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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

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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

VisitBritain/Steven Oates

Edinburgh

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

VisitScotland

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

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Kit Oates/Peter Anderson

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

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Jemima Jones

An instructor from Adventure Yoga Edinburgh holds a yoga pose on Arthur’s Seat overlooking the city
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

VisitBritain/Jupiter Artland

Ground pool sculpture in the landscape at Jupiter Artland with house and topiary gardens in distance
Jupiter Artland

This is no ordinary chauffeur-driven tour: on the back of a gleaming 1600cc powered trike, you’ll explore the city in style.

Discover Trike Tours Scotland

VisitBritain/Trike Tours Scotland

Couple hugging next to a yellow motor-trike in front of a lake
Trike Tours Scotland

See the world from a whole new perspective at this surreal museum: it’s full of hilarious, interactive and mind-twisting tricks.

Book Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

VisitBritain/Oscura & World of Illusions

High view of rooftops of Edinburgh with sea beyond as seen from Oscura & World of Illusions attraction
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Local artists have transformed this old railway tunnel into a vibrant art-filled space: an incredible setting for walks and cycling.

Venture into Colinton Tunnel

thomas_travweb

Walking throught Colinton Tunnel
Colinton Tunnel

Discover the art behind Scotland’s favourite drink on this guided tour, tasting and food pairing.

Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

A couple tasting whisky with three bottles in front of them
The Scotch Whisky Experience

Discover this Medieval church on a free tour, catch a concert, or climb the clock tower for impressive city-wide views.

What’s on at St Giles’ Cathedral
Exterior view of St Giles Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, this secret warren of houses and shops dates back over 400 years.

Book a visit to The Real Mary King’s Close

marykingsclose

Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King’s Close

Filling the streets with rainbow parades, dancing and live music, this is Scotland’s longest-running Pride fiesta.

Party at Pride Edinburgh

Pride Edinburgh

Crowd at Pride in Edinburgh
Pride Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s oldest gay venue brings the party with late night dancing, creative cocktails and drag queens.

Find out more about CC Blooms

CC Blooms

Large wall mural of a funky zebra hodling a cocktail saying "Amazing" inside the bar at CC Blooms.
CC Blooms

The place to be for a traditional Scottish meal, and real ale pint.

Find out more about Regent Bar

VisitScotland/The Regent Bar

A series of pride and LGTBQ+ flags on display at the Regent Bar in Edinburgh
Regent Bar

A must visit for drag open mic nights, late karaoke nights and late-night dancing.

Find out more about Planet Bar

planetbarandkitchen

Planet Bar
Planet Bar

On 31 December, Scotland’s capital welcomes the new year with a bang - expect Ceilidh dances, live music and fireworks.

Plan your perfect Hogmanay

Keith Valentine

Edinburgh Hogmanay Midnight Moment c Keith Valentine
Hogmanay

Every August, Edinburgh hosts dance, music, comedy, theatre and opera stars from all over the globe.

Discover the Edinburgh International Festival

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

The Fireworks Concert brings the Edinburgh International Festival to a conclusion with music from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Edinburgh International Festival

The mighty Edinburgh Castle is the backdrop for this extraordinary display of military pomp and pageantry.

Book The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Marching band and light show projecting onto the castle
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Held on beaches, in woodlands, or even at Arthur’s Seat, these yoga sessions reveal Edinburgh’s wild side.

Stretch out at Adventure Yoga

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Jemima Jones

An instructor from Adventure Yoga Edinburgh holds a yoga pose on Arthur’s Seat overlooking the city
Adventure Yoga

For extra-special souvenirs, high-quality fashions and unique artworks, check out this neighbourhood’s indie boutiques.

Get to know the Grassmarket

VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Grassmarket Edinburgh, an old historic part of town with shops and places to buy gifts and souvenirs, 2022.
Grassmarket

This glittering, state-of-the-art space is dedicated to wellbeing – with a hammam, salt room, bio sauna and more.

Relax at One Spa

onespaedinburgh

Rooftop infinity pool at One Spa
One Spa

Climbing up Arthur’s Seat is an Edinburgh must-do – but look out for Medieval ruins and wildlife-filled lochs too.

Get to know Holyrood Park

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Jemima Jones

An instructor from Adventure Yoga Edinburgh holds a yoga pose on Arthur’s Seat overlooking the city
Holyrood Park

The shops on Edinburgh’s famous thoroughfare offer authentic Scotch tweed, kilts, whiskies and local delicacies.

Discover the Royal Mile

VisitBritain/Pinzutu

The Royal Mile, busy with festival visitors at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022.
Royal Mile

Lying in the shadow of the historic city castle, tuck into delicious comfort food including pizzas, hot buffalo wings and truffle fries.

Visit Cold Town House

VisitBritain/Storyman

A group of friends sitting at the Cold Town House Bar in Edinburgh
Cold Town House, Edinburgh

Discover the five decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, from the State Apartments to the Crew’s Quarters, with tea and scones on the Royal Deck.

Book The Royal Yacht Britannia

Shutterstock / Rico Baumann135

Edinburgh, Scotland

Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia

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

VisitBritain/Steven Oates

Edinburgh

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

VisitScotland

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

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Kit Oates/Peter Anderson

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

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Jemima Jones

An instructor from Adventure Yoga Edinburgh holds a yoga pose on Arthur’s Seat overlooking the city
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

VisitBritain/Jupiter Artland

Ground pool sculpture in the landscape at Jupiter Artland with house and topiary gardens in distance
Jupiter Artland

This is no ordinary chauffeur-driven tour: on the back of a gleaming 1600cc powered trike, you’ll explore the city in style.

Discover Trike Tours Scotland

VisitBritain/Trike Tours Scotland

Couple hugging next to a yellow motor-trike in front of a lake
Trike Tours Scotland

See the world from a whole new perspective at this surreal museum: it’s full of hilarious, interactive and mind-twisting tricks.

Book Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

VisitBritain/Oscura & World of Illusions

High view of rooftops of Edinburgh with sea beyond as seen from Oscura & World of Illusions attraction
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Local artists have transformed this old railway tunnel into a vibrant art-filled space: an incredible setting for walks and cycling.

Venture into Colinton Tunnel

thomas_travweb

Walking throught Colinton Tunnel
Colinton Tunnel

Discover the art behind Scotland’s favourite drink on this guided tour, tasting and food pairing.

Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

A couple tasting whisky with three bottles in front of them
The Scotch Whisky Experience

Discover this Medieval church on a free tour, catch a concert, or climb the clock tower for impressive city-wide views.

What’s on at St Giles’ Cathedral
Exterior view of St Giles Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, this secret warren of houses and shops dates back over 400 years.

Book a visit to The Real Mary King’s Close

marykingsclose

Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King’s Close

Filling the streets with rainbow parades, dancing and live music, this is Scotland’s longest-running Pride fiesta.

Party at Pride Edinburgh

Pride Edinburgh

Crowd at Pride in Edinburgh
Pride Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s oldest gay venue brings the party with late night dancing, creative cocktails and drag queens.

Find out more about CC Blooms

CC Blooms

Large wall mural of a funky zebra hodling a cocktail saying "Amazing" inside the bar at CC Blooms.
CC Blooms

The place to be for a traditional Scottish meal, and real ale pint.

Find out more about Regent Bar

VisitScotland/The Regent Bar

A series of pride and LGTBQ+ flags on display at the Regent Bar in Edinburgh
Regent Bar

A must visit for drag open mic nights, late karaoke nights and late-night dancing.

Find out more about Planet Bar

planetbarandkitchen

Planet Bar
Planet Bar

On 31 December, Scotland’s capital welcomes the new year with a bang - expect Ceilidh dances, live music and fireworks.

Plan your perfect Hogmanay

Keith Valentine

Edinburgh Hogmanay Midnight Moment c Keith Valentine
Hogmanay

Every August, Edinburgh hosts dance, music, comedy, theatre and opera stars from all over the globe.

Discover the Edinburgh International Festival

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

The Fireworks Concert brings the Edinburgh International Festival to a conclusion with music from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Edinburgh International Festival

The mighty Edinburgh Castle is the backdrop for this extraordinary display of military pomp and pageantry.

Book The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Marching band and light show projecting onto the castle
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Held on beaches, in woodlands, or even at Arthur’s Seat, these yoga sessions reveal Edinburgh’s wild side.

Stretch out at Adventure Yoga

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Jemima Jones

An instructor from Adventure Yoga Edinburgh holds a yoga pose on Arthur’s Seat overlooking the city
Adventure Yoga

For extra-special souvenirs, high-quality fashions and unique artworks, check out this neighbourhood’s indie boutiques.

Get to know the Grassmarket

VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Grassmarket Edinburgh, an old historic part of town with shops and places to buy gifts and souvenirs, 2022.
Grassmarket

This glittering, state-of-the-art space is dedicated to wellbeing – with a hammam, salt room, bio sauna and more.

Relax at One Spa

onespaedinburgh

Rooftop infinity pool at One Spa
One Spa

Climbing up Arthur’s Seat is an Edinburgh must-do – but look out for Medieval ruins and wildlife-filled lochs too.

Get to know Holyrood Park

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Jemima Jones

An instructor from Adventure Yoga Edinburgh holds a yoga pose on Arthur’s Seat overlooking the city
Holyrood Park

The shops on Edinburgh’s famous thoroughfare offer authentic Scotch tweed, kilts, whiskies and local delicacies.

Discover the Royal Mile

VisitBritain/Pinzutu

The Royal Mile, busy with festival visitors at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022.
Royal Mile

Lying in the shadow of the historic city castle, tuck into delicious comfort food including pizzas, hot buffalo wings and truffle fries.

Visit Cold Town House

VisitBritain/Storyman

A group of friends sitting at the Cold Town House Bar in Edinburgh
Cold Town House, Edinburgh

Discover the five decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, from the State Apartments to the Crew’s Quarters, with tea and scones on the Royal Deck.

Book The Royal Yacht Britannia

Shutterstock / Rico Baumann135

Edinburgh, Scotland

Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia

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.

VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures

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

VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest

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

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

Mensen die fietsen en skateboarden op een pad langs rivier de Tyne bij Newcastle

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

VisitScotland

A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond

Getting to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is located in central-eastern Scotland. Edinburgh is well linked to the rest of the UK by road, rail and the air, it is 402 miles (649 km) from London. The quickest option to get to Edinburgh from London is to fly, which takes 1 hour 10 minutes, although regular train services link London with Edinburgh, with the quickest taking 4 hours 20 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

Licensed black cabs, Central Taxis and City Cabs, take up to five people per car, a good 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.