Old Town
300 m from GrassmarketThe medieval heart of the city around the castle and the Royal Mile, with steep lanes and stone houses. Central and full of character, but busy and loud during the August festivals.
- Population
- ≈ 530,000
- Language
- English
- Currency
- Pound sterling (GBP)
- Time zone
- UTC+0
- Best time
- Jul – Aug
- Nearest airport
- EDI, 11 km
Start in the square: Grassmarket
Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR
The Grassmarket is a long, cobbled square below the south side of the castle, once the city's cattle and grain market. Tall old houses, pubs and small shops line it, and the castle rock rises steeply above. From the east end, climb the curving, colourful Victoria Street up to the Royal Mile.
Within a short walk
- Edinburgh CastleEdinburgh Castle, The Esplanade, Edinburgh EH1 2NG300 m
- Royal MileRoyal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1SR700 m
- St Giles' CathedralHigh Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE400 m
- National Museum of ScotlandChambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF400 m
- Scottish National GalleryBelford Road, Edinburgh EH2 2EL400 m
Where to stay in Edinburgh
New Town
1 km from GrassmarketElegant Georgian streets and squares north of Princes Street, with shops and restaurants on George Street. Central, calmer than the Old Town, and a short walk from everything.
Stockbridge
1.5 km from GrassmarketA village-like area north of the New Town by the Water of Leith, with independent shops, cafés and a Sunday market. Relaxed and pretty, about fifteen minutes on foot from Princes Street.
Leith
4 km from GrassmarketThe old port district, with restaurants along the water at The Shore and the Royal Yacht Britannia nearby. Good value, with a tram into the city centre.
Bruntsfield
1.4 km from GrassmarketVictorian streets on the south side, next to the open green spaces of the Meadows, with local shops and cafés. Quiet and residential, around twenty minutes on foot from the Old Town.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, The Esplanade, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
The fortress on top of an ancient volcano, home to the Scottish crown jewels and the oldest building in the city. Book a time slot online, and stay for the gun fired at one o'clock, except on Sundays.
Royal Mile
Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
The chain of old streets running downhill from the castle to Holyrood, lined with tall stone houses. Turn into the narrow closes on either side to find hidden courtyards and views.
St Giles' Cathedral
High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
The city's main church, on the Royal Mile, with a stone spire shaped like a crown. Look for the small, richly carved Thistle Chapel inside.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DX
The king's official home in Scotland, where the Royal Mile ends, with the rooms of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a ruined abbey. It closes when the royal family is staying, so check dates first.
Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat
Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 8HT
A wild park right next to the palace, with crags, lochs and the old volcano of Arthur's Seat. The walk to the top is steep but short, and the view takes in the whole city and the sea.
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
A free museum about Scotland and the wider world, from Pictish stones to Dolly the cloned sheep. Take the lift to the roof terrace for a view of the castle.
Scottish National Gallery
Belford Road, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
The national art collection, from Raphael and Rembrandt to Scottish painters, in a classical building on the Mound. Entry to the main galleries is free.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5BW
A small hill at the east end of Princes Street, crowned with monuments, including an unfinished copy of a Greek temple. The short climb is worth it at sunset.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH3 5QJ
A large garden north of the New Town with plants from around the world, a rock garden and wide lawns. The gardens are free to enter and make a calm escape from the centre.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
The royal family's ship for over forty years, now moored in Leith. You can walk through the state rooms, the crew's cabins and the engine room on a self-guided tour.
Getting there
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Ratho Station EH29 9ES
11 km from the city centre
Dundee Airport (DND)
Dundee City DD2 1UR
56 km from the city centre
Edinburgh Waverley railway station
Edinburgh EH1 1BB
Main railway station, 700 m from Grassmarket
When to go
Average daytime high and night-time low per month (2005–2024). Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
- 5°Jan
- 6°Feb
- 8°Mar
- 10°Apr
- 13°May
- 16°Jun
- 18°Jul
- 17°Aug
- 16°Sep
- 12°Oct
- 8°Nov
- 6°Dec
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 6 |
| Low °C | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 71 | 62 | 64 | 53 | 65 | 74 | 90 | 94 | 68 | 92 | 81 | 79 |
| Rain days | 16 | 14 | 15 | 11 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| Daylight h | 7.6 | 9.5 | 11.6 | 14.1 | 16.3 | 17.6 | 17 | 15.1 | 12.7 | 10.3 | 8.1 | 7 |
The year in Edinburgh
The biggest events that come back every year, starting with the next one.
30 December to 1 JanuaryHoliday
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Scotland's New Year celebration, with a torchlight procession, concerts and a street party under the castle with fireworks at midnight. The street party needs a ticket.
AprilCulture
Edinburgh Science Festival
Two weeks of talks, shows and hands-on workshops about science, with many events for children. Book family sessions early, as they fill up quickly.
MaySport
Edinburgh Marathon
A marathon weekend that starts in the city and runs mostly along the flat coast to the east. Roads close for the morning, and many runners book rooms months ahead.
JulyMusic
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
Ten days of jazz, blues and soul in clubs, concert halls and outdoor stages, including a street carnival with a parade. Many smaller concerts cost little or nothing.
AugustCulture
Edinburgh International Festival
Three weeks of classical music, opera, theatre and dance by top international performers, in the city's major concert halls and theatres. Tickets go on sale in spring.
AugustFestival
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The largest arts festival in the world, with thousands of comedy, theatre and music shows in every kind of venue. The city fills up, so book a room as early as you can.
AugustCulture
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Evening shows of pipes, drums and military bands on the castle esplanade, ending with fireworks. Seats sell out months ahead, and the stands are open to the weather.
Practical information
- Currency
- Pound sterling (GBP)
- 1 GBP = 1.2 EUR = 1.34 USD (ECB, 30 October 2026)
- Language
- English
- Plugs
- Type G, 230 V
- Emergency number
- 999, 112
- Time zone
- UTC+0 (summer UTC+1)
- Country calling code
- +44
- Traffic drives on the
- Left
Public holidays in the next 12 months
Shops and museums may close or keep Sunday hours on these days.
- Saint Andrew's Day30 Nov 2026
- Christmas Day25 Dec 2026
- Boxing Day28 Dec 2026
- New Year's Day1 Jan 2027
- 2 January2 Jan 2027
- Good Friday26 Mar 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday31 May 2027
- Summer Bank Holiday2 Aug 2027
Edinburgh FAQ
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Jul – Aug, when the average daytime high is between 17 and 18 °C.
Which airport is closest to Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Airport (EDI), about 11 km from the city centre.
What currency is used in Edinburgh?
The pound sterling (GBP).
What plugs are used in Edinburgh?
Type G, 230 V.
What are the biggest yearly events in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh's Hogmanay (30 December to 1 January), Edinburgh Science Festival (April), Edinburgh Marathon (May), Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (July), Edinburgh International Festival (August), Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August), Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August).
Nearby cities
All guides in United Kingdom →Scotland · 67 kmGlasgowPopulation ≈ 630,000
Scotland · 149 kmAberdeenPopulation ≈ 200,000
England · 148 kmNewcastle upon TynePopulation ≈ 300,000
Scotland · 59 kmDundeePopulation ≈ 150,000
Last updated 31 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.