Edinburgh City Guide

Welcome to Edinburgh, the enchanting capital city of Scotland. With its historic charm, cultural richness, and stunning landscapes, Edinburgh offers a captivating blend of history, art, and natural beauty. From its iconic castle perched atop an ancient volcano to its bustling city streets and lively festivals, Edinburgh invites you to delve into its past, explore its vibrant present, and experience its unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Food and Drink in Edinburgh

Discover local flavors with top-notch restaurants, cozy cafes, and unique food experiences in the area.

Food and drink within 10 miles of Edinburgh.

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Edinburgh Stockbridge Franco Manca
Edinburgh Stockbridge Franco Manca
Edinburgh Stockbridge Franco Manca
Edinburgh St Andrews Franco Manca
Edinburgh St Andrews Franco Manca
Edinburgh St Andrews Franco Manca

Key sight seeing attractions include:

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Visit Edinburgh Castle, an iconic fortress with panoramic views of the city. Explore its history, Crown Jewels, and Stone of Destiny.

Royal Mile

Royal Mile

Stroll along the historic Royal Mile, a cobbled street connecting the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, with its regal interiors and beautiful gardens.

Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat

Hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding landscape.

National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland

Immerse yourself in history, science, and culture at the National Museum of Scotland, featuring diverse exhibits and interactive displays.

Scottish National Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

Appreciate art at the Scottish National Gallery, showcasing a collection of European masterpieces.

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth

Explore Dynamic Earth, an interactive museum focusing on the Earth's history, geology, and natural phenomena.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill

Climb Calton Hill for breathtaking views, iconic monuments like the National Monument, and a serene atmosphere.

Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh Festivals

Experience Edinburgh's renowned festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, and more.

Music in Edinburgh

Enjoy live performances, local gigs, and music festivals, celebrating a range of musical genres.

Music within 10 miles of Edinburgh.

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OMEGA NEBULA Live @ The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh 27/09/25
27
Sep
OMEGA NEBULA Live @ The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh 27/09/25
OMEGA NEBULA return this Autumn with an explosive live/electronic show, that transcends the boundaries of traditional dub and reggae.
Black Rose Live In The Voodoo Rooms
7
Nov
Black Rose Live In The Voodoo Rooms
Black rose return to The Voodoo Rooms to celebrate our 30th anniversary. All the hits and way more from Scotlands finest Thin Lizzy tribute.
Out of the Blue - A Celebration of Joni Mitchell
18
Jul
Out of the Blue - A Celebration of Joni Mitchell
Celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell, Anne Gair and her 5 piece band explore the songs from her most loved albums Blue, Hejira and other favourites.
Rock Femmes Fatales - A Tribute to Female-Fronted Rock Music
30
May
Rock Femmes Fatales - A Tribute to Female-Fronted Rock Music
ROCK FEMMES FATALES celebrates the brilliance of female-fronted rock artists through the ages. The band features powerhouse vocalists and musicians.
The Deadinburgh Festival 2025
4
Jul
The Deadinburgh Festival 2025
Edinburgh's 2 day festival dedicated to Goth Music & Culture
Threats
31
May
Threats
Edinburgh Punk legends return with classic line Up
Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight
31
May
Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight
Enjoy an outstanding candlelit evening of classical music at Christmas in the beautiful setting of St Giles Cathedral.
Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight
31
May
Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight
Enjoy an exceptional concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Giles Cathedral.
Chopin by Candlelight
25
Jul
Chopin by Candlelight
Enjoy an outstanding candlelit evening of classical music in the beautiful setting of St Giles Cathedral.
A Night at the Opera by Candlelight (Feat. Nessun Dorma)
26
Jul
A Night at the Opera by Candlelight (Feat. Nessun Dorma)
Enjoy an outstanding candlelit evening of classical music in the beautiful setting of St Giles Cathedral.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending - 30 May, Edinburgh
30
May
Vivaldi's Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending - 30 May, Edinburgh
London Concertante bring Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Vaughan-Williams' 'The Lark Ascending' to life alongside other gems of baroque music.

History of Edinburgh

History

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, boasts a captivating history that is deeply intertwined with its royal heritage, architectural splendor, and cultural significance. Its narrative is one of medieval origins, iconic landmarks, and a harmonious blend of history and modernity.

Edinburgh's history can be traced back to its medieval Old Town, characterized by narrow alleys and historic buildings. The city's Royal Mile, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is a historic thoroughfare lined with centuries-old structures.

Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcanic rock, stands as a symbol of Scotland's history and houses the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels). The annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event that takes place against the backdrop of the castle.

Culture of Edinburgh

Culture

Edinburgh's cultural scene is enriched by its festivals, galleries, and theaters. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, showcases a diverse range of performances, while the Scottish National Gallery houses an impressive collection of art.

In recent times, Edinburgh has embraced modernity while preserving its historical character. The Scottish Parliament Building, a blend of modern and traditional architecture, symbolizes the city's democratic values.

The Arts in Edinburgh

Explore creativity through galleries, performances, and hands-on artistic experiences in the community.

The arts within 10 miles of Edinburgh.

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National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology and Scottish history, all in one amazing building.
Palace of Holyrood House
Palace of Holyrood House
Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

Things to do for sports fans in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers various sports and recreational activities to suit different interests:

  • Rugby: Rugby is a significant part of the city's sports culture, with matches held at BT Murrayfield Stadium.
  • Football: Edinburgh boasts two prominent football clubs, Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC, with matches held at Tynecastle Park and Easter Road Stadium, respectively.
  • Running and Cycling: Explore Edinburgh's parks, scenic routes, and designated paths for running and cycling.

Edinburgh's timeless allure, cultural vibrancy, and connection to its historical roots create an enchanting destination where visitors can immerse themselves in history, enjoy artistic experiences, and appreciate the city's lively sporting atmosphere.

History and Heritage in Edinburgh

Step back in time and discover the rich history and heritage that shaped this area.

History and heritage within 10 miles of Edinburgh.

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National War Museum
National War Museum
Investigate the story of Scotland at war within the historic setting of Edinburgh Castle. Accounts of battles lost and won are told through military artefacts and personal collections.

Travelling to Edinburgh

By Car

Edinburgh is accessible by road via major routes like the M8 and A1. The city provides parking options, including car parks within the city center.

By Train

Edinburgh's main railway station, Edinburgh Waverley, offers direct services from London King's Cross and other major cities, making it convenient for travelers arriving by train.

Getting Around

Edinburgh's compact city center is walkable, and an extensive network of buses and trams provides convenient options for traveling within the city and its surroundings.

Wildlife in Edinburgh

Encounter local wildlife in their natural habitats with guided tours and nature reserves.

Wildlife within 10 miles of Edinburgh.

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Welcome to Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh Zoo
Welcome to Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh Zoo
Looking for an unforgettable day out? Discover Edinburgh Zoo and enjoy a great day out with your family or friends. Visit the UK's only giant pandas and don't miss our world famous penguin parade!

The Great Outdoors in Edinburgh

Embrace the beauty of nature with scenic walks, parks, and outdoor adventures for all ages.

The great outdoors within 10 miles of Edinburgh.

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Welcome to Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh Zoo
Welcome to Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh Zoo
Discover the wonders of wildlife conservation at Edinburgh Zoo. Plan your visit to encounter diverse species and support vital conservation efforts.

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