Take an extinct volcano, a medieval Old Town and a packed calendar of festivals and you’ve got Time Out’s Best City in the World 2022!
Add to that Michelin-starred restaurants, stirring history and rows of elegant Georgian townhouses – it’s no wonder Edinburgh’s recognised as a city with truly universal appeal.
Book flights to Edinburgh today
Airlines flying to Edinburgh
- British Airways
Getting around
The easiest route into the centre (7 miles/11km away) is by tram or airport bus. The winding Old Town is best explored on foot, while good public transport makes the city’s hilly parts easier to navigate.
Language
English
Time Difference
0 hr ahead of GMT
Currency
GBP
NEIGHBOURHOODS TO SEE
Old Town: for sights and live music
Atmospheric ancient buildings, cobbled alleys and a bustling vibe. Work your way down from famous Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse below towering Arthur’s Seat, exploring the historic Royal Mile as you go.
New Town
This area’s 18th century neo-classical architecture earned the city its nickname as ‘Athens of the North’, spread across broad avenues and elegant squares. Discover impressive galleries, world-class shopping, restaurant, bars and clubs galore.
Leith
The dynamic port of Edinburgh welcomes you with picturesque harbour views, a buzzy social scene and some of the city’s best restaurants .
ESSENTIAL SIGHTS
Edinburgh Castle
You can’t miss it, so explore it! See serious royal bling in the form of the Scottish crown jewels – and remember your earplugs if you visit for the firing of the one o’clock gun.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Live (briefly) like a King with a look round the State Apartments and royal chambers at Charles III’s official Scottish residence.
National Museum of Scotland
From Dolly the Sheep to dinosaur bones, the interactive displays bring discovery to life – all for free.
National Galleries of Scotland
Like your art fine? Drop into the Scottish National Gallery. More personal? See Billy Connolly rub shoulders with Sir Walter Scott at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Or enjoy tea at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art under Paolozzi’s Vulcan.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Tour this floating palace berthed in the lively port of Leith, then dine on champagne and scones in the Royal Deck Tea Room.
FOOD AND DRINK
It’s worth trying haggis, Scotland’s national dish, at least once – there are excellent veggie versions too! Scotland’s larder brims with some of the world’s finest wild salmon, fresh seafood, beef and venison.
The city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants and a vibrant fine dining scene, from refined hotel afternoon teas to top-notch fish and chips.
EVENTS
MARCH | International Science Festival in March
MAY-JUN | Children’s Festival
JULY | Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
AUGUST | Edinburgh International Festival & Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Each summer thousands of entertainers perform in venues and on streets from dawn until the wee hours of the next day. Then they do it all again. For a month. Don’t miss the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a feast of international music, dance and bagpipes on the castle esplanade at sunset. Also running are Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
DECEMBER | Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Celebrate New Year over three days of fire, music and celebrations ending in a packed street party, ceilidhs by the castle and eye-popping fireworks.
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Airlines flying to Edinburgh
- British Airways
