Nestled beside long extinct volcanoes and built on seven hills, Edinburgh offers spectacular scenery in a rugged setting. The city itself is visually impressive with the medieval buildings of the Old Town and the wide Georgian roads and spacious homes of the New Town. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995.
The city’s crowning glory and the reason for its existence is Edinburgh Castle. For hundreds of years, this fortress perched on an ancient volcano defended the city from attack.
Start your exploration of Scotland’s capital city at The Royal Mile. This series of cobblestone streets links the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an official royal residence. Along the route you’ll come across some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral and Parliament House.
Just a short walk away is Princes Street Gardens, which runs the length of Princes Street, the city’s main shopping area. While you are enjoying this pretty green space, visit some of its memorials and monuments including the Scott Monument. This Gothic structure was built to honour the novelist Sir Walter Scott. Its viewing galleries offer good views of the city.
Enjoy even more beautiful views from the hills that rise over the city. Hike to the summits of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, and Calton Hill, which is home to a number of impressive monuments.
Veer off the beaten track and explore some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known sites. Dean Village is surrounded by countryside and is just five minutes from the city centre. The port district has a wealth of bars, cafes and restaurants and is also the final resting place of the Royal Yacht Britannia. This magnificent vessel sailed the British royal family around the world for more than 40 years.
Two of the most popular months to visit Edinburgh are December and August. Overlapping arts festivals running through August include the Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh Art Festival. December is packed with Yuletide attractions and markets, and is rounded off with one of the world’s most famous street parties: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
Edinburgh Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Edinburgh Castle to Royal Mile – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Edinburgh City Centre
If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Edinburgh Castle or Princes Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.
New Town
Travellers love New Town for its popular shops, and you can see more of Edinburgh by jumping on the metro at Princes Street Tram Stop or St Andrew Square Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Princes Street and Assembly Rooms.
Leith
Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Edinburgh Port and Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre are major draws, and you can catch the metro at The Shore Tram Stop or Port of Leith Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Tollcross
Tollcross is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Usher Hall and King's Theatre while in the area.
Haymarket
Visitors often come to Haymarket for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Princes Street and FountainPark. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Haymarket Tram Station.
Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025
Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025
Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025
Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025
Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025
Popular places to visit
Edinburgh Castle
Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.
Princes Street
You can search for that perfect souvenir when you visit Princes Street, a favourite shopping spot in Edinburgh. Experience the fascinating museums and lively festivals in this walkable area.
Royal Mile
Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.
University of Edinburgh
The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.
Edinburgh Zoo
See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.
Things to do
Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle & Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tickets
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky
Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour
Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh
Reviews of Edinburgh
5/5 - Excellent
Great for shopping attractions and food.
5/5 - Excellent
Love Edinburgh!!!
4/5 - Good
would recommend the hop on hop off city tour buses great value,
4/5 - Good
Good place to stay at Edinburgh airpoft
5/5 - Excellent
Had dinner at no 11 Brasserie and it was lovely food.
4/5 - Good
Too many begging people on pavements
