Edinburgh
Currency
GBP
Language
English
Timezone
London
Continent
Europe
Discover Edinburgh
Edinburgh is built on volcanic hills and the castle takes the steepest — a rock that commands the whole city. From it the Royal Mile runs down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a royal residence. Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano of 250 metres, is an hour's climb from the centre and gives the best urban view in Scotland.
When to go
May to September. August is the Fringe, the largest performing arts festival in the world: the city is electric and completely full — book months ahead or avoid. Winter is dark and windy, but Hogmanay, the Scottish new year, is an institution.
Getting around
The centre walks, if you accept the hills and the stairs — Edinburgh is vertical. The tram links the airport to the centre. The Old Town and New Town, both World Heritage sites, are seen on foot.
Where to eat
Haggis is worth trying once, and the modern restaurant versions are gentler than the reputation. Scotland is whisky country too, and tastings in town are plentiful. Only three halal addresses are listed — few, and worth planning around.
Good to know
Admission runs from 8 to 25 €. Book the castle online. Bring layers: the weather turns several times a day, and the wind on Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat is markedly colder than at street level.
Top Activities in Edinburgh
landmarkChâteau d'Édimbourg
from €21
landmarkThe Scottish Parliament
from €20
landmarkPalace of Holyroodhouse
from €18
museumNational Gallery
Free
landmarkSt Giles' Cathedral
from €15
museumNational Museum of Scotland
Free
landmarkScott Monument
from €12
viewpointArthur's Seat
Free
landmarkHolyrood Abbey
from €14
landmarkSt Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
from €11
landmarkMons Meg
from €12
museumScottish National Portrait Gallery
Free
viewpointCalton Hill
Free
landmarkNelson Monument
from €10
landmarkEdinburgh Central Mosque
from €12
landmarkSt Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral (RC)
from €11
museumScottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Free
landmarkOld College
from €10
landmarkCamera Obscura & World of Illusions
from €10
parkWest Princes Street Gardens
Free
landmarkGreyfriars Kirk
from €10
landmarkNational Monument of Scotland
from €11
landmarkThe Scotch Whisky Experience
from €10
museumWriters' Museum
Free
Restaurants in Edinburgh
The Witchery
