About
Edinburgh is a city divided in two — but that's not a flaw, it's character. On one side is the Old Town: narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings piled on top of each other, dark closets in the shadow of the castle. On the other side is New Town: wide streets and elegant squares lined with 18th century Georgian architecture. Between the two is Princes Street Gardens — a valley of green clinging to the foot of a volcanic escarpment. This contrast is the reason why UNESCO included both of them on the World Heritage list.
The capital of Scotland is actually a small city, the size of a district of Istanbul, with a population of half a million. But it has great cultural weight. J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter in a cafe here, Arthur Conan Doyle was born here, Robert Louis Stevenson walked these streets. Every summer, the world's largest arts festival (Fringe) invades this city and triples the population. For the rest of the year, Edinburgh continues to be a windy but elegant, cold but friendly Scottish city.
The city is large enough to be explored on foot. It won't take you even an hour to walk along the Royal Mile from the Castle to Holyrood Palace. But there are many hills — Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, Castle Rock, Blackford Hill. Good walking shoes are a must. While you're walking straight, you suddenly encounter a hill, and two minutes later you forgive that climb in exchange for the view.
Let me warn you before you come: Edinburgh is not as expensive as London, but it is not cheap either. A pint of beer costs £5-6, restaurant dinner costs £20-30 per person, hotel nights start from £100. During the festival (August) prices double. But you can also have a good time without paying, with free museums, free hills and street shows.
When to Go
Edinburgh's atmosphere is very different from Istanbul. Even in summer it barely exceeds 20°C, and in winter it drops to 2-3°C. And the wind—oh the wind. The real boss of this city is the wind. Dress in layers, have a windbreaker with you, don't trust an umbrella because it will turn upside down in the wind.
May–June (Spring/Early Summer): The days are long (light until 22:00 in the evening!), the temperature is 14-18°C, the parks are in bloom. The crowd hasn't started yet and the prices are reasonable. The most comfortable time to visit Edinburgh.
July–August (Summer): The hottest period, but when we say "hot" we mean 18-22°C. It's the Fringe Festival in August and the city goes crazy — shows on every corner, artists on every street. Incredible energy, but hotel prices are through the roof and the crowds are dense.
September (Early Autumn): The festival crowd has dispersed, the weather is still nice, the leaves have started to turn. Edinburgh's most photogenic period. Prices are also falling.
October–November (Autumn): The leaves are gold and crimson, Arthur's Seat is mysterious in the mist. But at 16:00 darkness falls and the air is damp and cold. The atmosphere is different this season in Scotland, the homeland of the Samhain (Halloween) tradition.
December–February (Winter): Cold (0-5°C), windy and grey. But Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) is one of the most legendary New Year's celebrations in the world. Christmas markets, ice skating and city lighting are also nice. The day is short (it gets bright at 09:00 and dark at 15:30), take this into account.
How to get there
Airway: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is 13 km away from the city center. Direct flight options from Istanbul are limited — you can find direct flights with THY or SunExpress in season, otherwise the most common route is to go with a connection in London. You can take Pegasus or easyJet to London Stansted/Gatwick, and then take a domestic flight to Edinburgh. Flight duration is approximately 4.5 hours direct. Early tickets are around 150-250 EUR.
Airport–City center transportation:
| Option | Duration | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlink 100 Bus | 25-30 min | £5.50 (one way) | Goes to Waverley Bridge (city centre). The most practical way. |
| Tram | 35 min | £7.50 (one way) | From the airport to Princes Street. Opened in 2014, it is modern and comfortable. |
| Taxi / Uber | 20-30 min | £25-35 | Varies depending on traffic. Makes sense for night flights. |
Urban Transportation
Edinburgh is a small city and the center is largely navigable on foot. But don't underestimate the hills and distances.
Walking: 10-15 minutes between Old Town and New Town. 25 minutes to walk from the Castle to Holyrood along the Royal Mile. The best way to explore Edinburgh is walking — but comfortable shoes are a must, there are a lot of cobblestones and hills.
Bus (Lothian Buses): An extensive network reaching every corner of the city. Single ticket £2, day ticket £5. You can board with a bank card (contactless). They don't accept cash, they ask for change and won't give you change — use contactless.
Tram: There is an airport-city center line. Extended to Leith in 2024. £2 one way, £5 per day.
Uber/Bolt: Available and widespread. Handy late at night or if you're heading to Leith.
Accommodation Regions
Where you stay in Edinburgh determines your experience:
Old Town (Royal Mile area): The heart of history. The castle, museums and pubs are all within walking distance. It can be a little noisy at night but the atmosphere is unique. Prices are high, astronomical during festival time.
New Town (Princes Street / George Street): Georgian architecture, elegant bars, shopping. 5 minutes walk to Old Town. For those who want a more stylish and calm environment. Middle-upper segment hotels are here.
Grassmarket: A lively square at the bottom of the Old Town with a view of the castle. Pubs, restaurants and hostels abound. A favorite area of young travelers.
Stockbridge: A quiet neighborhood with a bohemian atmosphere, north of New Town. Boutique cafes, market on Sunday, local life. 15 minutes walk to the center, prices are more affordable.
Leith: The port area is the rising star of recent years. Restaurants, craft beer venues and beach vibes. 15 minutes to the center by tram or bus. Prices are more affordable than the center, ideal for those who want a more local experience.
Budget Plan (3 days, per person, GBP)
| Category | Backpacker | Medium | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (2 nights) | £50-80 (Hostel) | £180-300 (3-4★) | £500+ (5★ Hotel) |
| Transport | £15 (Bus) | £20 | £70 (Taxi/Uber) |
| Food | £40-60 (Pub & street) | £100-150 | £300+ (Fine Dining) |
| Entrance Tickets | £20 (Castle) | £60 | £120 (Private tours) |
| Nightlife / Whiskey | £25 | £50 | £120+ |
| Total (3 days) | £150-200 | £410-580 | £1100+ |
Expect these prices to increase by 50-100% during the festival period (August). Accommodation is the most affected item — early booking saves lives.
Practical Tips
Take a windbreaker, don't trust the umbrella. The Edinburgh wind will turn the umbrella upside down in 30 seconds. A compact windbreaker or waterproof jacket makes much more sense. Even throw it in your bag on a sunny day.
Be prepared for hills. This city was built on a hill. Walking shoes with comfortable, non-slip soles are a must. High heels are torture on the cobblestone pavement.
Plan your Fringe time early. If you're going in August, book your hotel 3-4 months in advance and buy tickets for popular shows 1-2 months in advance. When it's last minute, it's expensive and there are few options.
Evaluate free museums. National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Museum of Modern Art, Scottish National Portrait Gallery... All are free. It helps a lot with the budget.
Use contactless. Cash is not accepted on the buses, they ask for change and do not give change. If your Visa or Mastercard has contactless feature, scan it directly.
Explore the Closes (side streets). The narrow passages on both sides of the Royal Mile are Edinburgh's hidden treasures. Some take you to secret courtyards, some to secret viewpoints.
Haggis don't be afraid. It sounds weird (sheep offal, oats, onions) but it's delicious if you eat it in the right place. For your first try, order "haggis, neeps and tatties" in a pub.
Go whiskey tasting. Don't come to Scotland without tasting whiskey. Take a guided tasting at the Scotch Whiskey Experience or SMWS and learn the difference between single malt and blended. Dare to try "Peaty" (peat-scented) whiskeys.
Travel Guide with Children
Edinburgh gets a 4.0/5 child-friendly rating. Families with children can travel comfortably with free museums, outdoor adventures and interactive experiences. But take into account the hills and cobblestones.
Recommendations by Age Group
0-3 years: The playgrounds at Princes Street Gardens are nice for little ones. My trip with the stroller was mostly uneventful, but the cobblestone streets of Old Town and the hills could prove challenging. There is a baby care room at the National Museum of Scotland.
4-7 years old: They can play for hours in the interactive galleries at the National Museum of Scotland. The One O'Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle is very exciting. Dynamic Earth science center is also a favorite of this age group.
8-12 years: Arthur's Seat climb is an adventure, Real Mary King's Close underground tour is scary but fun. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is also perfect for this age group — a five-story optical illusion center.
Ages 13+: Street performances fascinate young people during the Fringe festival. Exploring Harry Potter connections (Greyfriars, Victoria Street/Diagon Alley, The Elephant House cafe) is also interesting. The Edinburgh Dungeon horror experience is for the brave.
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities
National Museum of Scotland — Interactive science and discovery galleries, dinosaur fossils, Dolly the Sheep. Completely free, kids can spend time until they get tired of running around.
Dynamic Earth — The interactive science center explains the formation of our world with 4D cinema and simulations. Volcanic eruptions and ice age experiences fascinate children.
Edinburgh Castle — Cannon fire from the hills, prisons and crown jewels. The audio guide has been specially prepared for children.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions — Five-story optical illusion center. Mirrors, holograms and photo opportunities. All age groups have fun, but 6-14 year olds love it the most.
Arthur's Seat (short route) — Take the short route up to Dunsapie Loch instead of the full summit, enough adventure for young children. Swans and lambs are a bonus.
Practical Information
Baby stroller: New Town has flat and wide pavements, suitable for strollers. The narrow streets and cobblestones of the Old Town are challenging. Back carrier (baby carrier) is more practical for Old Town.
Children's menu: The majority of restaurants have a children's menu. Pubs usually have options such as fish fingers and mac & cheese. But some pubs do not accept children after 18:00, so ask in advance.
Children's ticket discounts: Children under the age of 5 enter most venues free of charge. On buses, children under 5 years old are free, 5-15 years old are half price (with contactless service). Most museums are free anyway.
Toilet: There are free toilets in major museums and shopping malls. There are also public toilets in Princes Street Gardens.
Warnings
- Be careful with young children when climbing Arthur's Seat, some sections are rocky and steep.
- The cannons and ramparts at Edinburgh Castle attract children's curiosity, but the sides are high; Don't take your eyes off them.
- The wind can be really strong, be sure to take hats and windbreakers for the children.
- During the festival, the crowd is dense, do not let go of the little children.
Local Label and Culture Notes
Scots see themselves as separate from the English and they appreciate it if you say so. Instead of saying "in England" say "in Scotland", instead of "English" say "Scottish". This little delicacy will instantly endear you.
Edinburghers are generally friendly and helpful. Don't hesitate to ask for directions, they'll probably even accompany you. But the Scottish accent can be challenging at first — if you don't understand, ask politely again, no one will be offended.
Pub culture operates by the same rules as London: order at the bar, carry it to your table, order a beer in the round system. Tipping is not mandatory, but leaving around 10% in restaurants is a nice gesture. No tip is expected for bar service.
Be careful when drinking whiskey: The one produced in Scotland is called "Scotch" and they are sensitive about drinking it with ice. Consult the bartender while tasting, he will tell you how it should be drunk. If you hear the advice "Add a drop of water", take it seriously, it opens up the flavors.
Scots love to talk about the weather — even complaining is a way to bond. Experiencing four seasons in one day is normal here, don't be surprised.
FAQ
How many days to visit Edinburgh? The city center can be easily visited in 3 days. But if you want to add whiskey tours, a Highlands day trip and festival-time activities, plan 5-7 days. If you add climbing Arthur's Seat, exploring Leith and a one-day Highlands tour, 5 days is ideal.
Do I need a separate visa for Scotland? No, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. The UK visa is also valid for Scotland. But be careful: Schengen visa is not valid for England/Scotland. Maroon passport holders must also apply for a UK visa. Green and gray passport holders can travel without a visa for up to 90 days.
Is Edinburgh really that cold? In winter, yes, it is 0-5°C and there is wind. But in the summer months it is very pleasant with 16-22°C. It's not the cold that's the issue, but the wind — a windbreaker, layers of clothing and a waterproof outer layer will save you.
Can haggis really be eaten? Definitely. It sounds scary when you first hear it (sheep offal, oats, spices) but when you eat it in a good restaurant, it is delicious and satisfying. Someone who can eat kokoreç and liver in Turkish cuisine also loves haggis. Have your first try at "haggis, neeps and tatties" in the pub.
Is it possible to get around Edinburgh without knowing English? You can get by with basic English, but the Scottish accent can be challenging at first. You survive with Google Translate, signs and subway maps are clear. But knowing basic English to chat in the pub and ask for directions will make your job much easier.
Which airport should I fly to? Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the only option and is very close to the city center (13 km, 25 minutes). Direct flights from Istanbul may be limited, with connections to London being the most common route. An alternative is to fly to Glasgow Airport (GLA) and come to Edinburgh by train (1 hour train).
Is the electrical outlet different? Yes. Scotland also uses a Type G socket, a large plug with three rectangular pins. Type C/F plugs in Türkiye do not fit. Don't forget to buy an adapter, it is sold at the airport but it is 2-3 times more expensive. Buy from Türkiye.
Should I go during the festival? Edinburgh turns into another city in August. Thousands of shows, street performers, world-class comedians and musicians... The energy is at its peak. But the crowds are dense, prices are through the roof and hotels are hard to find. Either plan early or come during non-festival periods and explore the city more quietly.