Top things to do in Edinburgh
Attractions, tours, and activities in Edinburgh
Edinburgh: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Edinburgh
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Old Town
In downtown
Edinburgh Old Town oozes mystery. Its cobbled “wynds” (narrow alleyways) entice and delight with unexpected nooks and crannies that urge you to explore. In the town that spawned Stevenson’s “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, let Grassmarket’s cosy pubs bring out the bard in you. To unravel the ghostly tales behind Old Town’s hidden gems, join a guided tour.
Places to stay from $29 a night
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New Town
0.5 miles from downtown
Don’t be fooled by the name – New Town’s not that new. But its open spaces and elegant Georgian façades stand in stark contrast to the scrunched mediaeval maze of Old Town. Hidden behind neo-classical columns, New Town’s flats are among the city’s most sought after. If you fancy going the full Scottish, pick up a bespoke kilt from 21st Century Kilts.
Places to stay from $41 a night
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West End
0.9 miles from downtown
West End’s all about performance. This district’s chock-full of theatres, cinemas and concert venues. It really comes into its own during August’s Fringe Festival, when you can barely walk for grinning street comics or touts thrusting flyers into your hand. Need a break from the theatricality? Slip into Caley Sample Rooms for an off-stage brew.
Places to stay from $39 a night
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Haymarket
0.9 miles from downtown
Hay ho, let’s go! Commuters zoom in and out of Edinburgh’s central business district in a whirl of brogues and briefcases. On match days, you’ll see (and hear) rugby fans bustle their way to iconic Murrayfield Stadium. There’s plenty to please foodies, too – from First Coast’s Scottish fare to Lovecrumbs’ exceedingly good cakes.
Places to stay from $20 a night
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Bruntsfield
0.9 miles from downtown
Bruntsfield’s a leafy district where students eat, drink and sleep. On sunny days, grab a corner-shop beer and join the fresh-faced crowds in The Meadows Park, where you’ll find picnics, frisbees and sun cream galore. Head to funky gastro-pub Blackbird for Sunday brunch, before stopping off at Cameo Cinema’s cosy bar for a pre-film pint.
Places to stay from $56 a night
About Edinburgh
Including tips for the best time to visit Edinburgh
Compact, hilly, and packed with landmarks, Edinburgh delights visitors with its medieval old town and vibrant personality. Dominating the skyline is Edinburgh Castle, where Scotland’s rich history is on display, along with the crown jewels. Take a free guided tour of the impressive citadel to hear stories of its fascinating past, then head up to the Argyle Battery for incredible city views.
From the castle, the legendary Royal Mile leads down to Holyrood Palace through a mix of museums and gift shops, selling everything from kilts to vintage whisky. Some of the city’s best food can be found here, too. However, if the smell of fish and chips doesn’t tempt you, why not try a traditional pub lunch of "haggis, neeps, and tatties"?
Later, burn it all off with a walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat—an extinct volcano overlooking the city in nearby Holyrood Park—to admire the natural landscape that stretches for miles around.
Edinburgh promises a great time, no matter the time of year. In the winter there’s Hogmanay, a 3-day festival of street parties and events to celebrate the new year. Summer brings balmier weather, before rounding up with the world’s biggest arts festival: The Fringe. Lasting an entire month, this all-out celebration packs stand-up comedy, magic shows, and dramatic theater into a full schedule, creating a buzz that draws huge crowds to the Scottish capital year after year.
Tonight
From $140 per night
Next weekend
From $827 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | £1 = $1.25 |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | $151 per night |
| Average weekday price | $152 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Edinburgh
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Edinburgh
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Edinburgh Castle
0.2 miles from downtown
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Grassmarket
0.1 miles from downtown
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Edinburgh Playhouse
0.7 miles from downtown
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Usher Hall
0.5 miles from downtown
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Arthur's Seat
1.2 miles from downtown
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Royal Botanic Garden
1.3 miles from downtown
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Royal Yacht Britannia
2.4 miles from downtown
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Royal Mile
0.4 miles from downtown
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Murrayfield Stadium
1.9 miles from downtown
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Charlotte Square
0.6 miles from downtown
Edinburgh reviews
What other travelers say about Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle was a great day out.
April 27, 2024
Edinburgh Castle was a great day out. Transport was better than at home in Manchester. Was lots to do Edinburgh Castle, shops, St Giles arch, the Royal yaht britannia. Great places to eat on rose Street, lovely restaurant and bars.
Many facilities available within walking distance.
April 27, 2024
Many facilities available within walking distance. A wide variety of activities to engage in. Excellent range of eating/dining options. Transport options were relatively efficient. Picturesque city layout and parklands. The local people of Edinburgh seemed to be very friendly and helpful in supporting our needs.
Let the train take the strain ,public transport in Edinburgh...
April 27, 2024
Let the train take the strain ,public transport in Edinburgh is fantastic you don't need a car to get around ,we got a central rover train ticket for 3 days £36:60 this got us to Stirling,Perth,Dundee and north Berwick the rest of the time we walked around Edinburgh.The options for food is fantastic plenty of choice.In Stirling we did the jail tour and Stirling castle tour both very entertaining and informative the staff were very helpful and happy to answer any questions,can't wait for my next visit to Scotland.
Fantastic city - I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and will...
April 27, 2024
Fantastic city - I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and will return to see more. I had four days, but honestly could have spent four weeks and still not have gotten to see as much as I wanted. The caste tour was very enjoyable, and dinner after at The Witchery was one of the best I've ever had. Best of all were the people of Edinburgh; incredibly friendly, helpful, and they all actually seemed happy. Followed this visit with a trip to the Czech Republic, where I don't think I met a single happy person in four days, much less anyone who was semi-approachable. I'll see much more of Scotland next time round. I wont be going back to CZ.
We enjoyed our visit to Edinburgh Castle although it was...
April 25, 2024
We enjoyed our visit to Edinburgh Castle although it was busy, even in April. We ate at Gusto, good food and service. We ate at a steak house and were not disappointed. The Royal Mile is full of similar touristy shops, but walking round the city and park gave us plenty to see. We did drive the 3 miles to the base of Arthur’s Seat, and then enjoyed the challenge of the climb and the views from the top. Not for the truly unfit!
Edinburgh is a captivating blend of history, culture, and...
April 25, 2024
Edinburgh is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the striking Edinburgh Castle perched atop the iconic Royal Mile to the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town, every corner of this city is steeped in stories waiting to be discovered. The juxtaposition of medieval architecture with modern amenities creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to both history buffs and contemporary explorers alike. The city's vibrant arts scene, highlighted by the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, offers a plethora of theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and live music events to delight visitors. And let's not forget the breathtaking landscapes that surround the city, from the verdant hills of Holyrood Park to the windswept shores of Portobello Beach. Whether you're strolling through the bustling streets of the city center or embarking on a scenic hike in the nearby countryside, Edinburgh never fails to captivate with its beauty and charm.
Popular places to stay in Edinburgh
Stay in some of the best accommodations Edinburgh has to offer
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Ocean Mist Leith Leith, Edinburgh
From $218 per night
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BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh
From $355 per night
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Hotel Ceilidh-Donia Newington, Edinburgh
From $174 per night
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The Balmoral Hotel Old Town, Edinburgh
From $586 per night
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Cheval Old Town Chambers Old Town, Edinburgh
From $425 per night
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Other accommodations in Edinburgh
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Edinburgh
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Apartments
From $44 per night
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Villas
From $132 per night
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Cottages
From $87 per night
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Glamping Sites
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Serviced apartments
From $34 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $90 per night
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Guest Houses
From $30 per night
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Hostels
From $29 per night
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B&Bs
From $34 per night
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Resort Villages
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Homestays
From $37 per night
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Campgrounds
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Self-Catering Accommodations
From $44 per night
