Overview
Take a trip to Edinburgh on your Scotland Vacation
Edinburgh is the captivating capital of Scotland and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. You will have no shortage of opportunities to explore the astounding 4,500 listed buildings, standing as testaments to Edinburgh's architectural grandeur. Step back into Edinburgh's past and discover the rich heritage of the several Gothic churches, medieval palaces, extravagant Georgian structures, and avant-garde contemporary designs.
The historic Old Town is home to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a medieval fortress built atop an ancient volcanic rock in 1103. Connect with the countless soldiers, kings, queens, and even pirates and prisoners who have called the castle home as you wander the cobblestone streets of one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and the most besieged place in Britain. Continue your journey into the New Town and admire its neo-classical elegance dating back to the 18th century, showcasing the world's largest example of town planning from the Georgian period.
The city's several museums and galleries, including the timeless National Museum of Scotland and the cutting-edge exhibitions at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, offer you more opportunities to immerse yourself in Edinburgh's past and future before enjoying moments of tranquility at the city's many green spaces. Visit a traditional pub or cocktail bar, or depending on the time of year, you may be lucky enough to experience the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, or the Hogmanay New Year's celebrations for an exciting change of pace and an authentic taste of Edinburgh.
At a Glance
Languages
English, Scots and Scottish GaelicCurrency
British Pound (GBP)What do the experts say?
For somewhere a little lesser known, make sure to visit Dunfermline, the old capital of Scotland. Rich in history, it’s home to the impressive Dunfermline Abbey where many Scottish kings and queens are buried, including Robert the Bruce.
Many tourists don’t realize how diverse Scotland’s regions are, each area has its own distinct culture, accents, and traditions. For example, the Outer Hebrides have a strong Gaelic heritage that’s still thriving.. Also, Scotland has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Europe, especially on the west coast and islands.
Scotland hosts two amazing events - Edinburgh Tattoo in August, and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). Edinburgh hosts one of the world’s biggest and most iconic New Year’s celebrations!
The best times to visit Scotland are late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the landscapes are especially beautiful
Hike the hills outside of Edinburgh to find a b...
Visit history in person while exploring the hal...
Take a break from sightseeing and go for a shop...
Venture to royal lands while stopping at the Pa...
Step away from the chaos of the capital by head...
Most Popular Time to Travel
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
EdinburghPartly Cloudy
17°C / 63°F
34mm / 1.3"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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