Edinburgh is a city of stunning dramatic vistas and deep-rooted history. From the medieval maze of the Old Town to the orderly elegance of the New Town, Edinburgh feels like a living museum.
Getting Around
Edinburgh is a compact city, but its geography is defined by steep hills and historic stone steps.
Tap and Go
There is no need to buy paper tickets. All Lothian buses and trams accept contactless “tap-to-pay” with your credit card or phone.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The transition between the Old and New Towns involves many stairs and steep slopes. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction, especially if it’s raining.
- NOTE: You must activate mobile tickets in the Bus & Tram app just before boarding to show the live animation to the conductor.
- Use Uber for the most reliable vehicle availability and diverse car options, Bolt for typically lower fares and frequent discounts, and Gett to book professional black cabs that can use bus lanes to bypass Edinburgh’s city-center traffic.
Where to Stay
Stay in the Old Town if you want to be in the middle of the historic action, just steps from the Royal Mile. For a more sophisticated experience with great shopping and dining, the New Town is an excellent choice.
The August Rush
If traveling in August, book your hotel 6–9 months in advance. The Edinburgh Festival causes prices to triple and availability to disappear almost instantly across the entire city.
Find a place in Old Town
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Things to Do
Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
Dominated by the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile is the historic spine of the city. Walk from the castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, stopping at various “closes” (narrow alleys) along the way.
Book the Castle Early
Edinburgh Castle is the most popular site in Scotland. Tickets are strictly timed and sell out daily; book your slot online at least two weeks before you leave home.
Hike Arthur’s Seat
For the best views of the city, hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park. It’s a relatively easy climb that rewards you with panoramic vistas of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
Prepare for Four Seasons
Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, carry a light waterproof jacket. You can experience all four seasons in a single hour.
Explore activities in Edinburgh
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Money & Shops
Edinburgh is effectively cashless in 2026. You can pay for everything from a 10p carrier bag to a high-end dinner with a tap of your phone. However, smaller independent boutiques and some market stalls still occasionally refuse American Express due to high fees; always have a Visa or Mastercard backup.
Choose GBP on ATMs
When a card terminal asks if you want to pay in your “Home Currency” or “Local Currency (GBP),” always choose GBP. The “Home Currency” option uses a predatory exchange rate that acts as a hidden 5-8% fee.
For groceries, Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, and M&S Foodhall are the primary chains and are 100% credit-card friendly. Be aware that while Scotland has more relaxed Sunday trading laws than England, many city-center shops still operate on reduced hours, typically 11:00–17:00.
Pit Stops
Public toilets are increasingly rare on the streets. Your best bet for clean, free facilities is the St James Quarter shopping mall or the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. Most “public” toilets in parks now require a contactless tap for a small fee, so don’t count on them being free.
Top Up From The Tap
Scottish tap water is world-class. Look for the bright blue “Top up from the tap” refill points at the Grassmarket and outside the Scottish Parliament to refill your water bottle for free.
While there is no free public transit, the city’s major galleries and the National Museum are free to enter, providing excellent (and warm) places to rest between walks.
Local Ways
Edinburgh locals are generally friendly but value efficiency. When using the bus, it is a local custom to say “Cheers” or “Thanks” to the driver as you exit. Also, the city’s name is pronounced “Ed-in-bruh”—calling it “Ed-in-burg” is the fastest way to mark yourself as a tourist.
The Service Charge
In 2026, a “discretionary” service charge of 10% to 12.5% is automatically added to most restaurant bills. You are not expected to tip on top of this. If the service was poor, you can legally ask to have it removed.
Lunch is usually 12:00–14:00 and dinner 18:00–21:00. During the summer months, walking into a restaurant without a reservation is nearly impossible. Use apps like Resy or OpenTable to snag spots at least 48 hours in advance.
Health & Help
In the UK, a Pharmacy (marked by a green cross) is where you get medication, while a Drugstore (like Superdrug) is for toiletries. For both, Boots is the primary chain. The Boots on Princes Street is the largest in the city center and typically has the longest opening hours for pharmacy services.
If you have a minor injury or illness that isn’t a 999 emergency, call 111 first. They can book you into a specific time slot at a local Minor Injuries Unit, saving you hours of waiting in an A&E (Emergency Room) lobby.
Emergency phone number
In the event of an emergency in the UK, dial 999. For non-emergency medical concerns, dial 111, and for non-emergency police matters, dial 101.
Safety & Accessibility
Edinburgh is very safe, but the Royal Mile and Princes Street are prime territory for professional pickpockets during the August festivals and the December Christmas markets. Keep your bags zipped and in front of you in dense crowds.
The city is a significant challenge for those with limited mobility due to the “closes” (steep, narrow alleys) and ancient, uneven cobblestones. The Old Town is particularly difficult to navigate without a planned route.
Accessibility Resources
Use these resources to plan your visit:
- Euan’s Guide: An Edinburgh-based site featuring disabled access reviews from locals and visitors.
- AccessAble: Provides highly detailed “Access Guides” for specific venues and shops across the city.
- Lothian Buses: Their app identifies low-floor, wheelchair-accessible buses in real-time.