Edinburgh Travel Guides

Edinburgh spotlight

An Edinburgh city guide – visible history, striking surrounds and world-famous festivals

There’s a reason why Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in the UK. In fact, there are several. Whether you want history, intrigue, festivals or good food, this Scottish city delivers it all in abundance. It’s also one of the most striking settings in Europe, with the dramatic castle, twisting cobbled streets and looming 300 year old tenements. Into this vibrant mix Edinburgh adds the world-famous Fringe festival every summer, and the notorious Hogmanay to chase in the New Year. Come and be amazed.

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Top 10 family things to do in Edinburgh

From underground alleyways to bendy mirrors, historic Edinburgh has a world of entertainment for all ages. Book an Edinburgh hotel to experience the city with this guide to the top 10 family things to do in Edinburgh.

An Edinburgh travel guide – funky festivals, winding medieval alleyways and graceful Georgian architecture

Your Edinburgh city break might be for the world-famous festival, but book an Edinburgh hotel any time of year and discover what makes the dynamic Scottish capital tick.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Edinburgh

Edinburgh takes on a different character at night, with landmarks illuminated prettily under the stars. Pubs and clubs glow too, thronging with locals and tourists alike. Live performance is a key element of any Edinburgh night out, whether you opt for a classical show, stand-up comedy, or local bands in small pubs.

Family Friendly Attractions in Edinburgh

From tripping the light fantastic to the age-old art of storytelling, Edinburgh has a plethora of activities for families and children. It’s a magical city, where you can wend a treasure trail through cobbled streets, or visit the serene habitat of giant pandas. Kids of all ages will never have time to feel bored.

Arts and Culture in Edinburgh

A capital of culture, Edinburgh charms and thrills with an eclectic mix of art, performance, and history. Whether you're throwing yourself into the Hogmanay parties of New Year's Eve, catching the cutting-edge shows of the Edinburgh Festival, or simply wandering the old streets, it makes for a most memorable city break.

Where to shop in Edinburgh – where to go and what to buy

While Edinburgh is probably seen as the ideal place to collect a kilt or barter for bagpipes, there is so much more to the city’s shopping scene than traditional Scottish garb. Edinburgh now has a subtle – and growing – undercurrent of luxury brands, with style-conscious Multrees Walk leading the way.  Tourist tat is also a thing of the past if you avoid the Royal Mile gift shops; head instead to Princes Street for high-street finds or Stockbridge for independent gems.

Where to stay in Edinburgh – a neighborhood guide

You’re never far from a sense of history when staying in Edinburgh - whether you opt for a classic Georgian hotel with views of the castle, or a friendly guesthouse on the outskirts of Leith. The city center is fairly compact and easy to explore, with a startling contrast between the medieval Old Town and the cosmopolitan New Town. Choose an independent hotel for the best service and local knowledge while staying in Edinburgh.

Where-to-shop-in-Edinburgh-where-to-go-and-what-to-buy

While Edinburgh is probably seen as the ideal place to collect a kilt or barter for bagpipes, there is so much more to the city’s shopping scene than traditional Scottish garb. Edinburgh now has a subtle – and growing – undercurrent of luxury brands, with style-conscious Multrees Walk leading the way.  Tourist tat is also a thing of the past if you avoid the Royal Mile gift shops; head instead to Princes Street for high-street finds or Stockbridge for independent gems.

What to see and do in Edinburgh – a guide to notable attractions and landmarks

Crammed with history and intriguing secrets, Edinburgh and its surrounds are a hilly playground for anyone interested in a dark past, royal regalia or a brisk country walk. From the heights of Edinburgh Castle to the hand-carved depths of Gilmerton Cove, the city satisfies or scares at every turn. Just don’t forget to immerse yourself properly with a good dram of the fiery stuff.

Winter holidays in Edinburgh

Winter holidays in Edinburgh are sparkling affairs. Christmas lights dazzle, ice-skaters swirl and fireworks light up the sky. Long evenings are warmed though with malt whisky in cosy bars, where locals relax in front of a roaring fire. Book a winter hotel in Edinburgh to celebrate the season in style.

Top 10 historic things to do in Edinburgh

From medieval gallows to a floating royal holiday home, follow this inspirational guide to Edinburgh’s Top 10 historic things to do to see the city in a different light.

An Edinburgh Castle travel guide – heraldry and history in Edinburgh’s most striking building

Standing sentry over the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle is the city’s ancient heart. Edinburgh Castle holidays mean more than just dry history in Scotland’s most elegant city. With hotels near Edinburgh Castle strung along the Royal Mile, it is the perfect place to stay in Edinburgh.

Summer holidays in Edinburgh

Over a million arts fans opt for a summer break in Edinburgh during the festival season, but there’s much more besides. Book an Edinburgh hotel for summer sunshine and long evenings, alfresco dining and colourful blooms.

Short breaks in Edinburgh – two days of medieval lanes, hill-top views and quirky shopping

Edinburgh is a compact city, so you can squeeze a lot into a short break in Edinburgh. Book an Edinburgh hotel and explore Scotland’s multi-faceted capital in its medieval, Georgian and dockside quarters.

Top 10 hotels in Edinburgh

Improve your golf, sink into an infinity pool or enjoy a family sightseeing trip – this guide to the top 10 hotels in Edinburgh will help make the most of your trip.

Top 10 castles and palaces in the world

Whether you want to stay in a Quebec palace or act out fairytale fantasies in the Bavarian Alps, read this guide to the top 10 castles and palaces in the world before booking your next hotel.

Where to stay in Edinburgh - a travel guide to Edinburgh's neighbourhoods

In Edinburgh, hotels cluster mainly around the UNESCO-listed city centre, so it’s easy to get around. Use this helpful guide to decide where to stay in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Travel Tips

The festival city, the Scottish capital, and the world’s first City of Literature, Edinburgh wears many guises. The city is still dominated by independent businesses, and navigating its cobbled streets and vertiginous staircases is enough to get a sense of its unique identity, literally built upon layers of history. Every stone exudes history and legends, while the call of nature is never far away.

An Edinburgh Festivals travel guide – August is festivals month in the Athens of the north

Edinburgh in August transforms itself from prim Scottish capital to artistic throng. Festival fever doesn’t let up until the International Festival’s final firework fizzles out in early September. With six major festivals competing for attention, Edinburgh Festivals holidays require quality Edinburgh Festivals hotels for some dedicated sleeping time.

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