Edinburgh Travel Guide: Essential Travel Tips and Information

Essential Travel Information for a Trip to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, offers a fascinating mix of historical significance, cultural richness, and breathtaking landscapes. A highlight of any visit is the renowned Edinburgh Castle, which majestically overlooks the city from its elevated position on Castle Rock. Guests can delve into its historic chambers, discover the complexities of Scotland's past, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding area. A brief walk along the Royal Mile brings you to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish royal residence, where visitors can explore the refined state rooms and vast gardens.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, features narrow streets, medieval architecture, and charming shops. The Grassmarket area stands out for its lively atmosphere, filled with numerous pubs and restaurants where visitors can savor traditional Scottish cuisine. In contrast, the New Town offers a more sophisticated vibe, marked by its Georgian buildings and modern boutiques. If you have a passion for nature, don't miss Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano located in Holyrood Park. It provides a beautiful hiking opportunity with breathtaking views of the city and its landscape. Additionally, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world taking place in August, showcases the city's dynamic arts scene, transforming it into a cultural hotspot during that period.

Getting Around

Edinburgh is an exceptional city for exploring on foot, particularly in the historic Old Town, where visitors can meander through picturesque cobbled streets and uncover delightful surprises at every corner. In contrast, the New Town, established 250 years ago, offers opportunities for high-end shopping, a variety of dining options, and traditional Scottish pubs. For those looking for a more convenient way to get around, the bus and tram systems are excellent choices. The two primary bus operators in the city are Lothian Buses and First Bus. For extended stays, purchasing a Ridacard is advisable, as it is more economical than buying individual bus tickets daily. The Ridacard provides unlimited travel on Lothian city buses, NightBus, Airport buses, and Edinburgh Trams. The tram service ensures a comfortable ride with over 15 stops, including significant locations such as Ingliston Park and Ride, Murrayfield Stadium, Haymarket Station, St Andrew Square, and Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre in Leith. The first tram departs from the city center at 5:30 a.m. daily, while the first tram from the airport leaves at 6:15 a.m. Trams run every 8 to 10 minutes from Monday to Saturday and every 12 to 15 minutes on Sundays. For planning your journey, utilize Edinburgh journey planner available. Ticket machines are available at all tram stops for purchasing single, return, or day tickets. Additionally, taxis are easily accessible and can be hailed on the street or found at major tourist sites throughout the city.

Hotels and Nightly Rates

Edinburgh is a city rich in history and culture, with a vibrant tapestry of neighborhoods, each offering its own distinct atmosphere and charm. The Old Town, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, invites visitors to step back in time. Here, one can explore iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Rock, and the historic Royal Mile, which stretches from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Among the accommodations in the Old Town, the ibis Edinburgh Center South Bridge - Royal Mile stands out for its location, 1,4 km from the imposing Edinburgh Castle. This three-star hotel offers modern amenities and comfort, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. Guests can easily stroll to nearby attractions such as St. Giles' Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, and the National Museum of Scotland, which houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Scotland's past. Both of these cultural treasures are located less than 300 meters from the hotel, allowing visitors to delve into the city's history with ease.

For those seeking even closer proximity to Edinburgh Castle, the Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket is an excellent option, each offering a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences and situated only 894 meters away. Other nearby accommodations include Four Points Flex by Sheraton Edinburgh and Travelodge Edinburgh Central Queen Street. This three-star hotel is also conveniently located near the National Gallery of Scotland, where art enthusiasts can admire an impressive collection of European paintings and sculptures. In contrast, the New Town presents a different side of Edinburgh, characterized by its elegant Georgian architecture and a more contemporary vibe. This area is known for its upscale shopping streets, trendy cafes, and fine dining establishments, making it a popular destination for those looking to indulge in a more sophisticated experience. Notable hotels in the New Town include voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace, which boasts stunning views of the city, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre, which offers modern comforts in a central location, and the Novotel Edinburgh Centre, known for its family-friendly amenities. The DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Center is another excellent choice, providing a blend of luxury and convenience.

Budget is a crucial factor in the decision-making process. The city presents a wide range of lodging options that cater to different financial situations, from luxurious hotels to more affordable choices. It is recommended to set your budget in advance and explore accommodations that fit within your financial limits. The hotels highlighted above represent some of the most reputable accommodations in Edinburgh, providing a range of affordable choices with nightly rates generally falling between $140 and $300. For example, the Travelodge Edinburgh Central Queen Street is available for $140 per night, whereas the Radisson Blu Hotel, located in the city center, is priced at $300 per night. Additionally, several other hotels within the under $200 category include Four Points Flex by Sheraton Edinburg, Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket, ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile, Travelodge Edinburgh Central Queen Street, and Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket. It is essential to keep in mind that prices can vary considerably depending on the season, so it is wise to book in advance, especially during high travel seasons. Find more Super Rated and Excellent Hotels in Edinburgh, starting at $ 95.

Super Rated 5 Star Accommodations in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a remarkable array of five-star hotels for those seeking a luxurious escape, with average nightly rates typically ranging from $210 to $675. For instance, The Roseate Edinburgh provides accommodations at $210 per night, while The Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel starts at $675 per night. These upscale establishments are crafted to deliver exceptional services and amenities, catering to travelers desiring a premium experience. Additionally, there are even more exclusive five-star choices, such as 94DR, where prices begin at $1439 per night. After a day of exploring the city, returning to the guest house 94DR, situated just 2 km from the city center, is a delightful experience. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks in the surrounding area, with nearby attractions including Prestonfield Golf Club, the John McIntyre Conference Centre, and St Mark's Unitarian Church. Check out the following hotels.

The Roseate Edinburgh

The Roseate Edinburgh is an enchanting hotel located in the center of Scotland's iconic capital city. Recognized as one of the finest luxury boutique hotels, it has been welcoming guests at the entrance to old-town Edinburgh since the 1860s. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2.2 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Vietnam House Art Gallery, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two, Gambado, Dean Village, and Murrayfield Ice Rink. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Edinburgh.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Feel free to settle in at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Relax in its distinctive chambers and suites and enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the stylish bars. This highly rated 5-star hotel is situated 48 meters away from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Magdalen Chapel, National Museum of Scotland, Riddle's Court, Old Tolbooth, MacEwan Hall, St. Giles' Cathedral, Museum on the Mound, and Church of St John the Evangelist. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Edinburgh.

Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel

Situated on the lively waterfront of Edinburgh, Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel boasts interiors that reflect the ship's deep maritime history. This hotel combines the opulence and flair of a superyacht with a timeless elegance that is truly one-of-a-kind. This highly rated 5-star hotel is situated 3.8 km away from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Royal Yacht Britannia, Ritchie Collins Gallery, East Sands of Leith, Trinity House, Leith Links, Edinburgh Hindu Mandir and Sanskritik Kendra, and Edinburgh Port. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Edinburgh.

Intercontinental Edinburgh the George

Intercontinental Edinburgh the George has been a haven for the adventurous and inquisitive for more than 200 years. Now, it’s your chance to enjoy a heartfelt welcome in Edinburgh. This highly-rated 5-star hotel is just 657 meters away from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Melville Monument, Scott Monument, Royal Scottish Academy Art Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Princes Street Gardens, Bourne Fine Art, Castlelaw, and National Gallery of Scotland. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Edinburgh.

The Caledonian Edinburgh

For more than a century, The Caledonian Edinburgh has been situated in the heart of the city, providing stunning views of the Edinburgh Castle. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 897 meters from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Edinburgh Gin Distillery, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, St George's West Church, Castlelaw, Edinburgh Castle, St Bernard's Well, Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Princes Street Gardens, Church of St John the Evangelist, and National Gallery of Scotland Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Edinburgh.

Highly Rated Hotels Close to Airport

Numerous reputable hotels are located in the vicinity of Edinburgh Airport. After dedicating several days to discovering the local attractions, which can often be exhausting and require significant time, opting for accommodation near the airport is a more practical choice than enduring a lengthy taxi ride to the international terminal. This option allows travelers to unwind and rejuvenate before continuing their journey. BezzieTravel wishes you a wonderful holiday in Edinburgh. Check out some of the top-rated hotels close to the airport with prices ranging from $90 to $160.

Cheapest FLIGHT

Edinburgh is served by two main airports, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Glasgow International Airport (GLA). Both airports cater to domestic and international flights, but Edinburgh Airport is the primary choice for travelers. Various transportation options are accessible for getting from the airport to the city, such as taxis, airport shuttles, buses, and rental cars. Typically, the most convenient choice is a taxi or pre-booked transfer service. The ideal time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer months, when the weather is pleasant and numerous festivals are happening. Check out cheapest flight to Edinburgh before late.