Edinburgh Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s centre is compact but hilly, and most major sights are within walking distance of each other across the Old and New Towns.

• Edinburgh Castle — Perched on Castle Rock, the fortress holds the Scottish Crown Jewels and offers sweeping views across the city.
• Royal Mile — The historic spine of the Old Town, running from the castle to Holyrood and lined with narrow closes, churches and shops.
• Palace of Holyroodhouse — The official Scottish residence of the British monarch, next to the ruins of a medieval abbey.
• Arthur’s Seat — An extinct volcano in Holyrood Park whose summit rewards a steady climb with panoramic views over the city and coast.
• National Museum of Scotland — A superb museum covering Scottish history, natural science and world cultures, with a rooftop terrace.
• Calton Hill — A short climb from the east end of Princes Street, dotted with monuments and loved for sunset views.
• Dean Village and the Water of Leith — A picturesque former mill village on a riverside walkway, a peaceful escape close to the centre.

Best time to visit Edinburgh

May to September brings the mildest weather and longest days, ideal for walking the hills and exploring the Old Town. Temperatures are rarely hot, and showers can happen at any time of year, so layers are always useful.

August is the city’s busiest month, when the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival and other events fill venues and streets with theatre, comedy and music. Accommodation books up months in advance, so plan early if you want to attend.

Winter is cold, dark and often damp, but festive markets, lights and the famous Hogmanay New Year celebrations create a lively atmosphere. Spring and autumn are quieter and good for museums and day trips.

Getting from the airport

Edinburgh Airport lies around 13 kilometres west of the city centre and is linked to the city by tram, bus and taxi.

• Tram — Trams run frequently from outside the terminal to the city centre, including Princes Street and St Andrew Square, in around 30 to 35 minutes.
• Airport express bus — Express buses connect the airport with Waverley Bridge beside the main railway station in around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Taxi — Taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal. The drive to the centre usually takes 25 to 30 minutes, longer at peak times.

Tram and bus tickets can be bought from machines at the stops or with contactless payment on board some services.

Where to stay

Central Edinburgh is walkable, and buses and trams connect the outer districts, so choose based on your style of trip.

• Old Town — Atmospheric and historic, ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to the castle and the Royal Mile.
• New Town — Elegant Georgian streets with shops, restaurants and bars, convenient for the main railway station and airport tram.
• Stockbridge — A charming village-like area with independent shops and cafés, suited to a relaxed stay.
• Leith — The historic port district, known for its waterfront restaurants and a more local feel.
• West End and Haymarket — Close to theatres and the airport tram line, with a good range of accommodation.

Travel tips

• Getting around — The centre is best explored on foot, but it is hilly and often cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes. Buses and trams cover the wider city.
• Weather — Conditions change quickly, even in summer. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket whatever the season.
• Payment — Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. Scottish banks issue their own banknotes, which circulate alongside Bank of England notes.
• Tipping — Around 10 to 15 percent is customary in restaurants, but check the bill first, as a service charge may already be included.
• Festival season — In August, book accommodation and popular shows well ahead, and expect crowded streets in the Old Town.
• Entry requirements — The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area and has its own entry rules, which depend on your nationality. Check official UK government sources before you travel.