Edinburgh
Getting There
If traveling from outside the UK, Edinburgh has a decent sized airport that is located about 30 minutes from the city center. Airlink bus is a double deck blue bus that travels between the airport and the city center, making stops along the way. It runs every 10 minutes during most of the day and every 30 minutes at night. This is a very easy way to travel from the airport downtown, just find the stop closest to your destination.
If traveling from within the UK, traveling by train (or even car) might be easier depending on where you are coming from. For reference, if traveling from London, the train takes 5.5 hours and the drive would take about 7 hours.
Getting Around
When it comes to traveling around the city, it is a very walkable city. If you fancy a break or do not enjoy walking, there are trams, taxis, and buses that can be used to access the city.
Accommodations
If possible, stay near the city center. It will allow everything to be fairly walkable and make getting around easier. We stayed near the Edinburgh Castle and Prince Street. Anywhere near the large sights or in Old or New Town is perfect.
Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa
Very nice hotel located in the city center. This hotel is part of the Marriott brands and is equipped with a nice gym, spa, and overall amenities.
Things to do and see
Calton Hill
Hill located at the end of Prince Street providing a nice view over the city at the top. It only takes about 5 minutes to walk up the stairs and reach the few different viewpoints.
Arthur’s Seat
Larger Hill at edge of city overlooking Edinburgh. Starting from the bottom, climbing to the top takes about 15 minutes. There are three different “tops” so you can do all three or just choose the highest one to go up
Holyrood Park
Royal park located in the city that is not a far walk from the Royal Mile.
Dean’s Village and Dean’s Gardens
Cute area that has a medieval feel to it. It does not feel like part of the city and is a nice way to get away from the hustle and bustle, and enjoy the gardens along the river.
Day trip to Highlands
We did a trip called “Best of Scotland” with Heart of Scotland tours. Make sure to pick your trip correctly so you ensure it hits the areas you are interested in. Another commonly used tour group is Rabbie’s, also with about 15 people per trip
Old Town
Area of the city with countless cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, historic sites, pubs and restaurants.
Edinburgh Castle
Elevated from much of the city, the castle overlooks Edinburgh and can be spotted from all around the city. The castle offers tours or visitors can enter and explore on their own. Tickets to enter cost about 17 pounds
Greyfriar’s Bobby
A statue of a dog to represent the Skye Terrier who watched over his owner’s grave. There is a pub named after the dog where you find the statue. It is known to be good luck when you rub its nose
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Visitor attraction with different “experiences” to pick from. We opted for the Gold Tour which included the barrel tour about how whiskey is made, the video, the tasting, and the “extra” tasting in the bar
Royal Mile
Running from the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood, the Royal Mile is at the heart of the capital. The stretch includes many pubs, shops, restaurants and other historic sites making it a nice street to stroll along. The Scottish Parliament is also found along here.
Scottish Parliament Building
Located near Arthur’s Seat and at the end of the Royal Mile
Palace of Holyrood
The Queen’s Scottish residence. The palace welcomes visitors and is located near Arthur’s Seat and at the end of the Royal Mile.
Victoria Street
Street located in Old Town with some colorful houses along the road
Grassmarket
Area in the Old Town known for being lively and upbeat, with a bunch of restaurants and shopping
Prince’s Street Gardens
Two public parks that separate the Old Town from the New Town providing a nice place to walk or stop for a bite to eat
New Town
Shopping and commercial area of the city that is known for having more high-end shops, fancy restaurants, and large squares
Prince Street
Busy street located in New Town with high end shops stretching for about a mile
George Street
High end and busy shopping street found in New Town
St. Andrew’s Square
City Square on George Street in New Town
Scott Monument
Large Victorian monument located on Prince Street in the New Town.
Rose Street
Located between Prince Street and George Street, Rose Street is a narrow strip found in New Town with nice Scottish pubs lining the road
Food and Drink Recommendations
Drinks
Pubs are spread all across Edinburgh, all with their own charm. Be sure to walk around and pop into any that appeal to you.
Greyfriar’s Bobby
With its inspiration situated right outside, the pub named after the Skye Terrier has a lovely ambiance. It is located in the heart of the city center and a great spot to stop for a pint
Deacon Brodie’s Tavern
Nice Scottish pub located right along the Royal Mile
The Dome
Fancy cocktail bar and restaurant with pricey drinks and upscale atmosphere
Black Rose Tavern
Typical pub food
Food
Ryan’s
Bar and restaurant located with a variety of options near Prince Street
Ting Thai Caravan
Thai restaurant found near University of Edinburgh
O’oliviero
Italian restaurant in Grassmarket area
Ben’s Cookies
Delicious cookie chain with a location on Prince Street
Other Notes
Duration
A weekend or long weekend in Edinburgh is a perfect amount of time to explore the city. You can hit most of the major attractions in 1-1.5 days depending on how interested you are on doing tours and exploring the exhibits inside the Palace and Castle. We preferred spending time out and about more so than a lot of time inside at exhibits. On top of stopping in any assortment of the Scottish pubs, another must do while visiting is a day trip (or longer) to the highlands. It is not feasible to see a lot of the highlands in just one day, but at a minimum, you can get a taste of all it has to offer.
Weather
Come expecting rain and dreary skies as this is typical weather for Scotland.
Other
Everyone we met was incredibly friendly and kind, and are not shy to chat you up when you are out and about.
Navigation
Transportation and Accommodations
Things to do and see
Food and Drinks