Travel Guide Edinburgh
Capital of Scotland, affectionately called "the Empress of the North" by Walter Scott, Edinburgh is a little known city. And yet, it is one of the jewels of the United Kingdom. A medieval city, it cultivates ambivalence and oscillates between a village atmosphere and that of an excited and exciting capital. A punk and festive city (God, the whisky is good!), it has a great number of pubs. But don't stop at this image. Taking your tour guide and visiting Edinburgh is also about going to the Old Town, the historic center of the city, discovering Edinburgh Castle, climbing its three hills (Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill on which stands the Scottish National Monument, and Blackford Hill) and admiring the panoramas they offer. Then it's a stroll through New Town (which dates back to the 18th century!) before finishing with a trip to Leigh, the port of Edinburgh. Going to Edinburgh is above all to immerse yourself in a strange city, whose inhabitants are crazy...
What to visit Edinburgh?
Suggested addresses Edinburgh
When to go to Edinburgh?
The tourist season in Edinburgh runs from May to September and advance reservations will be required, especially in July and August when there is the highest attendance. If you can, come to Edinburgh in May or June instead. There will be fewer tourists, a drier climate, already long days! Don't hesitate to come in winter either. The climate will certainly be harsher and the sun will set early (around 3:30 pm), but there will be far fewer tourists and prices will be discounted in accommodation, such as on ferries and for some visits.
Weather at the moment
The climate in Edinburgh is temperate and oceanic. Average temperatures range from 15 to 20°C in summer and 5 to 7°C in winter. Instability being the key word for Scottish weather, some will even tell you that there are 4 seasons in one day! Always carry an umbrella in your bag: showers are very common in Edinburgh.
The British pound and the Scottish pound have the same value and both circulate in Edinburgh. To change your money, use post offices and banks. Although Edinburgh is less expensive than London, the prices for accommodation, restaurants and places to go out are relatively high. If you are not looking for too much comfort, it is still possible to spend a night in a youth hostel for about 15 pounds.
To travel to Scotland, you will need a valid passport or identity card. European citizens can stay as long as they wish in Scotland and more specifically in Edinburgh. European tourists from outside the European Union can stay for up to three months. US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens can stay for 6 months provided they have a return flight ticket and sufficient liquidity for the duration of their trip to Edinburgh. For all others, a visa is required.
The risks are no greater in Scotland than in France, Switzerland, Belgium or Canada, for example, so you will not be at risk in Edinburgh, which is a safe and healthy city. In the event of a problem, we can count on the kindness of people. However, check that your D.T. vaccines Polio are up to date before you travel to Edinburgh.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Edinburgh? Our advice & tips
There are many travel agencies offering packages to discover Edinburgh. The most common ones are getaways (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights) and long weekends. However, apart from economic reasons, it is not very relevant to visit Edinburgh on a package tour. You can also choose to combine Edinburgh with Glasgow, its industrial rival.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationVisiting Edinburgh alone is very easy. The city is safe (but be careful of pickpockets and drunken parties). Public transportation and hotels are plentiful, so you can make your choice. To avoid wasting too much time, you can sometimes save time by buying tickets for a few extra pounds. Edinburgh is a great place for families to visit.
Edinburgh is easy and pleasant to walk, especially in summer and spring. This is the best way to fully appreciate the beauty of the city and its exceptional urban planning. For longer distances, the most convenient way to travel is by bus or tram, which has a large and frequent network. Finally, the taxi (recognizable by its black colour) is widely used in Edinburgh for an average of two pounds per kilometre.
