Edinburgh

What you need to know before you go

    Edinburgh enchants first-time visitors with its effortless old-world elegance. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre is a beguiling maze of winding alleys, the skyline dominated by the regal crown steeple of St Giles Cathedral and the imposing turrets of Edinburgh Castle. But scratch beneath this grandiose and historical surface and you'll discover a down-to-earth, modern capital city. 

    Edinburgh is packed with laid-back bars, quirky boutiques, lush parks and friendly people, with most of the main highlights concentrated in the city centre. It’s a place of remarkable culture, too. Art aficionados can lose themselves for hours discovering the masterpieces in the Scottish National Gallery and the many theatres host first-class shows throughout the year, though especially during the Edinburgh Festival in August. Nature lovers can escape the hustle and bustle with a hike up the verdant hillsides of Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill while the rolling Scottish countryside is only ever a short drive away. 

    What to see & do in Edinburgh

    Featured stories & fun stuff

    The best things to do in Edinburgh revolve around its history and culture. This east coast city is among Britain’s prettiest. The Gothic architecture found throughout the Old Town, especially winding its way up the Royal Mile, is enchanting. Stroll the streets and keep your camera at the ready as photo-worthy cityscapes are around every corner. World-famous landmarks to enjoy in Edinburgh include Holyroodhouse Palace, St Giles’ Cathedral... Read more

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    what’s around Edinburgh

    Where & what to eat in Edinburgh

    Edinburgh is at its finest around mealtimes with a fully-fledged culinary scene to enjoy. For breakfast, you must try a traditional fried breakfast. Feast on Scottish square sausage, back bacon, and black pudding – just don’t count the calories! Pubs and cafes around the Old Town cater well to visitors who want to sample the best of Scottish dishes, especially haggis. This recipe of minced lamb and oats is synonymous... Read more

    Where to shop & what to buy in Edinburgh

    • 13 Best Places to Go Shopping in Edinburgh

      The best places to go shopping in Edinburgh range from eclectic shopping streets with independent boutiques to luxury thoroughfares with designer brands. You can find everything from artisan foods to paintings from local artists to vintage records, perfect for souvenirs and gifts to take home as a memento from your trip. The shopping areas of Edinburgh are also home to...

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    Where to go & what to do at night in Edinburgh

    Nightlife in Edinburgh includes old-fashioned pubs, swanky bars, ghost walks, live music venues and pumping nightclubs. With a large student population, the arts scene in Edinburgh is excellent and you’ll find many bands, comedians, and DJs staging events right across the city throughout the year. For live entertainment in the Old Town, start your night at Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar just off the Royal Mile. Then, you can barhop... Read more

    Useful information

    This section of our Edinburgh Go Guide presents all of the information you should need when planning your trip. As the capital city of Scotland, there’s plenty that is helpful to understand about Edinburgh, if you want to get the most out of a short time spent there. This includes everything from knowing how to get in, out and around to which neighbourhoods are best to visit and which make... Read more

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    Attractions and experiences recommended in our guides may be affected. Please check local guidance before you travel.

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