Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian New Town, the city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Edinburgh, complete with detailed recommendations and travel tips.
Where to Stay
1. Edinburgh Luxury Hotels
- The Balmoral Hotel: Located at the heart of the city, The Balmoral Hotel is an iconic luxury hotel offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. Enjoy elegant rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant (Number One), and exceptional service. The hotel also offers a luxury spa and afternoon tea, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Fun fact: JK Rowling famously finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at the Balmoral. You can book the actual room for your Edinburgh stay!
- The Scotsman Hotel: Housed in the former offices of The Scotsman newspaper, this historic Scotsman Hotel combines traditional charm with modern amenities. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city. The North Bridge Brasserie within the hotel offers a mix of classic and contemporary dishes in a beautifully restored setting.
- Cheval Old Town Chambers: Cheval Old Town Chambers is my favorite play to say in Edinburgh and, in my opinion, is the best hotel in Edinburgh. Located directly on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, this hotel is so close to everything. The rooms are set up like apartments and feel so luxurious. Check out my full Review of the Cheval Old Town Chambers HERE.
2. Edinburgh Boutique Hotels
- The Witchery by the Castle: A lavish boutique hotel located near Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery offers gothic-themed suites, rich in opulence and mystery. Each suite is uniquely decorated with antique furnishings and sumptuous fabrics. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway or a special occasion.
- Tigerlily: Situated in the New Town, Tigerlily is known for its chic interiors and vibrant atmosphere. The hotel’s stylish rooms feature bold designs and luxurious amenities. The bar and restaurant are popular spots for both guests and locals, offering creative cocktails and a diverse menu.
3. Edinburgh Budget-Friendly Options
- Travelodge Edinburgh Central: A great option for budget travelers, the Travelodge Edinburgh Central offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. Its central location means you’re just a short walk from major attractions like the Royal Mile and Princes Street.
- Safestay Edinburgh: A well-regarded hostel in the heart of the Old Town, Safestay offers both private rooms and dormitories. The hostel features a lively bar, communal kitchen, and social events, making it perfect for solo travelers and those looking to meet new people.
Where to Eat
1. Traditional Scottish Cuisine
- The Kitchin: Located in Leith, this Michelin-starred restaurant is run by celebrity chef Tom Kitchin. It offers a farm-to-table experience, with dishes that highlight the best of Scottish produce. Expect dishes like hand-dived Orkney scallops, Highland venison, and seasonal vegetables.
- Whiski Rooms: Situated near the Royal Mile, Whiski Rooms offers a range of traditional Scottish dishes, including haggis, neeps, and tatties. It’s also an excellent place to sample a wide variety of whiskies, with over 300 varieties to choose from. Their whisky tasting sessions are highly recommended.
2. International Flavors
- Dishoom: Inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom offers a delightful array of Indian dishes in a beautifully decorated setting. Popular dishes include the bacon naan roll, black daal, and the house chai. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and attentive service make it a must-visit.
- Mother India’s Café: This tapas-style Indian restaurant serves small, flavorful dishes perfect for sharing. Located near the National Museum of Scotland, it’s an excellent spot for a casual meal. Try their signature dishes like the butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, and vegetable samosas.
3. Cozy Cafés and Bakeries
- The Elephant House: Famous as the place where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the Harry Potter series, this café offers a cozy atmosphere and a wide range of teas, coffees, and pastries. Enjoy a window seat with a view of Edinburgh Castle and the Greyfriars Kirkyard.
- Lovecrumbs: A charming bakery in the West End, Lovecrumbs is known for its delicious cakes and quirky interior. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon treat. Their selection includes indulgent brownies, creative tarts, and a variety of layer cakes.
What to Do
1. Explore Historic Sites
- Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit. Explore the Royal Palace, the Crown Jewels, and the National War Museum. Don’t miss the stunning views of the city from the castle’s ramparts. Be sure to see the daily 1 o’clock gun firing, a tradition dating back to 1861.
- Holyrood Palace: The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, Holyrood Palace offers a glimpse into royal life. Tour the State Apartments, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful gardens. The palace also hosts changing exhibitions showcasing the Royal Collection.
- Royal Yacht Britannia: The Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II, offers a fascinating glimpse into the royal family’s maritime life. Climb aboard and tour elegant state apartments, a charming tea room, and hear captivating stories of royal voyages.
2. Discover the City’s Museums and Galleries
- National Museum of Scotland: A treasure trove of artifacts, the National Museum of Scotland covers everything from natural history to Scottish heritage. It’s a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Highlights include the Ancient Egypt gallery, the Scottish galleries, and the interactive science and technology section.
- Scottish National Gallery: Home to an impressive collection of fine art, the Scottish National Gallery features works by artists such as Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Turner. Art enthusiasts will be in heaven here. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs.
3. Enjoy the Outdoors
- Arthur’s Seat: This ancient volcano offers one of the best views of Edinburgh. A hike to the top is a rewarding experience, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 2 hours round trip. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
- The Royal Botanic Garden: Spread across 70 acres, the Royal Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature. Explore the various gardens, glasshouses, and exhibitions. Don’t miss the Victorian Temperate Palm House and the Rock Garden, which showcases alpine plants from around the world.
4. Experience Local Culture
- The Royal Mile: Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile is packed with shops, pubs, and historic sites. It’s the perfect place to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Stop by St Giles’ Cathedral, visit the Writers’ Museum, and explore the hidden closes and courtyards.
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe: If you’re visiting in August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a must-see. As the world’s largest arts festival, it features thousands of performances, including theater, comedy, music, and dance. Book tickets in advance and check out the Free Fringe for budget-friendly options.
5. Unique Experiences
- Mary King’s Close: Discover the hidden history of Edinburgh with a tour of Mary King’s Close, an underground network of streets and spaces dating back to the 17th century. The tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, with stories of plague victims, ghosts, and daily life in old Edinburgh.
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions: A fun and interactive attraction, Camera Obscura features optical illusions, a mirror maze, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. The highlight is the camera obscura itself, an optical device that projects live moving images of the surrounding area.
6. Day Trips
Edinburgh makes a great base city for taking day trips and tours. Check out my post: The Best Day Trips from Edinburgh for more information. Do the Scottish Highlands catch your eye? If so, check out this post on the Ultimate Guide to the Scottish Highlands.
Getting Around
One of my top Edinburg tips is to purchase a Royal Edinburgh Ticket. In my opinion, the Royal Edinburgh is one (if not the) best value tour in all of Europe. The Royal Edinburgh Ticket includes access to three hop on hop off bus routes (for a full 48 hours!) PLUS admission to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The total admission costs for all three of these attractions, if you purchased them independently, is almost as much as the cost for the entire Royal Edinburgh ticket.
I really like using Hop On Hop Off tours to help with transportation so the fact that this ticket includes three separate routes is awesome. If you utilize them, you can basically cover the entirety of Edinburgh, including all of the previously mentioned attractions, without having to worry about a car or public transportation. I frequently use HOHO tours to get me to my dinner reservations, simply making my last hop off stop of the day one that’s closest to the restaurant I’m eating at. Just keep an eye on the time- sometimes, especially during the off season, the tours might end earlier than you might expect.
If you’ve never done a Hop On Hop Off type of tour, here’s a quick overview. HOHO tours follow a predetermined route with multiple stops at key attractions and landmarks. The routes are designed to cover major points of interest in the city. You can hop on the bus at any designated stop. When you want to explore an attraction, you simply hop off the bus. After your visit, you can hop on the next bus to continue your tour. You have the freedom to spend as much or as little time as you like at each stop and you can skip any stops you don’t want to see. Buses typically run at regular intervals, which can range from every 10 minutes to every hour, depending on the city and the season.
Travel Tips for Edinburgh
- Weather Preparedness: Edinburgh weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, and always carry an umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the city’s cobblestone streets can be uneven.
- Dining Reservations: Popular restaurants can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months and festival season. Make reservations in advance to ensure you get a table at your desired dining spot.
- Free Attractions: Many of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries offer free entry, including the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery. Take advantage of these free attractions to make the most of your visit.
- Local Etiquette: Scots are generally friendly and polite. Basic courtesy, such as saying “please” and “thank you,” goes a long way. When visiting pubs, it’s customary to take turns buying rounds of drinks if you’re in a group.
- Currency and Tipping: Scotland uses the British pound. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is standard if service is not included. In pubs, it’s common to round up to the nearest pound.
Conclusion
Edinburgh is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its historic sites, indulging in its culinary delights, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, there’s always something to do. Let us help you plan a trip to Edinburgh! This ultimate guide to Edinburgh will ensure you make the most of your visit and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting Scottish capital.
Have you been to Edinburgh? Share your favorite spots and experiences in the comments below!
