The capital of Scotland is the perfect destination for a cultural city trip. During a city trip to Edinburgh, you will discover the medieval history of the city. Among the sights of Edinburgh are beautiful castles, educational museums, and fun events. In this versatile city, everyone can enjoy themselves.
Edinburgh, colorful world city full of history
The narrow alleys of Old Town, the elegance of Georgian New Town, and the many medieval houses make this city one of the most enchanting and impressive cities in the world. The many sights are within walking distance of each other, making it seem as if you are traversing several centuries of history in just a few steps.
Are you coming just to shop and relax? You won’t be disappointed. Go shopping on Princes Street, dine in one of the four Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, or be amazed by the diverse art scene.
Where is Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is located on the east coast of Scotland, in a beautiful location on the edge of the Firth of Forth surrounded by volcanic hills. The seaside resort of Portobello is on the east coast of the city, and the Pentland Hills are found to the south.
Although it is the capital of Scotland, it is not Edinburgh but Glasgow that is the largest city in the country. Both cities are less than an hour’s drive from each other, making it easy to combine both impressive cities.
Cost of a city trip to Edinburgh
Flights to Edinburgh
Flights to Edinburgh are very affordable. You will spend an average of between € 75 and € 160 for a return flight.
Accommodation in Edinburgh: Hostel, hotel, or apartment?
Accommodation in Edinburgh can also be very economical. You can choose from a hostel, hotel, or renting an apartment. The cheapest option is staying in a hostel.
Edinburgh is a city very popular with backpackers and therefore has many different hostels. A bed in a shared hostel room costs an average of € 30 per night.
Are you traveling with a larger group but still want to keep it affordable? Consider booking an entire hostel room. The rooms usually have bunk beds and a shared bathroom.
If you prefer a private room and an en suite bathroom, choose a hotel. An average hotel costs in Edinburgh € 80 per night.
If you are traveling with a larger group or prefer to have a kitchen during your trip, book an apartment. Through platforms like Airbnb you can quickly find an apartment.
Apartments in the city center cost an average of € 170 per night. It is also possible to book a private room in a house, for which you pay an average of € 60 per night. You share the house with the residents or other tenants. The room you book is always private, but you share the other facilities such as the toilet, bathroom, and kitchen.
Food and drink in Edinburgh
You can compare the prices of food and drink in Edinburgh with the prices we know in the Netherlands. It is not a cheap destination, but certainly not a very expensive one either. We would classify the costs for food and drink as average.
Dining out in a restaurant is the most expensive option. For an average lunch including a drink, you will spend about € 23, and for a dinner including dessert and drink, you will spend an average of € 40.
Don’t let those prices scare you. Edinburgh is a real student city and also has a lot of pubs. In these pubs, you can also eat well for a much cheaper rate. Most pubs offer a daily special at a very competitive price. On average, you pay between € 7 and € 11 for a daily special.
Supermarket prices are also about the same as in the Netherlands. Don’t feel like dining out? Get a ready-made meal or a sandwich at the bakery. Then you are done for under € 5 and have eaten well.
Public transport in Edinburgh
There are many buses in Edinburgh. It is really the public transport in the city. The buses run regularly and throughout the city. You can also visit many different places outside the center without having to change bus lines.
For a single ride, you pay the equivalent of € 2. A day ticket costs € 4. Since you usually have to go back and forth, buying a day ticket is the most economical option to travel through Edinburgh. You can also travel unlimitedly with it.
Note: The day ticket is only valid on the day of purchase. The day ticket is also valid for the trams in Edinburgh. These trams are still quite new and have been running through the city for less than 10 years. However, it is a very popular means of public transport in Edinburgh.
Experience exciting moments in Edinburgh
If you enjoy a bit of spookiness and excitement, Edinburgh is the place for you. An evening of ghost hunting in The Real Mary King’s Close? Check! Spook and walk under the vaults of the South Bridge? You can! A night adventure in the Museum of Torture, you can experience it in Edinburgh. Fortunately, there are also plenty of sights where you won’t run away screaming.
What to do in Edinburgh?
- Visit the Scottish crown jewels in Edinburgh Castle.
- Enjoy a good glass of whisky at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Center.
- Admire St. Giles Cathedral.
- Go luxury shopping at Jenners.
- Admire the townhouses on The Royal Mile.
- Take a tour in the underground maze The Real Mary King’s Close.
- Entertain your children with an interactive museum visit at the National Museum of Scotland.
- View the remains of the hill fort on Arthur’s Seat.
- Relax in Princes Street Gardens.
What is special about Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a vibrant city, all year round. The city is known worldwide as a leading festival city, with fantastic summer festivals. Annually, the city is home to dozens of festivals with various themes. Think of the Edinburgh Science Festival, the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues, and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. There is something for everyone.
In addition, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has been on the World Heritage List since 1995. The extraordinary cityscape created by the contrast between the Georgian New Town and the medieval Old Town is, according to UNESCO, the main reason for giving the city this prestigious title.
Explore Edinburgh by bike
The easiest way to see the many sights of Edinburgh is by bike. It is faster than walking, and you see more than when you take the metro. Additionally, an experienced English-speaking guide cycles with you and tells you the best stories and the most exciting secrets about the city.
During a 3.5-hour tour you will see all the highlights of the Scottish capital. You start in the old center and cycle past the castle, The Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Arthur’s Seat. Ideal if you have just arrived in Edinburgh.
Do you have special wishes or prefer to go out only with acquaintances? Then you can choose a bike tour with a private guide. You determine the route and pace yourself, so you get a bike tour tailored to you.
Especially for students in Edinburgh, we have a student bike tour. This is the ideal activity if you are on a school trip. It is an educational excursion for both students and teachers. In 2.5 hours, you follow a route focused on architecture and learn more about the history of the Scottish capital.
Safety and cycling in Edinburgh
In recent years, Edinburgh has invested millions of euros to improve the cycling infrastructure. The city aims for a bike-friendly center, making it safe for everyone to cycle from home to the center. Exploring Edinburgh by bike is therefore a pleasant experience. The bike tours lead you as much as possible over bike paths, so you are not bothered by other, busy traffic. These bike paths are beautifully and safely laid out, allowing you to cycle through the city calmly.
Did you know this about Edinburgh
- Edinburgh, like Rome, is built on seven hills.
- In Edinburgh, you will find the largest number of listed buildings in the world.
- The first apartment buildings in the world were on The Royal Mile and were built as early as the 17th century.
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the king in Scotland and is located right in the city center.
- In the cemetery lies Bobby, a Skye Terrier who guarded his master’s grave until his own death, for 14 years!
- Harry Potter was born in Edinburgh.
- The pubs only close when no one orders anymore.
- Fancy a greasy snack? Try a deep-fried Mars bar.
- The kilt with garters, woolen socks, and the Sporran pouch are still a trend in Edinburgh.