Edinburgh Guide
Welcome to our Edinburgh Guide
If you are planning a short break to Scotland’s renowned capital our Edinburgh Guide can help you plan your visit. Steeped in history and rich with culture Edinburgh is a vibrant city full of outstanding sights, world class attractions and striking architecture. Granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status for its remarkable blend of medieval old town with the Georgian new town Edinburgh is a city not to be missed. From the distinctive Edinburgh Castle, towering above the city, to the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia and the Scottish House of Parliament Edinburgh is full of amazing sites for you to discover.
Whether planning a romantic getaway, family holiday or a city break with friends our Edinburgh guide provides an insight into all this wonderful city has to offer. During the day why not explore the array of shops on Princes Street, take a walk up to the legendary Arthur’s Seat or visit the city’s oldest attraction Camera Obscura. A trip to Edinburgh would not be complete without seeing the amazing Edinburgh Castle, home to the world renowned Edinburgh Tattoo and the National War Museum of Scotland. With plenty of cafes and bars throughout the city you can stop and refuel before continuing on your way. Take a stroll along the Royal Mile home to many of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings, including the Palace of Holyrood House and the famed Mary King's Close.
When the evening draws in Edinburgh comes to life. With ghost walks, great theatre and a host of awarding winning restaurants, great pubs and chic bars Edinburgh nightlife is thriving. Need inspiration then the Edinburgh guide can point you in the right direction.
See the views from the spectacular Edinburgh Castle.
Discover the hidden streets beneath the city in Mary Kings Close.
See the beautiful views from the top of Arthurs Seat.
Discover the streets of Edinburgh with a spooky ghost tour.
Take in a play at the fantastic Edinburgh Playhouse.
Catch some comedy at the hilarious Jongleurs comedy club.
The Edinburgh Dungeons
Step back in history and discover the gruesome truth behind Edinburgh’s past. Come face to face with the darkest characters ever to grace the streets of Edinburgh and learn about their grisly demise. You will find yourself surrounded by darkness and tombstones as you join Burke and Hare in the hunt for their next victims, meet patriotic William Wallace and his Scottish Army before heading to the Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom! 500 years of Edinburgh’s dark history and two terrifying rides make the Edinburgh Dungeons a must see attraction.
Edinburgh Castle?
Edinburgh Castle is home to Scotland’s crown jewels, three military museums and much more!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the end of the Royal Mile the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the Queen.
Travelling to Edinburgh
Edinburgh Overview
Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most popular cities attracting thousands of visitors each year. Regular train services, excellent road links and a local airport make Edinburgh easily accessible by rail, road and air.
By Rail
Edinburgh Waverly is situated in the heart of the city and is the main station into Edinburgh, while Edinburgh Haymarket places you in the heart of the West End. From the city there are excellent links across the UK including many direct trains on the East Coast route.
By Road
If you are heading from the North of Scotland, Edinburgh has excellent links to the M9 and M90. The main motorway access to Edinburgh is via the M8 which links directly to Glasgow, about an hour away, and connects to the M74 towards Carlisle and the rest of England.
By Air
Edinburgh Airport sits just outside the city and is easily accessible via the M8 and the M9. There are many hotels at Edinburgh Airport, with some including long stay parking. As well as international flights there are around 40 flights a day to London, taking around an hour.
Getting Around in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Overview
The compact city of Edinburgh is easy to navigate with most attractions within walking distance of each other. With regular bus services and multiple taxi ranks it’s easy to get around this magnificent city.
By Bus
With around 300 First Bus services throughout the Edinburgh area it is quick and easy to get around the Scottish capital by bus. There are also airport, city and night bus services run by Lothian Buses and multiple sightseeing, open top bus services that tour the city attractions.
By Taxi
There are many taxi companies in the city of Edinburgh that can be booked or picked up from the multiple taxi ranks across the city. To avoid un-reliable services check with your hotel in Edinburgh for their preferred service or have them book you a taxi.
Bike Hire
Edinburgh is a relatively compact city, meaning that walking from one side to the other or from one attraction to another is quite straight forward. Edinburgh is also a bike friendly city with many cycle lanes and bike routes as well as plenty of places to hire cycles to explore on your own.
Barceló Edinburgh Carlton Hotel
Only a few minutes walk from Princes Street, the Royal Mile and Waverly Station, the is in a perfect location for discovering the city. This modern hotel has all the features of a grand Victorian building mixed with the comfort of modern conveniences. After a day discovering Edinburgh and the surrounding areas you can relax with a range of leisure facilities on offer at this fantastic hotel or dine in the incredible Bridge Restaurant.
There are loads of great events & reasons to visit Edinburgh and here are just a few!
- 1
23 March - 7 April 2013 - Edinburgh Science Festival
Discover a wealth of wonder at the world's finest celebration of science and technology
- 2
14 April 2013 - Edinburgh Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon
Get your running shoes on and hit the streets to the sound of some of the most iconic rock songs of all time
- 3
19 May 2013 - Edinburgh Kiltwalk
Witness the 26 mile walk through Edinburgh in honour of the beloved kilt, starting and finishing in the impressive Murrayfield Stadium
- 4
25 & 26 May 2013 - The Whiskey Stramash
With your exclusive ticket you can enjoy some of the greatest scotch and drams on earth.
- 5
20 - 23 June 2013 - The Royal Highland Show
Explore a whole host of some of the brilliant things that make the highlands so special. With hundreds of exhibitors, your day will be pack full of Scottish fun
Out and about in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Shopping
From vintage boutiques and Scottish souvenirs in Grassmarket to designer labels and high street fashion on Princes Street Edinburgh has it all.
Eating Out in Edinburgh
From fine French cuisine, authentic Indian dishes and traditional Scottish Haggis, Edinburgh is bursting with a wealth of different flavours from around the world. With many cafes, bars and restaurants, Edinburgh is the perfect place to try something new.
Edinbugh Nightlife
Brimming with pubs, bars and nightclubs Edinburgh’s nightlife is a vibrant mix of live music and comedy keeping you entertained into the evening.
Edinburgh Bars
Whether you are looking for a trendy cocktail bar or a traditional pub Edinburgh is full of bars and pubs to suit all tastes.
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