When it comes to UK city breaks, Edinburgh takes some beating. With its castle, palace, zoo, gardens and vaults, plus museums, galleries and theatres galore, it’s probably easier to list the attractions it hasn’t got. Perfect for lovers of art, literature and history, Scotland’s capital has more culture than you can shake a haggis at - yet it’s still just the size of a town, making it a breeze to get around. Wandering through parks or the quirky, cobbled streets is free, leaving you with money to spare to spend in the shops, on a cocktail or a fabulous meal at one of its four Michelin-starred restaurants. And whatever part of town you end up in after your big day (or night) on the town, there’ll be a friendly team waiting to welcome you back to one of our Edinburgh hotels.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Attractions
Covering history, politics and the natural world, Edinburgh’s sightseeing options are varied and exciting. Whether you want to eye the architecture, enjoy the view from Arthur’s Seat or scare yourself silly at the Edinburgh Dungeon, the city has some world-class attractions.
Shopping
From local handicrafts to Louis Vuitton handbags, you’ll find it all in Edinburgh. Forget souvenir shortbread. Win extra friend points by taking them home a hipster kilt or a one-of-a-kind gift from a street market. Shopping for yourself? Go for broke in one of the city’s upscale boutiques.
Activities
From whizzing down ski slopes to horse riding through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, Edinburgh is perfect if you love the outdoors. Add in walking tours and cycling trails and you’ll never be bored. Weather a bit drizzly? Zip up your anorak and head to top indoor attractions.
Nightlife
Fancy a night on the town? You’re in luck, because Edinburgh loves to party. Among traditional inns you’ll find plenty of craft beer breweries and cocktail bars. And the clubbing scene is legendary - if you know where to look. Many clubs are hidden behind some very innocent-looking doorways.
Places to eat
With not one, but four Michelin-starred restaurants and pretty much every global cuisine represented, Edinburgh is Scotland’s foodie capital. But if you’ve not got a king-sized budget, it’s good to know that you can still eat like a king in this city - just head to a farmers’ market for some street food.
Culture
Spectacular architecture, its own dormant volcano and more history than one city really needs, Scotland’s capital has enough culture to fill ten cities. In fact, Edinburgh has so many museums, galleries and exhibitions vying for your attention, it would be impossible to do them all in one city break!
Entertainment
From winter fireworks to a certain event in August, Edinburgh does entertainment well. Even if you’re not in town for Hogmanay or the Fringe, the city’s concert halls and theatres are some of the best in the UK. If sport is more your thing, then Murrayfield Stadium has that covered, too.
Getting Around
Edinburgh is great to walk around, but if you need to go further afield you’ll find that trams and buses are easy to navigate and reasonably priced, too. Paying a flying visit to the city? Our guide will show you the best airport transfers to get your from the terminal to your Edinburgh Hotel.