Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh combines a medieval Old Town with Georgian New Town elegance, creating Scotland's compact capital where cobblestone closes lead to panoramic city views
Plan your trip to Edinburgh. Budget from £45-65/day. Where to stay, what to see, and what to skip. Honest guide updated for 2026.
Top attractions in Edinburgh
17 must-see places
Activity guides for Edinburgh
Curated activity guides and individual experiences
Getting around & travel tips
Practical advice for visiting Edinburgh
Getting around
- Lothian Buses day ticket £4.50, covers all city routes
- Walking within Old Town and New Town - most attractions within 2km
- Taxis start at £3.20, approximately £8-12 across the city centre
- City bike rental from £12/day, though hills make cycling challenging
- Airport bus (Airlink 100) £4.50 single, £7.50 return to city centre
Practical tips
- Tipping 10-15% in restaurants if service charge isn't included. Round up taxi fares and tip £1-2 for pub table service.
- Layers essential - waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, smart casual for restaurants
- Tap water is safe and tastes good throughout Scotland
- EE, Vodafone, and Three offer good coverage. Tourist SIMs available at airport from £10
Trip essentials
At-a-glance reference for Edinburgh
- Best time
- May to September for warmest weather and longest days, though August brings festival crowds and higher prices. June offers the best balance of good weather and manageable tourist numbers.
- Currency
- GBP (£)
- Language
Travel guides for Edinburgh
Editorial travel guides
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about Edinburgh
May to September for warmest weather and longest days, though August brings festival crowds and higher prices. June offers the best balance of good weather and manageable tourist numbers.
Edinburgh is very safe for tourists with low crime rates. The main risks are pickpocketing in crowded areas during festivals and slipping on wet cobblestones.
Budget around £45-65 per day for hostels and street food, £85-130 for mid-range hotels and restaurants, or £200+ for luxury.
Lothian Buses day ticket £4.50, covers all city routes. Walking within Old Town and New Town - most attractions within 2km.
December to February when daylight lasts only 7 hours and rain is frequent. January can feel particularly bleak with short, grey days.
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