Cultural Scottish capital

Edinburgh is a timeless city anchored in tradition and resolutely modern at the same time. Counting numerous admirable buildings and monuments, it also provides a thriving cultural offer and nightlife to visitors eager to enjoy all the wonders of the capital of Scotland.

When to go and things to do

The climate in Edinburgh is the most pleasant from May to September, but it can still get windy and wet at any time during the year. When it comes to events, the Scottish capital is renowned all around the world for its fantastic festival season. Starting in early August and running through mid-September, it is the occasion to enjoy no less than 10 festivals, including the famous Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe Festival. Additionally, Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration for the New Year and an event not to be missed.

Things to know before your trip

Visitors who plan on being in Edinburgh during festival season should book their accommodation as early as a year before travelling, since the city gets very crowded. Regarding the cost of living in Scotland's capital, it is lower than London but about average for the UK. For instance, you can enjoy a meal for about £10 and a beer for around £3.50.

Edinburgh's public transportation and accommodation

Edinburgh Airport is located 10 miles from the centre of the city and several transport options are available. Visitors can take the tramway, which reaches central Edinburgh in 35 minutes and costs around £5 for a single or £8 for an open return ticket. Otherwise, the Airlink express travels to the city centre in 25 minutes and a single ticket is £4 or so (£7 for an open return ticket). The cheapest but slowest option is Lothian bus 35, which takes 1h 35 minutes but costs only approx. £1.50 for a single journey. Budget accommodation is available in Edinburgh with hostel rooms at about £10 per night per person. Double rooms in 3-star hotels start at around £100 during peak season. 

While Lothian buses are affordable, with single journeys with no transfer available costing about £1.50, the inner city is easy to walk around and most sights and touristic attractions are located in a small area that can be enjoyed on foot.