Discover what to see, do, eat and where to stay in Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital, is a city where medieval castles meet Georgian architecture, and where cobblestone closes hide trendy bars and cafés. Nestled on the southern edge of the Firth of Forth, this UNESCO World Heritage city is one of Europe’s most captivating destinations. From Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to lively festivals, whisky tastings, and stunning hikes like Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh is a must-visit for history lovers, culture seekers, and adventure travelers alike. This Edinburgh Travel Guide will help you make the most of your time.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend city break, exploring Scotland on a longer itinerary, or planning a festive getaway, this Edinburgh Travel Guide covers the best things to do, how to get around, where to stay, and what to eat in Edinburgh.
Getting to Edinburgh, Scotland
By Air
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is well-connected to the United States, Europe, and beyond. Major U.S. airlines and budget carriers like Norwegian Airlines offer direct seasonal flights from New York, Boston, and other East Coast cities.
From the Airport to City Centre
- Airlink 747 Bus: Express to Waverley Station.
- Edinburgh Tram: Runs a similar route but often faster thanks to dedicated lanes.
- Taxi & Rideshare: Black cabs and Uber are widely available.
By Train
If you’re already in the UK, traveling by train is often the easiest option as it goes city centre to city centre:
- London to Edinburgh: ~5 hours
- Manchester/York: ~2–3 hours
- Bristol: ~7 hours
Edinburgh’s main train hub, Waverley Station, sits on Princes Street in the heart of the city.
Getting Around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city. Most attractions are within easy reach on foot. Public buses, trams, and taxis are also reliable. The tram line now runs into Leith, the port of Edinburgh, making attractions like Royal Yacht Britannia or the Water of Leith much more accessible. For exploring beyond the city, day trips to St. Andrews, Stirling, or Loch Lomond are easily accessible by train or car.
Top Things to Do in Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most visited attraction. Highlights include the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels), the 12th century St. Margaret’s Chapel, and The National War Museum. The Castle is a must-see while in Edinburgh. Plan to spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours at the castle.
Stroll the Royal Mile
This historic stretch links Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll find hidden closes, whisky shops, and lively pubs (and plenty of souvenir shops).
Hike Arthur’s Seat
For panoramic views of Edinburgh, climb Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park. Sunrise and sunset hikes are especially breathtaking. Start near Holyrood Palace, and take a gently sloping walk uphill. The paths can be muddy so wear proper shoes, but most anyone of reasonable fitness can do this hike! Time to the top is anywhere from 30-60 minutes depending on the trail and your walking speed.
Explore Leith, Edinburgh’s Port
Leith, Edinburgh’s historic port district, has transformed into one of the city’s trendiest areas while still holding onto its maritime charm. At the waterfront, you can tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the private vessel of Queen Elizabeth II, for a glimpse into royal life at sea. The Shore, Leith’s lively hub, is lined with stylish wine bars, Michelin-starred restaurants like The Kitchin and Restaurant Martin Wishart, and cozy pubs that blend old-world character with modern flair. Art lovers will enjoy the Custom House, home to creative studios and galleries, while walkers can follow the Water of Leith Walkway, a scenic riverside path that connects the district to central Edinburgh. Boutique shops, weekend markets, and the growing craft beer scene add to its appeal, making Leith a vibrant destination in its own right—perfect for foodies, culture seekers, and travelers wanting a taste of local Edinburgh life beyond the castle walls.
Visit the Museums, Galleries, Monuments, and Views
Edinburgh is home to some stunning museums and galleries. All are free, so its worth a pop in when you are walking past or if you have some rainy day free time. For panoramic city views, climb the Scott Monument or walk up to Calton Hill (where you may find a familiar looking structure).
- National Museum of Scotland – history, science, and culture all under one roof.
- Scottish National Galleries – works by Rembrandt, Picasso, Magritte, and Scottish artists.
- Quirky stops: Writer’s Museum, Museum of Childhood.
- Scott Monument (Princes Street) – climb for panoramic city views.
- Nelson Monument & Calton Hill – iconic skyline vantage point.
Experience Edinburgh Festivals
The Scots know how to party, and every event is a testament to that. The Fringe Festival – no longer truly “fringe” – is one of the best and biggest art festivals in the world. The Military Tattoo is a celebration of Scottish culture, as is Burns Night (January 25, when we celebrate Scotland’s national poet, Robbie Burns with haggis, whisky, and ceilidh dancing. And Hogmanay – well, that’s one wild New Years Eve party.
Shop Scottish Style
If you are itching to shop, Edinburgh is the place to do it. From the high street shops along Princes Street to the luxury brands on George Street, there’s a place for every budget. Victoria Street, the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, offers travellers quirky boutiques and Scottish tweed shops. And you can find authentic and unique shops all around the city. Visit St Mary’s Street, on the Lower Royal Mile, for textiles and leather, among other things.
Food & Drink in Edinburgh
Traditional Scottish Dishes
- Haggis with neeps & tatties (turnips & potatoes)
- Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup)
- Shortbread, tablet, Scotch pies
Modern Scottish Dining
Modern Scottish cuisine blends rich culinary heritage with innovative techniques and global influences, and nowhere is this more evident than in Edinburgh. Local chefs highlight Scotland’s world-class natural larder (think hand-dived scallops, Aberdeen Angus beef, or Highland game) while reimagining hearty stews, oat-based dishes, and comfort classics into refined, contemporary plates.
Foraged herbs, seaweed, and artisanal cheeses bring a seasonal, forward-looking touch, often paired with craft whiskies or fine wines. You’ll find that historic pubs still serve traditional staples like haggis, neeps and tatties, or Cullen skink, but they sit comfortably alongside Michelin-starred icons such as Restaurant Martin Wishart and The Kitchin. Add in artisanal bakeries, food markets, and a host of incredible Indian, Middle Eastern, and and Edinburgh emerges as a true showcase of Scotland’s evolving culinary identity.
Some of my favourite restaurants include The Devils Advocate, Fhior, BABA, Dishoom, and The Ship on the Shore.
Whisky & Gin Tastings
- Sample Scotch whisky at local bars or on guided tastings.
- Discover Scotland’s booming gin scene—try gins from Orkney, Shetland, and the Hebrides.
Sports & Outdoor Adventures
- Golf: Play at world-class courses in Edinburgh or take a day trip to St. Andrews.
- Rugby & Football (Soccer): Catch a match at Murrayfield Stadium.
- Biking & Cycling Trails: Rent a bike and explore Edinburgh’s extensive cycle paths, many of which follow old railway lines. Popular routes include:
- Innocent Railway Path to the coast at Portobello Beach.
- Union Canal Towpath leading toward the scenic Pentland Hills.
- Holyrood Park trails for off-road cycling with city views.
- Pentland Hills Regional Park: Just outside the city, this area is perfect for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: The Union Canal and Firth of Forth offer options for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
- Winter Sports: In colder months, you can even try indoor skiing and snowboarding at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre.
- Water Sports at Portobello Beach: Try paddleboarding, sea kayaking, or just enjoy a seaside stroll.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
There is no shortage of hotels in Edinburgh. Whether you stay in the Old Town or the New Town, or venture further afield to Leith, you will find a wide selection of luxury and boutique hotels. Below are a few of my personal favourites.
Old Town (Best for First-Time Visitors)
- Radisson Collection Royal Mile: 5★ luxury on George IV Bridge.
- Old Town Chambers Apartments: now a part of the Marriott Autograph collection, Old Town Chambers boasts stylish serviced apartments perfect for families or for long-staying solos or couples.
- Virgin Hotel, Edinburgh: located on Victoria Street, expect the signature Virgin brand with a classic Edinburgh Georgian twist.
New Town (Luxury & Landmarks)
- The Balmoral Hotel: an iconic hotel right above Waverley Station. Perfect for those who want to be in the centre of everything.
- Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian: The complement to the Balmoral (they are both railroad hotels) the “Callie” is historic grandeur meets modern comfort.
- Kimpton Charlotte Square: one of my personal faves … the Kimpton is chic boutique luxury.
Unique & Boutique Options
- Prestonfield House: A James Thompson brand opulent country estate (complete with peacocks) just outside the city, under Arthur’s Seat. Fun fact: my parents honeymooned here!
- Fingal: the little sister yacht to the Royal Yacht Britannia, Fingal is a floating luxury hotel permanently docked in Leith. Formerly a lighthouse ferry/supply ship, the ship was reimagined as a hotel in 2016 (opened in 2019).
Day Trips from Edinburgh
While you can easily fill several days in Edinburgh itself, there are some wonderful day trips within just a few hours.
✔️ St. Andrews – golf & historic university town.
✔️ Stirling – Stirling Castle & Wallace Monument.
✔️ Loch Lomond – scenic landscapes for hiking & boating.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh, Scotland is a city that rewards every traveler, no matter whether you’re drawn to its medieval history, buzzing festivals, whisky tastings, or breathtaking landscapes. With two to four days, you can immerse yourself in the city’s highlights laid out in this Edinburgh Travel Guide; with longer, you can use it as a gateway to explore the Highlands, islands, and beyond.
👉 Ready to plan your trip to Edinburgh? Pin this Edinburgh Travel Guide for later and start dreaming of bagpipes, castles, and Scottish charm. Contact me for a luxury getaway experience.