World by City

United Kingdom United Kingdom

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and its second-largest city after Glasgow. The historic University of Edinburgh sits at the heart of the city, giving it an academic yet old-world atmosphere.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Edinburgh
Gateway airport
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Best season
May–Sep
Time zone
Europe/London
Sights covered
44 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 44 →
Edinburgh Castle

Museums & galleries

Edinburgh Castle

A historic castle perched on Castle Rock in Edinburgh, Scotland, once a royal residence before becoming a military fortress. It stands as one of Scotland's foremost historic landmarks.

Holyrood Palace

Castles & palaces

Holyrood Palace

A historic palace in Edinburgh that has served as a residence of the Scottish royal family since the 15th century. It's also known as the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II, making it a great place to explore traces of royal history.

Scottish National Gallery

Museums & galleries

Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is a neoclassical art museum near Princes Street in Edinburgh, first opened to the public in 1859. It houses a collection representing the best of Scottish art.

National Museum of Scotland

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Scotland

A museum located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It offers a broad look at Scotland's history and culture.

Arthur's Seat

Nature

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano rising east of central Edinburgh, forming the heart of Holyrood Park. The climb to the summit is easy, rewarding you with a sweeping view of the city.

St Giles' Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St Giles' Cathedral

One of Edinburgh's leading cathedrals, it took its present form over several centuries starting in the 14th century. It's also well known for its ties to Reformation leader John Knox, making it a rewarding stop for tracing the city's history.

New Town

Shopping & districts

New Town

The New Town sits at the heart of Edinburgh and retains many Georgian-era buildings. Walking along Princes Street, you can enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town together.

Holyrood Abbey

Temples & religious sites

Holyrood Abbey

Holyrood Abbey was a monastery in Edinburgh founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland. Only ruins remain today, standing beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
11° May
14° Jun
15° Jul
15° Aug
13° Sep
11° Oct
Nov
Dec

Getting there

Check flights to Edinburgh first

Pick a departure airport and date to jump straight to results for Edinburgh Airport (EDI).

Check fares and seat availability on the flight search site.

Getting around the city

Book transport

Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Edinburgh Tours & Experiences Booking

Book local tours, tickets, and experiences in advance to enjoy without waiting. Check available products and prices now.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Local data

Get an eSIM for United Kingdom before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Where to stay

See all stays →

Pick your dates — we'll search Edinburgh hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Visit stories: Edinburgh

Have you been to this city?

Share your visit story with photos you took yourself. Once checked, it goes into the Magazine.

Share your visit story

Guides by theme