Edinburgh Scotland is one of my favorite destinations! Whether you’re here for the history, the festivals, or just to soak in the city’s unique charm, finding the perfect place to stay and knowing what to do is key to an unforgettable trip.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
- Located in the city center, this luxury residence offers a blend of heritage and modern comforts. It’s just a short walk from Princes Street and the Scott Monument, making it an ideal base.
- Cost: £250-£450 per night
- Pros: Luxury amenities, central location, historical charm
- Cons: Expensive
Scotsman Hotel
- Overlooking the Edinburgh Castle and very close to the Royal Mile, the Scotsman Hotel offers elegance and convenience. Don’t miss the on-site bar for a nightcap.
- Cost: £200-£400 per night
- Pros: Historic building, prime location, luxury service
- Cons: Pricey
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
- This affordable yet stylish hotel is just off the Royal Mile and close to Waverley Station, making it perfect for travelers on the go. Plus, you’re within walking distance of the city’s top attractions.
- Cost: £80-£150 per night
- Pros: Affordable, great location, modern design
- Cons: Limited amenities
Hyatt Edinburgh
- Known for its excellent service and modern amenities, the Hyatt is located near the West End, close to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and an array of dining options.
- Cost: £150-£300 per night
- Pros: Modern amenities, good location, reliable brand
- Cons: Can be busy
Caledonia Hotel Edinburgh
- Part of the Waldorf Astoria collection, this hotel exudes luxury and is ideally situated near Princes Street Gardens. The Peacock Alley is a must-visit for afternoon tea.
- Cost: £250-£500 per night
- Pros: Luxurious, excellent service, prime location
- Cons: Expensive
Intercontinental Edinburgh The George
- Situated in the New Town, it’s a short walk to George Street’s shops and restaurants. It’s also conveniently close to the National Portrait Gallery and Princes Street.
- Cost: £200-£400 per night
- Pros: Central location, luxury accommodations, historic building
- Cons: High cost
Hostels in Edinburgh
For budget-conscious travelers, hostels offer an affordable and social way to stay in Edinburgh. Here are some top picks:
Castle Rock Hostel
- Located near Edinburgh Castle, this hostel is perfect for budget travelers.
- Cost: £20-£40 per night
- Pros: Affordable, social atmosphere, great location
- Cons: Shared facilities, can be noisy
High Street Hostel
- Situated on the Royal Mile, it offers a lively environment and easy access to attractions.
- Cost: £15-£35 per night
- Pros: Budget-friendly, central location, sociable vibe
- Cons: Basic amenities, shared rooms
Kick Ass Greyfriars
- A modern hostel located near Greyfriars Kirkyard, perfect for exploring the city’s spooky side.
- Cost: £20-£45 per night
- Pros: Central location, lively atmosphere, modern facilities
- Cons: Can be noisy, shared facilities
Safestay Edinburgh
- Located in the Old Town, this hostel is known for its vibrant decor and social events.
- Cost: £20-£40 per night
- Pros: Great location, organized social events, stylish design
- Cons: Shared rooms, can be crowded
Serviced Apartments
For those who prefer more space, privacy, and the convenience of home-like amenities, serviced apartments are an excellent choice:
Staycity Aparthotels West End
- These serviced apartments offer more space and flexibility than a hotel.
- Cost: £80-£180 per night
- Pros: Kitchen facilities, spacious, good for families
- Cons: Less central, fewer hotel-style services
Native Edinburgh
- Stylish serviced apartments in a central location, ideal for longer stays.
- Cost: £100-£250 per night
- Pros: Central location, kitchen facilities, stylish design
- Cons: Can be pricey, limited services
Getting Around Edinburgh
Navigating Edinburgh is a breeze with various transportation options:
Edinburgh Tram Map
- The tram service connects the city from the airport to York Place in the city center, making it easy to get around.
Hop On Hop Off Edinburgh
- For flexible sightseeing, the Hop On Hop Off buses are perfect. They stop at all major attractions and allow you to explore at your own pace.
- Cost: £16-£20 for a 24-hour ticket
- Pros: Flexible, covers major attractions
- Cons: Can be crowded during peak times
Walking
- Edinburgh is a very walkable city, especially in the central areas like the Old Town and New Town. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Public Buses
The local bus service is extensive and a great way to reach areas not covered by the tram.
- Cost: £1.80 for a single ticket
- Pros: Affordable, comprehensive coverage
- Cons: Can be slow during rush hours
Must-See Attractions
Edinburgh has a lot of historic sites, cultural landmarks, and delicious dining options. Here’s a guide to some of the best:
Greyfriars Kirkyard
- This historic cemetery is both eerie and fascinating. It’s known for the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years.
- Cost: Free
- Pros: Rich history, atmospheric
- Cons: Can be crowded
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Escape the city’s hustle and bustle in this stunning garden. It’s perfect for a peaceful stroll among exotic plants and beautiful landscapes.
- Cost: Free (some exhibits may have a fee)
- Pros: Beautiful scenery, free entry
- Cons: Limited indoor activities
Edinburgh Castle
- A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and home to the Crown Jewels.
- Cost: £19.50 for adults
- Pros: Rich history, stunning views
- Cons: Crowded, entry fee
Arthur’s Seat
- This extinct volcano provides a great hike with breathtaking views of the city.
- Cost: Free
- Pros: Scenic hike, free entry
- Cons: Can be challenging, weather-dependent
Holyrood Palace
- The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, open to the public for tours.
- Cost: £16.50 for adults
- Pros: Royal history, beautiful architecture
- Cons: Entry fee
Places to Eat
The Milkman Edinburgh
Start your day at The Milkman, a cozy café nestled in the Old Town. It’s the perfect spot for a delicious coffee and a slice of cake before heading out to explore.
- Cost: £5-£10 per person
- Pros: Great coffee, charming ambiance
- Cons: Limited seating
The Outsider Edinburgh
For a dining experience with a view, The Outsider offers delicious food with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle. It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner after a day of sightseeing.
- Cost: £20-£50 per person
- Pros: Great views, excellent food
- Cons: Can be busy, need to book in advance
The Witchery by the Castle
Located near Edinburgh Castle, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with a gothic ambiance. Perfect for a special night out.
- Cost: £40-£70 per person
- Pros: Unique atmosphere, high-end cuisine
- Cons: Expensive, requires reservation
Mother India’s Cafe
Offering a range of delicious Indian tapas, this restaurant is great for sharing and sampling a variety of dishes.
- Cost: £10-£25 per person
- Pros: Variety of dishes, good for groups
- Cons: Can be busy
Howies Edinburgh
A local favorite, Howies serves up traditional Scottish fare with a modern twist. It’s the perfect place to try haggis or some fresh seafood.
- Cost: £15-£30 per person
- Pros: Traditional cuisine, good value
- Cons: Limited menu options
Oink
- For a quick, delicious, and authentic Scottish meal, try Oink. Specializing in roast hog sandwiches, it’s a tasty and affordable option.
- Cost: £5-£10 per person
- Pros: Quick service, delicious food
- Cons: Limited seating
The Scran & Scallie
- A gastropub offering hearty Scottish dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
- Cost: £20-£40 per person
- Pros: Cozy atmosphere, excellent food
- Cons: Can be crowded
Mimi’s Bakehouse
- Famous for its afternoon tea, cakes, and pastries. A perfect spot for a sweet treat.
- Cost: £5-£15 per person
- Pros: Delicious pastries, cozy ambiance
- Cons: Limited seating
Festivals
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
- If you’re visiting in August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a must. The city transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity with performances ranging from comedy to theater.
Edinburgh International Festival
- Running concurrently with the Fringe, this festival features high-profile classical music, opera, theater, and dance performances.
Edinburgh Hogmanay
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with one of the world’s most famous street parties, complete with fireworks and concerts.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
- Held in August, this festival is perfect for book lovers, featuring talks and signings by famous authors.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
- Held in July, this festival features a mix of international stars and local talent, with performances across the city.
Edinburgh Art Festival
- Explore the visual arts through exhibitions, events, and artist talks held throughout the city during the summer.
Edinburgh Weather
Edinburgh’s weather is known for being unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared. Here’s a quick guide to help you pack:
- Summer (June to August): Mild temperatures, averaging 15-20°C (59-68°F), but occasional rain.
- Autumn (September to November): Cooler, with temperatures ranging from 7-14°C (45-57°F). Expect more rain.
- Winter (December to February): Cold, with temperatures around 0-6°C (32-43°F), and occasional snow.
- Spring (March to May): Mild and wet, with temperatures between 6-13°C (43-55°F).
Edinburgh Packing List
- Layers: T-shirts, long sleeves, and sweaters for layering.
- Waterproof Jacket: Essential for the unpredictable rain.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Edinburgh’s cobbled streets require sturdy footwear.
- Warm Accessories: Hat, gloves, and scarf for colder months.
- Umbrella: A compact one for sudden showers.
- Casual Wear: Jeans, trousers, and casual dresses.
- Evening Wear: For dining out or attending festivals.
Edinburgh is a city that blends history with contemporary and modern culture. There’s something here for every traveler.
Happy travels!
