Hotels in Edinburgh are at their busiest in the main tourist season of April to September, but are popular all year round and particularly at the New Year (Hogmanay) and during festival season in August. Most Edinburgh hotels are in the New Town area, with many deluxe options on Princes Street, although there are cheaper hotels nearby, and all are beautifully placed for the shops and the city centre. The West End of Edinburgh is a convenient and well presented area, which has hotels in a similar vein, whilst cheaper hotel options can be found in The Cowgate.
The outskirts of Edinburgh city centre are ideal for those who want to remain near the airport and who prefer less noise and clamour than is typical of the city centre. And, if you want shops and eateries close at hand, but would rather not be in the city itself, consider Leith as a hotel location; you can walk to the city in around twenty minutes or take one of the frequent buses. During the Edinburgh festival period much of the university student accommodation is made available to cope with demand, however it is vital that you book early at this time and prices will be expensive.
| Whatever it is that draws you here, you'll find plenty to explore... |
People feel passionately about Edinburgh. And it's not just the Scots either - you only have to stand in the crowds watching fireworks pumped into the night sky from Castle Rock to pick up the vibes from visitors. What is it about this ancient yet contemporary city that catches the heartstrings?
Perhaps it's the way that the city is entwined with the landscape, perched on and around a series of extinct volcanoes, giving rise to dramatic cliffs and surprising vistas all around the city centre. Perhaps it's the rich, year round cultural scene; take the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for example, which brings together actors, comedians and opera singers from all over the world to perform in front of crowds from the far corners of the continent, creating a mad, thrilling club-like ambiance. Or perhaps it's the mix of old and new that appeals. The old fashioned attractions like the Camera Obscura which has been allowing viewers to spy on people in the street below for over 150 years, alongside trend setting restaurants and cutting edge fashion.
Whatever it is that draws you here, you'll find plenty to explore when you arrive. The stern castle houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and gazes down on the Old Town; where winding, mediaeval alleys known as wynds hide tiny, ancient pubs where you might chance upon live jazz bands playing in what feels like somebody's front room. The Grassmarket was once the city's place of execution, but nowadays specialist shops selling whisky, jewellery or antiques are more likely to claim your money than your life.
The New Town is the area to choose for stylish, big name stores, or try the cobbled West End for vintage evening wear, quirky jewellery and sophisticated interior design. For a truly scary vision of 'Auld Reekie', (one of Edinburgh's affectionate nicknames), go on a tour of the Edinburgh Vaults. Built underground, these chambers once housed grave robbers, witches and torture chambers. Venture deep into the ground at your peril.
The great thing is that wherever you go, you can go on foot. For Edinburgh is small enough to explore à pied. No wonder people love coming back again and again.
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Casually cosmopolitan, Edinburgh abounds with culture and suave vitality. Take a tour from the sweeping Georgian crescents of the New Town, to the medieval Old Town, then to the increasingly fashionable former fishing village of Leith.
Edinburgh’s volcanic scenery means that – like Rome – it sits proudly upon seven hills. The Old Town resounds with medieval history as it extends down the Royal Mile, from the imposing Edinburgh Castle down to the Queen’s residence at The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Never stuck in the past, Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town blends seamlessly into exemplary modern architecture, such as the Scottish Parliament Building and the National Museum of Scotland.
Make your own mind up about the controversial Scottish Parliament Building, which has won numerous architectural prizes and become a notable Edinburgh landmark. Head across the city to Leith, coming to life as a hip venue for art galleries and nightlife.
Jenners is an Edinburgh institution. One of the oldest department stores in the world, it is now in competition with nearby Harvey Nichols for the city’s big spenders. Find designer fashion and jewellery on George Street, or for something alternative try Victoria Street. Get fresh with the locals at the popular Saturday Farmers' Market on Castle Terrace.
When the sun is shining, Edinburghers enjoy the view from 250m hill Arthur’s Seat, or venture to the beach at Portobello or Cramond. The heavily wooded Corstorphine Hill has a ruined settlement on its peak. If you simply fancy lounging in the sun then head to The Meadows, slap bang in the centre of the city.
Edinburgh transforms into an epicentre for the arts each August during the Edinburgh International Festival. Take in a concert at the Usher Hall, big musicals at Edinburgh Playhouse, ballet or opera at Edinburgh Festival Theatre, or drama at the Royal Lyceum throughout the year.
The city’s New Town is rich with upmarket Scottish restaurants that make the most of local ingredients, such as venison and beef. By the water in Leith, the food at the many delicious seafood restaurants is likely to be even more local.
The Dean Village is a gem tucked away at the foot of Dean Bridge only five minutes from the West End. Wander along the Water of Leith from here towards Stockbridge, and gaze up at the massive brick arches of the bridge tower as you stroll along the river.
Edinburgh’s famous haar (a very heavy sea mist) can strike throughout summer, so pack some warm clothes along with your festival tickets when visiting in August.
Visit in April to get spooked at Dead by Dawn, Scotland’s international horror film festival. The city is transformed each August when it hosts the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the oldest continually running International Film Festival in the world. In September, check out the Edinburgh Mela, a celebration of the traditions of local Asian communities. Join the biggest New Year party in Britain at Hogmanay.
New Year's Day (actually the first two non-weekend days of the year), Good Friday (Mar/Apr), Easter Monday (Mar/Apr), May Day Bank Holiday, Whitsun Bank Holiday (May), August Bank Holiday, Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec).
If you love singing in the rain after your whisky, the months between November and February are the wettest, and the thermometer nudges freezing from December to February. April is known for its showers, while the summer months are generally dry if cool (12-22°C). Watch out for the infamous haar, a surprisingly cold mist that can creep up Leith Walk from the sea in the summer.
240V AC, 50 Hz, three-pin plugs are standard.
+44 (national), (0) 131 + seven-figure number (Edinburgh).
Pound sterling (£) is the currency.
GMT precisely (+1 in summertime).
The kilt is making a comeback in fashionable Scottish circles. Choose one in black or denim as opposed to the traditional tartan for extra kudos, but leave the bagpipes at home – they’re still predominantly for tourists.
Hillier than almost any other British city, Edinburgh has a compact centre, split into a number of distinct former towns and villages.
In the New Town, find exciting nightlife and shopping on George Street or travel north to Stockbridge for a distinctive villagey atmosphere. Across central Princes Street Gardens lies the medieval Old Town with its tall buildings and narrow closes. Travel south to Bruntsfield with its array of crafts shops and boutiques. To the east of central Edinburgh liesLeith. Now thoroughly revived, it retains its identity as a separate seaside town.
Edinburgh has no shortage of taxis. You can hail a black cab from the street (an orange light shows it’s available for hire) or grab one at one of the many taxi ranks. Chat football with the drivers, just don’t mention the World Cup – Scotland haven’t qualified since 1998.
Bus travel is an easy and cheap way to get around. The main bus stations are at St Andrew Square and on Waverly Bridge, just outside the station. Tourist open-topped buses and airport services run from Waverly Bridge. Day tickets save money and can be purchased on board.
Edinburgh welcomes a new tram system in 2011. Running from Edinburgh Airport to Leith, it bisects the very centre of the city.
Walking is often a smart way to get around Edinburgh. The walk from the castle to the Queen’s official Scottish residence at Holyroodhouse takes around 15 minutes, and leads you past some of Edinburgh’s most striking buildings, including St Giles Cathedral and the new Scottish Parliament Building.
A Day Saver Ticket gives unlimited bus travel around Edinburgh. A free bus travels between the National Gallery of Scotland, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Driving in Edinburgh is not recommended for the uninitiated – there are extensive one-way systems and the parking wardens are notoriously strict.
Walk the Royal Mile for a glimpse into the city in medieval times. Explore the New Town, the largest expanse of Georgian architecture anywhere in the world. Further afield is one of the wonders of the industrial era, the colossal Forth Rail Bridge.
From grand museums to peaceful gardens, it's easy to fit a lot into a day in the city. Edinburgh’s relatively small centre means that many attractions are within walking distance.
Formidable Edinburgh Castle was only overrun once in its history, and sits proudly atop Castle Rock, dominating the skyscape. Travel down the Royal Mile from here and you arrive at The Palace of Holyroodhouse and nearby Arthur’s Seat, which provides almost complete views of the city. The Royal Museum and National Museum of Scotland are on nearby Chambers Street with exhibits on the country’s history and wildlife.
Away from the bustle of town to the north lies the extensive Royal Botanic Garden, with 16,000 species, including some endangered plants. To the west and close to Murrayfield Stadium is Edinburgh Zoo, home of the penguin parade and Britain’s only koalas.
Permanent collections at the major museums are free. These include Scotland’s largest collection of European paintings and sculpture at the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Royal Museum, National Museum of Scotland and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The national galleries remain open until 7pm on Thursday evenings, and are open until 6pm during the festival.
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