The Scottish capital Edinburgh is a fantastic city trip destination. From the Netherlands, you can take a direct flight and be on Scottish soil in just under an hour and a half. Edinburgh is a place where you can enjoy various historical attractions, cozy pubs, and romantic castles.
A trip to Edinburgh is fun for everyone, whether you’re traveling with your partner, a good friend, or your family. Everyone can discover and engage in enjoyable activities in the Scottish capital.
From endless walks through one of the charming streets in the city’s old historic center to a bike tour through the center with views of stunning architecture. Scotland is the city for everyone, making it the perfect European city trip destination.
Do you also want to discover this old historic city with a modern twist? First, read our very comprehensive blog post.
- We will tell you everything you need to know before booking a trip to Edinburgh.
- We list all the important Edinburgh attractions for you.
- All the Edinburgh must-sees you shouldn’t miss
- We provide you with all the practical information. Think of flight information, flight prices, and information about booking accommodation.
After reading this article, you’ll be well-prepared and can book your Edinburgh city trip without any hassle!
What tickets do you need for a city trip to this city?
If you want to travel prepared, it’s best to purchase admission tickets for the best activities in Edinburgh online in advance. This saves you time standing in line and ensures you have a spot for your desired activity. Want the ultimate experience? Opt for the Edinburgh Pass. This gives you access to:
Attractions and fun things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a fantastic city where there’s always plenty to do. There’s a lot to see, do, experience, and enjoy, and naturally, you want to make the most of your time there. Most attractions are located in the city center and can be easily visited on foot or by bike.
Tips for planning your day effectively
For other attractions that are a bit further away or just outside the center, it’s convenient to travel by public transport. If you plan all these activities on the same day, you can buy a day pass for public transport. This costs €4, and you can use the buses and trams unlimitedly on the day of purchase.
The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and the Leith Docks are two attractions best reached by public transport. If you want to visit both, it’s best to do so on the same day. This way, you can easily travel from one attraction to another with your public transport day pass.
When compiling the Edinburgh attractions and must-sees, we considered everyone. Young or old, this is a city where there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s also a very family-friendly city, so if you’re traveling with your family with (young) children, Edinburgh is definitely a suitable city trip destination. There are plenty of attractions to choose from.
Pedal through the Scottish capital: The Edinburgh Highlights Bike Tour
Start your exploration of Edinburgh by bike! The city is not only safe for cyclists with its extensive network of bike paths, but the calm city center makes cycling even more enjoyable. A recommendation is our guided bike tour, where an expert guide takes you on a bike ride along the city’s most famous attractions. In a small group, led by a private guide, you’ll discover all the highlights Edinburgh has to offer in three hours.
The following Edinburgh attractions are definitely worth visiting during your city trip:
1. Edinburgh Castle
We can’t start the list with any other attraction. Edinburgh Castle is truly the jewel and the biggest tourist draw of the city. For many tourists, both international and local, Edinburgh Castle is a reason to travel to Edinburgh. The imposing castle stands atop Castle Rock.
In the past, the Edinburgh Castle served as a royal palace; today, it is a popular Edinburgh attraction with various museums you can visit. The most visited museum on the castle grounds is the National War Museum. The castle itself also functions as a large museum. Here, you can view the Scottish crown jewels and royal quarters like St. Margaret’s Chapel. From the top of the castle, you also have a beautiful view over the entire city. You will spend about half a day visiting Edinburgh Castle.
- Purchase your tickets for Edinburgh Castle online.
2. Old Town & Royal Mile
Old Town is a popular district in Edinburgh. It is a favorite area among students and locals. Tourists also love it here because there’s always something to do in Old Town. The Royal Mile is the main street in the Old Town district. Here, you can find most of the shops, restaurants, and bars.
Most pubs, however, can be found in the side streets off the Royal Mile. Charming side streets you should definitely wander through include Castlehill, Cannongate, and High Street. Once you reach High Street, you can easily walk in a straight line to Castle Rock, the site where Edinburgh Castle is built.
3. St Giles’ Cathedral
Along the Royal Mile, the main street in the Old Town district, you can see many attractions. One of the most important Edinburgh attractions on this street is St Giles’ Cathedral. This cathedral was built in 1124 and has always served as a church with services on Sundays. To this day, you can attend a service on Sundays. Concerts and other activities are also regularly organized here.
4. The Scotch Whisky Experience
Another attraction and activity on the Royal Mile is The Scotch Whisky Experience. From the outside, it’s an old historic building, and inside, it’s a grand whiskey palace. You’re surrounded by hundreds of whiskey bottles, each with its own story and flavor.
It’s already a unique experience to see all those bottles together, but it’s even more fun to participate in the actual ‘experience’. You learn about the background of Scotch Whiskey, how it’s made, and of course, you get to taste everything demonstrated. A fun activity to undertake during a city trip.
Tip: Purchase your tickets for The Scotch Whisky Experience online.
5. Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a monastery founded in the twelfth century. Over the years, it was not only a monastery but also a place where royal visitors were received when they visited the city of Edinburgh.
Purchase your tickets for The Palace of Holyroodhouse online.
On the grounds of Palace Holyroodhouse, you also have several attractions:
- The Palace Gardens
- The Queen’s Gallery
- The Great Gallery
These are all true Edinburgh must-sees!
6. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
This is a very interactive museum that is fun for both young and adult visitors. There’s plenty to see and experience. The museum is divided into two parts. You can find the Camera Obscura on the top floor of the museum. This is a large terrace that surrounds the entire top floor. You have a fantastic view over the center of Edinburgh.
On the lower floors, you can find the World of Illusions. This is a very interactive museum. Here, you walk through the artworks and become part of the art yourself. The artworks are colorful and very unique. There’s a lot of work with mirrors and plasma balls. You’ll also see holograms here and there that are incredibly realistic.
7. Arthur’s Seat
Scotland has a true hilly landscape, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful nature throughout the country. In Edinburgh, too, there are many hill groups, with Arthur’s Seat being considered the most popular and important hill.
You can climb Arthur’s Seat (251 meters), and the climb takes about an hour and a half. From the top of the hill, you have an idyllic view over the city. The climb is quite steep, so be sure to keep this in mind.
8. National Museum of Scotland
If you enjoy visiting museums, Edinburgh is a great city for you. As a city rich in history, you can find many museums here. Visiting the National Museum of Scotland is completely free. The exhibitions change every twelve to sixteen weeks. Each exhibition focuses on the history of Scotland. You take a journey through the Scottish world of art, nature, and culture. After viewing all the art, it’s also recommended to have a drink on the museum’s terrace. This rooftop terrace offers a spectacular view over the city.
9. Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia
Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia is a ship owned by the British royal family. The ship sailed for over 50 years and has served as a museum ship for several years now.
On the ship, you can learn a lot about the history of the United Kingdom and British maritime. You can also catch a glimpse of the luxurious life of the British Royals.
10. Dining at the Voodoo Rooms
The name sounds quite exciting, but don’t worry. There’s no real voodoo involved. The only magic here is the food and the interior.
When you enter the restaurant, you feel like you’re on a movie set. The large and high windows, the golden details, and the classic wall moldings make you think you’ve stepped into a palace. The leather armchairs and golden chairs enhance this feeling. A unique location with delicious food. For the drink lovers, skip the whiskey and try one of the unique cocktails they offer.
11. Tasting local dishes at Angels with Bagpipes
Scotland is, of course, known for its own delicacy, haggis. Eating haggis is not for everyone, but if you’re an adventurous eater and want to truly experience Scottish cuisine, you can’t miss it. Haggis is a sheep’s stomach filled with various minced innards and organs of a sheep.
Think of minced tongue, minced liver, minced heart. Yes, you read that right. That’s all in haggis. To add more flavor, onions, oatmeal, and spices are also included. The best haggis in Edinburgh is served at Angels with Bagpipes. If this doesn’t appeal to you, but you’re traveling with someone who does want to try haggis, don’t worry. There are other delicious dishes on the menu. They also offer vegetarian options.
12. The National War Museum
At The National War Museum, you can learn all about the military history of Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland. In addition to paintings and sculptures, you can also learn more about the military attire over the years and the significance of various medals. Visiting the museum is free, but a donation is appreciated.
13. Scottish Poetry Library
When you look at this building from the outside, you might think you’re staring at a ‘tiny house.’ But inside, it’s incredibly spectacular. This library has won several awards and is considered one of the most stylish libraries in the United Kingdom. They mainly focus on the work of British authors, particularly those in the field of poetry. A fun attraction and activity at the same time. Getting lost in one of the poetry books for a few hours while it rains outside sounds good, doesn’t it?
14. The Royal Lyceum Theatre
An old historic theater with beautiful frescoes, red velvet seats, and sparkling chandeliers. Although modern performances are often given in this old historic building, you still feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The luxury is evident. Every year, you can admire the work of Shakespeare in the form of a theater performance. From Hamlet to Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. You can also see other theater performances, musicals, and dance shows. The program offered can vary each month, so keep an eye on their website.
15. Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is a monument that stands 60 meters high, created in memory of the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. You can climb the monument. You’ll need to climb 287 steps, but once at the top, the view is more than worth it.
16. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is an art gallery focusing on modern art. It provides a platform for both Scottish and international artists. From the outside, it’s an impressive building, with large and high pillars at the entrance. Inside, it’s also very beautiful. If you can plan it on a warm summer day, that’s definitely a smart idea. The garden that belongs to the art gallery is stunning. You can also enjoy various statues and sculptures in the garden.
17. The Royal Mile Whiskies
If you want to take home a real Scottish souvenir, consider taking a bottle or bottles of whisky. They sell hundreds of Scottish whiskies here and also have other whisky-related products in their assortment. From books about the history of whisky to delicious recipes with whisky.
18. The University of Edinburgh
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can’t miss the University of Edinburgh. But even if you simply love architecture, visiting the University of Edinburgh is a great tip. The university’s campus features several buildings, each resembling a small castle.
19. Walking through Dean Village
Dean Village is like a movie set. If you watched Beauty and the Beast as a child, you might almost think this village was the inspiration for designing the movie set. It’s a very picturesque place where you can take a pleasant and relaxing walk. The colorful houses, unique medieval buildings surrounded by greenery create a unique location for a bike or walking tour. A walk along ‘The Water of Leith’ is a very popular activity. Try to plan this as early as possible in the day to avoid crowds.
20. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Glasshouses
This is by far the most beautiful botanical garden in Edinburgh. The large glasshouses are completely filled with the most beautiful tropical plants. Besides the glasshouses, the botanical garden is also perfect for a walk around their pond. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax while surrounded by greenery.
21. The Elephant House
The Elephant House became globally famous because the author of the Harry Potter books wrote a large part of the series here. The coffee shop was involved in a fire in 2021. After that, the café closed, and at the time of writing, it has not yet reopened. However, the exterior remains undamaged, so it’s still nice to see. And who knows, the café might be open again by the time you visit Edinburgh, so keep an eye on it!
22. Mary King’s Close
If you’re open to some adventure, a walking tour through Mary King’s Close is a cool activity to undertake. It’s an underground labyrinth that you can walk through with a guide. The guide is usually dressed in a medieval costume and tells you a lot about the history of the city. If you’re prone to claustrophobia, it’s better to skip this tour. Some parts of the labyrinth have quite low ceilings.
23. Calton Hill
A beautiful hill located behind the city center. It doesn’t have as steep a slope as Arthur’s Seat, making it easier to climb. At the top, you’ll have an idyllic view over the city. If you want to witness a magical sunset, this is the place to go. It’s a stunning spot for capturing your holiday photos.
24. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
An art gallery primarily focused on murals and paintings of famous Scots. These paintings, murals, and portraits are accompanied by several statues. Here, you can see portraits of Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, among others.
25. The Writers’ Museum
A museum showcasing the work of renowned Scottish authors. These literary heroes have greatly contributed to Scottish literary history. You can admire works by Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott, among others.
26. The Edinburgh Dungeon
Think of it as a treasure hunt, escape room, theatrical performance, and ‘murder mystery’ all in one. It’s an intensive and interactive activity where games and actors take you through Scotland’s dark history.
27. Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips
When you visit the United Kingdom, you must try at least one serving of ‘Fish and chips.’ Deliciously fried fish and chips. You can enjoy this at Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips.
28. The Royal College of Surgeons
This museum is entirely dedicated to Scottish medical science, with a particular focus on the history of surgery. You can explore various exhibitions here.
A museum featuring exhibitions on the history of medical science and surgery.
29. The Royal Mile Market
If you enjoy browsing markets, you shouldn’t miss the open-air market on the Royal Mile. You can find all sorts of things here, from local delicacies, whiskies, and cheeses to textiles and artworks.
30. Princes Street
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, head to Princes Street. This is the main shopping street in Edinburgh. It’s bustling with activity, featuring many large retail chains, and in the side streets, you’ll find smaller shops. Another delightful aspect of shopping on Princes Street is the stunning view. On one side, you have all the shops, and on the other, you can see Edinburgh Castle proudly overlooking the city. This is a unique experience you don’t want to miss.
Edinburgh is a delightful city and definitely worth a city trip. Especially in August during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it is a popular destination. So, book your trip and tour in advance!
Flights to Edinburgh: what does it cost?
If you want to book a city trip to Edinburgh, traveling to the destination from the Netherlands is very easy.
You can fly to Scottish Edinburgh from three Dutch airports:
- Via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Eindhoven Airport
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport
The flight duration is the same from all Dutch airports. You will be flying for approximately one and a half hours. The cost of a flight will depend on the chosen airline.
From Rotterdam and Eindhoven, you can fly with RyanAir. This is a budget airline, which means there are often very cheap flights available.
- Direct return flights with RyanAir will cost between €55 and €85. If you travel via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and want a direct flight, you can fly with EasyJet or KLM.
- Flights with EasyJet will average €100 for a return flight, while KLM is a bit more expensive. On average, a return flight to Edinburgh with KLM costs €160.
Traveling from Edinburgh airport to the city center
By tram to the city center
Once you arrive at Edinburgh Airport, you’ll naturally want to get to the city center as quickly as possible. Fortunately, this is very easy and quite affordable. You can take a tram from Edinburgh Airport to the city. The tram runs between six in the morning and one at night. The tram ride from the airport to the city center of Edinburgh takes just under half an hour. Ticket prices can vary throughout the year, but it will always average €7 for a single ride.
By taxi to the city center
You can also choose to take a taxi to the city center. Taxis do not have fixed rates but determine prices based on their taximeter. If you depart from the airport to the city center of Edinburgh, the ride will average between €25 and €30. In terms of time, it’s not much faster than taking the tram. You’ll still be on the road for about half an hour. If you’re traveling alone, have little luggage, and no one to share the cost with, consider taking the tram from the airport to the city.
Is Edinburgh a safe destination?
Edinburgh is a very safe destination, and you can travel here with peace of mind. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, you won’t quickly feel unsafe here. Edinburgh is also considered one of the safest cities in the United Kingdom.
There is little crime; the only thing you might encounter is pickpockets. These are active in busy places, just like in many large tourist cities. Think of the city center and public transport. However, this is no more or less than in any other major city, so don’t be afraid of it.
Be cautious with your belongings. If you carry a bag, make sure it’s always securely closed. Don’t keep your phone in your back pocket, and always store your camera safely.
In terms of traffic, it’s also a relatively calm city. You can easily walk or cycle here. The city is well-suited for walking and cycling tours. It’s a pleasant city with many walking and cycling paths.
How many days do you need for Edinburgh?
You can make your stay in Edinburgh as long or as short as you like. It really depends on what you want to see and do. If you only want to cover the main attractions, a three-day trip is sufficient.
If you have a bit more time and want to make sure you see all the city’s attractions, a five-day stay is recommended. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other. This way, you can cover many different Edinburgh highlights in one day.
Because you can see, do, experience, and enjoy a lot within three to five days, a city trip to Edinburgh is very feasible. The Scottish destination is therefore, alongside London, Manchester, and Glasgow, a popular city trip destination in the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh
1. What is the best way to travel to Edinburgh?
The best way to travel to Edinburgh is by plane. From the Netherlands, you can take a direct flight to Edinburgh from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven.
2. What does an average flight from the Netherlands to Edinburgh cost?
A return flight is always cheaper than a one-way ticket. The price depends on your choice of airport and airline. You can book a direct return flight from as low as €70. The price will not exceed €220.
3. What is Edinburgh known for?
Edinburgh is known for its many castles and hilly landscapes. It is an old historic city with many museums. The old ‘New Town’ and ‘Old Town’ are charming parts of the city to wander through endlessly.
4. Is Edinburgh an expensive destination?
Edinburgh is not necessarily an expensive destination, but it’s not a very cheap one either. Prices are comparable to those in the Netherlands. Public transport is slightly cheaper, and you can eat cheaply if you choose to dine in a pub.
5. Can you drink tap water in Edinburgh?
Yes, this is not a problem at all.
6. What currency do they use in Scotland? Can I pay with euros?
No, you cannot pay with euros in Scotland. The currency used in Scotland is the British pound.
7. Is Edinburgh a safe city for a city trip if I want to travel alone?
Yes, absolutely. Edinburgh is one of the safest cities in the United Kingdom and is perfectly suitable for solo travel.
8. Can I easily make friends in Edinburgh?
If you want to make local friends, it’s recommended to visit some pubs. Scots are generally very friendly people. See if there’s a pub quiz being organized and sign up. Join in and you’ll quickly make new friends.
9. What is the best time to visit Scotland?
This really depends on your personal preference. Each season has its charm and advantages. In summer, it’s a lively city because you can engage in many outdoor activities. Spring is fun because you can enjoy Easter activities, the start of the fishing season, and the official celebration of whiskey month. The city is also worth visiting in the colder months. If you want to plan a romantic city trip to Edinburgh, go in the autumn months. The leaves on the ground and a light breeze make the city just a bit more romantic. If you come in the winter months, try to visit in December. Edinburgh has one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, which is super fun to visit.
10. Is Loch Ness near Edinburgh?
No, Loch Ness is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive away. You can certainly set aside a day for it; who knows, you might spot the Loch Ness monster.