Top things to do in Edinburgh
Attractions, tours and activities in Edinburgh
Edinburgh: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in Edinburgh
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Old Town
In the city centre
Edinburgh Old Town oozes mystery. Its cobbled “wynds” (narrow alleyways) entice and delight with unexpected nooks and crannies that urge you to explore. In the town that spawned Stevenson’s “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, let Grassmarket’s cosy pubs bring out the bard in you. To unravel the ghostly tales behind Old Town’s hidden gems, join a guided tour.
Places to stay from £23 per night
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New Town
0.5 miles from city centre
Don’t be fooled by the name – New Town’s not that new. But its open spaces and elegant Georgian façades stand in stark contrast to the scrunched mediaeval maze of Old Town. Hidden behind neo-classical columns, New Town’s flats are among the city’s most sought after. If you fancy going the full Scottish, pick up a bespoke kilt from 21st Century Kilts.
Places to stay from £33 per night
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West End
0.9 miles from city centre
West End’s all about performance. This district’s chock-full of theatres, cinemas and concert venues. It really comes into its own during August’s Fringe Festival, when you can barely walk for grinning street comics or touts thrusting flyers into your hand. Need a break from the theatricality? Slip into Caley Sample Rooms for an off-stage brew.
Places to stay from £31 per night
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Haymarket
0.9 miles from city centre
Hay ho, let’s go! Commuters zoom in and out of Edinburgh’s central business district in a whirl of brogues and briefcases. On match days, you’ll see (and hear) rugby fans bustle their way to iconic Murrayfield Stadium. There’s plenty to please foodies, too – from First Coast’s Scottish fare to Lovecrumbs’ exceedingly good cakes.
Places to stay from £16 per night
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Bruntsfield
0.9 miles from city centre
Bruntsfield’s a leafy district where students eat, drink and sleep. On sunny days, grab a corner-shop beer and join the fresh-faced crowds in The Meadows Park, where you’ll find picnics, frisbees and sun cream galore. Head to funky gastro-pub Blackbird for Sunday brunch, before stopping off at Cameo Cinema’s cosy bar for a pre-film pint.
Places to stay from £45 per night
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 £220 per night
This weekend
From £490 per night
Next weekend
From £630 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | GBP |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | £122 per night |
| Average weekday price | £122 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Edinburgh
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Edinburgh
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Edinburgh Castle
0.2 miles from city centre
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Grassmarket
0.1 miles from city centre
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Edinburgh Playhouse
0.7 miles from city centre
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Usher Hall
0.5 miles from city centre
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The Georgian House
0.7 miles from city centre
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Arthurs Seat
1.2 miles from city centre
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Royal Botanic Garden
1.3 miles from city centre
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Royal Yacht Britannia
2.4 miles from city centre
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Royal Mile
0.4 miles from city centre
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Queen's Hall
0.6 miles from city centre
Edinburgh reviews
What other travellers say about Edinburgh
We enjoyed our visit to Edinburgh Castle although it was...
25 April 2024
We enjoyed our visit to Edinburgh Castle although it was busy, even in April. We ate at Gusto, good food and service. We ate at a steak house and were not disappointed. The Royal Mile is full of similar touristy shops, but walking round the city and park gave us plenty to see. We did drive the 3 miles to the base of Arthur’s Seat, and then enjoyed the challenge of the climb and the views from the top. Not for the truly unfit!
Edinburgh is a captivating blend of history, culture, and...
25 April 2024
Edinburgh is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the striking Edinburgh Castle perched atop the iconic Royal Mile to the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town, every corner of this city is steeped in stories waiting to be discovered. The juxtaposition of medieval architecture with modern amenities creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to both history buffs and contemporary explorers alike. The city's vibrant arts scene, highlighted by the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, offers a plethora of theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and live music events to delight visitors. And let's not forget the breathtaking landscapes that surround the city, from the verdant hills of Holyrood Park to the windswept shores of Portobello Beach. Whether you're strolling through the bustling streets of the city center or embarking on a scenic hike in the nearby countryside, Edinburgh never fails to captivate with its beauty and charm.
An interesting city.
25 April 2024
An interesting city. Impressive old town. Superior public transport. Seems like a safe place. Active day and night life. Lots of sights and I'm sorry that we couldn't see everything in two days. The only drawback is the climate, which is quite cold in any season other than summer.
One of the nicest and most interesting cities I have ever...
25 April 2024
One of the nicest and most interesting cities I have ever visited! The place's history ist absolutely fascinating, and you can always dig a bit deeper and find out more. People are genuinely friendly and helpful.
Edinburgh was awesome!
23 April 2024
Edinburgh was awesome! Make sure and get to the castle early, buy the 3 bus tour pass and ride all the green live tour guide bus all the way around. I would try to get your shopping done well before 5; that’s when everything closes. Dining and pubs are open later. We parked at the Qpark by St Andrews square and walked or rode the bus everywhere. Keep your card for the Qpark on you so you can access the easy door with it. The Royal Mile and Grassmarket were amazing! We don’t drink but the food was excellent. So much to see, two days would have been better!
Visited the castle which was outstanding.
22 April 2024
Visited the castle which was outstanding. Walked the royal mile and bruised in a few of the shops. Also did the hop on bus tour. Again worth the cash as it helped avoid the mountain climb to reach the older part of the city. Edinburgh was a lovely city to visit.
Popular places to stay in Edinburgh
Stay in some of the best accommodation Edinburgh has to offer
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BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh
From £343 per night
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Ocean Mist Leith Leith, Edinburgh
From £174.60 per night
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Cheval Old Town Chambers Old Town, Edinburgh
From £341.10 per night
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The Balmoral Hotel Old Town, Edinburgh
From £470 per night
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Hotel Ceilidh-Donia Newington, Edinburgh
From £140 per night
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Other accommodation in Edinburgh
Choose from a wide variety of places to stay in Edinburgh
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Apartments
From £35 per night
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Villas
From £106 per night
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Cabins
From £100 per night
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Cottages
From £70 per night
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Glamping Sites
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Serviced Apartments
From £27 per night
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Holiday Homes
From £72 per night
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Guest Houses
From £24 per night
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Hostels
From £23 per night
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B&Bs
From £27 per night
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Holiday Parks
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Homestays
From £30 per night
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Campsites
From per night
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Self Catering Accommodation
From £35 per night
