Skip to main content

EuropeChevron

United KingdomChevron

ScotlandChevron

EdinburghChevron

Edinburgh Main Image Beauty Image CityScape
Getty

Edinburgh Travel Guide

There used to be a down season in Edinburgh, when Scotland's capital city—with its beautiful Gothic buildings, cobblestoned Royal Mile, and 12th-century castle keeping watch on a hilltop—caught a slight breather from tourists. But no longer. The crowds keep coming, all year long, because they've caught onto why this city generally is the first stop on a trip to Scotland. Edinburgh is most famous for its wild arts and performance festival, which takes place every year for the full month of August—when the days are longer, and the weather warmer. But the Scottish capital is a romantic spot for a winter-city break, too. With a buzzing dining scene, not to mention an expanded emphasis on drinks beyond suds and whisky, this is a city that artfully balances the (very) old with the new. Dive into our guide to find out why this might be Europe's hottest capital right now.

Plan Your Edinburgh Trip

My Favorite Airbnb in Edinburgh: A Minimalist Haven in Old Town
The architect-designed one-bedroom brings Japanese and Scandinavian design styles to Edinburgh's city center.
A Brief History of Scotland's Love Affair With Candy
Turns out, sugar is something of a national obsession.
14 Best Hotels in Edinburgh
Book a room with a side of history.

Editor Hotel Recommendations

View All Edinburgh hotels

The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

  • 11 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
    This is one city that artfully balances the (very) old with the new.
  • 3 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh
    Where to eat, drink, stay—and what to do—in Dundee, Glasgow, and Perthshire.
  • 10 Best Castles in Edinburgh
    Whether you want to spend the night at a historic castle, or just visit for the day, you'll have plenty of options in Edinburgh.
  • 10 Best Museums in Edinburgh
    From temples to medicinal history to contemporary art galleries and alleyways submerged beneath the surface of the city, here’s our guide to the best museums in Edinburgh.
  • 10 Best Places for Shopping in Edinburgh
    Scandi-inspired concept shops, high-end department stores, quirky vintage suppliers—this city has it all.

Editor Recommendations

Sam Heughan on His ‘Men in Kilts’ Road Trip Through Scotland
The actor and his ‘Outlander’ co-star Graham McTavish star in a new travel show on Starz.

The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Edinburgh

  • 20 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh
    The city may attract its share of culture vultures, but now the culinary scene is raising its profile among a whole new class of traveler.
  • 16 Best Bars & Pubs in Edinburgh
    Even in a city of pubs, there's something for everyone. Read on for Edinburgh's best whisky, wine, gin, and beer bars to sample the best the Scottish capital has on tap.
  • 10 Best Coffee Shops in Edinburgh
    In this city, a good cup of joe is more than a morning ritual.
  • 10 Foods You Must Try in Scotland
    Although the reputation of Scottish cuisine is somewhat bruised by dated clichés and the locals’ unflagging appetite for fried food, the country’s produce—particularly the seafood, shellfish, and beef—is often outstanding. With this year dubbed Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, here are some tips for enjoying quality fresh foods, as well as a few traditional sweet favorites.

Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations

  • Söderberg Bakery Shop Broughton Street
    This Swedish-inspired coffee shop has all sorts of fresh-baked staples of the Scandinavian ilk, including sweet buns and sourdough breads.
  • Thomas J. Walls Coffee
    This sizable, sophisticated cafe was once an opticians' office, so be on the lookout for its logo: a monocle.
  • Café Portrait
    Painted and photographed portraits adorn the walls at this cafe inside the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, as if to suggest that you're in good company.
  • Brew Lab
    Scotland, Edinburgh, 6-8 College St.
    At the bar here, you can see serious coffee-making in action and peruse a menu that looks like a periodic table.
  • Fortitude Coffee
    Opened in 2014, this small but mighty coffee shop turns house-roasted beans into a range of espresso and filtered drinks.
  • Twelve Triangles
    While well-suited for a caffeine fix, it’s the front window, full of freshly baked loaves and pastries, that makes this place so special.
  • Artisan Roast
    In the swanky Stockbridge neighborhood of New Town, this caffeine haunt, with homemade treats and perfect drinks, is a beauty.
  • Harajuku Kitchen
    $$
    This Japanese bistro has magic in the air and food that it could have been teleported in from Tokyo.
  • Archipelago Bakery
    $
    This cozy neighborhood bakery is rich with the scent of fresh bread, fresh coffee, and brownies straight out of the oven.
  • Smith & Gertrude
    $$
    Vinyl records play, servers swoosh over the reclaimed gym floor, and cheese whizzes out on little plates at this cozy neighborhood wine bar.
  • Civerinos Slice
    $
    From the jolly striped awning out front, to the eye-popping primary colors inside, this place oozes joy and fun—and has the best pizza in Edinburgh.
Tasting Some of the Best Scotch in Scotland | Eat. Stay. Love.
Presented by Bon Appétit with Edward Jones In this episode of Eat. Stay. Love., our host Jamie McDonald visits the Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland to talk with Operations Manager Ignacio Sans about what makes this hotel unique in a city known for being different. He also meets with General Manager Tom Gibson for a Scotch tasting.

More from Edinburgh

Style & Culture
Kilt Shopping in Edinburgh With a Tartan Butler
A nominal connection to Scotland sent me on a whirlwind quest to acquire a kilt, the ultimate Scottish sartorial flex.
Edinburgh
32 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh, from Michelin Stars to Sandwich Shops
The city punches well above its weight.
Inspiration
A Local’s Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland
Creative director Caoilfhionn Maguire on where to find community and emerging artists in Edinburgh. 
Places to Stay
Stay Aboard Fingal, a Floating Hotel, on Your Next Trip to Edinburgh
It's parked nearby in Leith next to the Royal Yacht.
News & Advice
Flight Deal: U.S. to Scotland for $189 on Wow Air
Wow Air is opening up new flights from the U.S. to Edinburgh at a once-in-a-lifetime price.
Places to Stay
Edinburgh Gets a Boost of Luxury with New Rosewood Hotel
A luxury Rosewood Hotel will open in the former Royal High School on the city's Calton Hill.
Shopping
San Francisco Gets Free Wi-Fi: Check Out These 9 Other Connected Cities
More and more cities are offering free Wi-Fi to visitors, including Osaka, New York, Barcelona, and Edinburgh.

More Destinations