Plan 3 days for the city and one more for a Highlands day trip. The weather changes quickly, so bring layers and a waterproof jacket in every season.
Top things to do in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: the Crown Jewels, St Margaret’s Chapel and the One O’Clock Gun. See Edinburgh Castle tickets.
- The Royal Mile: from the castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with hidden closes along the way.
- Arthur’s Seat: an extinct volcano with a free hike and city views.
- Calton Hill at sunset, for the classic skyline view.
- Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, the colourful curving street.
- National Museum of Scotland: free, with a rooftop terrace.
- Dean Village and the Water of Leith walk.
See all 20 best things to do in Edinburgh, or
Where to stay in Edinburgh
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Old Town | History, atmosphere, first visit |
| New Town | Elegant streets, shopping, restaurants |
| West End / Haymarket | Value, trains and airport tram |
| Leith | Waterfront dining, local feel |
| Stockbridge | Village vibe, Sunday market |
More in where to stay in Edinburgh. Book early for August and New Year.
Getting around Edinburgh
The centre is best on foot, but expect hills and steps. Lothian buses and the tram cover the rest: an adult single bus fare is £2.40 and a city day ticket £6 in 2026. Tap a contactless card and fares are capped at £5.70 a day. Check routes on Lothian Buses.
Airport to the city
Edinburgh Airport is about 13 km west of the centre. The Airlink 100 bus runs 24 hours to Waverley Bridge (about 30 minutes, £6 single). The tram runs to Princes Street, St Andrew Square and on to Leith (about 35 minutes, £7.90). Taxis cost about £25–40. Details: Edinburgh Airport to the city centre.
Visitor levy
From 24 July 2026, Edinburgh charges a 5% visitor levy on overnight stays in hotels, B&Bs, hostels, short-term lets and campsites, capped at the first five consecutive nights. It is usually added to your bill. Bookings made before 1 October 2025 are exempt. Details on the City of Edinburgh Council site.
Day trips from Edinburgh
- The Highlands and Loch Ness: a long but spectacular day. See our Highlands day trip guide.
- Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, under an hour away.
- Glasgow: about 50 minutes by train.
- North Berwick: beaches and seabird boat trips to the Bass Rock.
Best time to visit Edinburgh
May, June and September give the best balance of weather and crowds. August is festival month (the Fringe, the International Festival and the Military Tattoo): amazing atmosphere, but very high prices. Hogmanay (New Year) is the other big event. Month by month: best time to visit Edinburgh.
Visa and before you go
Most visitors who don’t need a UK visa, including EU, US, Canadian and Australian citizens, must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. It costs £20 and is usually approved quickly. See our UK ETA guide.
Edinburgh guides
- 20 best things to do in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Edinburgh
- Best time to visit Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport to the city centre
- Edinburgh Castle tickets
- Highlands and Loch Ness day trip
- UK ETA: who needs it and how to apply
Also in the UK: our London travel guide. London to Edinburgh takes about 4.5 hours by train.
FAQ: Edinburgh travel
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
Two to three days for the city, plus one for a Highlands day trip.
Is Edinburgh walkable?
Yes, very. Most sights are within 20–30 minutes on foot, but there are steep hills and stairs.
Is Edinburgh expensive?
Hotels are pricey, especially in August. Save with free museums, free hikes and the contactless daily fare cap.
Do I need cash in Edinburgh?
Rarely. Cards and phones are accepted almost everywhere, including buses.
Plan your trip to Edinburgh
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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