Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. The city is not very big with a population of circa 500,000. The city centre is split into the Old Town and the New town. The castle area is the Old town and Princess street gardens and the train line is the border to the New town. The city has grown round these two areas.
Where to Stay
Ideally you want to stay as close to the attractions as possible however when the Edinburgh festival is on in August accommodation can be scare and expensive. Therefore it may be necessary to look further a field. Luckily Edinburgh has a great Bus network and also a tram line and several train stations.
Visit our Accommodation guides including our guide on Edinburgh hotels for the best places to stay.
Places to eat out
Where are the best places to Shop
Attractions to visit in Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh & Step back in time in this ancient City.
Visit. Explore. Dream.
Edinburgh is an ideal city for a weekend break or to start/finish your Scotland vacation. With the Old Town & New Town being a world Heritage site there are many attractions to see.
The best way to explore Edinburgh is on foot. Once in the city centre you should be able to spot the castle and the buildings around this upon the hill. This is the Old Town area. The New town stretches from Princess Street and several Streets adjacent.
The streets in the old town are very narrow, often cobbled with many narrow passage ways called closes. This all adds to the city’s charm.
Where to Stay
Edinburgh is Scotland’s most visited city and there are plenty of options and places to stay. Generally cost savings can be made by booking as early as possible once you know where/when you are going to stay. In August accommodation can be scarce & expensive when the Edinburgh Festival is on. Check out our guide on City centre hotels for where to stay.
For cheaper options there are many B&B guest houses, hostels and AIR B&B options. Staying further out from the city centre can also help reduce the cost.
What to See
Edinburgh Castle
Where to eat
Edinburgh has 4 Michelin Star restauarants (The Kitchin, 21212, Number one & Martin Wishart) however there are many other great places to eat to suit all budgets.
Going Places
Edinburgh is well served by public transport.
Lothian Buses provides a very efficient Bus & Tram service that allows a Day ticket to be purchased that you can use on all buses.
Waverly & Haymarket Train stations are a mile apart within the city centre serving the rest of Scotland.
