About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas. It is located in southeast Scotland and is bounded to the north by the Firth of Forth and to the south by the Pentland Hills. Edinburgh had a population of 506,520 in 2020, making it the second-most-populous city in Scotland and the seventh-most-populous in the United Kingdom. The wider metropolitan area had a population of 912,490 in the same year.
Cheap flights to Edinburgh
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,141 from New York, travelling 4 Mar – 10 Mar. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- EWR New York to Edinburgh4 Mar – 10 Mar · EDI from$1,141
- PHL Philadelphia to Edinburgh3 Nov – 7 Nov · EDI from$1,145
- SEA Seattle to Edinburgh11 Jun – 26 Jun · EDI from$1,784
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Aer Lingus, Icelandair.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to EdinburghPlaces to visit in Edinburgh
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Edinburgh Castle
HistoricA historic fortress perched on volcanic rock above the city, home to the Scottish crown jewels. Book a timed ticket online, and be there at 1 pm to hear the One O'Clock Gun.
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Royal Mile
NeighborhoodThe main street of the Old Town running from the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with old closes and shops. Duck into the narrow side alleys to discover hidden courtyards and views.
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Arthur's Seat
Viewpoint · 1 mi from centreAn extinct volcano in Holyrood Park offering panoramic views of the city and coast. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a windproof layer, as the summit can be exposed.
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
HistoricThe official Scottish residence of the British monarch, linked with Mary, Queen of Scots. Check before visiting, as it closes when the royal family is in residence.
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National Museum of Scotland
MuseumA large museum covering Scottish history, science and world cultures. Head up to the rooftop terrace for a great view of the castle and skyline.
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Calton Hill
ViewpointA hill in the city center with Greek-style monuments and sweeping views. Climb it at sunset for one of the best views across the city and toward the sea.
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Royal Yacht Britannia
Museum · 2 mi from centreThe former royal yacht of the British royal family, now moored at Leith as a museum. Take a bus from the city center, and allow time for tea on the deck.
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Royal Botanic Garden
ParkExtensive gardens with glasshouses, a rock garden and a Chinese hillside, a short walk from the center. Entry to the gardens is free, but the glasshouses have a fee.
Things to do in Edinburgh by type
85 tours, tickets and experiences across 11 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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City tours 28 experiences Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland Coast and the Borders - Small Group Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 20 experiences Coastal Paths of Fife and St Andrews – Full-Day Small Group Tour -
Art & culture 17 experiences Edinburgh Castle Tour with Tickets -
Specialist tours 12 experiences 2 Days /1 Night: Loch Ness, Inverness and the Highlands - Small Group Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 10 experiences Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 7 experiences Discover Malt Whisky - Full-Day Small Group Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 4 experiences Hadrian’s Wall, Roman Britain and The Borders - Small Group Tour -
Travel Services 3 experiences European eSim Data Card -
Cruise & Water Tours 2 experiences Grand Edinburgh - Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour -
Shows, sports and special events 2 experiences Edinburgh Military Tattoo Day Tour -
Tour & activities 2 experiences Inverness and Loch Ness - Full-Day Tour
- 1-3 hours 6
- Over 6 hours 5
- Flexible 4
- 3-6 hours 3
- Up to 1 hour 2
- Youth 12
- Families 12
- Couples 12
- Senior 11
- Private 16
- Small group 15
- Skip the line 1
Top experiences in Edinburgh
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 85 available.
Grand Edinburgh - Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
From $31 per adult
Royal Edinburgh 48 Hour Ticket with guaranteed Edinburgh Castle Entry
From $96 per adult
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands - Small Group Tour
From $116 per adult
Loch Lomond, Kelpies and Stirling Castle - Small Group Full-Day Tour
From $100 per adult
Edinburgh Highlights and Hidden Gems - Private Tour with a Local
From $58 per adult
The Ghost Bus Tour - Edinburgh
From $31 per adult
Discover the West Highlands, Loch Lomond and Castles - Optional Doune Castle Entry
From $75 per adult
Palace of Holyroodhouse - Ticket
From $27 per adult
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh – skip the line
From $32 per adult
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $23 per adult
Edinburgh Dungeon - Ticket
From $25 per adult
Outlander Explorer Tour with Optional Castle Ticket - Full-Day Tour
From $80 per adult
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Popular hotels in Edinburgh, out of 386 properties you can book.
Ten Hill Place Hotel, WorldHotels Distinctive
From $238 per night
Murrayfield Hotel & House
From $130 per night
Grassmarket
From $191 per night
Stay Central Hotel
From $204 per night
Wilde Aparthotels Grassmarket Edinburgh
From $178 per night
Staycity Aparthotels Edinburgh West End
From $190 per night
Bruntsfield Hotel, WorldHotels Elite
From $160 per night
Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
From $191 per night
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
From $138 per night
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
From $264 per night
The Ben Doran
From $195 per night
Cairn Hotel
From $122 per night
Best time to visit Edinburgh
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Edinburgh is April to October, when average daytime highs are around 54–67°F and rain falls on about 14 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Edinburgh weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 51° 43° 93%
- Thu 22 Oct 51° 40° 16%
- Fri 23 Oct 51° 43° 76%
- Sat 24 Oct 52° 46° 91%
- Sun 25 Oct 56° 47° 79%
- Mon 26 Oct 52° 47° 59%
Know before you go
- Currency
- British pound (GBP)1 US dollar ≈ £0.75
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +44
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Europe/LondonUTC+1
- Capital
- London
Upcoming public holidays in United Kingdom
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- Good Friday
- Early May Bank Holiday
- Spring Bank Holiday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Edinburgh
These are the airports closest to central Edinburgh. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- EDI Edinburgh Airport7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
Getting around Edinburgh
Walking should always be your first choice within central Edinburgh. The centre is compact - most sights and attractions are on or near the Royal Mile in Old Town or Princes St in New Town. But factor in the hills, barriers such as the railway tracks and deep glen of Water of Leith, and bridges that span lower streets without a connection.
By bus
The suburbs stretch out for several miles. Attractions that are too far to walk (especially with children) include the Zoo, the Botanic Gardens, Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia, Craigmillar Castle and the Pentland Hills. For these, first choice is the bus.
By tram
A tram line links city centre with the airport west and Leith east. It passes through New Town along Princes Street and Shandwick Place to Haymarket, then takes an off-road track through the western suburbs. Thus it links the airport, rugby stadiums, both mainline railway stations, the bus station and Princes Street.
By train
You're most unlikely to use the train to get around within the city. It's more relevant for "Getting in" - see that section above - or for trips out to the likes of North Berwick, Dunbar, and Tweedbank - see "Go Next".
Edinburgh travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Edinburgh is April to October, when average daytime highs are around 54–67°F and rain falls on about 14 days a month.
What is the weather like in Edinburgh?
August is usually the warmest month in Edinburgh, with average highs of 67°F (19°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 35°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 109 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (11 km) from the centre of Edinburgh.
How much are flights to Edinburgh?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Edinburgh in the last 30 days was $1,141 from New York, travelling 4 Mar – 10 Mar. March is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $1,141.
What currency is used in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh uses the British pound (GBP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £0.75.
What time zone is Edinburgh in?
Edinburgh uses the Europe/London time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Edinburgh?
Walking should always be your first choice within central Edinburgh. The centre is compact - most sights and attractions are on or near the Royal Mile in Old Town or Princes St in New Town.
What are the best places to visit in Edinburgh?
Top sights in Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat and Palace of Holyroodhouse. A historic fortress perched on volcanic rock above the city, home to the Scottish crown jewels. Book a timed ticket online, and be there at 1 pm to hear the One O'Clock Gun.
What are the top things to do in Edinburgh?
Popular experiences you can book in Edinburgh include Grand Edinburgh - Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour, Royal Edinburgh 48 Hour Ticket with guaranteed Edinburgh Castle Entry and Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands - Small Group Tour. Destina Holidays offers 85 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Edinburgh?
The most popular types of experiences in Edinburgh are city tours (28), day trips & excursions (20), art & culture (17) and specialist tours (12). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Edinburgh?
Popular areas for hotels in Edinburgh include Edinburgh. Well-reviewed options include Ten Hill Place Hotel, WorldHotels Distinctive and Murrayfield Hotel & House.
How many hotels can I book in Edinburgh?
Destina Holidays currently lists 386 properties in and around Edinburgh, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
