Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and a wonderful mix of historic and modern architecture. It’s also the place I had the good fortune of calling my home for the better part of a year since I was completing my master’s education there. Curating a travel guide for Edinburgh was, therefore, an easy task.
In fact, this is probably my favourite post to write, considering I can include all the authentic information I’ve gathered over my time there.
The historic old town, the modern neoclassical new town, diverse cuisines, activities and attractions ensure that Edinburgh offers something for everyone. With this travel guide, I hope you will have the perfect blueprint for your next trip to Edinburgh.
P.s. I’ve never tried Haggis (Shameful, I know) but what can I say, something about mashed sheep pluck just doesn’t tickle my fancy.
About Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland is located in the lowlands, near the southern shore of Firth of Forth. The Firth of Forth is a part of the North Sea that extends into Scotland. Edinburgh is also the seat of the Scottish Government, The Scottish Parliament and the Supreme Courts of Scotland.
Edinburgh is quite popularly known as the birthplace of Harry Potter. JK Rowling is said to have spent most of her time writing the books here. Although I won’t cover that in this Edinburgh Travel Guide, the Potterhead in me has already written a blog post for that. It also gave the world many famous philisophers like Adam Smith, George Campbell, Hector Boece and David Hume.
Map of Attractions
How To Use This Map: The icon at the top left corner displays the sidebar which has individual layers. This helps you view the destinations as a list. If you click on the tiny star next to the map title, you’ll be able to save this map into your personal library.
The square bracket icon on the extreme top right helps you view the map on a larger screen. If you want to get details on individual locations, you can click the purple markers on the map.
Enjoy your exploration!
Edinburgh's Attractions
EDINBURGH CASTLE
This is easily the number 1 place to visit on any travel guide to Edinburgh. Probably even the most popular. The ethereal Edinburgh Castle sits atop an extinct volcano and is indeed a thing of beauty. It’s also JK Rowling’s inspiration for Hogwarts. Make sure you’re on the lookout for the canon fired every day from the castle at one o’clock except on Sunday.
ARTHURS SEAT
The popular Arthurs Seat is the highest point of an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park (On one end of the Royal Mile). It gives you an amazing birds-eye view of Edinburgh. Legend has it, that it’s home to a sleeping dragon! There are many routes to the top. The shortest route also has the steepest climb, taking about 45/50 minutes to reach the top.
CALTON HILL
One of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Calton Hill provides a wonderful view of the city, overlooking Princes Street. The National Monument, Edinburgh’s very own acropolis is inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Calton Hill is a favorite spot for locals as well as tourists, providing ample photo ops and a good view.
PRINCES STREET
No Edinburgh travel guide is complete without the mention of Princes Street! Princes Street is truly at the center of the city, architecturally, culturally and historically. It houses all the major shopping brands like Marks and Spencer, Primark, H&M, and Debenhams. Major hotels like The Balmoral, The Scotsman, and The Waldorf Astoria also flank the ends of this street.
It serves as a line of division between Old Town and New Town. Connected to all major locations in Edinburgh, Princes Street is always bustling with people and several street performers, wearing kilts and playing the bagpipe. Edinburgh’s Waverly Station is also located here.
ROYAL MILE
With Edinburgh Castle on one end and Holyrood Palace on the other, the Royal mile is one of the main streets in the Old Town. It is extremely scenic, full of history and beautiful architecture. It also has some amazing restaurants with food, worth trying. Fun fact: The Royal Mile is actually a ‘Scotts Mile’ and is longer than an English mile, amounting to 1.12 miles.
Firstly, you must walk along the Royal mile to get a glimpse of Edinburgh in the old ages. You can then turn left or right into a close (which is essentially a set of underground streets). Look for the heart of Midlothian near St. Giles Cathedral. PSA: If you notice locals spitting on it, don’t be alarmed. it’s said to bring good luck!
GRASSMARKET
Located in Old Town, Grassmarket is one of the most lively areas in Edinburgh and also rich in history! It’s full of restaurants and inns. Its name came from the fact that it served as a market for cattle from the 14th to the 19th century. Grassmarket was also popular for its public executions that took place in the center of the square.
VICTORIA'S STREET
Probably one of the most photographed places in Edinburgh and a travel guide essential, Victoria Street makes the perfect postcard picture with a series of colored shops along a curved street. While it’s perfect for your bucket shot, Victoria Street isn’t just a pretty face. These colored buildings host a wide variety of eclectic shops with beautiful displays.
UNIVERISTY OF EDINBURGH AND OLD COLLEGE
Self-made fun fact: The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh are basically synonymous since there are university buildings all over the city. The most photographed location is, however, The Old College which is basically the School of Law. The structure is magnanimous and truly beautiful! Absolutely recommend a visit!
DEAN VILLAGE
Located in the Stockbridge area, along the Water of Leith in Edinburgh, Dean Village is usually on everyone’s list because of it’s stunning scenery. Its architecture and landscape paint the picture of a different era, 17th century to be exact. It’s meant to just get lost in mother nature. There is no direct public transport and parking is limited.
A short walk further, you can also explore the Dean Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. This place is easily accessible and very close to the city centre (about a 10-12 minute walk from Princes Street).
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
The National Museum of Scotland was formed in 2006 with exhibitions covering science and technology, natural history and world cultures. It is quite extensive and will take you at least 3 to 4 hours if you plan to visit every exhibit. I highly recommend visiting the science and tech exhibit since it is an interactive exhibit. There is no admission fee and the museum is usually open till 5 pm.
ST. GILES CATHEDRAL
Located on the Royal Mile, St Giles’s Cathedral was founded in 1120 and known as the ‘Cradle of Presbyterianism.’ It is well known for its magnificent stained glass windows that were installed in the 19th century and the Reiger Organ installed in 1992. The Thistle Chapel, in the southeast corner of the cathedral, is also a must-visit. Its creation was sanctioned for its knights by the Order of the Thistle, which is an Order of the Chivalry.
It holds 4 services every Sunday. Morning services take place at 8.00 am, 10.00 am and 11.30 am. The evening service takes place at 8.00 pm. There is no admission fee, however, you’ve to pay £2 for a photography permit. The timings vary as per the season.
If You Have Time To Spare
- Holyrood Palace. The Holyrood Palace is on the other side of the Royal Mile. It is the official residence of the Royal Family when in Scotland. The palace is well defined with stunning Baroque architecture. Make sure to visit the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, The Great Gallery, The Queens Gallery and Holyrood Abbey.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens. Spread over approximately 70 acres of land, the Royal Botanical Gardens is truly one of Edinburgh’s finest tourist locations. The Glass House is the centerpiece of the Gardens housing over 3000 varieties of exotic plants and a 200-year-old palm tree. Admission to the garden is free. The best time, however, to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens is between November and December for ‘Christmas at the Botanics.’ The entire garden lights up over a specified route with surreal light installations. While general admission is free, during this event, there is an entry fee (Approximately £30). It usually takes 2-3 hours to enjoy the route.
- Edinburgh Zoo. Go check out the only knighted penguin in the world at The Edinburgh Zoo. It spans over 82 acres of land and you might need a good 3 to 4 hours to explore properly.
- Scottish National Gallery. Located near Princes Street, the Scottish National Gallery is a must-visit if you’re a fan of art. Check out the national portrait gallery as well. It’s amazing!
- Take a Dark History Tour. Edinburgh has a long-standing history of the dark and dreary and our travel guide would be incomplete without it. There are both walking tours and bus tours. The bus tours start from the Royal Mile. Check out Sandemans Walking tour or the Ghost Bus Tour.
Day Trips From Edinburgh
- Rosslyn Chapel. This truly is a place of beauty. The Da Vinci Code has been filmed here. The chapel was founded in 1446. The admission fee is £9 for adults and £7 for senior citizens above 60 and children below 17 years of age. What makes the Rosslyn Chapel so interesting is the lore surrounding it. Some of these stories include aliens, a murdered apprentice, carvings of corn cobbs and the knight’s templar. A wonderful place to awaken the conspiracy theorist within you.
- Loch Ness. This is one of the most popular day trips to take from Edinburgh. I’ve taken a 5 day trip around the highlands so I visited Loch Ness as a part of that expedition. You get to enjoy some beautiful scenery and revel in some breathtaking views of Glencoe Valley. Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll get to see the mysterious and elusive Loch Ness monster, Nessie!
- Stirling Castle. If you love Edinburgh Castle, you’ll like this one too. This is a huge castle complex, located in Stirling, not too far away from Edinburgh. Guided tours are included in the ticket price so make sure to check out the timings & hop on one. They are extremely helpful and give great information about the history of Stirling Castle.
- St. Andrews. Scotland’s famous Home of Golf is definitely worth a visit. There are many exciting things to do and you could easily spend a day here. Visit St. Andrews Cathedral and Castle, take a ghost tour or have some fun at the beach. The opportunities are endless.
- Glasgow. Glasgow is a wonderful city to visit and personally, I believe that you need more than a day here. The city center is quite compact and can be accessed on foot, but Glasgow has several museums and parks that need at least 2 to 3 days to explore well. If you’re short for time, however, I still recommend visiting for a bit. A train ride will take you from Edinburgh to Glasgow within an hour.
Getting Around Edinburgh
- On Foot. Walking is the best way to explore Edinburgh. The city centre is quite compact with all the main attractions situated on either Princes Street or The Royal Mile. There are several scenic walks like the water of Leith and Hermitage of Braid that you can take as well. You’ll end up hiking Arthur’s Seat as well.
- Bikes. All roads in Edinburgh have a lane for bikes. They’re one of the most popular modes of transport. Edinburgh has introduced several bike priority measures as well. You can easily rent bikes for a day, a week or short term on demand.
- Bus. We need to take a minute to talk about buses in Edinburgh. Usually, I always suggest walking over anything else to tour a city. However, Edinburgh made me want to question my opinions on public transport. The Lothian Bus Network is amazing. They have a detailed schedule, frequent buses, clear stop indications and an easy ticketing system.
- Taxis/Uber. A taxi can be slightly expensive in the capital so I suggest going for an Uber. However, in a place as well connected as Edinburgh, you may be better off walking or using the bus. That way it costs you less and you have to encounter lesser traffic.
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
- Peak Season. For Edinburgh, this is usually July and August. The temperatures range from 15 to 19 degrees Celsius and are quite pleasant. The days are long as well.
- Shoulder Season. April, May, June, September and October are usually the shoulder months. It’s a good time to visit as the crowds are waning and so are the prices. The Days are also long. In fact, June sees the longest days thanks to the summer solstice. Parts of Edinburgh turn a beautiful shade of pink thanks to the cherry blossoms that bloom between April and May so that’s a great time to visit as well.
- Off-Season. Edinburgh sees some harsh winters. The days become unbelievably short with sunsets happening around 3 or 4 pm. January and February are usually the coldest months. December, however, is quite popular in Edinburgh thanks to Hogmanay and the Christmas markets.
Where To Stay in Edinburgh
- Along Princes Street. This is the best area to stay in terms of connectivity. It’s well connected to the local bus network and close to all major attractions. Accommodation may be slightly expensive but Bnb’s and hostels are pretty affordable. We stayed at Cityroomz Edinburgh at Shandwick place, right at the beginning of Princes Street.
- Stockbridge. This place is a vibe honestly. The houses are cute and cosy. The lanes are adorned with beautiful shops, restaurants and pubs. It is very close to Dean Village and gives off a strong bohemian ambience. I’ve spent many mornings strolling through Stockbridge and I’m sure living here is amazing. It’s quite well connected, about a 15-minute walk from Princes Street
- Fountainbridge. This area is quite up and coming. It’s about 20 minutes on foot and 6 minutes by bus to reach Princes Street. The houses are fairly new and modern with parking services as well. There are tons of places to eat, grocery stores and a big mall in this area. It’s quite safe and affordable as well since loads of students stay here. P.S. I had to include it in the travel guide because this is where I lived in Edinburgh as a student and I swear by it.
- Along the Royal Mile. Again, extremely central in terms of tourist attractions. The hotels along the Royal Mile are expensive, however, parallel lanes or nearby areas have some affordable options.
- Leith. Slightly far away from the city centre, closer to the water, Leith has become quite popular as an accommodation option. Stay here is quite affordable. It’s also become quite the hub for Gastronomy.
What to eat in Edinburgh
- Fudge: If you’re aware of Scotland’s Confectionery history, you know that Scott’s have a love affair with sugar. CN Traveller calls Scotland, Willy Wonka’s spiritual home, and rightly so! If you’re looking for some good places to try out fudge, I suggest the shops located on the Royal Mile. I sampled it from The Fudge Kitchen Shop on High Street, Royal Mile.
- Haggis: Sheep’s pluck minced with oatmeal, salt, spices and onions. It’s a Scottish breakfast essential. If you’re adventurous, go ahead and sample some Haggis. It’s the most authentic Scottish thing you will find.
- A Full Scottish Breakfast: If you’re in Scotland and you don’t sample their Breakfast, you’re missing out! A full Scottish is quite like the full English with a few differences. You usually get to see broiled tomatoes, bacon, tatties (Potatoes), scones, bangers (Link Sausage), sauteed mushrooms, baked beans, toast and black pudding (Or Haggis) in a full Scottish breakfast.
- Scotch Eggs. Deep-fried, meat covered eggs. It really doesn’t get more Scottish than that. They have Scotch in their name too so no surprises there. Again, these are sold at most places so you’ll find it easily.
- Whiskey. Oh! The joys of Scotch Whiskey. An Edinburgh Travel Guide would be incomplete without it. With every sip, you can taste the local artisanal goodness. There are several whiskey tasting bars all over Edinburgh where you can enjoy a sublime drinking experience. I advise against the Whiskey tours. They’re not that noteworthy if you’re short on time.
Edinburgh Travel Tips
- Don’t buy a Souvenir on the Royal Mile or Princes Street. You can expect them to be extremely expensive. Try smaller shops or places near Grassmarket instead.
- It Rains. There’s no season, no fixed time and absolutely no warning. Its sunny one minute and raining the next. Sometimes, it’s sunny and its raining. Prepare yourselves accordingly.
- Public Transport. Like I mentioned before, the public transport in Edinburgh, especially the buses are amazing and exceeds expectations. The Lothian bus network has an app so that you can purchase tickets on the go. You can also avail day, week and family passes.
- The people are SUPER friendly. Seriously! It’s hard to find nicer people. They’ll go out of their way to assist you and love striking up a conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll end up having a lovely chat.
- The Scotts have thick accents. And I mean super thick. It’s definitely English but it may get difficult to comprehend. It took me some time too.
- Don’t eat near tourist attractions. You can get better, more budget-friendly food elsewhere.
- Groceries. There are many groceries and supermarkets in Edinburgh. However, I suggest Lidl and Aldi over Sainsbury’s and Tesco. They are more economically priced and the spread is just as good. P.S. You have to pick up something from Lidl’s bakery section. Their stuff is amazing!
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Edinburgh is a peculiar city. It has the perfect mix of bustling city life and quiet country life. It is large, yet extremely small. The buildings are both modern and antiquated. It is diverse, yet a 100% steeped in authentic history and culture. It’s a city of interesting contradictions. Interesting enough that thousands of tourists flock here every year.
So there you have it! Sangria and Soul’s Edinburgh Travel Guide, handmade, with love.
I hope this post helped give you a clear enough idea about the places you can visit in Edinburgh. As always, the comments section is open to suggestions, requests, advice, and anything else you can think of since I love hearing from you. What is your favourite place in Edinburgh? Let us know.
Until then, Bon Voyage!