to Plate' philosophy, focusing on seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
Dishoom Edinburgh
Indian (Bombay Café)
St Andrew Square
A popular Bombay-style café known for its delicious Parsi-inspired dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and legendary breakfast naans. Expect a lively buzz.
The Scran & Scallie
Scottish Gastropub
Comely Bank / Stockbridge
A beloved gastropub serving refined Scottish comfort food and a great selection of local beers in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Ondine Oyster & Grill
Seafood
Old Town
An elegant seafood restaurant offering a fantastic selection of fresh Scottish oysters, grilled fish, and other ocean delicacies with stunning city views.
Civerinos Slice
Italian / Pizza
Old Town
Lively spot offering massive New York-style pizza slices and whole pies, perfect for a quick, delicious, and affordable meal in a fun setting.
Harmonium
Vegan / Modern European
Leith Walk
A vibrant, fully vegan restaurant serving creative and hearty plant-based dishes, including pizzas, burgers, and comfort food classics.
Interesting Facts
Beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh lies a darker, hidden world: the Edinburgh Vaults. These a series of chambers formed in the arches of the South Bridge were once home to taverns, workshops, and the city's poorest residents in the 18th century, becoming a notorious slum and haunt for criminals.
Edinburgh Castle, a defining landmark, sits dramatically atop an extinct volcano known as Castle Rock. This strategic position, active since the Iron Age, has made it the most besieged place in Great Britain, enduring over 26 major sieges throughout its history.
Every August, Edinburgh hosts the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Originating in 1947, it now features thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, transforming the city into a global stage for comedy, theatre, dance, and music.
Despite its iconic name, the 'Royal Mile' is not exactly a mile long. This historic thoroughfare, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, actually measures 1.81 kilometres (1.12 miles).
For over 160 years, a canon known as the 'One O'Clock Gun' has been fired daily (except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day) from Edinburgh Castle. Originally, this precise daily blast allowed ships in the Firth of Forth to set their chronometers accurately.
Rising majestically above the city, Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano and the highest point in Holyrood Park. Standing at 251 meters (823 ft), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond, a dramatic natural landmark within a capital city.
Edinburgh earned the distinction of being the world's very first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. This title celebrates its profound literary heritage, having inspired greats from Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to J.K. Rowling, and its vibrant contemporary literary scene.
One of Edinburgh's most endearing tales belongs to Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal Skye Terrier who famously guarded his master's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years until his own death in 1872. A beloved bronze statue commemorates his devotion near the graveyard entrance.