Edinburgh: A city guide for the ultimate trip to Scotland's capital - sights and experiences is written by Kristine Kähler.
Travel to Edinburgh: Guide to sights and experiences
Honestly: Edinburgh deserves a place on the podium for Europe's most beautiful cities. At least if you ask us.
The capital of Scotland has a perfect mix of vibrant city life and smalll town mood. The city has an international atmosphere that does not compromise with the local charm and historical character, and this makes the city completely unique.
On a trip to Edinburgh, exploring is also easy.
Here are wonderful sights and cultural treasures.
You can immerse yourself in fairy tales about ghosts and wizards, zigzag through cozy streets and get a turn when the musicians occupy one of the old pubs.
Edinburgh must be experienced.
In this city guide, you will therefore get good advice for planning your trip to Edinburgh, including:
- Transport in Edinburgh: How to get from the airport and around the city
- Boroughs of Edinburgh: Here you will live in Edinburgh
- Sights and places: This is what you must see and experience in Edinburgh
- Restaurants and bars: Here there are unique gastronomic experiences
- Day trips from Edinburgh: This is how you can easily get out into nature
Transport in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a good network of public transport with buses, trams and trains. The easiest way to buy a ticket is via the 'Transport for Edinburgh' app. Uber is also widespread, and it can be quite useful - especially in the evening.
To and from Edinburgh Airport
When you start your journey, you will probably arrive at Edinburgh Airport, there are several easy and convenient ways to get into the city. You can take the Airlink 100 bus, which runs 30 hours a day and takes you directly to the center in XNUMX minutes.
Alternatively, you can choose the tram, which also goes from the airport to the city center and takes about 35 minutes. Both options are comfortable and reliable. Tickets can be purchased via the Transport for Edinburgh app or from ticket booths at the airport.
The city buses – Lothian Buses
Within Edinburgh itself, public transport is fairly well organised. The city has an extensive network of buses operated by Lothian Buses, making it easy to get around to all the main sights and areas of Edinburgh.
Again, we would recommend that you download the Transport for Edinburgh app, which gives you both routes and the option to buy a ticket.
Uber
If you prefer to avoid public transport, Uber is a popular choice for many people traveling to Edinburgh. It is especially useful if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a more private transport option – or if you hit one of the late night hours and need to get home safely from the pub.
Edinburgh Boroughs: Where to live in the city?
Like any other city, Edinburgh is divided into several different neighborhoods. And although you probably won't be at your accommodation much when you travel and experience the city, you may still have some preferences for where your base should be.
Do you want to go out and experience the local atmosphere, or is it important to you to have all of Edinburgh's attractions right outside the front door? And if the center is too expensive to live in – which suburban areas are a worthy alternative?
Here you get an overview of Edinburgh's different districts when you travel here.
Old Town: History and sights
In general, you will find most of the sights in Edinburgh in or near the Old Town. It is built around the Royal Mile pedestrian street, which forms the old commercial center and which connects Edinburgh Castle at one end with Holyrood Palace at the other.
Old Town is the obvious choice if you want to have most tourist destinations – the castle, the cathedral, Victoria Street, the Grassmarket and much more – on your doorstep.
New Town: Shopping mecca and 'upscale' bars
The central – and busy – Princes Street is Edinburgh's main artery. Here you will find shops, department stores and junk food chains in long lanes. And although you may not be on a shopping holiday, there are actually quite a few things that can speak for this particular location.
New Town is not like that new, as it sounds, and on the north side of Princes Street there are lots of fine old buildings, while on the south side you have the beautiful park Princes Street Gardens, which invites you to picnic and relax in the grass. At the same time, you are just a stone's throw – or rather, a small walk uphill – to the old town.
Marchmont and Bruntsfield: Stay with the locals
If you're looking for a more local feel, Marchmont and Bruntsfield are good options. From here you have half an hour's walk or a short bus ride to the center and the obligatory sights in Edinburgh.
You can take the walk through Edinburgh's giant park, The Meadows, which in good weather is a popular meeting point for families, students and revelers.
Of the two neighbourhoods, Marchmont is considerably quieter and characterized by residential properties with a few cafes and a Coop store, while neighboring Bruntsfield is more lively with its many eateries and specialist shops.
West End and Haymarket: Convenient transport hub
The West End and Haymarket are a convenient location for those looking for a central location with direct access drop-off from the airport via tram or bus. And with a 20-minute walk to both New Town and Old Town, you couldn't be strategically better placed.
The area is home to the concert venue Usher Hall and a number of embassies and consulates. It might not be what you would call a cozy area - but then again, it's the central location and that large selection of hotels, which pulls.
Leith: Cool city within the city
Leith is an exciting district that should be included on your trip to Edinburgh. The old industrial port area has been transformed into a hip and creative city within the city, which is home to advertising agencies, specialty breweries, vintage markets and lots of restaurants and cafes.
The area made a great place on Time Out's list of the world's coolest boroughs in 2023, and with just a block on the tram – or a beautiful riverside walk – into the center of Edinburgh, Leith can definitely be recommended as a base for your trip to Edinburgh.
The tram also allows you to plan your visits to the various sights in Edinburgh, because you can sit and follow the city life.
Portobello Beach: Beach life at a distance
If you are traveling to Edinburgh on your summer holiday and would like to combine walking around the city with sunbathing – yes, it can actually get hot in Scotland – you can consider finding a small guest houses in Portobello. Here you can get sand between your toes, stroll along the water and enjoy a meal in one of the cafes with a sea view.
Edinburgh city center can be reached in just 40 minutes on one of the many bus routes that run between Portobello and the city.
See all the best hotels in Edinburgh and the surrounding area here
The best sights in Edinburgh
Whether you're into nature, history, Harry Potter or pub crawls, you're guaranteed not to be bored on your trip to Edinburgh.
Here is a list of things to see, do and experience in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the city's majestic landmark and probably number one on your Edinburghto do list of sights you must experience on your trip.
This impressive fortress, which has withstood countless sieges throughout history, offers a fascinating journey through Scotland's past. Here you can explore royal apartments, see Scotland's crown jewels and hear the deafening blast of the daily One O'Clock Gun when the cannons are fired.
If necessary, buy your ticket online before the visit and save time in the queue.
Free Harry Potter Walking Tour
Are you a Hufflepuff or a Gryffindor? Then a free Harry Potter walking tour is a fun and different dinner activity. Visit the street that inspired Diagon Alley, see Voldemort's - or Tom Riddle's - real gravestone and hear fun facts and stories about author JK Rowling's life in the city. It is an exciting experience for your trip.
There are many different providers, and the tours are basically free, although a tip is expected.
Walk along the Water of Leith Walkway
If you need a break on your trip to Edinburgh, take a relaxing walk along the Water of Leith Walkway. It is a hidden oasis that takes you along the river system from the city center to the coast. This scenic trail winds through lush woodlands, historic neighborhoods and past charming cafes.
On the way, you can explore the picturesque Dean Village, a former mill area with beautiful buildings and an idyllic atmosphere. The tour ends in the hip district of Leith, which certainly also deserves your visit.
Walk up to Arthur's Seat
If you have the right footwear, a hike up to Arthur's Seat is obvious. This ancient volcano offers magnificent panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. The walk is a bit demanding, but the view is fantastic.
Comedy at the Monkey Barrel Comedy Club
Laugh till you cry at the Monkey Barrel Comedy Club, one of Edinburgh's most popular venues for stand-up comedy.
Here you can experience both local talent and well-known comedians. It's the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing and get a good dose of Scottish humor along the way.
Mondays are free open mic, where no ticket is required, while the other days are dedicated to shows that require a ticket.
Sunset from Calton Hill
Calton Hill is another vantage point that gives you a fantastic panorama of Edinburgh. At the top of the hill you will also find a lot of monuments – one of them is The National Monument of Scotland, which was never completed due to financial reasons.
The locals therefore refer to the monument as "Edinburgh's Disgrace" or "The Pride and Poverty of Scotland".
Nevertheless, Calton Hill is perfect for a sunset tour, where the sky is painted in golden hues and the city glows in the last light of day.
The Real Mary King's Close
Come underground to The Real Mary King's Close.
This underground labyrinth of streets and houses provides a fascinating insight into the life of the city in the 17th century. Hear ghost stories and learn about life in the crowded 'closes', which are narrow streets from a time when the plague was rampant and Edinburgh was somewhat different to what it is today.
Fringe Festival
If you travel to Edinburgh in the month of August, you cannot fail to see Edinburgh transform into a living theater during the world famous Fringe Festival.
The city is buzzing with energy with thousands of shows in comedy, theatre, music and more. Whether you're into avant-garde performance art or classical plays, there's something for everyone.
Military Tattoo
If your trip is to Edinburgh in August, you can also experience the spectacular Military Tattoo, which takes place on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
This magnificent show combines military precision, music and dance from around the world. And all set against the dramatic backdrop of the illuminated castle. It is a touching and impressive tribute to Scottish culture and history and at the same time a different attraction in Edinburgh.
Picnic in The Meadows
Enjoy a relaxing day at The Meadows, the large park in the middle of Edinburgh. Sit down with a homemade sandwich or a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere around you.
On a summer's day, there are often many activities going on, and if you're lucky, you can become a spectator to a real Quidditch match - yes, we're talking broomsticks between the legs and the whole mole javs.
Dean Village
Dean Village is one of Edinburgh's most idyllic areas and feels like a small village right in the center of Edinburgh. This former mill area is filled with charming cobbled streets, historic buildings and a trickling stream.
It's like traveling back in time on a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city where you can enjoy a peaceful walk and take some amazing photos.
Food and drink: Restaurants and bars in the city
It's always fun to try local food culture. But it can also be difficult to see where you get it real good food, and what is just a tourist trap. So here you get our personal recommendations for 'something special' bars and good restaurants in Edinburgh.
Haggis at Monteith's
Haggis. National law of Scotland. And no, finely chopped offal does not sound appetizing. But don't be put off by the idea of a blistered mass growing all the way down the esophagus. It's not what you think.
So trust us when we say you can't leave Edinburgh and Scotland without trying haggis. And there's no better place to try it than at Monteiths. This dish is definitely in the top-5 of experiences you must have in Edinburgh.
Deep-fried Mars bar from Clam Shell
If you're not afraid of calories, try the special Scottish invention deep-fried Marsbar. The dish reportedly originated in a fish and chip takeaway when a group of school children challenged the owner to dip a Mars bar in batter and fry it.
Since then it has become a widely popular dessert and a symbol of Scotland quirkiness – the cheerfully skewed angle on life.
You can taste the special dish at Clam Shell Fish & Chips on the High Street. It is definitely recommended to get vanilla ice cream.
Local pub atmosphere at the Golf Tavern
It might not be the greatest gourmet experience, but it's the local vibe that makes this place worth a visit on your trip.
Here, people of all ages gather with friends, family and colleagues in an informal setting for a good chat or a game of chess over a draft beer and a meal of pub food.
There is usually live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - and occasionally on other days as well. You can also hire golf clubs and have a round of golf outside at the Bruntsfield Links course.
Eat vegetarian in a colorful and quirky setting at Paradise Palms
This place is popular with students and people who like to explore vegan food in new ways. And if you're not there specifically for the food, you can largely enjoy the decor instead. It is what you can call 'creative' in subdued Jutland.
Late in the evening, the place transforms into a cocktail bar, and there are often events with DJs and other artists. So stick around if you're looking for a festive night out.
Breakfast or lunch of local produce at Larder
The Edinburgh Larder and the neighboring Little Larder serve good dishes made from local Scottish ingredients. It is down to earth and informal, but really delicious.
The cafes are located on a side street to the High Street – that is, in the center of the old town – and they are often well visited.
It is not possible to reserve a table at Little Larder, but if you want to secure a place at a specific time, you can book a table at Edinburgh Larder.
Drinks in the secret cocktail bar
From the outside, Panda & Sons looks like a barbershop.
But when you go down the stairs and through the bookcase, you are on a secret journey where you enter a secret bar where people enjoy cocktails in a relaxed and cool atmosphere. And it is not just the location that has been made special; the experimental cocktails are served in everything from a smoke-obscured glass dome to a takeaway box from Thai food.
Day trips from Edinburgh: Get out into nature
If you have extra time, you can rent a car and drive out into the beautiful Scottish countryside and visit idyllic small towns. You can also use public transport or take one of the many organized tours.
Because whether you're into enchanting scenery, history or whiskey tasting, there are plenty of options within just two hours' drive of Edinburgh.
Hike up Ben A'an
Do you want to stretch your legs and get your heart rate up? Then take a day trip to Ben A'an, often called “The Mountain in Miniature”.
This charming hill in the Trossachs National Park offers a relatively short but steep hike that rewards you with stunning views of Loch Katrine.
History has it that this route has been popular with nature lovers since Victorian times in the mid-1800s, and when you stand at the top, it's easy to see why.
Boat trip on beautiful Loch Katrine
We will stay in the Trossachs National Park a little longer. For our next recommendation is an idyllic sailing trip on Loch Katrine. The sailing trip takes you through one of Europe's finest landscapes. If you don't want to sail, you can settle for a quiet walk along the water.
Pitlochry with whiskey tour at Blair Athol Distillery
A day trip to the picturesque town of Pitlochry is like stepping into an idyllic postcard.
Here you can wander through cozy streets, visit the beautiful forest area of Faskally Wood or take a guided tour of the Blair Athol distillery. Blair Athol Distillery is one of Scotland's oldest distilleries and has been producing whiskey since 1798. During the tour you can learn about the fascinating history of whiskey and enjoy a taste or two.
Trip to St. Andrews
Are you a fan of golf or history? Then St. Andrews the perfect day trip to a new attraction close to Edinburgh.
This charming city is known as the 'home of golf' and has one of the world's oldest golf courses in St. Andrews Links. But there is much more to experience than just golf. Visit the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and St. Andrews Castle or take a stroll along the beautiful West Sands Beach, where scenes from the movie Chariots of Fire – with the Danish title Viljen til Sejr – were filmed.
The city's prestigious university, where Prince William and Kate Middleton met, is also worth exploring.
queensferry
For a short day trip from Edinburgh, catch a bus to the idyllic seaside town of South Queensferry.
Here you can have lunch in one of the cafes in the cobbled town centre, walk along the water with a view of the iconic Forth Bridge, or take a boat trip along the coast and look for seals.
Have a good trip to Scotland, and to all the fine sights in the beautiful capital Edinburgh.
Here are the 7 most beautiful sights and experiences in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle
- Hike up to Arthur's Seat
- Leith Walkway
- Haggis at Monteith
- Military Tattoo
- Fringe Festival
- Harry Potter Walking Tour
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