edinburgh tourist board

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? In Introducingedinburgh.com you’ll find all the necessary and up to date information on the best places to visit in the city, where to stay or the top neighbourhoods to go out for dinner and a night out , among a lot more interesting facts and figures. 

Edinburgh Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Edinburgh
• Getting around Edinburgh
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• 2-Day Edinburgh Itinerary

Why visit Edinburgh?

Scotland’s capital is one of the most unique and memorable cities in Europe . Edinburgh has a rare charm with narrow and cobbled passageways , called closes in Scots . The town is also known for its dark corners where terrifying events have taken place , its majestic buildings and gardens , countless fascinating museums , which are free to visit,  and, especially, the city's  kind and open locals . All the above-mentioned make this city a favorite among those who have seen it.

Edinburgh is fondly known as “Auld Reekie,”  which means “Old Smokey” in Scots. This is because of all the smoke and chimneys the city had in the past, creating smog over the city. The weather in Edinburgh is normally rainy and windy , but far from being an inconvenience, the bitter weather gives the town an extra charm, creating a mysterious and somber atmosphere.

The capital has a unique radiance when the rays of sun stream through the clouds, and when the night falls, the ghosts that refuse to leave Edinburgh  come out to haunt the streets and buildings while guides accompany curious tourists to see crypts, alleyways, and graveyards to discover the mysteries that besiege the heart of the city.

As well as countless ghost stories, Edinburgh also offers its visitors and locals a wide variety of attractions, including museums , most of which are free. Tourists can also visit a whisky distillery and learn how Scotland’s national drink is made in   the   Scotch Whisky Experience ,  discover how the Scottish people lived during the Middle Ages in the People’s Story Museum , or explore the evolution of medicine in the Surgeon’s Hall Museums .

The country’s hearty dishes combined with the traditional Scottish breakfast will probably mean you’ll go home a few pounds heavier but happy and full of extremely fond memories of the city.

With our guide, you’ll discover why Edinburgh is the second most visited city in the UK after London . Every year, over two million tourists visit Scotland’s capital city.

Need accommodation?

If you still don’t have a hotel, hostel, or apartment booked, we recommend checking out the link below, where you’ll find all types of accommodation with the best rates guaranteed. If you book in advance, you’ll be able to get up to 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

• Hotels in Edinburgh – Book online for the best rates guaranteed.

top activities

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Highlands & Glencoe Day Trip Travel from Edinburgh to Loch Ness on this tour of some of the  Scottish Highlands ' most stunning attractions - an unforgettable day trip at the best price!

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour Edinburgh Castle is the most visited monument in Scotland ; an unmissable sight in the Scottish capital. Don't miss this Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour!

Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour Embark on a haunting journey into Edinburgh's eerie depths . Uncover the secrets within the haunted underground vaults and Greyfriars Kirkyard by night !

Edinburgh Free Tour Discover Edinburgh's Old Town with this free walking tour of one of Scotland's most beloved cities. This tour is perfect for any first-visitors to Edinburgh!

Dinner and Traditional Scottish Show Looking for fun things to do in Edinburgh ? Spend a unique evening with this Scottish folk dinner and concert , complete with lively music and local dishes.

Forth Boat Tour Make the most of your time in Edinburgh admiring one of the most emblematic feats of civil engineering on this boat tour of three Forth bridges .

Holyrood Palace Tickets Coronations, weddings, betrayal, assassination... discover the secrets of Holyrood Palace: the official residence of the queen of England and Scotland .

Edinburgh Outlander Tour Imposing castles, palaces and mythical mansions ... Discover a new side of Scotland by exploring the filming locations of the legendary TV series  Outlander .

Day Trip: Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Get a slice of Highland life on this day trip to western Scotland, witht scenic lochs, the old capital of Stirling, and the Trossachs: land of William Wallace.

Holy Island & Alnwick Castle Day Trip Discover the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria: explore the ruined castles, quaint villages and wild coastline of North-East England on this tour from Edinburgh.

West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles Day Trip This day trip lets you enjoy a taste of all things Scottish , as we take you on a fascinating journey through the Highlands. Lochs, castles and mountains await.

Royal Edinburgh Ticket Book this Royal Edinburgh Ticket and enjoy the best of the Scottish capital city for 48 hours. Visit the Castle, the Royal Yacht and the Palace .

Get lost in the lively Scottish nightlife with this route across five of the capital's best pubs . Pints of beer, live music... let's get this party started!

Ghost Tour of Edinburgh The Scottish capital is famously haunted and there have been countless sightings of phantoms. Are you brave enough to take our ghost tour of Edinburgh ?

Edinburgh Food Tour On this Edinburgh Food Tour, you'll explore the Scottish capital through its gastronomy. You'll try traditional dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties!

Rosslyn Chapel and the Borders Day Trip On this trip, you'll explore the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel and the border town of Melrose & its Abbey , plus a tour of a malt whisky distillery .

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & The Kelpies Explore the Scottish Highlands on this day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies! You'll discover history and nature!

Scottish Highlands Tour Explore the Scottish Highlands on this excursion from Edinburgh and discover natural landscapes, a whisky distillery and historical monuments!

Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands: 2 Day Tour Delve deep into the delights of Scotland. Discover spectacular mountains, rivers and lochs as you immerse yourself in the legendary history of the Highlands.

St. Andrews & Fife's Fishing Villages Day Trip Make the most of your stay in Edinburgh with this St. Andrews & Fife's Fishing Villages Day Trip. Explore the famous golfing town and quaint coastal towns.

3-Day Tour of Skye and the Highlands See the very north of Scotland , where the winds whip the wild edge of the United Kingdom. We'll see highlands highlights such as Loch Ness, Ben Nevis  and more.

Blackness Castle & Forth Bridges Cruise Enjoy a cruise to the three famous Forth bridges and the historic Blackness Castle on this  boat tour on the Firth of Forth .

Whisky Distillery Tour Discover the secrets of Scotch whisky on this  tour of the Dewar's and Glenturret distilleries from Edinburgh ​. The ideal excursion for any whisky lover!

Edinburgh Private Tour Discover the architecture, history & everyday life of Edinburgh accompanied by a private tour guide . The best way to explore Scotland's capital city!

Edinburgh Shore Excursion If you're arriving in the Scottish capital by cruise, don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's history with this Edinburgh Shore Excursion.

Edinburgh Hard Rock Cafe Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at Edinburgh's Hard Rock Cafe, a restaurant full of rock and roll. Choose your menu and enjoy a fun dining experience!

Full Day Edinburgh Walking Tour + Entry Tickets On this  tour of Edinburgh , you'll visit the most important places in the city , such as the Castle and the Scotland National Gallery . 

Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Explore top Edinburgh attractions with our flexible hop-on hop-off bus tour without getting tired . Enjoy audio commentary in multiple languages!

Harry Potter Train Tour Want to travel on the Hogwarts Express ? Travel through Scotland's breathtaking scenery on board the Jacobite with this  Harry Potter Train Tour .

Edinburgh Christmas Tour We'll admire Christmas markets and dreamy lights  on this Christmas Tour in Edinburgh . Explore the Scottish capital at this magical time of year!

Outlander Tour While in the Scottish capital , take a page from Jamie Fraser 's book and embark on our Outlander tour through Edinburgh to see iconic sites from the hit series !

This guide has been made by exploring each street, taking photos of every nook and cranny, and paying attention to each and every little detail to help you prepare your trip in the best way possible .

All the information in this guide was updated in March 2023 . If you see any errors or anything we should change, we would be delighted to hear from you .

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Attractions

The best things to do in Edinburgh. From the biggest visitor attractions to local hidden gems.

City Art Centre

The City Art Centre is an art gallery and exhibition centre located opposite Waverley Station on...

Edinburgh Dungeon

The Edinburgh Dungeon is a top visitor attraction offering a chilling insight into Edinburgh’s dark...

National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland’s main building is located on George IV Bridge in the Old Town of...

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland’s galleries display over 8000 treasures from around the world...

The Real Mary King’s Close

Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh City Centre lies an underground network of streets that...

Monkey Barrel Comedy

Monkey Barrel Comedy is one of the top comedy clubs in Edinburgh, hosting a regular and diverse...

Department of Magic

The Department of Magic is an escape rooms and magic potions tavern, themed on all things...

Sandemans Tours

Sandemans is a large city tour operator, working in 20 cities around the world. Here in Edinburgh...

City Of Edinburgh Tours

Explore Edinburgh overground and underground with City of Edinburgh Tours. After meeting at the Old...

St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles Cathedral is a prominent Gothic building on the Royal Mile, about half way between...

Mercat Tours

Mercat Tours hosts underground and overground tours of Edinburgh. Specialising in history tours of...

The Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most popular streets, connecting two of the city’s iconic...

John Knox House

John Knox's House is a historic house dating back to 1470. It was owned originally by a family of...

Scottish Storytelling Centre

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a place with...

Museum of Childhood

Located on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the Museum of Childhood is home to a large collection...

Museum On The Mound

This is a museum all about the stuff that makes the world go round - money. The museum can be found...

Edinburgh Gin Distillery

Edinburgh Gin started in 2010 and is now a global gin brand. A small-batch producer, which...

Usher Hall is a large concert hall in Edinburgh, seating an audience of up to 2,200 people. The...

Traverse Theatre

This contemporary theatre company commissions and produces new plays and adaptations, and partners...

St Cuthbert’s Parish Church

St Cuthbert’s is a historic church on the corner of Lothian Road and Princes Street, in Edinburgh...

The Caddies & Witchery Tours

Discover the secrets of Edinburgh's past on a walking tour with The Caddies & Witchery Tours. Step...

The Grassmarket

The Grassmarket is a historic part of Edinburgh’s Old Town, dating from the 14th century. It is one...

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is located at the top of the Royal Mile by the Castle. It...

Scotch Whisky Experience

Whisky is Scotland’s national drink, known in Gaelic as ‘uisge beatha’ meaning ‘water of life’...

Tolbooth Kirk (The Hub)

This spectacular Edinburgh landmark was the General Assembly Hall for the church, dating from 1845...

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the impressive city skyline, Edinburgh Castle has sat on the volcanic Castle Rock since...

Gladstone’s Land

This historic tenement building on Edinburgh's Royal Mile was built in 1550 and redeveloped into...

Tourist Advice for Visitors to Edinburgh

If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time, this article will help you find your feet with essential travel tips and advice from a local, including how to get to the city, how to travel around it, what to expect from the weather, and the top attractions to visit.

Getting to Edinburgh

There are a couple of options for getting to the city, depending on where you’re travelling from. If you’re visiting from overseas, then you’ll most likely be flying to Edinburgh Airport which lies 5 miles to the west of the city centre and has regular public transport links across the city and the surrounding areas.

Getting to and from the airport is easy thanks to a superb network of bus, tram, and taxi services, with the average journey taking around 30 minutes depending on the time of day. I would say the bus is the best option for travelling to and from the airport as the prices are reasonable (around £6 per adult) and the buses are modern and clean.

The airport bus service is operated by Lothian Buses ( Airlink 100 service ) and runs every 12 minutes during the day and 30 minutes at night, 24 hours a day, between the airport and St. Andrew’s Square in the city centre. Tickets can be bought at the airport information desk, at the bus stop, from the driver, or online. Full airport bus details are available to view on the  Edinburgh Airport website bus and coaches page .

Alternatively, you can fly into Glasgow Airport and take a train to Waverley Station, which might be preferable as flights to Glasgow are usually cheaper than those to Edinburgh. There’s a regular bus service ( First Glasgow Airport Express 500 ) between Glasgow Airport and Queen Street station which takes 15 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes for a 75-minute journey to Edinburgh.

If you’re already in the UK, then your options for travelling to Edinburgh are limited to train, bus, plane, and car. Personally, I would advise against driving to Edinburgh if you’re coming for a weekend break as parking is limited and car parks are quite expensive – an example being the NCP Castle Terrace car park which will set you back around £80 for a weekend stay.

Likewise, I wouldn’t fly as the cost is often much more than driving, and the time taken to get through security plus travel time to the airport outweighs any advantage in the actual flight time.

Another option is taking a coach, and there are two main operators in the UK that travel to Edinburgh from most major cities. The first is Megabus, and the second is National Express. There are a few smaller operators, but the services aren’t as frequent, and Megabus and National Express tend to offer cheaper fares.

As an example, a coach journey from London to Edinburgh will take approximately 9 hours but it will only cost around £30 on Megabus, which is a significant saving on the £50 to £60 it will cost in petrol if you drive your own car.

Another option is to take the train, which is often the fastest method but will almost certainly be the most expensive. That being said, taking the train to Edinburgh is a doddle if you’re coming from London as the high-speed rail link will get you from Kings Cross to Waverley Station in just four and a half hours.

There are several train operators that run services between the main cities, so your best bet is to check The Trainline website and book your tickets in advance as they’re much cheaper than buying them at the station. You will also be able to compare prices at different times, as ticket prices can vary by up to 50% depending on the time of day.

I’ve included a table of distances and fuel costs for car and train travel to Edinburgh in the table below.

One-way times and costs from major UK cities to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Travel Tips

Edinburgh has a world-leading bus and tram network thanks to the services provided by Lothian Buses which offers cheap public transport in clean and well-maintained vehicles. The bus network extends right through Edinburgh and out to the surrounding areas, while the trams provide a fast mode of transport over 9 miles from the airport to the city centre.

Lothian buses provide over 50 routes through Edinburgh and day tickets are reasonably priced at around £5 for an adult all-day ticket. You can find timetables on the Lothian Bus website .

The tram system is a recent addition to Edinburgh and currently run every 15 minutes from 05.30 to 23:30 on a tram line that connects Edinburgh airport to the city centre, with the entire journey between the 16 stops taking 38 minutes.

Visit  Transport For Edinburgh  for more information on Edinburgh’s trams and buses, or download the  Transport for Edinburgh App .

If you want to take a taxi, you’ll find ranks at the Edinburgh Airport exit and along Waverley Bridge, but there are many more official taxi ranks located throughout the city. Here’s a link where you can download the Edinburgh Council list of official taxi ranks .

If taxis are looking a bit expensive, you could always book an Uber, although the service is currently somewhat limited and they are not as readily available as buses or taxis. Uber rides are also very expensive if you want to travel outside of Edinburgh.

My advice for walking is to make sure you have Google Maps installed on your phone and download the city centre map to your device. That way, if you ever lose your signal (which you shouldn’t, as Edinburgh has excellent phone coverage), you’ll still be able to navigate. Alternatively, get a waterproof paper OS Map, which will prove invaluable when your phone battery is low. Buy OS Explorer Maps direct from Ordnance Survey.

If you’re planning to explore a little further afield, then I recommend purchasing a Central Scotland Rover travel pass, which lets you make unlimited train journeys between Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the surrounding area for around £60. The pass lasts for three days and is valid for standard-class journeys on ScotRail trains, but unfortunately, you can’t use it on the new Borders railway line.

Tips for the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

Although Scotland’s warmest and driest months are between May and September, the weather can be extraordinarily fickle, so I don’t think there’s a ‘best’ time to visit. The fact is, you’ll find things to do in Edinburgh at any time of the year, which I explain in my articles, The Best Things to do In Edinburgh on a Rainy Day and The 10 Best Places to Go in Scotland in January .

Although Britain as a whole is becoming more temperate with fewer extremes in temperature than in years gone by, you can still expect quite a difference between the amount of rainfall and the number of daylight hours between winter and summer.

The table below lists the weather averages for Edinburgh for each month of the year.

Edinburgh’s winters are cold and dark, with mostly overcast skies between October and March. You can realistically expect half the days to have rain showers, along with a few inches of snowfall from January to February.

Summer in Scotland is from June to August with July and August generally having the highest temperatures and the least amount of rainfall – although bear in mind that ‘highest temperatures’ in Edinburgh hover around 20 °C unless there’s a heatwave like we had in 2018 which saw 30 °C.

Aside from the weather, other deciding factors that could make you choose a summer or winter break in Edinburgh are the festivals, and the city is proud to host two of Europe’s finest festivals in December and August.

If you’re intending to come here in winter, you might as well book your trip during December, when the Edinburgh Christmas Festival is in full swing. This annual festive experience runs throughout the month and into the early new year, and it features a huge amount of fun things to see and do.

There’s a superb Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens where you’ll find lots of Christmas gifts and delicious food and drink; a funfair that’s sprawled over several locations in the city; and lots of Christmas-themed events, including the ever-popular Kings Theatre panto and the famous Spiegeltent circus.

I recommend timing your visit for the week after Christmas, as you’ll be able to make the most of the Christmas markets and funfair as well as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. Hogmanay is Scotland’s celebration of the new year, and it’s an even bigger celebration than Christmas.

The highlights are the street party on Princes Street (billed as the biggest street party in the world) and the torchlight procession through The Royal Mile to Holyrood Park .

So that’s Christmas wrapped up, but what about summer? Well, the height of Edinburgh’s tourist season is also the time you’ll find the city plays host to The Fringe Festival – the biggest multi-arts festival in the world. This incredibly popular event regularly draws in half a million visitors over three weeks in August, and it has to be the highlight of the entire Scottish events calendar.

Art in all its forms can be found at the festival including theatre, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, music and opera performed by a variety of artists from complete amateurs to world-famous professionals.

There are in excess of 50,000 performances across 3,500 different venues during the three weeks that the festival is held, so it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re a first-time visitor, but you’ll be able to see who’s playing in which venue by browsing the official Edinburgh Fringe website .

Tips on What to Wear in Edinburgh

Unless you’re coming from a very hot country there’s no need to wrap yourself up in ten layers of thermals as despite what you might have heard Edinburgh’s actually not too bad on the weather front. Sure, we get a lot of grey, rainy days, but Scotland’s (and I guess Britain’s) weather is becoming increasingly temperate, and the days of sub-zero temperatures every winter seem to be long behind us.

In winter, you won’t go far wrong with jeans, a T-shirt, a jumper, and a thick jacket, but don’t forget to always pack a hat, gloves, and a scarf, as the cold wind can pick up and whip in from the Firth of Forth in an instant, which makes temperatures drop significantly. Prepare for an average temperature of 0–5 °C in winter, and you’ll be fine, though there are a couple of things to bear in mind.

First, the drains can get clogged up after a snowfall, so make sure you’re wearing semi-waterproof shoes. Second, Edinburgh is one of the greenest cities in Europe, so there’s a good chance you’ll end up romping through a park (most likely Holyrood Park ) which can get very muddy, so I’d advise you to take walking boots with you, which will come into their own if you decide to climb Arthur’s Seat .

Third, you’re going to get caught in a lot of rain showers, which is just a fact of life in Scotland. If you don’t like wearing bulky jackets, consider chucking a pac-a-mac (this and the following are Amazon links to products I recommend) in your bag, as it’ll save you sitting in wet clothes for the remainder of the day.

In summer, Edinburgh really brightens up, and you’ll frequently find blue skies for days on end, although there will be just as many overcast days alongside them. With that in mind, you might consider taking a backpack (see my recommended backpacks ) and throwing in a thin top or two along with the pac-a-mac I already mentioned.

With regards to fashion, we’re a pretty relaxed bunch in Edinburgh and you won’t see many eyebrows raised no matter what you wear (this is the home of the Fringe after all) but if you’re eating in public places be considerate and wear a shirt indoors. Likewise, it’s considered polite to cover your feet in restaurants and take your hat off. But other than that, wear what you like!

Tips on Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Accommodation costs will depend on a number of factors including the location, type of hotel and the time of year, but generally, you can expect hotels to raise their prices in the summer months by 50% to 150%. The cheapest time of year to visit Edinburgh is January, when hotel bookings are at their lowest after the hectic Christmas and New Year festivities, which leave most tourists with lighter wallets and heavier waistlines.

The most expensive time is August during the Fringe festival as virtually all hotels and B&Bs are fully booked. However, there are ways to save money on hotels which might be useful if you don’t mind a little extra effort.

The first tip is obvious enough, which is to book out of season. That’s basically any time from September to May, although you will see an increase in room prices during school holidays. A second suggestion is to pre-book several months in advance.

Hotels and B&Bs will slowly ramp up their prices prior to any big events in Edinburgh, but booking 2 or 3 months before the event happens will keep costs low, especially if you use Booking.com which offers a couple of money-saving options for tourists.

First, their Genius programme gives you increasing levels of rewards after you book a certain number of times. Genius level 1 often saves 10% on the room cost, while level 2 saves up to 25% on the room cost, and some hotels offer additional free upgrades like a complimentary breakfast.

The second tip with using Booking.com is to make the reservation on your mobile phone rather than your desktop computer, as the Booking.com app sometimes gives an additional 10% off the total cost on top of the savings made with the Genius programme.

Take a look at the examples below for an idea of typical Edinburgh hotel prices in January and August.

Tips to Save Money in Edinburgh

Scotland’s tourist attractions are often quite pricey, especially the big venues like Edinburgh Castle and The Scotch Whisky Experience, which cost around £20 per adult, but you can save some money with the following tips.

If you buy your tickets online in advance it’s usually possible to save a few pounds compared to buying tickets on the gate so I recommend keeping your phone with you and checking the attraction’s website booking page before heading to the turnstiles.

If you intend to visit historic attractions in Edinburgh I definitely recommend the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass which allows entry to over 70 of Scotland’s top historic attractions over 5 or 14 consecutive days with as many repeat visits as you like.

In Edinburgh, the pass is valid for Edinburgh Castle , Holyrood Palace , Craigmillar Castle and many sites in the surrounding area, and it’s worth purchasing for Edinburgh Castle alone as the pass allows repeat visits to the excellent café with its panoramic city views. In addition, you can skip the enormous queues by presenting your pass in the gift shop instead of waiting in line at the ticket office, potentially saving 30 minutes to an hour of queueing.

Another tip is to keep hold of your Lothian Bus ticket as there’s usually a 2-for-1 deal for Edinburgh’s top attractions printed on the back. The offers change frequently, so there’s a chance you’ll be offered different discounts during your time in Edinburgh.

If you want an all-in-one discount, head to the official Edinburgh City Pass website  where you can buy an adult two-day pass for around £60, which allows entry into 15 of the city’s top attractions including Dynamic Earth, John Knox House , The Edinburgh Dungeon, The Georgian House, and many more.

If you’re intending to take a tour around Edinburgh, you won’t go wrong by getting a ticket for the City Sightseeing buses which feature an open-top upper deck and a recorded audio tour that will tell you about each place you drive past. The buses stop at nearly all the top attractions in the city, and tickets allow you to hop on and hop off over 24 hours, so you could even save money by using them instead of Lothian Buses.

The tour bus circles around a single route with 14 stops, and you’ll almost certainly see them on Waverley Bridge, opposite the train station. You can purchase tickets on the bus, or you can download a voucher onto your mobile phone.

And finally, if you really want to save money, you can’t get much better than free, and thankfully, Edinburgh is home to lots of free places to visit, and in fact, I’d go so far as to say the majority of the best attractions don’t cost a single penny to enter. I’ve compiled a few of my favourites in my Free Attractions in Edinburgh Guide .

Bonus Edinburgh Travel Tips

1: Edinburgh’s weather is as changeable as the rest of Scotland so you’ll need to prepare for the elements no matter the time of year. Due to its proximity to the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh is frequently submerged below a thick layer of sea mist known as the haar.

The haar can roll in at a moment’s notice, and it’s most prevalent in autumn and winter, but you’ll also see it at the end of warm, muggy days in summer. My advice to combat the haar is to pack an extra insulated fleece in your backpack (see my recommended backpacks ) and always keep gloves and a hat in there along with a pac-a-mac (Amazon links to products I recommend).

2: If you’re looking for free things to do in Edinburgh, you’re in luck, as most of the city’s national museums and public places have completely free admission. If the thought of spending £20 to get into Edinburgh Castle is giving you hot flushes, just add a few of these suggestions to your itinerary to reduce your overall costs:

The National Museum of Scotland , The National Portrait Gallery , The National Gallery of Modern Art , Greyfriars Kirk , The Royal Botanic Gardens , Calton Hill , Holyrood Park , The Museum of Childhood , The People’s Story Museum and The Museum on the Mound .

3: Edinburgh is one of the top foodie destinations in Britain, but as it’s such a tourist hotspot there are many restaurants that are more concerned with making money than making good food. Basically, I’d advise against eating anywhere on The Royal Mile as the food in the majority of the pubs is average at best, with prices that are inflated to cash in on tourists.

If you want reasonably priced food head to The Shore in Leith which features several superb restaurants or take a look at the traditional pubs in Rose Street.

4: Edinburgh has a fascinating thousand-year history , but learning about it in one visit is pretty much impossible without booking yourself onto a tour with a knowledgeable guide. You have several options, but I recommend Mary King’s Close midway on The Royal Mile, which takes visitors beneath the city streets to see how people lived at the time of the black plague.

Other good tours are the ones organised by Mercat Tours – especially the spooky ghost tours that will take you underground through the Edinburgh Vaults (one of the most haunted places in Britain). You can sign up for Mercat Tours either online or via the tour guides that stand near the Mercat Cross outside St. Giles Cathedral .

5: One thing I would definitely suggest you do if you’re staying in Edinburgh for a few days is to check out all the unusual attractions that are off the standard crowded tourist trails. There’s so much more to the city than the castle and the palace, so consider adding these attractions to your itinerary as well (note that some attractions are located outside the city): Gilmerton Cove , The Water of Leith , Leith , Rosslyn Chapel , The Pentland Hills , Cramond Island , and Craigmillar Castle .

6: A visit to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without taking home a souvenir or two, whether it’s clothing, whisky, or a novelty gift, but there are a few things you should bear in mind before you get your bank card out.

I would advise against purchasing any gifts from the souvenir shops on The Royal Mile as the prices are inflated and many items are on the verge of being fake – like the cashmere jumpers and scarves that only have a tiny percentage of cashmere wool in them.

Instead, I recommend heading to Edinburgh Castle or Holyrood Palace which have quality souvenirs that are genuinely from Scottish manufacturers. A Historic Environment Scotland membership gives you a 10% discount in their shops.

7: If you’ve not tried Scotch whisky before and you’re in Edinburgh for the first time you almost have to try a sample or two before heading home. My recommendations are the Whiski Rooms on North Bank Street and the Scotch Whisky Experience near the castle esplanade.

The Whiski Rooms has a superb collection of Scotch from across the country and the food is first class. The Whisky Experience is more geared towards first-time whisky drinkers and in addition to the fun tours they have a very good whisky bar and café.

If you want to take a bottle home with you, you’ll find the shops on The Royal Mile are quite expensive, but Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop in Canongate is one of the best in the city. Alternatively, take a tour around Glenkinchie which is Edinburgh’s only whisky distillery (it’s located 15 miles southeast from the city centre).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to visit edinburgh.

December for Edinburgh’s Christmas festival and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival. August for the Edinburgh Fringe and the International Book Festival. June to August for the best weather. January to March for the cheapest hotel prices. May and September for the least number of visitors with moderate temperatures.

What should I not miss in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Holyrood Park, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, ghost tours around The Royal Mile and in the Edinburgh Vaults, The National Museum of Scotland, The National Gallery of Modern Art, The National Portrait Gallery, The National Gallery of Scotland.

How many days in Edinburgh is enough?

If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time you should aim for 2 to 3 days to see the majority of the main tourist attractions.

If you would like to see everything the city has to offer plan for a week which will allow you to include tours in the surrounding area (e.g. to Glenkinchie Distillery and Rosslyn Chapel).

Is Edinburgh expensive to visit?

Edinburgh is the 21st most expensive city to visit in the world due to major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace costing around £20 per adult ticket.

Summer hotel prices increase by up to 150% over winter prices but can increase by 200% during the Edinburgh Fringe.

Average prices in the city centre are; taxi fares – £8 for 2 miles, coffee – £3 per cup, pint of beer – £4.50, pub main course meal – £15.

Related Posts

Edinburgh Trip Planner

Fascinating Facts About Attractions Around Edinburgh

Museum of Childhood Visitor Guide

Ocean Terminal Visitor Guide

A Guide to the Best Museums in Edinburgh

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

32 Edinburgh Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: October 19, 2023

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Steeped in magic, museums, and deep fried pizza, Edinburgh is the dreamy capital of Scotland that stars in many a Pinterest board and book nerd daydream.

The reasons why are numerous. Not only is Edinburgh an aesthetic wonderland (with a main road flanked by royal digs on each end), it’s also rich in culture, history and a gloomy charm that’s pure Kryptonite for nerds. Check out my full list of things to do in Edinburgh to see what I mean.

Little wonder why I (chief nerd) recently spent a month there, gallivanting through its mysterious stone streets, soaking up as much of its glory as possible… while taking meticulous notes (as all nerds do) on the must-knows about travelling there for the first time.

So, in this post, I’ll be sharing all my best Edinburgh travel tips and must-knows, from dodge-worthy tourist traps to confusing quirks that trip up most visitors. I hope you find it all helpful!

If not, maybe I have to go back for further research (oh noooo…)

Save this list of Edinburgh Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Learn how to properly pronounce ‘Edinburgh’

First thing’s first, we have to tackle the pronunciation of “Edinburgh” because an agonizing number of first time visitors get it wrong. 

Just to test: how do YOU think it’s pronounced?

If you said any variation of Edin-burg or Edin-borrow, unfortunately you’d fall into the large club of people who get it wrong.

To the surprise of many – the city known as Edinburgh is actually pronounced Ed-in- bruh.

So, keep that pronunciation in mind as you scroll through the rest of my (very lengthy) Edin-bruh tips.

2. Book ahead

Perhaps more shocking even than Edinburgh’s proper pronunciation is its prices.

Accommodation in Edinburgh (for both locals and tourists alike) can be incredibly expensive, especially so during peak periods, so your best defense against sky high prices is simply booking early.

You might find my step by step guide on how to book the best accommodation every time helpful for this.

On that note, it’s helpful to…

3. Know when peak seasons are 

As I mention in my general Scotland travel tips post, peak season in Edinburgh coincides with the city’s festival seasons so you can expect crowds to be at their most suffocating in August and around Christmas/New Year.

August is an especially busy time because Edinburgh hosts a bunch of different festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe which is the largest performing arts festival in the entire world. 

During this time, it’s not uncommon for prices to skyrocket, and for performers to be sharing dorm rooms, camping out, and squeezing ten people into tiny spaces. So needless to say, supply for accommodation is very very limited.

Now if you’re really interested in experiencing in the chaos of festival season, I can highly recommend it, it’s so much fun, but planning ahead and booking something far in advance really is key. 

On the other hand if you’re not too bothered with attending any of these events, then I would really plan my trip for shoulder seasons like Spring and Fall to avoid the crowds.

If my gentle warning wasn’t sufficient, here’s a look at the Royal Mile on an average August day:

4. Don’t feel pressured to stay in the very city centre

Compared to many other European capitals, Edinburgh is fairly compact and small, as well as VERY well connected with public transport, so staying anywhere within city limits will mean being relatively close (i.e within 30 minutes) to the main sights.

So, when looking for accommodation I would say staying somewhere right in the centre is somewhat less important than in other cities, so if you find something that’s a really good deal with the main drawback being location, don’t worry too much so long as there’s a bus or tram stop near by.

During my month in Edinburgh, I lived in an apartment that by many standards was “really far out” from the centre (by the local prison, if I’m being honest) but it was only a 15 minute bus ride to reach the Princes Street Gardens and all the main sights around it, so not too shabby at all.

5. Beware of staying in Old Town unless you like hills

Of course, if your budget allows for it, staying in the city centre would be ideal, but just take note that Old Town is very very hilly with a surplus of leg-melting steps and puzzling turns, so staying here might mean a lot of huffing and puffing to get home at the end of the day.

Now let’s move onto Edinburgh transport tips and how to get around.

6. Know that there’s two train stations in Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, you’ll find two main train stations: Waverley and Haymarket.

Waverley is the larger one right in the middle of the city, with 20 platforms and connections to places all across Scotland.

It’s also connected to a shopping centre so definitely arrive well in advance because it can be tough for a first timer to actually find where the train station bit is.

Haymarket is a lot more manageable and small but it’s slightly southwest of Waverley and the city centre, so depending on where you’re staying that might be a good option to book for. 

In any case, keep in mind that there’s two stations so always book the one closer to where you’re staying.

7. Take advantage of Edinburgh’s excellent public transport

In terms of getting around the city, your main options are buses, trams and taxis. 

With the bus system, you should know that there are a few different bus companies in Edinburgh, all of which have their own tickets routes and fares.

Hop on hop off buses are also common in Edinburgh, but honestly the local buses are way cheaper and more efficient. The only time I would do the hop on/hop off is if it came included with some kind of sightseeing pass, but more on that later.

8. Use contactless cards for easy travel on Edinburgh buses

With the local bus network, buses run 24 hours a day, with Lothian being the most popular operator, boasting 50+ routes across the city. First is also a big one you’ll see a lot.

These different companies run buses on the same routes but with different bus numbers and tickets.

This can seem confusing but it’s easy to simplify, because the main way to pay now is by contactless card, so you can just walk on the bus, tap in and you’re automatically charged without you needing to worry about which ticket you’re buying.

These bus companies also have daily and weekly caps in place when you make contactless payments.

Lothian for instance has a program called TapTapCap and ensures you won’t pay more than £4.80 per day and £22 per week. First has Tap&Cap as well. 

But to take advantage of these caps, you need to make sure you’re using the same card each time and also sticking to one company once you tap in.

An easy way to do this is just searching bus times on that company’s website rather than on Google Maps where they show you all the potential buses from across companies.

I would really recommend paying for buses with contactless cards just for the ease of it, but just know that you can also pay with cash on board, but it has to be the exact amount as they don’t give change.

I noticed with some companies like East Coast Buses as well that you have to tell the driver where you’re going before you pay because that can affect your rate.

In any case, bus drivers in Edinburgh tend to be super nice (at least in my experience) so when in doubt, ask.

9. Buy tickets in advance for trams and don’t forget to validate them

Trams in Edinburgh are a bit more complicated.

Unlike buses, they only run from around 5:30am until 11:30pm, and the ticketing system is less straightforward.

With Edinburgh trams, you need to buy a ticket in advance either through machines at the platforms, online or through their app and THEN you need to validate the ticket once you’re on board.

Ticket prices depend on whether you’re buying a single or roundtrip and also how far you’re going.

So overall it is a bit more confusing, but the benefit is you don’t get stuck in traffic, so it does have its upsides!

10. Know that Day Tickets & Ridacard Are Valid on Both Lothian Buses & Edinburgh Trams

Lastly on the transport front, if you plan to combine bus and tram travel during your time in Edinburgh, know that you can get day tickets or 4 week Ridacard passes which work for both Edinburgh Trams, Lothian buses & a few other companies.

So to summarize: if you’re taking buses, just use a contactless card to tap in and you’re good, making sure to stay loyal to one card and one bus company to automatically get the best deal.

If you’re taking trams, get tickets in advance and validate them.

If you plan to take both, consider getting a day ticket which will cover both Lothian buses and trams.

11. But be sure to prioritize travelling on foot within the city centre

All that said, once you’re in the centre, I find the best way to get around is on foot. 

Edinburgh is mindbogglingly pretty, and the best way to take it all in is by strolling around at your own pace, romanticizing every cobblestone.

On a practical note, sometimes it’s even faster to walk vs. taking the bus or taxi because of traffic, so yes, get those steps in!

12. Plan your walks strategically to avoid too many hills

If you plan to do a lot of walking though, here is a pro Edinburgh tip: be mindful that some parts of the city (e.g Old Town) can be shockingly hilly, with lots of stairs and little lanes, so do plan your walking route to minimize going up and down too much, because it can get pretty exhausting. 

To minimize the physical labour and turmoil, I would recommend taking public transport as high up as you can, then making your way downhill. 

13. Always book attraction tickets ahead of time

These days, you can buy admission tickets for almost every major Edinburgh attraction online, which saves you from wasting time lining up on the day of.

If you’re visiting during peak season like August, it’s also important you book big sights well in advance, as spots like Edinburgh Castle tend to sell out.

Here are some quick booking links:

• Edinburgh Castle: Buy Skip the Line Tickets + a Tour
• Palace of Holyroofhouse: Buy Tickets
• Johnnie Walker Experience: Buy Tickets
• Scottish Whisky Experience: Buy Tickets

14. Be realistic about your interests and plan your itinerary around them

The truth is, Edinburgh is filled with many different attractions and if you just sightsee according to what the big sights are meant to be, then you’re not likely to have a good time. 

Edinburgh Castle for instance CAN be boring for some people if they’re not at all interested in history or anything military-related, as many of the on-site attractions relate to war history.

I for instance thought it was quite boring the first time, but I enjoyed it a lot more on my second visit after I learned more about the castle’s history and context. (Check out my full Edinburgh Castle guide if you need help with this!)

So, yes, definitely prioritize sights according to what YOU personally enjoy and don’t worry about skipping “major attractions” if they just don’t interest you, especially since many of them can be quite expensive.

15. Beware that not all Edinburgh sightseeing passes are made equal

When it comes to trying to save money on Edinburgh attractions, make sure you do proper research on sightseeing passes rather than assume they’ll automatically save you money.

The Edinburgh City Pass for instance doesn’t include any of the main sights like Edinburgh Castle or Holyrood Palace.

Instead, if you’re hoping to hit up the trio of Edinburgh’s royal attractions, meaning Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace & the Royal Yacht Britannia, then the ticket to get would be either…

• The Edinburgh Pass: Includes all three main sights, plus 10% discounts on others
• The Royal Edinburgh Ticket: Includes all three, plus a hop on/hop off bus tour

This would honestly only be worth it if you wanted to do all three of those attractions and a bus tour, otherwise you’d be better off just booking the one or two things you wanted to see.

16. Take advantage of Edinburgh’s many free attractions

Now, while Edinburgh’s main attractions can be pricey, the city does make up for it with a wealth of free museums and attractions.

Some of my favourites include…

• The Scottish National Museum which is a beautiful museum home to a lovely terrace view and a huge collection of interesting items including Dolly the Sheep
• The Scottish National Portrait Gallery which is housed in a stunning building and includes portraits and write-ups on prominent historical figures from Scotland’s history 

There’s also the Scottish Parliament, which is a controversial building that you can book free tours of so long as you do some well in advance.

Some parts of the building (like the debating chamber and exhibition space) are also open to the general public without a tour booking so long as the facilities aren’t in use.

There was a really amazing press photography exhibition during our visit, so I would definitely recommend stopping by.

… the cafe is also a hidden gem of super affordable and tasty items.

Besides those main sights, there are also some smaller museums run by the City of Edinburgh Council which might be worth looking into if you’re interested in those particular topics.

I’ll be honest, these museums are pretty dated and not super exciting compared to some of the other attractions in the city but they are free and many are close together so if you’re interested in the topics, go for it.

For example, there’s …

• The Museum of Edinburgh, which is about the history of the city 
• The Writer’s Museum, which chronicles the stories of Edinburgh’s most famous writers
• The People’ Story Museum, which showcases city history through the lens of its people and 
• The Museum of Childhood which a museum dedicated entirely to the idea of childhood

17. Prioritize uniquely Edinburgh attractions

That said, another important attractions related must know is when you are planning your itinerary, do make an effort to prioritize uniquely Edinburgh attractions.

There’s so much to see here and I think it’d be a shame to spend time doing things you could be doing in any other city, so for that reason I wouldn’t necessarily prioritize attractions like the Camera Obscura, Dynamic Earth or Chocolatarium, unless of course you’re travelling with kids, or those things particularly interest you.

18. Don’t rub Greyfriar Bobby’s nose

The story of Greyfriars Bobby is one of Edinburgh’s most moving tales… but unfortunately, rubbing the statue erected in his honour is actually considered a faux pas by many locals.

Despite most travel guides advising to do it, rubbing Bobby’s nose is actually frowned upon these days by locals who believe the act is ruining the statue.

So, take note and go for the air pat instead.

19. Beware of “Harry Potter attractions” in Edinburgh

Now, let’s a have a brief chat about all things Harry Potter.

If you’ve been on this blog before, you’ll know that I’m no stranger to HP locations. I’ve written about all the Harry Potter filming locations you can visit in real life, all the best Harry Potter things to do in London , where to find Hogwarts , and all the little links between HP and Gloucester Cathedral , Durham Cathedral , and Lacock .

So when I see all the ‘Harry Potter walking tours’ and shops in Edinburgh, I get irrationally irate.

Just to clear things up then: Harry Potter never filmed in Edinburgh so there are no filming locations to visit.

And while JK Rowling did live in Edinburgh while she wrote the books, a lot of the connections shared on walking tours have been debunked by the author herself. For instance that Victoria St inspired Diagon Alley , or that the Elephant House is the official birthplace of Harry Potter.

So, take what you hear with a grain of salt, and know that there is a LOT more to Edinburgh than just Harry Potter stuff. Although those vaguely magic-themed gift shops are definitely taking over the city, for better or for worse…

20. Make sure you’re prepared before going up to Arthur’s Seat

Now another important Edinburgh must-know is that despite being considered one of THE top must-dos in Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat is a pretty steep uphill hike so if you’re short on time or don’t really like hiking, I would skip this one.

The view is incredible but I saw many unprepared tourists who had to turn back because they didn’t realize what a big hike it’d be, so just keep that in mind to save your legs and lungs.

If you do end up doing it though, I propose walking down and heading southeast instead of going back to the city centre because then you reward yourself with a visit to the Sheep Heid Inn, a super cozy spot considered one of the oldest pubs in Scotland.

21. Explore beyond the very city centre

Lastly on the Edinburgh sightseeing front, don’t be afraid to expand your tourist exploits beyond the central core of Old Town and New Town.

There are many lovely areas to explore in Edinburgh, like Stockbridge for instance which is densely packed with cute boutiques, cafes and bookshops.

Or, for a different vibe, you can check out Leith, which was historically a rougher part of town but today has a few pockets of really cool food and drink spots.

22. Enjoy Edinburgh’s diverse food scene

Speaking of food and drink, let’s now talk about Edinburgh food and drink tips!

First – know that the Edinburgh food scene is very diverse. On the Scottish front, you have everything from chippys selling deep fried pizza and Mars Bars all the way to refined spots with mouthwatering seafood. On the international front, you have lots of culturally diverse spots serving up mouthwatering eats from around the world.

So definitely make the most of exploring the food scene while you’re here.

23. Try some Scottish classics

At some point during your trip of course, you should make sure to enjoy some Scottish classics like Haggis with Neeps and Tatties and Cullen Skink which is a creamy fish soup.

There are a number of pubs serving these if you’re looking for a more causal experience, but as I mentioned, there’s more elevated places to try them too if that’s more your speed.

24. Find recommendations from local Edinburgh creators

If you’re looking for Edinburgh food recommendations, I would definitely seek out local Edinburgh foodie blogs or social media pages.

Why? Quite simply, people who live there will be able to give you better tips than random gremlins like me who just lunged at a select few spots during my short stay.

So, some pages I really liked while I was in Edinburgh were…

• @fedinburgh
• @topscottishscran
• @hannahscranz

25. Book ahead for restaurants

One Edinburgh food tip I CAN give you though is to book ahead whenever possible.

Some of the most popular spots in Edinburgh can book out far in advance so if there are any places you have your heart set on, then make sure you make a reservation. 

NOTE: If you are visiting during a busy period like festival season though, beware that many restaurants won’t take bookings during this time and instead enforce a first come/first serve policy.

26. Make sure to try a whisky experience of some kind

While in Edinburgh, I would also highly recommend booking some kind of whisky experience as well, because frankly, it just feels wrong not to.

For those new to whisky, I would recommend booking an experience over a tasting because then you can learn more about how to appreciate whisky before you’re thrown into the deep end.

In Edinburgh, there are two main whisky experiences that are both quite popular, the Scottish Whisky Experience right by Edinburgh Castle and the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street.

I opted to try the latter and it was cheesy, but I loved it. As someone who didn’t know much about whisky, I found it to be a fun, dynamic and engaging introduction. I definitely walked out of there a brainwashed Johnnie Walker enthusiast.

But if you want something more low key, there are tons of tastings and tours you can book as well, like…

• Tour a distillery: Holyrood Distillery is a really popular one
• Do a tasting tour: This one includes history and storytelling

27. Or enjoy a gin experience

There’s more to the local booze scene than just whisky though – gin around here is also very good. 

You can even book distillery tours and gin experiences if that’s more your line of thing, like…

• This distillery and tasting tour
• This distillation workshop and tasting
• This underground gin tasting
• This guided tasting

28. Learn how to pronounce commonly mispronounced place names

As we near the end of this list of Edinburgh travel tips, I’d like to revisit the whole pronunciation thing, because it’s not just “Edinburgh” that first timers struggle with.

So, in case you need to ask for directions or think you may be saying these names out loud, here are some other commonly mispronounced names in Edinburgh:

• Holyrood = Holly-rude
• Cockburn = Co burn
• Leith = Leeth (rhymes with teeth)
• Lothian = LOW-thee-in

There are also common words you might across that are unfamiliar, like for instance…

• Kirk = church 
• Aye = yes 
• Scran = food
• Tattie = potato 
• Dram = a small portion of strong alcohol, often whisky

And my personal favourite, coo which is cow.

29. Know that jaywalking is very widespread

There’s a common joke that you can tell how local someone is to Edinburgh based on how impatient they are at crosswalks.

… and this couldn’t be more true.

Jaywalking isn’t illegal in Scotland, so most locals will just wait until there’s a clear path to cross, and just go at their own leisure regardless of what the little red man says.

So I say, when in doubt, follow people who know what they’re doing. 

30. Always have a rain/windproof jacket

Ah, Edinburgh weather.

The ever-present gloom makes for wonderfully dramatic photos. It does not however make for a stress-free packing experience.

The truth is, Edinburgh weather can be annoyingly random – sun one second, rain the next, and then random bouts of wind throughout.

So, to ensure you’re properly prepared, make sure you bring a good rain/windproof jacket, and have it with you whenever you head out.

NOTE: A waterproof hooded jacket is more important than an umbrella because that Edinburgh wind is no joke. Your umbrella will definitely be struggling.

31. Pack comfortable shoes

Aside from a good jacket, another thing you should pack for your Edinburgh trip is comfy shoes.

As I’ve mentioned ad nauseum, you’ll be walking a LOT during your time in Edinburgh, so ditch the heels and make sure you have comfortable stomping shoes.

32. Support independent makers over cheap souvenir shops

Lastly, when shopping for souvenirs, be wary of the big tourist shops on the Royal Mile. Often these shops are selling cheaper quality goods, with polyester Tartan wear for instance that’s made to look like the real deal.

Instead, you should find local independent makers to support, like at the Tron Kirk market (conveniently also located on the Royal Mile).

I hope you enjoyed those Edinburgh travel tips! 

Let me know in the comments if you have any more Edinburgh must-knows to add. Safe and happy travels! 🙂

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Things To See & Do in Scotland

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Upper Loch Torridon, Wester Ross

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• Accommodation
• Agritourism/Farms
• Cruising/Shore Excursions
• Exclusive Use
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E-Brochures and Downloadable Guides

Discover all that scotland has to offer with our online visitor brochures. you’ll find maps, tips on scotland’s great outdoors, food and drink, events and festivals, as well as music and great images to transport your clients here.

Downloadable Resources

The free downloadable maps are here to help you plan itineraries and give to clients when you’re sending them to scotland. a necessity for anyone in the travel trade, if you would like scotland maps please send any requests to [email protected] . if you require print versions of the other maps contact: [email protected].

• National Trust for Scotland - B2B Unique Experiences 2023-24
• Scotland Map
• Scotland Map (blank)

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• Heritage and Culture
• Cruising/shore excursions
• Responsible tourism