Edinburgh

Discover the enchanting allure of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable experience. Explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched on top of Castle Rock and offering panoramic views of the city. Wander through the historic Royal Mile, which is lined with charming shops and centuries-old buildings. Delve into the mysterious depths of The Edinburgh Dungeon, a thrilling journey into the city's dark past. See the stunning architecture of St Giles' Cathedral, a beacon of Gothic grandeur. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse to enjoy some royal charm. Sit and relax with a dram of whisky on a fun Scotch Whisky Experience. Finally, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Princes Street Gardens, nestled in the heart of the city and providing a tranquil escape with incredible views of the castle.

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Must-Visit Attractions in Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Castle Tickets: Visit the home of Mary Queen of Scots and soak up the atmosphere!
• Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets: Visit the King's official residence in Scotland!
• The Real Mary King's Close Tickets: Hear the real stories of Edinburgh's past residents underneath the city streets!
• The Scotch Whisky Experience Tickets: Calling all whisky lovers!
• Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Tickets: Enjoy some of the best of Edinburgh with a fun hop on a bus tour!
• Edinburgh Walking Tour Options: Uncover some of Edinburgh's secrets on a guided walking tour!
• Edinburgh City Tour Options: Discover the beauty and history of Edinburgh like never before with a city tour.

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Useful Information for Edinburgh

• Country Dialling Code: +44
• City Dialling Code: (0) 131
• Emergency Number: 999
• Time Zone: GMT +0
• Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
• Official Language: English

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5 Fun Facts About Edinburgh

• Home of the World’s First Fire Brigade: Edinburgh was the birthplace of the world's first municipal fire brigade in 1824, which was founded by James Braidwood. His innovative approach to firefighting influenced fire services globally.
• The Inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter: Edinburgh is closely tied to the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first book in local cafés like ‘The Elephant House’, and the city’s architecture, including George Heriot’s School and Victoria Street, inspired parts of the wizarding world.
• A City Built on Top of a City: Beneath the Old Town lies a hidden network of streets and vaults, including ‘Mary King’s Close’. These underground passages were once thriving parts of the city before being sealed off in the 18th century, now a popular historical attraction!
• The Only City with a Dog Statue Tribute: Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier, is celebrated with a statue near Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby famously stayed by his owner’s grave for 14 years, earning his place as one of the city’s most beloved legends.
• ‍Host of the World’s Largest Arts Festival: Every August, Edinburgh transforms into the global epicentre of creativity during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. There are thousands of performances across the city turning it into the largest arts festival in the world!

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Tips for Visiting Edinburgh

• Explore Edinburgh Castle Early: Start your day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, which is one of the city's top attractions. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get amazing views of the city from the castle esplanade!
• Walk the Royal Mile: The historic and famous stretch connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Walk down the street and explore its closes (alleys), and discover hidden gems like the ‘Writers' Museum’.
• Climb Arthur’s Seat: Take a hike up ‘Arthur's Seat’, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, and enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the city that it offers.
• Visit During Festival Season: If you can, visit in August which is during the ‘Edinburgh Festival Fringe’, which is the world's largest arts festival! The city buzzes with performances, street acts, and cultural events.
• Take a Ghost Tour: Edinburgh is known for its haunted history! Join a ghost or underground tour to explore spooky sites like the Vaults or Greyfriars Kirkyard. Click HERE for ticket options.
• Try Local Delicacies: Don’t miss out on traditional Scottish food like haggis, shortbread, and Scotch whisky (for those old enough!)! Visit a cosy pub or a local restaurant like The Witchery by the Castle.
• Free Attractions: There are lots of free museums and galleries in Edinburgh like the ‘National Museum of Scotland’ and the ‘Scottish National Gallery’. They’re great places to learn about the city's history and art!
• Explore Dean Village: Just a short walk from the city centre is a picturesque area by the ‘Water of Leith’ which feels like stepping into a storybook, with cobblestone streets and quaint cottages!
• ‍Dress for the Weather: Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable! Layer up and carry a waterproof jacket or umbrella, especially in the cooler months.