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Plan Your Edinburgh Holiday: Best of Edinburgh

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Explore Edinburgh

History, culture, and non-stop festivals—Edinburgh is jam-packed with things to do around the clock. An easy way to get to know the city is by taking a long walk around the centre to see the World Heritage Sites in Old Town, trendy shops and restaurants in New Town, and a handful of museums and galleries in both. Take a break for afternoon tea and scones at a cosy tea room or duck into a traditional pub to grab a bite and a drink. And if you do find yourself at a festival, the city’s got tons: from live music performances in the summer to traditional Burns Night celebrations honouring the poet Robert Burns (complete with bagpipes, haggis, and whisky), in the winter.
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Travel Advice

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How to do Edinburgh in 3 days

From a striking castle to whiskey tastings, plus spooky night tours
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Traveller Guides

Eat your way through Edinburgh at any budget

It doesn’t matter how often I return to Edinburgh; there’s always somewhere new to eat. The city of seven hills has everything from lavish tasting menus and Michelin-starred restaurants to cafes and fast food joints. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten in the same restaurant twice. Here’s my guide to the high-end eateries and the low-tier takeaways.
Samantha Priestley, Yorkshire, UK
  • Wedgwood The Restaurant
    2,468
    This small and intimate restaurant on the Royal Mile served my partner the best venison he’s had to date (seriously, he still talks about it). We ordered from the a la carte menu rather than choosing the tasting menu, but it looked so good on other tables that we regretted not getting it. The staff here is kind and attentive. Our helpful waiter even told us where to go in town to buy our favourite cheese from the cheese board.
  • Wahaca Edinburgh
    1,220
    We had lunch at this Mexican place behind the rows of High Street shops while we waited for our train. It’s perfect for a fast meal. They serve street-food-style Mexican dishes, the service is quick, and the food is good. We ordered tacos, quesadillas, and the crispy cauliflower bites, and everything was tasty.
  • Number One at The Balmoral
    1,951
    We were lucky enough to stay at the iconic Balmoral Hotel for a few nights, but you don’t have to be a guest here to dine in their Michelin-starred restaurant, Number One. The tasting menu has seven courses that include local dishes ranging from langoustine from the Isle of Skye to Roe deer from a nearby estate. You can also request a three-course dinner menu ahead of time if you prefer.
  • Hummus
    60
    Don’t be fooled by the name of this cute little café in the Morningside neighbourhood of the city; they serve much more than hummus! That said, the hummus here is the best I’ve ever had, and if you do like a simple bowl of hummus and some flatbread, you’ll be in heaven. It’s a Lebanese café, so they also serve tabbouleh, falafel, and spiced cakes. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
  • Dean Banks At The Pompadour
    374
    Upstairs in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel is The Pompadour, a Michelin-starred restaurant. There’s a bit of a nautical theme, which we liked, and the menu is seafood-heavy. The 10-course tasting menu includes an Arbroath Smokie and Blue Finned Tuna but also a vegan menu. Go for the wine pairing, or delve straight into the long list of whiskeys with the Whisky Flight Experience.
  • The Alchemist Edinburgh St James Quarter
    315
    This bar and restaurant in New Town creates unusual and bizarre cocktails that arrive in the kind of containers you probably used in chemistry class. But they also serve good bar food that works perfectly for a night out or lunch. They serve a collection of dishes as varied as their cocktails - mostly Asian-inspired and including Tempura Hake and Katsu Curry, though you can also choose a simple chicken in a basket or a steak.
  • The Cellar Door Restaurant
    1,669
    Edinburgh gets busy on weekend nights, and we stupidly hadn’t booked anywhere to eat dinner. We walked into The Cellar Door, not expecting any luck, but the manager kindly seated us by the bar upstairs. While downstairs was busy, upstairs was quiet and suited us perfectly. I had the spring rolls to start, followed by roasted carrot risotto. They do a six-course tasting menu with a wine pairing, which I’m definitely getting next time.
  • Cafe Miro
    362
    We had half a day in the coastal area of Portobello on our last visit to Edinburgh, and we stopped for a quick lunch in Miro’s on the Prom. It sits opposite the beach, on the promenade, and serves light bites and cakes. We ordered the haggis fritters, which are a must-try while you’re in Edinburgh. There’s a laid-back seaside atmosphere in this quiet café, but it does get busy on weekends.
  • Monteiths
    1,658
    Down a side street off the Royal Mile, Monteith’s is underground in the basement of the building. We had small plates at the bar on our first visit and returned a second time for the venison loin and the mushroom and goat’s cheese Wellington. The food is impressive, but the atmosphere makes it unique. The cosy low lighting, tartan upholstery, and intimate bar area bring home the hidden basement feeling.
  • Holy Cow
    362
    We stopped here for a quick burger for lunch before visiting the Surgeon’s Hall Museum. If you’re vegan or have someone vegan in your party, this is a top-quality café that serves the best vegan burgers I’ve tried in Edinburgh. The burgers all come with chips, and you get a lot of food for the money, but leave room for the cheese-free cheesecake; it’s not to be missed.
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Edinburgh Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Edinburgh

Christian W

Edinburgh is a phenomenally popular destination, with around 3.5 million people visiting every year. Even so, thanks to the city's complex history, topography, and layout, much of it stays well off the beaten path. As a result, it's easy to see amazing sights while leaving the crowds behind!

Teamkarma

Edinburgh is full of surprises, lot of historic things to find, nice romantic restaurants, great night life, and a cheeky smile on every corner; The city centre is a very easy place to navigate by foot, it also has very good transport links, bus, tram, trains, it also has very good airport connections. If you are not sure what you are looking for you can always stand at the top of the castle for a fantastic panoramic view over the whole city.

JamzyW

Edinburgh is a truly cosmopolitan City that has something for everyone. The City is relatively small, so it is easy to get around and see a lot in a few days.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Edinburgh Airport is the main airport that services the city. Airlink bus service runs between the airport and Waverley Station, which is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.

train

Trains run by LNER (formerly Virgin trains) depart from London regularly and often make stops at major cities along the way.

bus

Edinburgh Bus Terminal welcomes long-haul coaches from various destinations throughout the United Kingdom, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow. Major operators include Megabus and National Express.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Edinburgh from overseas, see if you need a visa using the following website: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/practical-information/passports-visas-customs/

When is the best time to visit?

Scotland is a country that’s prone to rain; showers can strike and last all day even during the summer months. To maximize your chance of dry skies, visit during the month of May, when daylight hours last longer and rainfall sees its annual low. Average daily temperatures in May are highs around 14 C/58 F and lows around 6 C/44 F.

May, along with September, also sees fewer crowds and lower prices outside of the UK’s school summer holidays.

For one of the world’s best comedy festivals, visit Edinburgh in August, when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival sees millions of visitors come to the 3-week-long jaunt. Other festive celebrations include Burns Night at the end of January; the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August; and the raucous Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Get around

bus

Public buses are regular and easy to use and travel all around the city—the exact change is required for your journey.

tram

Edinburgh has a tram system that services stops from York Place in the city center to the airport. All trams are wheelchair accessible and have Wi-Fi onboard. To plan your journey, visit https://edinburghtrams.com.

taxis and ride share

Taxis in Edinburgh may be hailed on the street. Minicab services offers advance bookings. Rideshare services such as Uber and Talixo are readily available.

driving

There are seven park and ride schemes operating in and around Edinburgh, which all you to park outside of the city center and then catch a bus in. There are also multi-storey car parks through the center, including at Waverley Station and Holyrood Road. For more information on parking, check out the following link: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/homepage/10449/parking-spaces

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

What are the voltage/plug types?

230 V/ 50 Hz. Plug sockets are type G. For plug types, you can reference the international guide: https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/

What is the currency?

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Tipping isn’t generally expected in Scotland but it's appreciated for great service.

Hotels

A few pounds for anyone helping with your bags and a few pounds per day of your stay for the housekeeping staff is appreciated.

Pubs

10 percent would be appreciated, but isn’t expected.

Taxis

Rounding up to the nearest pound should suffice.

Tour guides

It is customary to give at least five pounds for a short tour or 10 percent of the bill for longer, more extensive tours.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

Spitting

Spitting is considered rude in any public setting.

Edinburgh travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Tour Variety

According to forum posts, Edinburgh offers a diverse range of tour options catering to different interests. These include historical tours of the city's famous sites like the Royal Mile and the underground vaults, bike tours, and guided hiking trips in nearby natural landscapes like the Pentland Hills.

Bike and Hiking Tours

Some travelers mentioned that while Edinburgh has guided bike tours, options like Tartan Bicycle Company and EZ Bike Tours are popular, albeit some tours may require navigating hilly terrains. For hiking enthusiasts, guided day trips to the Pentland Hills or bespoke hiking adventures are suggested by users.

Historical and Thematic Tours

Travelers have called out specific tours for those interested in history and literature, such as the Mercat Tours and The Real Mary King’s Close, which provide insights into the city's past without the scare tactics of a ghost tour. Additionally, tours focusing on Scottish writers and themes like Harry Potter and Outlander are available, enhancing the cultural experience.

Day Tours Outside Edinburgh

For those willing to explore beyond the city, forum users recommend day tours to the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond, offering a mix of stunning landscapes and historical sites. Companies like Rabbies and Timberbush are frequently mentioned for these excursions.

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Popular Choices

According to forum posts, travelers highly recommend Howies, Dine, and The Witchery for dining in Edinburgh. Howies is noted for its good service and atmosphere, making it a recurring recommendation across different discussions.

Seafood and Italian Cuisine

For seafood enthusiasts, Fishers in both the city and Leith was frequently suggested, with its good food and ambiance highlighted. For Italian food lovers, Rico’s offers a more upmarket experience, while Domenicos in Leith is praised for its relaxed vibe and quality dishes.

Unique Dining Experiences

Travelers have called out The Dome for its stunning interior and The Witchery for its romantic setting. Both establishments are recommended for special occasions due to their unique atmospheres and quality dining experiences.

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Luggage Storage Options

According to forum posts, travelers can store luggage at several locations in Edinburgh. Waverley Station offers a staffed left-luggage office adjacent to Platform 2. The Edinburgh Bus Station provides self-service lockers.

Alternative Services

For many users, alternative luggage storage services like Stasher and Unbaggaged.com have proven to be convenient. Stasher offers various locations around the city, including some hotels, while Unbaggaged.com provides a service that picks up, stores, and returns your bags.

Cost and Availability

Some travelers mentioned the cost of lockers at the bus station as £8 for a small locker, £10 for a medium, and £12 for a large, per 12-hour period. However, prices may vary, so checking current rates is suggested.

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Central Edinburgh Accommodation Options

According to forum posts, travelers have found good accommodation options in central Edinburgh at various hotels and guest houses. The Travelodge Edinburgh Central Rose Street and the Premier Inn at York Place are frequently recommended due to their accessibility and proximity to central attractions and transportation hubs like Waverley Station.

Hotel Amenities and Accessibility

Some users noted the Travelodge on Meuse Lane as less than ideal due to its run-down entrance, suggesting instead the Travelodge on Rose Street for better access. Additionally, the Old Waverley Hotel, though slightly more expensive, is favored for its central location and accessibility.

Alternative Accommodation Options

For those looking for budget options, the Holiday Inn Express at York Place was mentioned as a comparable choice to the Premier Inn, offering similar amenities and included breakfast, which could be a budget-friendly feature.

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Tram and Bus Options

According to forum posts, travelers can choose between the tram and the Airlink 100 bus to travel from Edinburgh Airport to the city center. The tram is preferred by some due to its immunity to traffic snarls and costs £6.50 each or £9 for a return ticket, with a slight discount if booked in advance.

Airport Express Bus

Some travelers mentioned a newer service, the Airport Express bus, which also connects the airport to the city center. This option is highlighted as potentially the best choice for reaching the Premier Inn City Centre Royal Mile, as it stops conveniently at South St. David Street near the hotel.

Taxi Services

For those preferring direct transport, taxis are available, with a typical fare to the city center costing around £25-£30. This option is favored by those with lots of luggage or preferring a more comfortable journey directly to their destination.

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Family-Friendly Attractions

According to forum posts, popular family-friendly attractions in Edinburgh include the National Museum, Camera Obscura, Dynamic Earth, and the Edinburgh Zoo. The Museum of Scotland is also recommended for its interactive exhibits suitable for children.

Outdoor Activities

For outdoor activities, some travelers suggest visiting the Botanic Gardens, Inverleith Park, and Portobello Beach. The Royal Mile offers street artists and historical sites that can engage children, and there are several play areas like the one on the east side of the Meadows.

Unique Experiences

Travelers have called out unique experiences such as riding on the tram, attending junior parkruns at the Meadows or Inverleith Park, and exploring the giraffe art trail. A train ride over the Forth Bridge to North Queensferry is also recommended for its scenic views and appeal to children interested in trains.

Seasonal Events

For visits in August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe offers numerous child-friendly shows and activities, adding a cultural dimension to a family visit.

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Christmas Markets and Activities

According to forum posts, the Edinburgh Christmas Markets start on November 17th, featuring areas in Princes Street Gardens with attractions like the big wheel and rides. The markets are free and unticketed, although they may implement queueing during peak times for safety. The markets have been described by some travelers as not very Christmassy or representative of Edinburgh, but opinions vary.

Special Light Displays

Travelers have highlighted special light displays such as the Christmas at the Botanics event at the Royal Botanic Garden, which features illuminated trails and festive installations. Another mentioned event is the Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle, offering a themed light experience. These events are ticketed and popular among visitors.

Additional Festive Entertainment

Forum users also mentioned other festive entertainment options like pantomime shows at local theaters and carol concerts at key venues such as St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. The Christmas at the Botanics event also offers seasonal beverages like spiced cider and mulled wine, enhancing the festive experience.

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Taxi Availability and Options

According to forum posts, Edinburgh offers a variety of taxi services, including traditional black cabs and Uber. There are three main black cab companies: City Cabs, Central Taxis, and Comcab, all regulated and metered by the Edinburgh Council.

Service and Pricing

Travelers have called out that taxis can be hailed directly from the streets or booked online through the respective company apps. The cost of a taxi ride from Edinburgh Airport to the city center is approximately £23-25. Prices are metered and can vary depending on the time and traffic.

Accessibility and Coverage

Some travelers noted that taxis are generally available even for shorter distances within the city, which is compact and mostly walkable. For areas outside central Edinburgh, like South Queensferry or Dunfermline, it's advised to book taxis from local companies to ensure availability for return trips.

User Experience

Travelers have found the taxi services in Edinburgh reliable. Apps for both black cabs and Uber are functional and used frequently by visitors, providing a convenient option for those looking to navigate the city or travel to nearby areas.

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