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Capital · United Kingdom

EdinburghDùn Èideann

Edinburgh.
Photo: Andrew Colin, CC BY 2.0

Give Edinburgh 3 nights: Old Town and Castle one day, Arthur's Seat and Leith the next, a day trip on the third. Book August beds by March.

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, built on volcanic crags with a medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town facing each other across Princes Street Gardens. Most of the centre is walkable, the Castle and Royal Mile anchor the sightseeing, and August doubles the population for the festivals. Three nights covers the city; add nights for the Highlands or Fife.

basic guide: no trip line yet
More
39 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
GBP
Best months
May–Sep
avoid Aug (festival crowds and peak prices), late Dec (Hogmanay prices)
Airport
Edinburgh (EDI)
Nights
3

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital, in the Central Belt, with 526,470 people in the urban area in 2021 and 901,455 in the metropolitan area. Volcanoes shaped its setting, and the castle stands on one of them. The city mixes medieval remains, Georgian architecture and modern buildings such as the Scottish Parliament and the National Museum of Scotland. It is nicknamed "Auld Reekie" and "Athens of the North", and has restaurants, shops, pubs, clubs and a year-round programme of events and festivals.

The Old and New Towns were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1995, and in 2004 Edinburgh became the first member of the UNESCO Creative Cities initiative, as a City of Literature. The Old Town runs along the Royal Mile from the Castle down to Holyrood Palace, while the New Town grid begins at Princes Street and stretches north. The Firth of Forth lies to the north.

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide for Edinburgh: no airport-to-bed path, walking clusters or day plans yet. Fares and schedules here are unverified. What this page does cover
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
  • Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
  • Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
  • United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
  • United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
  • United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices

See

What is worth your time in Edinburgh.

  • Edinburgh Castle — It sits atop a volcanic crag at the head of the Royal Mile, and the Esplanade beside it gives the best overall view of the city.
  • Royal Mile — This is the Old Town's main spine, sloping east from the Castle through Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate to Holyrood Palace.
  • Princes Street Gardens — They fill the depression between Princes Street and the Old Town heights, with the railway tracks at their base.
  • Calton Hill — This small hill east of Princes Street holds an ersatz Acropolis.
  • Arthur's Seat — These looming crags southeast of the centre are the remains of the largest of the old volcanoes.

Do

  • Walk the Royal Mile from the Castle down to Holyrood Palace.
  • Climb Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat for views over the city.
  • Attend events during the August festivals, booking accommodation well in advance.
  • Join the Hogmanay New Year celebrations.

Customs

  • Edinburgh has a long literary tradition: Sir Walter Scott was born here and has a monument on Princes Street, and Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle were also natives.
  • The city has been home or inspiration to writers including Muriel Spark, Irvine Welsh, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith and J.K. Rowling.
  • The local nickname "Auld Reekie" comes from the smell of sewage mixed with coal smoke.

Events

  • Edinburgh Festival Fringe — The city is particularly busy during the Fringe Festivals in August.August
  • Edinburgh International Festival — Launched in 1947; the Military Tattoo became an official part of it after its first performance at the castle a year later.
  • Hogmanay — New Year is known in Scotland as Hogmanay; the first organised Street Party was held in 1993.December
Emergency numbers for Edinburgh999 ▾
  • Police, fire, ambulance999
  • NHS non-urgent111
  • Police non-urgent101

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Edinburgh, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
  • BeerPint of beer£5–7 (≈ US$7–10)
  • Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)3 km (1.9 mi) taxiHigher after midnight.£8–12 (≈ US$11–16)
  • Metro or bus rideLothian bus single£2 (≈ US$3) (check)
  • SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
  • Museum or sight ticketCastle or palace entry£15–22 (≈ US$20–30) (check)
  • Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
  • Mid-range bedDouble or twin room, a night, per room£160 (≈ US$250)
  • High-end bedDouble or twin room, a night, per room£350 (≈ US$500)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £110 (≈ US$150) · High £220 (≈ US$300)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Edinburgh CastleRoyal Mile and Old TownArthur's SeatEdinburgh Festival FringeHogmanay
Airports
EDI Edinburgh Airport (Tram or Airlink 100 bus to the centre, 20–40 min)

Map of Edinburgh

Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.

MusselburghDalkeithBurntislandAberdourSouth QueensferryNorth QueensferryPenicuikTranent

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

  • Edinburgh
  • Basic guide

Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps

Guides nearby

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    not flagged

    7°C (45°F)

  2. Feb

    not flagged

    8°C (46°F)

  3. Mar

    not flagged

    10°C (50°F)

  4. Apr

    not flagged

    12°C (54°F)

  5. May

    Best

    15°C (59°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    17°C (63°F)

  7. Jul

    Best

    19°C (66°F)

  8. Aug

    Care

    19°C (66°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    17°C (63°F)

  10. Oct

    not flagged

    13°C (55°F)

  11. Nov

    not flagged

    10°C (50°F)

  12. Dec

    Avoid*

    7°C (45°F)

Best: May–Jul, Sep. Mixed: Aug. Avoid: Dec. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Apr (10). Averages, not a forecast.

* only part of the month (early, mid or late).

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Edinburgh: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

7°C (45°F)

2°C (36°F)

13 rd

Feb

8°C (46°F)

2°C (36°F)

11 rd

Mar

10°C (50°F)

3°C (37°F)

12 rd

Apr

12°C (54°F)

5°C (41°F)

10 rd

May

15°C (59°F)

7°C (45°F)

11 rd

Jun

17°C (63°F)

10°C (50°F)

11 rd

Jul

19°C (66°F)

12°C (54°F)

12 rd

Aug

19°C (66°F)

12°C (54°F)

12 rd

Sep

17°C (63°F)

10°C (50°F)

11 rd

Oct

13°C (55°F)

7°C (45°F)

13 rd

Nov

10°C (50°F)

4°C (39°F)

13 rd

Dec

7°C (45°F)

2°C (36°F)

13 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

The centre is walkable: Castle to Holyrood is about 1.6 km down the Royal Mile. Lothian Buses and the tram cover the rest; contactless tap or buy a day ticket. Taxis and the tram run late, but last buses thin out after midnight.

Nearest full guides

Straight-line distance, not travel time

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges

go

Door to door: About 45 min

ScotRail from Waverley to Dalmeny, about 20 min, then a 10-min walk downhill

Walk the waterfront under the Forth Bridge; boats to Inchcolm run in season (check).

North Berwick

go

Door to door: About 1 h

ScotRail from Waverley, about 35 min

Beach, seabird centre and a boat to Bass Rock in summer (check).

Dunbar

go

Door to door: About 50 min

ScotRail from Waverley, about 25 min

Harbour, castle ruins and coastal walks; easy half-day.

Livingston

skip

Door to door: About 50 min

ScotRail from Waverley to Livingston North, about 25 min

Shopping and the Almond Valley heritage centre; only if you need retail.

Glasgowgo

Door to door: About 1 h 15 min

ScotRail from Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street, about 50 min, every 15–30 min

A full day of museums and food; last trains back run late (check).

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Old Town

Royal Mile and Castle on the doorstep; noisiest and priciest, book early.

New Town

Georgian grid, Princes Street shops and Waverley station within a 10-min walk; quieter nights.

Leith

Former port with the Royal Yacht Britannia; 20–25 min by tram or bus to the centre, cheaper beds.

South (Southside and Newington)

Student quarter near the Meadows and university; good-value rooms, 15–20 min walk to the Royal Mile.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
£55–85 (≈ US$75–120) excl. bed
Mid
£90–150 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
High
£180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Double or twin room1 × 3 nights × £160£480
Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × £110£660
Airlink 100 or tram, airport to centre, one way2 × £7 · check£14
Lothian day ticket, buses and tram2 × £6 · check£11
eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10£20
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge£119
Trip total≈ £217 per person per day, bed included£1,304≈ US$1,800

2026 estimate in pounds; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
Pub main (fish and chips, pie)£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
Pint of beer£5–7 (≈ US$7–10)
3 km taxiHigher after midnight.£8–12 (≈ US$11–16)
Lothian bus single£2 (≈ US$3) (check)
Castle or palace entry£15–22 (≈ US$20–30) (check)
eSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Edinburgh is a safe city by day and night in the centre. Watch pickpockets on the Royal Mile and at Waverley in August, keep to lit paths on Arthur's Seat, and treat late-night 'free entry' club touts with caution.
  • August and Hogmanay sell out months ahead: book beds and trains early.
  • The Royal Mile has tartan-shop and 'free' tour touts; agree the price before you commit.
  • Rain and wind arrive any month: bring a waterproof, not an umbrella.
  • Arthur's Seat paths are steep and slippery when wet; wear grip shoes.
  • Some Old Town pubs and clubs add late-night entry charges: ask first.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
999
NHS non-urgent
111
Police non-urgent
101

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

EdinburghDùn Èideann

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance999
  • NHS non-urgent111
  • Police non-urgent101

Embassy

The US has a consulate in Edinburgh (check the address); most other countries: consulates in Edinburgh or embassies in London.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • EDI → city centre, Airlink 100: £6 (≈ US$8) single, £8.50 (≈ US$12) open return, 20–30 min (check)
  • EDI → city centre, tram: £7.90 (≈ US$11) single, 40 min (check)
  • Taxi Waverley → Leith: £15–20 (≈ US$20–30)

Say or show

  • Ta — Thank you (tah)
  • Cheers — Cheers / goodbye (cheers)
  • How much is that? — How much is it? (how much is that)
  • Card OK? — Can I pay by card? (card oh-kay)
  • Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet? (wheres the loo)
  • Sorry — Excuse me (sor-ry)

999 and 112 both work; 111 for NHS advice.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Edinburgh. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: May–Sep · avoid Aug (festival crowds and peak prices), late Dec (Hogmanay prices) · month by month →
  2. 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 5 day-trips, door to door
  6. 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for EDI: tram and Airlink last departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
  2. Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Royal Mile and Castle, New Town and Calton Hill, Southside and the Meadows, Leith and the waterfront.
  3. Place pages with verified cutoffs (Castle, Holyrood, National Museum, Britannia) and eat pages with last orders.
  4. Festival and Hogmanay fixtures so gates A–D can go green.

Meanwhile

Back to United Kingdom

Sources

Ask about Edinburgh

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