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Edinburgh: Travel Guide

Discover the historic and vibrant soul of Edinburgh.

Summary

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General information

Welcome to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, where rich history blends seamlessly with a contemporary cultural scene. With its iconic castles, cobbled streets and warm atmosphere, Edinburgh is a destination that will captivate you from the first moment.

POPULATION

Edinburgh's population is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modernity. Around 500,000 people live in this cosmopolitan city, where the warm Scottish welcome is a notable feature.

CLIMATE

Edinburgh's climate is temperate oceanic, with cool summers and mild winters. Showers are frequent throughout the year, so it is recommended that you bring waterproof clothing on your visit.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP).

LANGUAGE

The official language is English.

A bit of history

Edinburgh's history is a breathtaking chronicle of battles, intellectual innovations and a rich culture that intertwine to create this city's unique character. Dating back to ancient times, early human settlements shaped the foundations of what was to become one of Scotland's most captivating destinations.

At the heart of Edinburgh's history stands Edinburgh Castle, a powerful symbol of the city. Built on the rocky ridge that dominates the old town, the castle has witnessed many historical events and conflicts over the centuries. From here, the panorama over the city offers a breathtaking view, while recalling the battles that forged Edinburgh's identity.

The Age of Scottish Enlightenment, in the 18th century, marked a major turning point in the intellectual history of the city. Enlightened minds such as David Hume, Adam Smith and James Hutton helped establish Edinburgh as a center for thought, learning and innovation. Edinburgh's universities, including the prestigious University of Edinburgh founded in 1582, played a vital role in this intellectual flourishing.

The Royal Mile, a series of medieval lanes stretching between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is the beating heart of the old town. These cobbled streets are filled with stories of merchants, writers, philosophers and legendary figures. Historic buildings lining the Royal Mile, with their elaborate facades and hidden courtyards, tell the story of generations past.

Another unmissable chapter in Edinburgh's history is the annual Fringe festival. Launched in 1947, this festival has attracted artists from around the world to celebrate the performing arts in all their diversity. This cultural celebration has helped boost Edinburgh's reputation as a cultural capital, attracting visitors eager for theatre, music, comedy and creativity.

As you meander through winding lanes, admire historic buildings and learn about the fascinating stories that have shaped the city, travelers are literally immersed in Edinburgh's living history. Every corner tells a story, every monument bears traces of the past, and every experience brings you closer to the soul of this iconic Scottish city.

edinburgh

What to visit in Edinburgh?

Get ready for an unforgettable Edinburgh experience! This section will guide you through a list of activities and attractions that will capture your heart and mind.

Edinburgh Castle

The Royal Mile

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Arthur's Seat

When to visit Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh is from May to September. Temperatures are milder, and the city comes alive with festivals and events. However, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable, so bring suitable clothing.

What to do around Edinburgh?

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh by exploring the treasures that lie outside the city as well. This section will reveal exciting getaways nearby.

Forthbridge

Pentland Hills

Roslin

Linlithgow Palace

Our selection of accommodation in Edinburgh

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Our selection of Restaurants in Edinburgh

Let your taste buds explore Edinburgh's diverse food scene. This section will highlight restaurants that will delight your senses.

The Witchery by the Castle

Timberyard

The Scran & Scallie

The Kitchin

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Unmissable events in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city brimming with cultural and festive events. Explore this section to discover the most captivating times of the year.

The Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival

A global arts festival celebrating theatre, dance and music.

The Hogmanay

The Hogmanay

Scotland's New Year celebration, with spectacular festivities and an electrifying atmosphere.

Transportation in Edinburgh

Buses and trams

Public transport is a popular option for navigating through Edinburgh. Buses and trams are efficiently managed by 'Transport for Edinburgh'. Bus lines serve the entire city and connect remote neighborhoods. Trams offer a convenient way to travel between the city center and Edinburgh Airport. Fares vary depending on the distance traveled and tickets are generally valid for both modes of transport.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Edinburgh and offer a convenient option for quicker travel or to reach specific destinations. Taxis are regulated and are usually black in color. You can hail them on the street or find them at designated taxi ranks.

Bike

For a more active experience, renting a bike is a great option. Edinburgh is a bike-friendly city, with dedicated cycle lanes and marked routes. Several self-service bicycle rental services are available, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.

The cost of living in Edinburgh

0
Average Salary in Edinburgh
Cost of living very expensive 75%

Find out how to manage your budget in Edinburgh, a dynamic metropolis where choices abound.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Edinburgh varies depending on the type of accommodation chosen, from luxury hotels to affordable hostels. On average, expect to spend between 50 and 200 euros per night.

Food

Meals in Edinburgh are generally affordable. A full meal in an average restaurant costs around 15 to 30 euros, while fast food options are even more economical.

Transportation

Public transport in Edinburgh is well priced. Bus and tram tickets cost around 1.50 to 2.50 euros. Taxis are slightly more expensive, with starting fares of around 3.50 euros.

Activities

The costs of entertainment activities vary. Museums and tourist attractions have moderate entrance fees, usually around 10 to 20 euros. Special events and festivals may have different rates.

Things not to miss in Edinburgh

Practical information

Edinburgh is a safe city for travellers, but it is always advisable to remain vigilant in areas frequented by tourists. Medical services are easily accessible, and emergency numbers are 999 for police, ambulance and fire. Electricity works at 230V, with type G sockets.

UK travel insurance

Travel insurance is particularly important if you plan to travel to the UK.

Although the country is relatively safe for tourists, it is always possible to encounter unforeseen situations such as health problems, lost or stolen luggage, or transport delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Cash Management

When traveling to the UK, it is important to consider bank charges in order to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest way and the one we recommend is to open an account Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

The latest articles from Edinburgh

Discover the 7 best places to take photos in Edinburgh in this expert documentary.

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit Edinburgh is from May to September. During these months, the temperatures are milder and many events and festivals animate the city. However, keep in mind that the weather can be changeable, so bring suitable clothing.

Stroll along the Royal Mile, explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, visit Holyrood Park and climb Arthur's Seat for panoramic views. The New Town district also offers elegant Georgian architecture to admire.

In Edinburgh, you can pay using credit or debit cards at most places, including restaurants, shops and attractions. Cash is also accepted.

Edinburgh offers a unique experience blending history, culture, magnificent architecture and a warm atmosphere. You can explore historic sites, enjoy renowned festivals and experience a diverse food scene.

To travel to Edinburgh, as a European Union national, you will need a valid identity card or passport.

Although the British Pound (GBP) is the official currency in Scotland, some tourist locations may accept payment in Euros, but it is best to have local currency for convenience.

The best season to visit Scotland is generally May to September, when the weather is milder and the days are longer. However, if you're prepared to brave cooler temperatures, winter can offer some scenic snowy landscapes.

It is common to tip around 10-15 % in restaurants, cafes and bars in Scotland if service is not included in the bill. In hotels, leaving a few books for the housekeeping staff is also appreciated.

As with many regions, Scotland experiences seasonal variations in day length. In winter the days are shorter and the nights are longer, while in summer the days are longer.

Tours in Scotland vary depending on your interests. You could explore Edinburgh, the Highlands, the Loch Ness region and the Scottish Islands. A popular tour often includes visits to castles, natural landscapes and picturesque villages.

In Scotland, Scots often say "Aye" to say yes informally. However, “Yes” is also commonly used.

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