Plan your visit to Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Scotland’s capital is filled with attractive landmarks, parks and gardens, and hosts cultural festivals that draw millions of visitors each year.
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 Castle - Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.
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.
Edinburgh Zoo - See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.
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.
Princes Street - You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Princes Street, a favorite shopping spot in Edinburgh. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre - Get tickets for a show at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.
Grassmarket - During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
George Street - During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at George Street. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Loch Ness & the Highlands with Hotel Pickup from Edinburgh - Find rolling hills shrouded in mist, listen to stories of Scottish legends and heroes, and uncover the secrets tucked away in the the Scottish Highlands. On this full-day guided tour, explore the region's acclaimed National Parks, pass by massive historic castles, and scan the waters of Loch Ness for its famed and elusive sea monster.
Glen Coe, Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands Full-Day Tour - Learn about the mysteries and myths of Loch Ness, visit Scottish estuaries, and gaze at some of the most breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Scotland is famed for its monstrous lake inhabitant and outstanding natural beauty; uncover both on this tour.
Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh - A perfect tour for Harry Potter fans; visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Hogwarts Express, and take your iconic photo as the train crosses the bridge; explore Fort William and Glencoe in this one-day tour. The Jacobite Steam Train runs 1st May - 29th September 2023.
Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour - Discover the very best of Edinburgh on an award-winning unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle & Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tickets - Take a day to visit the historic city of Edinburgh, traveling in style with reserved seating on the train. This self-guided tour allows you to see any and all of Edinburgh's amazing highlights at your own pace, giving you hop-on hop-off bus access to the most iconic parts of the city.
Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands - *From 1st April 2023, Cruise Loch Ness is included in tour price. With its wild landscapes, the Scottish Highlands is a postcard-perfect setting for exploring Gaelic legend and the history of clan battles.
1. Edinburgh Castle: Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour - Entrance to the castle is included. Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle.
Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh - This 12 hour tour will fit in as much of Scotland as can possibly done in one day! You will witness the stunning scenery of Glencoe and Ben Nevis before you make your way to Loch Ness for a cruise across its deep waters looking for evidence of its renowned resident, Nessie.