Edinburgh Hotels

Let's embark on a medieval journey in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland! This city, which draws attention with its fascinating medieval structures, captivates its visitors not only with its medieval but also neoclassical architecture. The historical center of Edinburgh, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, entices its visitors with its old streets along the Royal Mile, historical buildings, and traditional Scottish atmosphere. This city, which resembles a living museum not only with its history but also with the colorful festivals, street performances, green parks, and gardens it hosts every year, appeals to all tastes with both its historical and modern texture. Edinburgh promises its visitors a rich cultural experience and an unforgettable city discovery.

Things to Know Before Going to Edinburgh

• Central Edinburgh is a divided city because Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Station separate the Old and New Towns.
• Old Reekie is one of Edinburgh’s most enduring nicknames.
• The world's biggest art festival takes over the city every August.
• In Edinburgh, tip 10-15% for restaurant service, round up taxi fares, and give £1-2 per bag to hotel porters.
• Edinburgh tap water is safe to drink ,and you can request it for free with your meal in a restaurant.
• Most places are open on weekends, though some businesses and attractions may have reduced hours on Sundays, typically from 10am to 4pm.
• During public holidays, many local businesses and non-essential services close, while others may have reduced opening hours.

Edinburgh Tips From Locals

• Don't hire a car for your travels around Edinburgh. We have one of the best bus networks in the UK.
• Although Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, you will often hear people say, “it’s not a real city” because it feels more like a cozy town.
• The city is multi-layered and is actually built on an old, extinct volcano.
• The pace of life in Edinburgh feels slow due to its cozy atmosphere.
• You will often find that Google Maps does not work properly in Edinburgh due to the city's complex layout, which includes both an upper and a lower part.

Where is Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, on the eastern coast of the country, along the southern shore of the Firth of Forth.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in Edinburgh are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Edinburgh 

Edinburgh hotels offer a blend of luxury and convenience, providing exceptional services and amenities for your trip to be more comfortable. Even though luxury hotels in Edinburgh may make you break the bank, they will be worth every penny thanks to their services. However, there are always mid-range and budget hotels in Edinburgh to enhance your days and make your city tour seamless. Tailored for everyone, finding what kind of accommodation you want won’t be as hard as you think. Now, here are some of the best hotels in Edinburgh we recommend and why:

Find best hotels in Edinburgh here!

Best Edinburgh Attractions

Here are must-see attractions in Edinburgh:

• Edinburgh Castle: Dominating the city skyline, this historic castle dates back to the 12th century and offers guided tours.
• Edinburgh Dungeon: A chilling attraction bringing the city's dark history to life through live actors and interactive shows.
• Princes Street Gardens: The most important public park in the city center, offering scenic green spaces and views of the Old Town.
• Palace of Holyroodhouse: The Queen's official residence in Scotland, with historic royal apartments and Holyrood Abbey ruins.
• Dean Village: A picturesque historic village on the Water of Leith, providing a peaceful respite from the city center.
• St Giles' Cathedral: The High Kirk of Edinburgh, featuring Gothic architecture and the Thistle Chapel.
• Writers' Museum: Dedicated to famous Scottish writers like Burns, Scott and Stevenson, located on the Royal Mile.
• Greyfriars Kirk: A famous church known for its Gothic architecture, historic graveyard and connection to J.K. Rowling.

Is Edinburgh Safe for Tourists?

Edinburgh is a safe destination for tourists who take standard precautions. The city is considered very safe during the day, but travelers should exercise more caution at night, especially in quieter areas.

Is Edinburgh Expensive to Visit?

Edinburgh has a reputation as being one of the most expensive cities in the UK.  

Currency & Exchange in Edinburgh

The official currency used in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland is the British pound sterling (GBP £). The best way to exchange currency is through ATM withdrawals, travel money cards, and comparing rates at banks or currency specialists in Edinburgh.

Spoken Languages in Edinburgh

The official languages of Edinburgh, UK are English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic. However, there are other minority languages spoken in Edinburgh, UK:

• Scots (19%)
• Urdu (11%)
• French (11%)
• Chinese (9%)
• Punjabi (8%)

How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Edinburgh?

3-4 days is the ideal amount of time to see the main attractions and highlights of Edinburgh. However, if you want to explore the city more deeply and at a more relaxed pace, you can spend a week in Edinburgh.

What to Do in Edinburgh?

• Visit Edinburgh Castle, the iconic fortress perched atop Castle Rock.
• Explore the historic Royal Mile and Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland.
• Discover the underground vaults and hidden history of the Real Mary King's Close.
• Learn about Scottish history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland.
• Hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park, for panoramic city views.
• Stroll through the scenic Princes Street Gardens.
• Explore the trails and lochs of Holyrood Park.
• Take in the city skyline from Calton Hill, another of Edinburgh's famous hills.
• Visit the Scottish National Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
• See a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse or Festival Theatre.
• Attend a festival like the Edinburgh Fringe, International Festival, or Military Tattoo.
• Tour the Scottish Parliament building.
• Discover the city's vibrant street art scene.
• Sample local whiskies and gins at distilleries and pubs.
• Indulge in afternoon tea at a historic hotel.
• Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants like The Kitchin.
• Explore the lively food scene in Leith and Stockbridge neighborhoods.
• Take a food tour to discover local specialties.
• Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for optical illusions and puzzles.
• Explore the interactive exhibits at the National Museum of Scotland
• See the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo.
• Ride the historic Forth Bridge and visit the Queensferry Crossing.

When is the Best Time to Stay in Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warmer, there's less rain and the days are longer.

What to Pack for Edinburgh Trip?

Summer (June to August):

• Lightweight clothing: shorts, T-shirts, skirts, dresses
• Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Swimwear (optional)

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November):

• T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters
• Medium-weight jacket or coat
• Comfortable walking shoes, preferably waterproof
• Scarf, gloves, and hat for cooler days
• Umbrella or raincoat

Winter (December to February):

• Warm layers: sweaters, thermal underwear, fleece jackets
• Thick coat or parka
• Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes with good grip
• Scarf, gloves, and hat for warmth
• Thermal socks

General Items for All Seasons:

• Sunglasses and sunhat (summer)
• Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella (all seasons)
• Sunscreen and after-sun lotion (summer)
• Insect repellent (summer, if needed)
• Lip balm and moisturizer (all seasons, especially autumn and winter)
• Hand cream (winter)

Accessories and Electronics:

• Portable charger for electronics
• Travel adapter (UK uses Type G sockets)
• Travel documents (passport, visa if required, tickets)
• Reusable water bottle
• Day pack or small backpack for daily outings

What to Eat in Edinburgh?

• Haggis, neeps, and tatties: Traditional Scottish dish consisting of savory haggis (sheep's pluck, oats, and spices), mashed neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes).
• Cranachan: Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, Scottish oats, and honey or whisky.
• Scotch broth: Hearty soup made with lamb or beef broth, root vegetables, barley, and sometimes lentils or peas.
• Cullen Skink: Creamy Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk or cream.
• Black pudding: Blood sausage made with pork blood, fat or suet, and oats or barley.
• Tattie scones: Potato scones made with mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter, griddled or fried.
• Aberdeenshire butteries: Flaky, buttery bread rolls with a salty taste, originating from Aberdeen.
• Dundee cake: Traditional Scottish fruit cake with almonds, currants, sultanas, and often glazed with apricot jam.

Edinburgh Nightlife

• The Bow Bar: Known for its extensive selection of whiskies and traditional pub atmosphere.
• The Devil's Advocate: A stylish bar with a wide range of cocktails and a cozy ambiance.
• Bramble Bar: A hidden gem offering innovative cocktails in New Town.
• The Hanging Bat: Craft beer bar with a focus on local breweries and a relaxed vibe.
• The Abbotsford Bar: A historic pub with Victorian decor and a good selection of beers and whiskies.
• The Liquid Room: A popular venue for live music gigs and club nights.
• Cabaret Voltaire: Known for electronic music and DJ sets in a vibrant underground setting.
• Sneaky Pete's: Small venue offering indie music gigs and club nights with a lively atmosphere.
• Bongo Club: Alternative club hosting a mix of live music, DJs, and cultural events.
• The Usher Hall: Prestigious venue hosting classical music concerts and major acts.
• The Jazz Bar: Intimate setting for live jazz, blues, and occasional funk music performances.
• The Ghillie Dhu: Offers ceilidh dancing and traditional Scottish music in a lively atmosphere.
• The Royal Oak: Known for its folk music sessions and authentic Scottish pub experience.