Find cheap flights to Edinburgh from $198

Edinburgh is a delightful city, steeped in history and full of interesting things to see and do. Nestled in the hills near Scotland’s coast, the capital city is densely packed with attractions. Because it’s such a desirable destination, if you want to visit during the summer months you should arrange your trip well in advance. Flights and rooms book up early and prices will be at their peak. During the winter months, you may have to deal with bone-chilling damp and daily high temperatures ranging from 43 – 44 degrees Fahrenheit, but the good news is that fewer tourists visit, so you can find good deals on accommodation and cheap flights to Edinburgh. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall could be a good compromise, with relatively warmer weather and a modicum of tourists. Plan your trip in the shoulder seasons and enjoy either the spring blossoms or the fall bloom of heather on the Scottish hillsides.

Most hotels are within a 10-minute walk from the city center and many of the attractions are located in the adjacent Old and New Town areas, so you’ll find Edinburgh easy to get around on foot. If your feet get tired, there is an efficient network of public transport at your disposal. Driving in the city can be tricky, with narrow, winding, hilly roads. Don’t forget to drive on the left. Here are your options for Edinburgh transportation.

Buses and Trams

Edinburgh’s bus network covers all parts of the city, with over 50 routes during the day, and 12 night bus routes. The buses and the single tram line’s ticketing is integrated, and an adult fare is £1.60 GBP per ride, or you can purchase an unlimited day pass for £4.00 GBP.

Taxis

Edinburgh’s taxis offer 2 distinct types of services; black cabs, and private taxis. Black cabs can be either hailed down on the street or at a taxi rank, while private taxis must be pre-booked. Fares vary depending on the time and day of the week.

Cycling

Edinburgh is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the UK with an extensive network of free cycle routes throughout the city. There are several shops renting bikes, but no bike-share program available to the public yet.

Citizens of the United States can visit Edinburgh for up to 6 months without a visa. However, you need to show your passport and travel documents to officers at the port of entry. For foreign nationals, please check the website.

Things to do and places of interest in Edinburgh

The city has so much to offer that you may find it difficult to choose how to spend your time, when you travel to Edinburgh. These attractions are worth a spot on your itinerary.

• Come to Edinburgh in August for festival season. The city is bursting with events for several weeks, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe Festival, the Comedy Festival, and more.
• Visit Edinburgh Castle; perched on top of Castle Rock, the iconic building is the top attraction in Scotland. The castle and its esplanade offer unmatched views of the city below. Inside, you can explore some of the oldest structures in the city, including St Margaret’s Chapel, the National War Memorial, and the Half Moon Battery.
• Take the children to the Edinburgh Zoo where they can see over 1,000 marvelous animals, including the UK’s only giant pandas.
• Art buffs will be thrilled to tour 3 of Scotland’s National Galleries here in Edinburgh: the National Gallery on the Mound, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, and the Gallery of Modern Art on Belford Road.
• Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen of England’s official residence in Scotland. She usually visits around the end of June to participate in various official engagements.
• Attend a performance in 1914-dated Usher Hall where countless concerts have delighted all kinds of audiences. Artists cherish the opportunity to perform here because of the venue’s amazing acoustics.

Tips and tricks for visiting Edinburgh

The weather in Edinburgh is highly variable, and may shift from sunny, to rainy, or calm to stormy several times each day. Always dress in layers and have rainproof gear with you when out and about.

Avoid annoying the Scots by NOT referring to their country as England! Scotland is not a part of England, but a separate nation that joined with England in a union in 1707 to form Great Britain.