Capital · United Kingdom
EdinburghDùn Èideann
Give Edinburgh 3 nights: Old Town and Castle one day, Arthur's Seat and Leith the next, a day trip on the third. Book August beds by March.
Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, built on volcanic crags with a medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town facing each other across Princes Street Gardens. Most of the centre is walkable, the Castle and Royal Mile anchor the sightseeing, and August doubles the population for the festivals. Three nights covers the city; add nights for the Highlands or Fife.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Aug (festival crowds and peak prices), late Dec (Hogmanay prices)
- Airport
- EDI
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Edinburgh999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Edinburgh, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyEdinburgh is a safe city by day and night in the centre.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEDI Edinburgh Airport (Tram or Airlink 100 bus to the centre, 20–40 min).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: Castle to Holyrood is about 1.6 km (1 mi) down the Royal Mile.The centre is walkable: Castle to Holyrood is about 1 mi (1.6 km) down the Royal Mile.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- BeerPint of beer£5–7 (≈ US$7–10)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)3 km (1.9 mi) taxi1.9 mi (3 km) taxiHigher after midnight.£8–12 (≈ US$11–16)
- Metro or bus rideLothian bus single£2 (≈ US$3) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Museum or sight ticketCastle or palace entry£15–22 (≈ US$20–30) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble or twin room, a night, per room£160 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedDouble or twin room, a night, per room£350 (≈ US$500)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £110 (≈ US$150) · High £220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EDI Edinburgh Airport (Tram or Airlink 100 bus to the centre, 20–40 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Care
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid*
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jul, Sep. Mixed: Aug. Avoid: Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Apr (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Edinburgh: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: Castle to Holyrood is about 1.6 km down the Royal Mile. Lothian Buses and the tram cover the rest; contactless tap or buy a day ticket. Taxis and the tram run late, but last buses thin out after midnight.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges
goDoor to door: About 45 min
ScotRail from Waverley to Dalmeny, about 20 min, then a 10-min walk downhill
Walk the waterfront under the Forth Bridge; boats to Inchcolm run in season (check).
North Berwick
goDoor to door: About 1 h
ScotRail from Waverley, about 35 min
Beach, seabird centre and a boat to Bass Rock in summer (check).
Dunbar
goDoor to door: About 50 min
ScotRail from Waverley, about 25 min
Harbour, castle ruins and coastal walks; easy half-day.
Livingston
skipDoor to door: About 50 min
ScotRail from Waverley to Livingston North, about 25 min
Shopping and the Almond Valley heritage centre; only if you need retail.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
ScotRail from Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street, about 50 min, every 15–30 min
A full day of museums and food; last trains back run late (check).
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old Town
Royal Mile and Castle on the doorstep; noisiest and priciest, book early.
New Town
Georgian grid, Princes Street shops and Waverley station within a 10-min walk; quieter nights.
Leith
Former port with the Royal Yacht Britannia; 20–25 min by tram or bus to the centre, cheaper beds.
South (Southside and Newington)
Student quarter near the Meadows and university; good-value rooms, 15–20 min walk to the Royal Mile.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £55–85 (≈ US$75–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- £90–150 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
- High
- £180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double or twin room1 × 3 nights × £160 | £480 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × £110 | £660 |
| Airlink 100 or tram, airport to centre, one way2 × £7 · check | £14 |
| Lothian day ticket, buses and tram2 × £6 · check | £11 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £119 |
| Trip total≈ £217 per person per day, bed included | £1,304≈ US$1,800 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main (fish and chips, pie) | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Pint of beer | £5–7 (≈ US$7–10) |
| 3 km taxiHigher after midnight. | £8–12 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Lothian bus single | £2 (≈ US$3) (check) |
| Castle or palace entry | £15–22 (≈ US$20–30) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- August and Hogmanay sell out months ahead: book beds and trains early.
- The Royal Mile has tartan-shop and 'free' tour touts; agree the price before you commit.
- Rain and wind arrive any month: bring a waterproof, not an umbrella.
- Arthur's Seat paths are steep and slippery when wet; wear grip shoes.
- Some Old Town pubs and clubs add late-night entry charges: ask first.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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EdinburghDùn Èideann
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
The US has a consulate in Edinburgh (check the address); most other countries: consulates in Edinburgh or embassies in London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- EDI → city centre, Airlink 100: £6 (≈ US$8) single, £8.50 (≈ US$12) open return, 20–30 min (check)
- EDI → city centre, tram: £7.90 (≈ US$11) single, 40 min (check)
- Taxi Waverley → Leith: £15–20 (≈ US$20–30)
Say or show
- Ta — Thank you (tah)
- Cheers — Cheers / goodbye (cheers)
- How much is that? — How much is it? (how much is that)
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card? (card oh-kay)
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet? (wheres the loo)
- Sorry — Excuse me (sor-ry)
999 and 112 both work; 111 for NHS advice.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Edinburgh. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Aug (festival crowds and peak prices), late Dec (Hogmanay prices) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for EDI: tram and Airlink last departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Royal Mile and Castle, New Town and Calton Hill, Southside and the Meadows, Leith and the waterfront.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Castle, Holyrood, National Museum, Britannia) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival and Hogmanay fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialForever Edinburgh — official city guide
- officialEdinburgh Airport
- officialLothian Buses — Airlink
- officialEdinburgh Trams
- officialNational Rail — Edinburgh Waverley
- officialVisitScotland
- secondaryWikivoyage: Edinburgh, revision 5339250 (CC BY-SA 4.0)