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Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament, the highest courts in Scotland, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
- Explore Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle and city. Perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, this should be a must-see on your list of places to visit in Edinburgh.
- Discover the treasures of the National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh. The National Museum of Scotland. © VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin. Scotland is known for having unpredictable weather, and if you happen to get caught in the rain you might be wondering what to do in Edinburgh.
- Climb Arthur's Seat and stroll through Holyrood Park Edinburgh. Friends on Salisbury Crags in Edinburgh. © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam. Perhaps one of the most iconic places to go in Edinburgh is Arthur's Seat, located within Holyrood Park.
- Be amazed at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam. This top attraction in Edinburgh is fun for all the family - we dare you not to be amazed, whatever your age.
Discover the best of Edinburgh, from its historic attractions and vibrant neighbourhoods to its festivals and events. Find experiences, accommodation, food and drink, and more on Forever Edinburgh, the official guide to Scotland's capital city.
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- 10 reasons to visit Edinburgh this spring After a long winter, spring has finally sprung and this bright and colourful season is a glorious time of year to explore Edinburgh.
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- Planning Your Trip to Edinburgh
- Spending Time in Edinburgh
- Etiquette in Edinburgh
- Health and Safety in Edinburgh
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1. Arriving in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's airport is 8 miles (13km) away. Buses (cheaper), trams (quicker when the roads are busy) and taxis (good for door-to-door drop-offs) connect the terminal with the city center. Train passengers roll into Edinburgh Waverley – travelers coming from England will get gorgeous coastal views on the way up. Buses arrive at St Andrew’s Square in the New Town, just north of the center.
2. Come in summer for a chance of sunshine
Summer, when the days are long and bright and the winds are generally docile, will suit most visitors best. But if you don’t mind a spot of dreich (dismal) weather, come in the colder months, when you can mix warm pubs and museumswith bracing strolls along atmospheric streets.
3. Dodge the Festival
The world’s biggest arts festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, takes over the city every August. If you’re going, book your accommodationmonths in advance and be ready to book the biggest shows early too. If you’re not, avoid August. Things also get pretty busy around Hogmanay (the run-up to New Year), but the madness is shorter-lived.
8. What kind of currency do you need?
Scotland has its own banknotes, but English notes are accepted everywhere in Scotland. (You’ll find a few shops in England that don’t repay the favor.) Card and contactless payments are now more common than cash, and they're the easiest way to pay on public transport too – if you use cash on a bus, you’ll need exact change, or a passis a good alternative.
9. The Pink Triangle is where to find LGBTQ+ Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s gay scene is centered on the “Pink Triangle,” just northeast of Princes Street. CC Blooms is the mainstay, with (fairly expensive) food in the day and cabaret and DJs at night. Down the road in Abbeyhill, the Regentis a laid-back alternative. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Scotland in 2014.
10. Sniffing out Old Reekie
“Old Reekie” is one of Edinburgh’s most enduring nicknames. It dates from the 17th century, when the Old Town’s narrow, tall streets, combined with the Nor Loch (a stagnant pool where Princes Street Gardens now sits) created a notorious odor that mixed smoke and effluent. These days, Edinburgh smells much like any other city, although the West End sometimes has a slight boozy fug from the brewery.
12. Don't offend the locals
If you meet someone in a social setting, an informal “hi” or a handshake are the usual greetings. You’re unlikely to inadvertently cause offense, though subjects like politics and religion are generally avoided in small talk. Scottish independence and Brexit can inspire passionate responses too. Remember that Edinburgh is in Scotland, which is a part of Britain, but you’re definitely not in England – while lots of English people happily make Edinburgh their home, the England football team is...
13. Mind your tongue!
As a cosmopolitan city, Edinburgh is used to a range of accents. But you may not recognize every word you hear – take, for example, haar (a sea fog), Jambos (supporters of local club Hearts), Hibbies (hy-bees, supporters of city rivals Hibernian), Weegies (Glaswegians) and salt ‘n sauce (a vinegary and delicious condiment for chips). And you should ken (know) that Cockburn Street is pronounced “Coe-burn” and Edinburgh itself is “Edin-bru,” or even “Embra.”
14. Buy your round in the pub
Rules here are the same as elsewhere in Britain and Ireland – one person usually orders for your group at the bar, paying for the “round” of drinks and bringing them back to the table. Everyone else then takes turns to get the round. Smarter bars may have table service, and almost everywhere will be able to offer a tray if you’ve lots of drinks to carry. Most places take cash, although card or phone payments are more common. Pubs stay open later than south of the border – usually until midnig...
16. It’s a safe city – but watch your step
Edinburgh is relatively safe. Pub-packed areas like the Cowgate (Old Town), Rose Street (New Town) and Lothian Road (West End) get lively on Friday and Saturday nights, but serious trouble is rare. Calton Hilloffers good views during the day but is best avoided at night. Take usual precautions for a city, and use recognized ride-sharing apps or black cabs if in doubt at night. Street scams are also uncommon, but watch your step as you explore: The sloping cobbles of the Old Town are slippery...
17. Attractions are mostly accessible
Most modern hotels and attractions are accessible for travelers with disabilities, but many older buildings – including guesthouses and some pubs and restaurants – lack ramps and lifts. The New Town, with its wide streets, is more straightforward for wheelchair users than the steep, sometimes cobbled streets of the Old Town. Tourism body VisitScotland has a useful guideto accessible accommodation.
18. Can you drink the water?
Oh yes. Edinburgh tap water is safe to drink ,and you can request it for free with your meal in a restaurant. The region’s water is soft (low in dissolved minerals), giving it a fresher taste than water from much of the UK.
Learn when to go, what to pack, how to get around and more in this guide to Scotland's capital. Discover the history, culture and attractions of Edinburgh, from the castle to the festival, and beyond.
4 days ago · Learn about Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, located on the Firth of Forth. Explore its medieval and Neoclassical architecture, its intellectual and cultural heritage, and its historic events and characters.
Sep 17, 2021 · Discover the medieval, regal and fantastic attractions of Scotland's capital, from Edinburgh Castle to Arthur's Seat. Explore the historic Royal Mile, the art galleries, the beaches and the festivals that make Edinburgh a dream destination.
Explore Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, with its history, culture, attractions and food scene. Find accommodation, events, tours, unique experiences and more in this UNESCO City of Literature and World Heritage Site.
