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    Why we love Edinburgh

    From palaces to cobbled alleyways, handsome Georgian spots to Edinburgh’s castle set on its own dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

    The world’s first UNESCO City of Literature is home to 10 major international festivals, including the world’s biggest – the vibrant and artsy Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Edinburgh International Festival.

    Take in 360 degree views and even the odd yoga class from Arthur’s Seat. For sports lovers, there’s Murrayfield Stadium for top-notch international events. Whether it’s beautiful shopping arcades, boutique outlets or botanical gardens, Scotland’s capital has something for everyone.

    Things to do in Edinburgh

    Discover this dramatic fortress, perched on top of an extinct volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

    Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle
    Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
    Edinburgh Castle

    Welcome to the previous home of Mary, Queen of Scots, offering guided tours, royal exhibitions and opulent afternoon teas.

    Step inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse
    The Palace of Holyroodhouse, a royal residence in Edinburgh, Scotland
    The Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile

    Witness an explosion of creative energy as Edinburgh hosts stand-up comedy, music, dance and more – for three action-packed weeks in August.

    Edinburgh Festival Fringe
    Street perfomer Peter Anderson, juggles swords in front of a crowd on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, during the Festival Fringe 2022.
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe

    Climb to Arthur’s Seat and be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

    Plan your Arthur’s Seat adventure
    Man enjoying panoramic views of Edinburgh at the top of Arthur's Seat
    Arthur’s Seat

    Discover this award-winning contemporary sculpture garden, set in over 100 acres of meadows and woodlands.

    Get your tickets for Jupiter Artland
    Ground pool sculpture in the landscape at Jupiter Artland with house and topiary gardens in distance
    Jupiter Artland

    Discover this dramatic fortress, perched on top of an extinct volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

    Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle
    Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
    Edinburgh Castle

    Welcome to the previous home of Mary, Queen of Scots, offering guided tours, royal exhibitions and opulent afternoon teas.

    Step inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse
    The Palace of Holyroodhouse, a royal residence in Edinburgh, Scotland
    The Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile

    Witness an explosion of creative energy as Edinburgh hosts stand-up comedy, music, dance and more – for three action-packed weeks in August.

    Edinburgh Festival Fringe
    Street perfomer Peter Anderson, juggles swords in front of a crowd on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, during the Festival Fringe 2022.
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe

    Climb to Arthur’s Seat and be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

    Plan your Arthur’s Seat adventure
    Man enjoying panoramic views of Edinburgh at the top of Arthur's Seat
    Arthur’s Seat

    Discover this award-winning contemporary sculpture garden, set in over 100 acres of meadows and woodlands.

    Get your tickets for Jupiter Artland
    Ground pool sculpture in the landscape at Jupiter Artland with house and topiary gardens in distance
    Jupiter Artland

    Places to stay in Edinburgh

    Old Town

    Home to centuries-old buildings and Edinburgh Castle, as well as The Royal Mile lined with pubs and eateries - perfect for first-time visitors.

    New Town

    Rammed full of restaurants and a shoppers’ paradise - this elegant part of the city features Georgian townhouses and open squares, alongside chic cocktail lounges and places to eat.

    Leith 

    Trendy Leith is great for all tastes and budgets. Find everything from delicious street food to vintage shops and cafes in this buzzing port district.

    Explore nearby

    Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

    Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures

    The gateway into Scotland, the Borders and Lowlands pack the punch,

    Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest

    Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

    Couple kayaking on a river under blue skies

    Explore pristine woods, climb mountains and paddle the waters of Scotland's wild landscape.

    A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond

    Getting to Edinburgh

    In central-eastern Scotland, Edinburgh is well linked to the rest of the UK by road, rail and air. The quickest option to get to Edinburgh from London is to fly, which takes 1 hour 10 minutes.  Edinburgh Airport serves international routes to Europe, the Americas and the UAE.

    Getting around

    With a 24-hour bus service running from the airport to the city centre plus buses, trains and the tram, getting around Edinburgh is a breeze. More than 1,000 black cabs operate here too. Lothian Airport Day tickets give you unlimited one-day travel on Lothian trams and buses, plus travel to and from the airport.

    By bus

    Buses run 24 hours a day in Edinburgh, with regular services round the clock. Lothian buses is one of the main operators.

    By tram

    Edinburgh Tram covers 15 stops between Edinburgh Airport and York Place, making it a useful travel option for the start and end of your trip.

    By taxi

    Black cabs take up to five people per car, making them a great option if you’re a family or group of friends. Taxis can be hailed on the street.

    Want to know more?

    Check out Visit Scotland for top insider tips and travelling inspiration.