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Top things to do in Edinburgh

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About Edinburgh

Including tips for the best time to visit Edinburgh

Compact, hilly and filled with innumerable attractions, Edinburgh delights visitors with its medieval old town and vibrant personality. Dominating the skyline is Edinburgh Castle, where Scotland’s crown jewels are displayed and centuries of national history unravel. Take a free guided tour of this mighty citadel to hear stories of its fascinating past, and pause at the Argyle Battery for sweeping city views.

From the castle, the legendary Royal Mile leads down to Holyrood Palace in a jumble of museums and gift shops selling everything from kilts to vintage whisky. Some of the city’s best eats can be found here too – if the salty smell of fish and chips doesn’t tempt you, then perhaps a pub lunch of ‘haggis, neeps and tatties’ will.

Burn it all off with a walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that overlooks the city in nearby Holyrood Park, and admire the natural landscape that stretches for miles around.

A wonderful time is guaranteed in Edinburgh, no matter the time of year. In winter there’s Hogmanay, a three-day festival of spectacular events and street parties 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 theatre into its busy schedule, creating a buzz that draws bigger crowds to the Scottish capital year after year.

Tonight

From £59 per night

This weekend

From £459 per night

Next weekend

From £399 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency GBP
Language English
Average weekend price £114 per night
Average weekday price £114 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh reviews

What other travellers say about Edinburgh

8.0

Great city and people, Royal MIle of course is excellent...

26 March 2024

Great city and people, Royal MIle of course is excellent with many shops, cafes and restaurants and the castle at the top of the hill. There is great shopping in Edinburgh as well as many sights to visit and enjoy. Very friendly people and we felt very welcome there.

Nicos
Nicos United Kingdom
10

Edinburgh is in a stunning location, built around an extinct...

24 March 2024

Edinburgh is in a stunning location, built around an extinct volcano. The castle is in a commanding position on high from the city, the main shopping is situated along Princes Street facing the castle and grounds below, and there are many hill walks for views that can be undertaken, including Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat. A delightful array of Edwardian/ Georgian architecture is all around.

chris
chris United Kingdom
10

Edinburgh is lovely, so much to do!

24 March 2024

Edinburgh is lovely, so much to do! But make sure you take day trips throughout the country, I went to the highlands. There was a day trip that started out in Edinburgh and it was worth it. I liked old town and went there for a walk every morning. I also climbed Arthur's seat, I went early in the morning, which was a good choice because on my way down it got very busy with people walking up.

Pien
Pien Netherlands
8.0

Lots of things to do in Edinburgh.

23 March 2024

Lots of things to do in Edinburgh. Can be pricey to drink but most cities are. Food can be found for as cheap or as expensive as you need it to be as plenty of fast food options and lots of high end restaurants to choose from. There are many places of interest to visit from museums, gardens / parks and entertainment venues such as the playhouse and cinemas.

Mahri
Mahri United Kingdom
10

Edinburgh is a sophisticated European city with lots to...

19 March 2024

Edinburgh is a sophisticated European city with lots to explore if you have time which on this occasion I didn't. But as a regular visitor It's galleries restaurants and history are second to none. And it has the benefit of being a very walkable city.

Deborah
Deborah United Kingdom
10

lovely old place, beautiful architecture with quaint little...

18 March 2024

lovely old place, beautiful architecture with quaint little gift shops. Lot of things to do for both young and old. Lots of cobbles and hills or stairs though definitely not for people with mobility problems.

judith
judith United Kingdom

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