Buying a hop-on-hop-off ticket for one of the bus tours is by far one of the best ways to see the city – and get around it. The brightly coloured tour buses all depart from St Andrews Square northside.
Where is the best view of Edinburgh?
Arthur’s Seat arguably has the best views over Edinburgh. Sure, it’s a hike (literally) to get there, but that’s part of the fun. You have the option of climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat for the best 360° views of Edinburgh or sticking to the paved path along the Salisbury Crags.
How many days do you need to see Edinburgh?
For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least two or three days in Edinburgh, which will give you enough time to explore the city centre and see the main sites.
Can you walk around the grounds of Edinburgh Castle for free?
Edinburgh Castle
Entry to the castle is not free, but you can walk up to it and take in the fantastic views. Edinburgh Castle tickets are cheaper if you buy online (£18 per adult) but paying at the gate will cost £21.
Is the Edinburgh Pass worth it?
Scotland Explorer Pass is totally worth the cost. It gives you free entry to 77 sites in Scotland (including fast track entry to Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle). You can save more than £30 using the pass (and you’ll start saving after the second attraction).
How can I spend a day in Edinburgh?
Here’s what to see and do in Edinburgh in one day:
- Sunrise at Calton Hill (or visit at sunset)
- Breakfast at Princes Street Gardens.
- Stroll Princes Street Gardens & see the Ross Fountain.
- Short Visit to Scottish National Gallery.
- Explore Edinburgh Castle.
- Don’t miss the One O’clock Gun (1 pm at Edinburgh Castle)
Is Edinburgh a walkable city?
The city ranked highly across the board, topping the global chart as the most beautiful and the most walkable city in the world. Edinburgh is also much loved as a great place for a stroll through nature and has heaps of new exciting things to do.
What is the best month to go to Edinburgh?
The best time to visit Edinburgh is June through August when the average high temperatures rise to a balmy 65 degrees Fahrenheit. But this is also the city’s busiest time for tourism, especially in August when festivals fill up the calendar.
Is it better to stay in Old or New Town in Edinburgh?
Old Town and the Royal Mile is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for sightseeing (especially for first-timers). While the New Town with its numerous restaurants is an excellent location for shopping and dining out.
How much time is needed to tour Edinburgh Castle?
2 hours
You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle. Opening times for the independent museums at the castle may vary.
Is it worth paying to go inside Edinburgh Castle?
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction.
Is it a difficult walk up to Edinburgh Castle?
As a historical site, the castle complex can be difficult to access and navigate, especially for those with mobility difficulties – the whole site is on a steep hill, rising to a summit, and there are staircases around both the interior and exterior spaces, with uneven surfaces throughout.
Is food expensive in Edinburgh?
While meal prices in Edinburgh can vary, the average cost of food in Edinburgh is £31 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Edinburgh should cost around £13 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.
Can I visit Edinburgh Castle without ticket?
You will still need to purchase a ticket to enter the castle. From experience, unless you have an interest in Scottish military history, the only thing of interest, apart from the stunning views, is the little bit of Scottish royal history and the exhibit of the Scottish Crown jewels.
How long is the Edinburgh Vaults tour?
1-hour
This vaults tour takes you beneath the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town into a dimly lit space that many considered to be haunted. Your 1-hour tour visits the vaults of the South Bridge that date back to the 1700s. These are the same vaults mentioned on Most Haunted Live as one of the scariest places on earth.
What benefits do tourists bring to Edinburgh?
Tourism is one of Edinburgh’s success stories. The city sells £1.3 billion of services to staying visitors, which supports around 30,000 jobs, and pays wages and salaries of around £400 million, per year in 2015. Over the last five years, visitor spending has increased by 30% from £1.0 billion in 2010 to £1.3 billion.
Can you walk everywhere in Edinburgh?
Walk Everywhere. As a fairly compact city, many places in Edinburgh’s city centre are within walking distance of each other. Walking can be faster than taking a bus or taxi at peak times, driving a hire car around town can be challenging, and parking can be expensive.
Is Edinburgh easy to walk around?
We all want to put our best foot forward, and in Edinburgh it’s easy. With one dormant volcano, seven hills, clusters of cobbled streets and tantalising vistas waiting around every bend, the capital is a fabulous place for a wander.
How long is the Edinburgh walking tour?
Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh
On this 2 hours FREE Tour your expert guide will show you the most attractive spots of this seductive city.
What do I need to know before going to Edinburgh?
10 Useful Things To Know Before You Visit Edinburgh
- (Most) souvenir shops on the Royal Mile should be avoided.
- English money is legal in Edinburgh.
- Some men wear kilts.
- Locals grumble about the festivals.
- It’s cold.
- Avoid Edinburgh during the festival (if you’re not attending it)
How can I spend 3 days in Edinburgh?
The Perfect 3 Days in Edinburgh Scotland
- Edinburgh Castle.
- Tartan Weaving Center.
- Writer’s Museum.
- Scottish Lunch.
- Greyfriar’s Bobby.
- Greyfriar’s Kirkyard (Graveyard)
- Elephant House.
- National Museum of Scotland.