Nestled beside long extinct volcanoes and built on seven hills, Edinburgh offers spectacular scenery in a rugged setting. The city itself is visually impressive with the medieval buildings of the Old Town and the wide Georgian roads and spacious homes of the New Town. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995.
The city’s crowning glory and the reason for its existence is Edinburgh Castle. For hundreds of years, this fortress perched on an ancient volcano defended the city from attack.
Start your exploration of Scotland’s capital city at The Royal Mile. This series of cobblestone streets links the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an official royal residence. Along the route you’ll come across some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral and Parliament House.
Just a short walk away is Princes Street Gardens, which runs the length of Princes Street, the city’s main shopping area. While you are enjoying this pretty green space, visit some of its memorials and monuments including the Scott Monument. This Gothic structure was built to honor the novelist Sir Walter Scott. Its viewing galleries offer good views of the city.
Enjoy even more beautiful views from the hills that rise over the city. Hike to the summits of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, and Calton Hill, which is home to a number of impressive monuments.
Veer off the beaten track and explore some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known sites. Dean Village is surrounded by countryside and is just five minutes from the city center. The port district has a wealth of bars, cafes and restaurants and is also the final resting place of the Royal Yacht Britannia. This magnificent vessel sailed the British royal family around the world for more than 40 years.
Two of the most popular months to visit Edinburgh are December and August. Overlapping arts festivals running through August include the Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh Art Festival. December is packed with Yuletide attractions and markets, and is rounded off with one of the world’s most famous street parties: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
Edinburgh
Travel Guide
Visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh
Old Town Edinburgh is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile.
New Town
Travelers love New Town for its popular shops, and you can see more of Edinburgh by jumping on the metro at Princes Street Tram Stop or St Andrew Square Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Princes Street and George Street.
Leith
Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Edinburgh Port and Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre are major draws, and you can catch the metro at The Shore Tram Stop or Port of Leith Tram Stop to see more of the city.
West End
Visitors to West End love its popular shops, and you can check out Princes Street and Dean Village. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Haymarket Tram Station.
Stockbridge
Historic sites, museums, and art galleries are some highlights of Stockbridge. Make a stop by St. Stephens Centre or St Bernard's Well while you're exploring.
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club
"Really enjoyed our stay ….golf course is good too and very convenient to get into town on the bus."
Reviewed on 2026/6/2
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
"Very convenient location with decently sized rooms, a very good breakfast and a remarkably comprehensive gym. Staff were excellent and helpful. Only issue is that some areas look a bit work but it seems a renovation is underway. Perhaps related to that, one of two main elevators was not in service ..."
Reviewed on 2026/6/1
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
"This hotel is in a GREAT location. It is only a 5-15 minute walk to most of the touristy Royal Mile things. There is a Sainsbury's and a Costa Coffee right next door. And a bus stop right outside the doors (although we walked everywhere). The staff was extremely helpful and welcoming. We weren't ..."
Reviewed on 2026/5/31
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
"Great walkable location! Quiet room once window is closed."
Reviewed on 2026/6/1
PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court
"The staff were very friendly and helpful. The property was amazing, clean and tidy, good amenities as well."
Reviewed on 2026/6/2
Fraser Suites Edinburgh
"Our stay at Fraser Suites was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. The staff went above and beyond to make our 30th anniversary celebration extra special. We were greeted warmly upon arrival, and they surprised us with a lovely bottle of wine, delicious treats, and a thoughtful anniversary ..."
Reviewed on 2026/6/1
Popular places to visit
Edinburgh Castle
Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.
University of Edinburgh
The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.
Murrayfield Stadium
Catch an event at Murrayfield Stadium, and enjoy other activities in Edinburgh such as golfing. Discover the lively festivals and shops in this walkable area.
Royal Mile
Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.
Princes Street
You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Princes Street, a favorite shopping spot in Edinburgh. Experience the fascinating museums and lively festivals in this walkable area.
Edinburgh Zoo
See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.
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- Visit Old Town Edinburgh
- Melville Monument
- Visit Rosewell
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Gyle Shopping Centre
- Scotland Vacations
- Scottish Parliament
- Visit Dalkeith
- Scottish National Gallery
- Grassmarket
- Edinburgh Vacations
- St. Mary's Episcopal Cathederal
- Visit Barnton
- Visit Pencaitland
- St. Giles' Cathedral
- Edinburgh Castle
- Visit Muirhouse
- Scott Monument
- Visit Turnhouse
- Royal Mile
- The Hub
- Visit Liberton
- Scotch Whisky Experience
- Visit Prestonfield
- National Library of Scotland
- Writers' Museum
- University of Edinburgh
- Visit South Queensferry
- Heriot-Watt University
- Visit Roslin
- Visit Balerno
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Packages Edinburgh and Lothian
- Butterfly and Insect World
- Dean Village
- Arthur's Seat
- Visit Granton
- Princes Street Gardens
- Visit West End
- Edinburgh Park
- Highland Tolbooth Kirk
- Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
- Victoria Street
- National Museum of Scotland
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Visit Tollcross
- Visit Scotland
- Visit Gilmerton
- Edinburgh Castle
- University of Edinburgh
- Royal Mile
- Princes Street
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Grassmarket
- Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
- Dean Village
- George Street
- Princes Street Gardens
- Edinburgh Park
- St. Giles' Cathedral
- Arthur's Seat
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- National Museum of Scotland
- Victoria Street
- Heriot-Watt University
- Forth Road Bridge
