Flights from Bristol to Edinburgh

Scotland's beautiful capital

Edinburgh is often described as the Athens of the North, and its imposing castle, striking monuments and beautiful gardens and architecture certainly live up to the label. Visitors will find a vast range of attractions, shopping, entertainment and features that appeal to all ages.

Best Edinburgh weather and events

The best weather tends to be during the summer period of May to September, but it can be wet and windy at any time of year.

From early August to the middle of September is festival season in Edinburgh. Visitors can explore 10 official festivals including the world famous Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival. The Hogmanay celebration on 31st December through 1st January is one of the biggest, friendliest and most exciting street parties in the world.

A few tips before you travel to Edinburgh

Those planning to visit during festival season or for Hogmanay should book accommodation up to a year in advance as demand can be extremely high. Edinburgh can be very crowded at both times.

In general, prices in Edinburgh are about average for the UK and slightly cheaper than London. Expect to pay about £10 for an inexpensive meal and about £3.50 for a pint of beer.

What you need to know - local information

It is 10 miles from Edinburgh airport to the city centre. Edinburgh Tramway is one of the most convenient ways to reach the city from the airport. The journey takes about 35 minutes and costs around £5 for an adult single or £8 for an open return. The Airlink express bus service is slightly cheaper with singles at about £4 and open returns at £7. The slowest way to reach the city is on Lothian bus route 35. The journey can take about 1 h 35 minutes but at about £1.50 for a single it is certainly the cheapest.   Accommodation in the city is plentiful but prices can vary considerably. A budget hostel might be about £10 per night, but at peak season visitors should expect to pay about £100 for a double room in a 3 star hotel.

Most of the city's main tourist attractions are within walking distance of the city centre. Lothian buses charge about £1.50 for a single journey. Tickets can be used one time on one bus with no changes en route.