Vivid remnants of the past are still present in the city that has served as Scotland’s political and cultural capital for nearly a thousand years. Medieval Old Town’s hilly and cobblestoned streets contrast with 18th-century New Town’s modern shops, Georgian architecture, and pleasant squares, which are at once both intimate and grand. From volcanic crags and charming narrow lanes (called "closes") to the massive stone fortifications of Edinburgh Castle, the city maintains a decidedly ancient quality. It’s still evolving today, thanks to newly vibrant neighborhoods like Leith, the once-dingy port on the North Sea’s famed Firth of Forth, which is emerging as an exciting epicurean center.
When you visit Edinburgh, you can see both its Old Town, a warren of medieval streets, and the Georgian-era New Town—the Edinburgh of the Enlightenment, the Athens of the North, an orderly grid and broad streets and small parks. If you travel to Edinburgh today, you'll be a witness to a third chapter, as the Scottish debate whether to become an independent nation again.
Things Not to Miss in Edinburgh
While the city is often a starting point for tours of Scotland, our Edinburgh travel guide concentrates on the city itself.
• National Museum of Scotland
• Scottish Parliament
• Royal Mile
• Princes' Street
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery
• Georgian House
• Writers' Museum
• Royal Botanic Garden
• The Britannia
When to Go to Edinburgh
No matter the season you can count on some rain and wind. Even at the peak of summer, average temperatures remain in the 60s, though in the winter it rarely gets bitterly cold. The city's two biggest events, the Fringe Festival and the Military Tattoo, take place in August.
DON'T MISS
-
Taking a tour of the royal 16th-century residence Palace of Holyroodhouse, including the banquet hall, throne room, and Mary Queen of Scots’ former bedroom.
-
Ordering your own couture hat from Yvette Jelfs, where style mavens and royals alike shop.
-
Picking up a bottle of fine aged single-cask whiskey from Cadenhead’s Whiskey Shop, a bottler that has been dealing in rare quality liquors since 1842.
RECOMMENDED LINKS
- For more pub recommendations in Edinburgh, visit NileGuide
-
Spend the Night in a 'Sleep Cell' at This Scotland Hostel That Was Once a Jail
The Court hostel in Edinburgh, Scotland, used to serve as a courthouse, jail, and police chambers in the 19th century, with the oldest part of the... Read More
-
The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Colorful rows of glittering fairy lights surrounding charming cobblestone streets with small wooden figurines ready to come home in your suitcase — it... Read More
-
Meghan Markle's Stunning Givenchy Wedding Dress Is on Display in Scotland
Meghan Markle stunned the world with her breathtaking Givenchy wedding dress, and now her classic gown is on display for the public to see up close... Read More
-
This New Low-fare Train Will Get You From London to Edinburgh for Only $33
A common practice for travelers is to book a ticket to a European city and then use low-cost air carriers to travel between various countries within the... Read More
-
25 Secret European Villages to Explore Before Everyone Else Does
A few winters ago, my family and I checked into a restored 17th-century estate in the tiny town of Lower Monferrato, in Piedmont, Italy. Our bay window... Read More
-
Google Earth Enthusiast Says He Found a Sunken Plane Off the Coast of Scotland (Video)
Looking to fill your day with a teeny, tiny mystery? Well then, Robert Morton, a 55-year-old dad from South Yorkshire, England has one for you.Morton, a... Read More
-
The Top 15 Cities in Europe in 2018
Our readers’ love affair with Italian cities continues this year, with Florence taking top honors as the best in Europe yet again. Rome and Siena also... Read More
-
Richard Branson Is Opening the First Virgin Hotel in Europe in a City That Has a 'Very Special Place' in His Heart
Virgin Hotels is preparing to open its first European location.Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson celebrated the upcoming hotel in Edinburgh,... Read More
-
The Most Exciting New Airline Routes to Book This Summer
Airlines are rolling out new and expanded service just in time for summer travel.Southwest is revealing more details on its upcoming flights to Hawaii,... Read More
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Celebrating Valentine's Day With a Special Trip
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may seem like the most romantic royal pair around, however, it appears their first (and only) Valentine’s Day as an... Read More
-
You Can Stay in This Harry Potter-themed Apartment in Scotland — As Long As You're Not a Muggle
“Harry Potter” fans can now stay in the apartment of their dreams — and they don’t even need to know any spells to get it.Canongate Luxury Apartment, a... Read More
-
These Are the Best Places to Spend the Holidays, According to Travel Experts (Video)
The holiday season is a time to reflect and relax at home — until it’s not.We’re not talking about that three-hour road trip or a quick train ride to... Read More
-
5 Popular Destinations That 'Live Up to the Hype,' According to Travelers
Choosing a new place to go on vacation can be tough.With all the potential destinations you can visit in the world, you have to wonder which ones are... Read More
-
This Scottish Restaurant Is Hidden in a 19th-century Gardener's Cottage
The vegetable patches on either side of the gravel walkway leading up to the Gardener's Cottage are still producing, even in the brisk mid-November... Read More
-
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Made the Queen of England Laugh
Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, had an audience with the Queen of England on Wednesday.The meeting, which took place in Scotland ahead of... Read More