Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is the perfect destination for a city break. With a rich history, impressive architecture and plenty of atmosphere, it's no wonder Edinburgh is such a popular destination. You will find a mix of old and new: from ancient pubs, interesting museums and mysterious underground alleys to trendy boutiques and bustling markets. Whether you want to spend hours wandering the old streets or discover special attractions, there is always something to do in Edinburgh! In this blog, we share both well-known and hidden gems, so you can make the most of your visit to Edinburgh.
General information about the United Kingdom
Are you planning a round trip to the UK? Then check out our tips for the best travel period and daily budget. You can find all information about United Kingdom here.
How to travel to Edinburgh?
There are several ways to travel to Edinburgh in Scotland. You can read more about the different options below:
By plane to Edinburgh
For a short city break, flying is the fastest and most practical option. From Eindhoven, Amsterdam and Brussels, you can fly to Edinburgh in less than two hours. The airport is close to the city centre, and a bus or tram will get you into the city within half an hour.
Tip: Paying on public transport can simply be done with your bank card and costs about ££2.00 (€2,40) per ride. Please note that tickets for the dedicated airport buses are more expensive, around ££5.50 (€6,60).
By train/ Interrail to Edinburgh (our favourite)
Scotland is a fantastic country to explore by train, even in the most remote villages and nature reserves you will come across a train station. It is therefore a big dream of ours to travel through Scotland by train one day. But how do you get there? There are several options:
Weekend away: Edinburgh is easy to reach by train. Get on the direct Eurostar to London in the morning in Amsterdam (find tickets via NS International) and travel from there on a direct train to Edinburgh. Tickets for the train from London to Edinburgh are easily bought from the website of LNER (London North Eastern Railway).
But want to get away for longer? Then there are other options!
Luxury train journey: For a luxury train experience, check out the Belmond Royal Scotsman or The Northern Belle. These exclusive train journeys take you past breathtaking Scottish landscapes and cool cities (including Edinburgh), while enjoying luxury dining and stylish compartments.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Then Interrail an excellent choice. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, you can still intertravel here. With the Global Pass travel to Scotland from the Netherlands or Belgium, while the One Country Pass for Britain is ideal if you only take the train within Scotland (and England). This can save you quite a bit of money! The most comprehensive pass for the UK (8 travel days within one month) is available from as little as €291. In addition, keep an eye on the Interrail discount offers for extra savings.
By car or boat to Edinburgh (ideal for a road trip through England)
Edinburgh is not only a great city break destination, but also perfect to visit as part of a tour of Scotland. We combined it with camping, which is a lot cheaper than staying overnight in the city itself.
We stayed at Mortonhall Caravan & Camping Park, where you can pitch your tent for as little as £30 (€36) a night. Motorhomes and caravans are also welcome here, and thanks to the nearby bus stop, you can be in central Edinburgh within 30 minutes.
Don't want to drive all over England? Then take the overnight ferry from IJmuiden to Newcastle with DFDS. Although a cabin is compulsory and prices vary, you can save big with early booking discounts. From Newcastle, drive to Edinburgh in 2.5 hours, or take the train (1.5 hours, approx. £35). A handy option for a round trip, less so for a short city break, but definitely worth considering!
What to do in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Now that you know how to get there, it's time to discover what there is to do in this unique city. Edinburgh is, in fact, a lovely city to just wander through. Everywhere you will find beautiful historic buildings, atmospheric restaurants and surprising vistas. Here are our favourite activities:
1. Stroll through Princes Street Gardens
A lovely (free) activity is to stroll through Princes Street Gardens. Located right in the city centre, this park offers stunning views of the castle, making it a perfect photo spot. On one side, you'll find the imposing Scott Monument, built in honour of writer Sir Walter Scott. If you then walk out of the park towards Queensferry Street, find the perfect vantage point at St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church and the castle.
→ Book one of Edinburgh's popular city tours here
2. Visit fairytale Dean Village
Walk via Queensferry Street to Dean Village, an idyllic district that almost feels like an open-air museum. Along the way you pass Randolph Crescent, a charming oval street lined with Georgian houses, an architectural style seen in several places in Edinburgh. Want to take a look inside one of these historic buildings? Then visit The Georgian House, a beautiful 18th-century mansion where, for €15, you can get an impression of life at the time.
Dean Village itself has been around since the 12th century and was once a millers' village, with grain mills running on the power of the Water of Leith. Fancy a cultural outing? Follow the river all the way to the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One, a museum you can visit for free.
3. Discover Edinburgh's history
It may sound crazy, but we have Edinburgh Castle itself did not visit the inside. We found the impressive exterior more than worth it! Would you like to take a look? Then keep in mind that tickets cost €23.50 and you need to book in time - we couldn't get in ourselves even if we had wanted to.
→ Book tickets to Edinburgh Castle incl. guide
Wondering how wealthy Edinburghers used to live? At The Georgian House you step into an 18th-century mansion, but in Gladstone's Land take you even further back in time. This house, bought by a wealthy merchant in 1617, shows what life was like in the 17th century. A special way to really experience Edinburgh's history.
Prefer to discover the mysterious side of the city? Then a tour of Mary King's Close highly recommended. This was once a busy district, but disappeared under the Royal Exchange (now the City Chambers-building). What remained was an underground maze of alleys and rooms. During the plague outbreak in the 17th century, the area was abandoned, which only created more legends. Nowadays, you can take a tour here by guides in historical costumes, a bit touristy, but really interesting! Tickets cost €27 for an hour and can be booked online. As it's a popular activity, we recommend booking in time.
→ Book tickets for Mary King's close
Tip: Want a complete guided city tour? Then check out Getyourguide or Tiqets! You can choose from many different day tours here.
4. Visit free museums
One of the nice things about a city break in the United Kingdom is that many museums are completely free are. In Edinburgh you can do as much as 17 free museums and attractions visit!
Tip: Find a complete list of all museums in Edinburgh here!
Earlier we mentioned the Scottish National Gallery, which has several locations across the city. Another must-see is the impressive Royal Botanic Garden, just outside the city centre. Got any energy left? Then it's worth walking there. You'll pass through Stockbridge, a lively district full of cosy cafés and nice shops.
It also National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit. This gigantic museum is incredibly diverse. You'll discover not only the history of Scotland, but also natural history collections, from stuffed animals to dinosaur skeletons. You can easily spend a few hours wandering around here, and it's super fun for kids, too.
→ Book a Hop-on Hop-off tour of these famous locations
Read also: What to do in The Cotswolds, England? A 5-day road trip
Read also: What to do in Oxford, England? 7x handy and fun tips!
5. Explore the Edinburgh area
Although Edinburgh city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, there is much more to discover! Here are three places we really recommend.
Climb an ancient volcano
A visit to Holyrood Park and in particular Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcano, yes really!) is not to be missed. Here you will experience exactly what you expect from Scotland: rugged nature and breathtaking landscapes, and that in the middle of the city!
Take the bus to Commonwealth Pool whether it Scottish Parliament and begin the hefty climb to the 251-metre-high volcano. If you choose the route from the Scottish Parliament, you can also Holyrood Abbey, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Dynamic Earth museum visit. This area is a lot busier than the south side of the park. Are you travelling by car? Then park at Dunsapie Loch, then you are almost upstairs.
Visit the hip, undiscovered district of Leith
One of the best things to do in Edinburgh is to visit Leith. This former harbour district has a village atmosphere and is becoming increasingly hipper. Leith is best known for its Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal ship of Queen Elizabeth II (whom you may recognise from The Crown). Nowadays it is a museum (€24 admission), which may be even more special to visit after her death.
But the Britannia was not our only reason to go to Leith. Indeed, the district is bustling with up-and-coming bars, restaurants and coffee shops. For example, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Printworks Coffee And on Saturday we strolled the Leith Market. And... the best part? You hardly encounter any tourists here, so you experience an authentic slice of Edinburgh.
→ Discover all popular activities for Edinburgh on Getyourguide.
→ Discover all popular activities for Edinburgh on Tiqets.
Admire a sample of iconic architecture
Finally, there is a special place just outside the city: the Forth Bridge. This impressive railway viaduct over the Firth of Forth was completed in 1890 and was a masterpiece of industrial architecture at the time. In 2015, it was even granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The bridge is a bit reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower in structure, but in bright red. We first doubted whether a bridge was really worth a visit, but it certainly is!
From Edinburgh Waverley Station, you can take the train to North Queensferry, a ride of just 19 minutes. For €15 return, you'll cross the bridge and can then walk to the Forth Bridges Lighthouse Museum for stunning views. Travelling by car? Then it Forth Bridges Viewpoint THE place to admire the bridge in all its glory.
→ Book a complete cruise on the Firth of Forth here
Our favourite restaurants in Edinburgh
Edinburgh really is a true foodies' paradise. You can find restaurants from all price ranges and continents. These are our favourites:
- Deacon's House Cafe: A cosy place for brunch with a touch of history.
- Kick Ass Bar: Perfect for a beer in the sun, with a view of the castle.
- Dishoom: Our favourite Indian chain. Fantastic food and great atmosphere.
- Ting Thai: Delicious and affordable Thai food. Prepare for a queue though!
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Public transport in Edinburgh is excellent, so you don't necessarily need to stay in the city centre. By choosing accommodation in a less touristy area, you can save on your accommodation costs. Want to save even more? Then consider staying in a place just outside Edinburgh with a good train connection. You'll be in the city in no time!
Budget tip: Don't forget to also check flats and guesthouses (such as a room in someone's house) at Booking.com or Airbnb, you can often find surprisingly affordable options there!
Do you have a more generous budget? Then staying in the city centre is ideal, as you can easily walk everywhere from there. The aforementioned Stockbridge and Leith districts are also great choices. Find our favourites here:
Luxury and special stays in Edinburgh
- BrewDog DogHouse: Sleeping in a brewery? Yes, please!
- Ocean Mist Leith: Stay overnight on an old ship in the hip Leith district.
- Virgin Hotels Edinburgh: A stylish hotel with a fantastic rooftop terrace.
Affordable mid-range hotels in Edinburgh
- Tynecastle Park Hotel: The ideal hotel for football fans because this hotel is in the stadium!
- The Lane Hotel: Cosy accommodation with a cosy pub.
- Ard Na Said: Classic hotel overlooking Arthur's Seat.
We hope these tips help you plan your trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. Do you have any questions about this blog? Then please Countingborders or send us a message at any time via Instagram.
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