Flights from London Gatwick to Edinburgh

Edinburgh has more

Edinburgh is a lively place with plenty of things to do and see. Famous for its castle, the Tattoo, summer festivals and whiskey, this capital city also has great shopping, fine restaurants and an 82-acre zoo. The Old Town of Edinburgh may be small in size, but it is packed with centuries of history. The architecture is fascinating here and there are some interesting bars and cafés to discover as well.

When is it recommended to visit Edinburgh?

Edinburgh can be blustery and wet all year around but the finest weather can be experienced May to September, which is when the official festivals take place. There are a number of these events, such as Festival Fringe, the International Festival, a Jazz and Blues Festival and one for films. Edinburgh doubles in population over the festival time, so it is wise to book accommodation well in advance for stays at this time of year. New Year is celebrated in style in Scotland, so a popular time to visit Edinburgh is for Hogmanay on the 1st of January each year.

Good-to-know facts about visiting Edinburgh

The cost of eating and drinking out in Edinburgh is about average for most of the UK and a little cheaper than it is in London. A pint of beer costs about £3.50 and a budget meal is around £10 per person. When it comes to accommodation, be prepared to spend roughly £100 a night for a 3 Star hotel room in peak season and approximately £10 a night for a hostel bed in low season.

Getting from the airport and local transport information

Edinburgh airport is just 10 miles from the city centre and there is a choice of ways to get between the two places. The Edinburgh Tramway takes about 35 minutes and the adult fare is roughly £5 for a single and £8 for a return. The Airlink Express costs around £4 for a single ticket and the journey takes 25 minutes. The cheapest alternative is the number 35 Lothian Bus which takes an hour and 35 minutes to get to the centre and costs around £1.50 each way.

Getting around Edinburgh itself can be done on foot as the city is compact and most of the tourist attractions are easy to get to. The Lothian Bus service runs throughout the day and a single fare is approximately £1.50.