Edinburgh travel guide

Edinburgh - discover Scotland's capital

Learn everything about Edinburgh’s attractions from its historic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to its unique blend of traditional and modern Scottish culture. You’ll also find useful Edinburgh tourist information including maps of Edinburgh, accommodation booking and information on famous attractions and events such Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh Tattoo, ghost and whisky tours and much more.




Memory of Edinburgh

“The best things about Edinburgh are the great natural spaces that exist within it. To find places like the Water of Leith, Holyrood Park and Corstorphine and Blackford Hill in the middle of a city is exceptional.”

Andy, Canada


Old Town meets New Town

Let us guide you through Edinburgh - Scotland’s capital city, and one of Britain’s most exciting tourist destinations. There are 2 sides to Edinburgh – the historic Old Town with the medieval Edinburgh Castle and cobblestone alleys, and the elegant but classic Georgian New Town. The combination of these 2 parts of the city, along with it's vibrant events and celebrations such as Hogmanay and the Festival Fringe is what gives Edinburgh its unique character. Together, they create a dynamic and fascinating city which truly captures the magical spirit of Scotland.

Culture and History

Edinburgh’s beautiful Old and New Towns have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status twice over. The city is home to 4,500 listed buildings – the highest concentration in the world – and is also a modern, dynamic city of art and culture with its museums, galleries, universities and festivals.

Edinburgh Attractions

Edinburgh’s Old Town is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, which rests on a hilltop at the end of the Royal Mile. Stay on the Royal Mile for the Scotch Whisky Experience and Ghost Tours, then head to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens for 70 acres of tranquillity. And the events for your diary: Burns Night in January, Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, and of course, Hogmanay in December.

Shopping

Edinburgh is full of fabulous places to shop. Princes Street, which separates the Old and New Towns, is lined with great department stores; George Street is full of boutiques and bars; St Andrew’s Square and Multrees Walk are designer heaven; and of course, there’s the Royal Mile for some great Scottish souvenirs. 

Sport

Edinburgh is a haven for sports fans. Easter Road stadium and Tynecastle Stadium are home to the city’s main football clubs, Hibernian F.C and Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) F.C. And golf fanatics will love Edinburgh too – some of the world’s best courses can be found in and around the city, including Gullane, the Open Championship course at Muirfield and the Open Qualifying course at Dunbar.

Buy before you fly

One thing you definitely shouldn’t travel to Edinburgh without is an Edinburgh Pass (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-AU/detail.aspx?ProductCode=Tp9). With free entry to over 30 of the city’s top attractions, free return airport and city centre bus transport, a free guidebook and lots of exclusive offers, the Edinburgh Pass is the best way to explore the Scottish capital. Visit our shop for more exciting offers, including Edinburgh Dungeon (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-AU/detail.aspx?ProductCode=Tk41) tickets, Haggis Adventures (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-gb/detail.aspx?ProductCode=TP64) tours and Royal Edinburgh (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-gb/detail.aspx?ProductCode=TP98) tickets – VisitBritain Direct (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-au/). Don’t forget to take a look at VisitBritain’s massive selection of accommodation in Edinburgh – you can book your choice of hotel, B&B or self catering cottage through our website.

Must see and do


Top daytime things to do in Edinburgh

Top night time things to do in Edinburgh

 

Victoria Street rooftops in Edinburgh

Features, attractions & events

We list over 15,000 attractions and events in Britain and here we feature a few of the best ones. If you want to find a specific event for when you’re over here, or top attractions near your destination, use our handy attractions and events search.

Landscape of St Marys Loch

Walking holidays in Scotland

The walking routes around Scotland are all of varying length and intensity. Discover Scotland’s natural heritage - dramatic mountains, river valleys and glens, and miles upon miles of beautiful coastline on one of the available walking tours.

Walking itineraries in Scotland

Book & Buy

From hotels and plane tickets to top attractions and theatre shows. Now you can organise your travel wish list before you even leave.

Travel around Britain

Whether youre travelling by bus, coach or train, weve got lots of products to save you time and money.


 
And/or select one of these options
Travel to Britain

Compare all the leading airlines for the best scheduled, charter and low cost flights to Britain.


 
 *
 *
 *
Accommodation

Use Britains largest accommodation directory to find the perfect place to stay during your trip.


Click on the button to go to our accommodation search form.

Maps & Books

We have lots of maps, books and guides covering every subject about Britain and travelling to the UK.


 
And/or select one of these options
Attractions & Events Tickets

Dont waste time during your trip, buy tickets to all Britains top attractions before you leave.


 
And/or select one of these options
back to top


Search