
Edinburgh
What you need to know before you go
Edinburgh enchants first-time visitors with its effortless old-world elegance. Its UNESCO-listed historic center is a beguiling maze of winding alleys, the skyline dominated by the regal crown steeple of St Giles Cathedral and the imposing turrets of Edinburgh Castle. But scratch beneath this grandiose and historical surface and you'll discover a down-to-earth, modern capital city.
Edinburgh is packed with laid-back bars, quirky boutiques, lush parks and friendly people, with most of the main highlights concentrated in the city center. It’s a place of remarkable culture, too. Art aficionados can lose themselves for hours discovering the masterpieces in the Scottish National Gallery and the many theatres host first-class shows throughout the year, though especially during the Edinburgh Festival in August. Nature lovers can escape the hustle and bustle with a hike up the verdant hillsides of Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill while the rolling Scottish countryside is only ever a short drive away.
What to see & do in Edinburgh
Featured stories & fun stuffThe best things to do in Edinburgh revolve around its history and culture. This east coast city is among Britain’s prettiest. The Gothic architecture found throughout the Old Town, especially winding its way up the Royal Mile, is enchanting. Stroll the streets and keep your camera at the ready as photo-worthy cityscapes are around every corner. World-famous landmarks to enjoy in Edinburgh include Holyroodhouse Palace, St Giles’ Cathedral... Read more
12 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
The list of the best things to do in Edinburgh generally starts with enjoying the city’s remarkable sights. The stunning architecture is often the first thing to strike people. The grand Gothic landmarks and cobbled streets in the Old Town...10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Edinburgh
Steeped in history and culture, Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit. However, its distinctiveness also means that it presents...10 Things to Do in Edinburgh off the Beaten Track
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, but for any visitor looking for oddities and strange attractions, it's so much...8 Things to Do in Edinburgh in Summer
A summer vacation in Edinburgh often includes outdoor recreational activities. The city enjoys clear skies during the summer months, meaning...10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh
The most popular neighbourhoods in Edinburgh range from village-like suburbs to vibrant student districts and UNESCO World Heritage sites...9 Best Historic Things to Do in Edinburgh
From medieval gallows to a floating royal vacation home, follow this inspirational guide to Edinburgh’s top historic things to do...10 Best Things for Couples to Do in Edinburgh
The best things for couples to do in Edinburgh include romantic strolls around picturesque villages, luxurious meals in intimate restaurants...11 Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers virtually endless opportunities for Instagrammable snapshots whether you're looking to capture the local history, brilliant natural features or...10 Best Outdoor Adventures in Edinburgh
This guide delves into all of the best outdoor adventures that you can find and enjoy in Edinburgh. The thing...
Where & what to eat in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is at its finest around mealtimes with a fully-fledged culinary scene to enjoy. For breakfast, you must try a traditional fried breakfast. Feast on Scottish square sausage, back bacon, and black pudding – just don’t count the calories! Pubs and cafes around the Old Town cater well to visitors who want to sample the best of Scottish dishes, especially haggis. This recipe of minced lamb and oats is synonymous... Read more
Where to shop & what to buy in Edinburgh
Where to go & what to do at night in Edinburgh
Nightlife in Edinburgh includes old-fashioned pubs, swanky bars, ghost walks, live music venues, and pumping nightclubs. With a large student population, the arts scene in Edinburgh is excellent and you’ll find many bands, comedians, and DJs staging events right across the city throughout the year. For live entertainment in the Old Town, start your night at Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar just off the Royal Mile. Then, you can barhop... Read more
Useful information
This section of our Edinburgh Go Guide presents all the information you should need when planning your trip. As the capital city of Scotland, there’s plenty that is helpful to understand about Edinburgh, if you want to get the most out of a short time spent there. This includes everything from knowing how to get in, out and around to which neighborhoods are best to visit and which make great... Read more
6 Creepy Stories from Edinburgh to Freak You Out
Edinburgh has a long and macabre history. Ghost hunters and psychics often tout the Scottish capital as a one of the most haunted places in the world, and learning the tales and legends is a fun (and sometimes scary) way...Getting Around Edinburgh
Getting around Edinburgh and finding your way around the Scottish capital is easy thanks to the city’s compact size. Its...11 Best Festivals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the center of Scotland's cultural life and its calendar is full of galas and festivals. The city loves...
neighborhoods in Edinburgh
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