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Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline seen across rooftops
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United Kingdom

Edinburgh

A castle above a medieval old town

Last reviewed: 3 September 2026

Recommended stay
2–4 days
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn
Airports
EDI
Photo by Ziyao Xiong · Unsplash

Edinburgh at a glance

Edinburgh combines a medieval Old Town, a Georgian New Town, volcanic hills, major museums and distinct waterfront neighbourhoods in a compact but steep capital. The castle and Royal Mile form the historic core, while Holyrood, Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, Dean Village and Leith work best as grouped walking routes.

Quick information

Recommended stay2–4 days
Best time to visitLate spring to early autumn
AirportsEDI
Budget travelAccommodation changes sharply during major events, while castle and palace visits add to costs. Check prices shortly before your trip.

Longer daylight helps with hills and neighbourhood walks, though wind and rain are possible in any season. Wet days suit museums, castle interiors, galleries, cafés and shorter Old Town routes.

Plan your visit

Airport to centre

Edinburgh Tram

Tram from the airport to the city centre, with stops that include Haymarket and St Andrew Square

Standard public-transport fareTransport

Must-see sights

Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile
Arthur's Seat
Sights

One-day itinerary

  1. Morning: Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile from the castle to Holyrood.
  2. Lunch: Haggis, neeps and tatties at a Royal Mile pub or café.
  3. Afternoon: Holyrood Palace exterior and Arthur Seat — the short ascent for panoramic views.
  4. Evening: Dinner in the Grassmarket or Cowgate area.
Itineraries

Best areas to stay

  1. Old Town

    Close to the castle and Royal Mile, but steep, busy and potentially noisy, with cobbles that complicate luggage.

    Best for

    First visits and medieval atmosphere

  2. New Town

    An elegant central grid with easier walking, restaurants and useful links to the Old Town and airport.

    Best for

    Georgian streets, shops and transport

  3. Leith

    A distinct port district with restaurants and cultural venues, connected to the centre by tram and bus.

    Best for

    Waterfront dining and neighbourhood life

  4. Stockbridge

    A relaxed neighbourhood near the Water of Leith, convenient for Dean Village and visitors happy to walk or use buses.

    Best for

    Calmer cafés and local streets

Approximate budget

  • Budget

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Simple accommodation, bakeries or supermarkets, buses and free viewpoints; excludes travel to Edinburgh.

  • Mid-range

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Comfortable room, pub and restaurant meals, public transport and selected paid sights.

  • Comfort

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Central higher-end accommodation, frequent dining, taxis and several reserved attractions.

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