Compare Edinburgh city breaks

The historical highlights tour of Edinburgh has plenty of Royal action. Start at Edinburgh Castle, which lies at one end of the cobbled Royal Mile and overlooks the city from the top of a dramatic extinct volcano. The Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Britain, are inside the impressive fortress. The Queen’s official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is also in Edinburgh.

Prefer to get active? There are plenty of outdoor attractions to discover on your city break. Plan a walk up another extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat, for 360-degree views of the city. Less challenging walks can be found in the Royal Botanic Gardens, one mile north of the city centre. As well as having more than 100,000 plants, the gardens make a great spot to admire the city skyline.

If unreliable weather sends you inside, you may fancy a wee dram of whisky to warm up. You can learn all about Scotland’s most famous drink in the Scotch Whisky Experience attraction or check out the whisky menus in the city’s lively bars and pubs, where you can often party until late.

The city has a packed cultural calendar throughout the year too. And, even if you’re not visiting for the Edinburgh International Festival, it’s worth looking up what’s on at venues such as The Festival Theatre, the largest performance area in Scotland.

Readers young and old also have something to look forward to in Edinburgh – did you know that JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books here? If you’re a fan, pay a visit to The Elephant House cafe, where she’s said to have penned the stories about the world’s favourite wizard.

While Edinburgh is a year-round destination, the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so it would be wise to pack an umbrella and coat for an Edinburgh city break whenever you plan to visit.

Spring and summer are the most pleasant times to enjoy the city’s outdoor sights such as Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Botanic Gardens, with temperatures reaching around 19C in July and August, and around 14C in May.

However, Edinburgh’s International and Fringe Festivals run in August so, if you’re not visiting to see a show, avoid visiting during this month – the city will be extremely busy and hotel prices are likely to be high. If you’re looking for a cheap city break to Edinburgh, avoid the summer crowds as well as the month of December when Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations become the city’s focus.

Spring is an excellent time to visit to combine pleasant weather and sightseeing conditions with more competitive prices.

With world-famous museums, magnificent buildings and knockout views, all complemented by excellent bars and restaurants, it’s easy to see why Edinburgh is such a popular city break destination. And, if you have time, there are some excellent attractions outside of the city centre.

Edinburgh Castle

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to its castle. Tickets include a half-hour guided tour, which is an excellent way to learn all about its history from an expert.

In the castle, you’ll see the oldest crown jewels in Britain and the Stone of Destiny alongside them – an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy. Be sure to go into the castle’s medieval Great Hall too. Weapons and armour are on display here but the spectacular wooden roof is the real highlight.

Arthur’s Seat

For a lovely walk with impressive views, head to Holyrood Park, around a 15-minute walk from the Royal Mile. Here you can climb Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that is 251m (823ft) high.

Wear sensible shoes and expect to climb for around 45 minutes to an hour – the hike will be well worth it when you see Edinburgh sprawling out in front of you. Plan a route past the 14th-century ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel.

National Museum of Scotland

You can learn all about Scottish history in this popular museum. You can also strike a pose next to Dolly the Sheep, look up at an enormous T-rex skeleton cast, run around a giant hamster wheel and find out about the Scottish body snatchers, Burke and Hare.

It’s free to enter and there’s a fabulous roof terrace where you can look out over Edinburgh. Consider doing a free tour here too.

Scotch Whisky Experience

Whether whisky is your drink of choice, or you just love the odd tipple, plan a stop in the Scotch Whisky Experience.

There’s a range of tours to suit everyone, from whisky novices to experts keen to learn more about Scotland’s most famous drink. You can also take part in a tutored tasting session or just pop into its shop, restaurant and bar for gifts and a wee dram.

Leith

North of the centre, the cool neighbourhood of Leith is a fantastic place to visit for a contrast to the city centre. Start with a tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia, which the royal family sailed the world on, before walking down the Water of Leith walkway to spot wildlife and birds such as herons and woodpeckers.

There are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to refuel in after exploring, including two Michelin-starred restaurants.

For families

Families with younger children may want to escape the noise of the city centre at night and Leith, just over two miles north of the centre is a great choice. There are parks to play in, the Water of Leith walkway to explore, The Royal Yacht Britannia and plenty of restaurants.

Those with older children may want the convenience of being close to some of the city’s big attractions such as Edinburgh Castle. If so, look for a hotel in the Old Town close to the Royal Mile and enjoy having museums, restaurants and souvenir shops on your doorstep.

For travellers on a budget

When there isn’t a big event on in Edinburgh, it’s possible to pick up a cheap city break. Consider hotels near Grassmarket if you’re looking for affordability and excellent nightlife options nearby. You’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s big attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, as well as a good range of places to eat.

Alternatively, stay outside of the city centre in the hip neighbourhood of Leith, where you’ll find budget hotels, apartments and guesthouses which are excellent value for money, as well as shops to pick up self-catering items.

For food and drink

With all sorts of dining offerings, from Indian and Turkish to Italian, Leith has earned itself a stellar reputation for its food. It’s also home to two Michelin-starred restaurants for a memorable meal.

Slap bang in the middle of the city centre, Edinburgh’s Old Town is also a fantastic place to stay if you’d like some of the city’s best restaurants nearby. There are also plenty of places to pop into for a nightcap on your way back to your hotel.

For nightlife

Edinburgh is known for its lively nightlife and if you’d like to have buzzy bars on your doorstep, as well as major attractions, consider the Old Town area. Here you’ll find pubs, clubs and bars for all tastes where you can drink with locals, students and fellow tourists.

The New Town area also has plenty places to let your hair down, but has a slightly different feel, with more upmarket cocktail bars and plenty of places to drink until late on George Street.

For culture

Edinburgh is packed full of culture but if you have certain attractions on your must-visit list, it may be wise to stay close to them. Base yourself in Edinburgh’s Old Town to be within easy walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland and Real Mary King’s Close.

New Town has some fantastic shopping opportunities as well as cultural big-hitters such as the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery and the Calton Hill memorials and viewpoint.