edinburgh tourism office

Visitor information

Learn more about our approach to visitor information through the channels we know visitors use to maximise our reach and influence in our key markets.

A part of our strategy to grow the visitor economy, we announced changes to the way we provide visitor information.

We will move to a digital-first approach with a focus on pre arrival information. This follows significant changes to the way people plan their holidays.

As a result, our network of information centres (iCentres) will close over the next two years. This will be done via a phased closure programme until the end of March 2026. 

This page outlines our future strategy, iCentre data and our approach to withdrawing from our owned and leased properties.

In this article:

Information strategy, icentres: our current approach, icentre data, financials and closure dates.

• Withdrawing from owned and leased properties

In March 2024, we announced that we will close our network of iCentres over the next two years as part of a strategy designed to grow the visitor economy by influencing visitors in the planning stage of their trip, before they leave home.

Most visitors now use online resources and travel specialists to plan and book all aspects of their trips, including accommodation and activities, before they arrive at their destination.

Responding to this shift in consumer behaviour, we’ll invest our expertise and resources into a digital-first strategy to increase Scotland’s share of global travel.

This will see us targeting the channels we know visitors use to maximise our reach and influence within our key markets, ensuring Scotland is a “must visit, must return” destination.  It will also support us in attracting visitors throughout the year and across Scotland, promoting lesser-known destinations.

We recognise that circumstances vary around the country, and we are engaging with key stakeholders to discuss local circumstances.

Our staff are our priority, and we’re engaging with them to discuss their options. In line with policy, there are currently no compulsory redundancies.

We have 25 iCentres across the country offering tourist information and local recommendations.

All our iCentres will continue to operate until September, we will then deliver a two-phased closure programme with the expectation that all our iCentres will close by March 2026.

The following section provides a list of our 25 iCentres across Scotland. It includes tables with information on:

• footfall for the past five financial years
• building status, specifications and closure dates
• financial records

Footfall has been collected at each location via the means of either electronic or manual visitor count system. Since November 2023, only manual trackers have been used to collate footfall.

You can download a pdf document of financial records for each of our iCentres.

iCentre financial data

Published June 2024

iCentre closure programme | withdrawing from owned and leased properties

We are considering our options for the disposal of our iCentre network following the various expressions of interest which have been received.

Six of the 25 iCentres we manage are fully owned by VisitScotland. These are Dumfries, Bowmore, Jedburgh, Craignure, Brodick and Rothesay.

The remaining 19 properties are either leased from a local authority landlord or a commercial landlord.

This section sets out how we plan to withdraw from our owned and leased properties over the next two years if this happens on an individual property basis.

The Scottish Government has issued Disposal of property guidance - Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) -  read the guidance on the Scottish Government website.  and we have responsibilities under  the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 .

We are also working with the Scottish Government to understand if there is a separate process that should be followed where there is a sale of a business unit which includes property.  

If required, an additional process document will be developed. 

1. Transfer of property within the Scottish public sector

In line with our duties, before offering land and property for sale elsewhere, we must notify Scottish Government so that the property can be advertised to other public bodies. This process allows for the transfer of property held within the Scottish public sector at market value.

The process takes one month and must be completed before commencing marketing or entering into a commitment to sell elsewhere. Where a public body expresses an interest to acquire any of our owned iCentre properties, the transfer should be undertaken following SPFM guidance.

2. Transfer of property to community bodies

Registered community bodies can request to buy, lease, manage or use the iCentres we own under the Community Empowerment Act. To make an asset transfer request, an organisation needs to be a "community transfer body" as it is defined in section 77 of the Act.

A community body must set out its plans for the property, detailing what benefits it will bring. We would consider whether proposals will improve economic development, regeneration, health, or social or environmental wellbeing, or reduce inequalities. We must agree to the request unless there are reasonable grounds for refusal.  

All interested proposals would be assessed in line with the criteria set out in the Community Empowerment Act. All decisions would be assessed with recommendations provided to VisitScotland leadership group, Board, and notification would be provided to Scottish Government of any decision.

A registered community body can put in a note of interest at anytime. If there was interest from both a public body and a community body, we would seek advice from Scottish Government. If you would like to register your interest in an iCentre, please contact our team on [email protected] .

Our teams are engaging with stakeholders and where community bodies register an interest in taking over any of our owned iCentres, we will engage with them in that process in line with our duties under the Act.

If there is no community interest the next stage would be to progress to the open market.

3. Open market

Once the first two stages have been exhausted, we would look to the commercial market to dispose of owned properties. We would consider the following two options:

• Traditional marketing and sale: We would use Graham + Sibbald, our appointed estates professionals, to act as surveyors and agents along with appointed property solicitors to act on our behalf in the sale.
• Sale by auction: Scottish Government has an agreed auctioneer within its government procurement framework which we could use to sell a property. Auctions typically run once a quarter.

We lease 19 iCentres with 10 of the landlords being local authorities or government bodies and the remaining nine commercial landlords.

• Local authority and public body landlords: Stirling, Pitlochry, Balloch, Perth, Lerwick, Aberfoyle, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Kirkwall and Ballater.
• Commercial landlords: Aberdeen, Oban, Stornoway, Portree, Aviemore, Inverness, Fort William, Ullapool and Glasgow.

The approach for all leases will be to exit in line with lease end dates or break options. However, there will be instances where this is not possible due to the term of the lease in which we will require to sub-let or reassign leases for the remainder of the term.

We’ll work with the local authority or public bodies to understand the preference of a sub lease or assignation and ensure any interest from communities is considered in this process.

For commercial landlords, we will also assess viable community interest however the commercial leases do come at market value rates unlike the discounted local authority rents. In this instance we will test the commercial market through Graham + Sibbald.

Impact assessments

In Scotland, public bodies including VisitScotland are required to assess, consult or monitor the likely impacts their plans, programmes and strategies will have.

Related links

Scotland visitor survey 2023, our marketing, our marketing calendar, digital skills.

Best Time to Visit

Edinburgh Airport Guide

Public Transportation

48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Edinburgh

Top Things to Do

Best Museums

Visiting Edinburgh Castle

Guide to Arthur's Seat

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Your Trip to Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

Known sometimes as "The Athens of the North" or "Auld Reekie," the Scottish capital is one of the country's most popular destinations, and is a great place to spend a long weekend or to include in a larger Scotland itinerary . Edinburgh is relatively compact and walkable, but there's a lot to see and do in this historic and culturally vibrant capital, including exploring Edinburgh Castle, visiting one of the city's top museums, going on a nearby hike, or hitting up the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Whether you are looking to explore Edinburgh's food and bar scene or to travel back in time through its history, here are a few things to keep in mind while planning your trip.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Based purely on the weather, June through August is the best time of year to travel to Edinburgh. Scotland can be notoriously gloomy and wet during the winter, but summer brings moderate temperatures and some sun, making it ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Do keep in mind that summer is also peak tourist season; if you want to avoid the crowds, consider planning your trip for either May or September. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to pack layers of clothing.
• Language: English is the primary language spoken in Scotland and the rest of the U.K. However, because Edinburgh is a fairly large, international city, you may hear other languages spoken around town. Gaelic is also spoken in some parts of Scotland.
• Currency: The currency in the U.K. is the pound sterling , which is also known as GBP or just "the pound." Cents are known as pence.
• Getting Around : While Edinburgh is a highly walkable city, especially in the city center, there are good public transportation options, including the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. Taxis and Ubers are also available. Car rentals are another option, though we don't recommend driving or parking in the city center of Edinburgh.
• Travel Tip : Make your visit to Edinburgh part of a larger exploration of Scotland, taking advantage of the trains if you prefer not to drive through the winding roads. Glasgow is less than an hour away from Edinburgh, while Dundee and St. Andrews are a quick journey north. But you don't have to pick just the bigger destinations to better understand Scottish culture. Nearby, look for day trips to the Scottish Borders, North Berwick and Stirling, when planning an itinerary.

Things to Do

Edinburgh has a lot of history, culture, and art available to explore, as well as expansive shopping areas. Touring Edinburgh Castle , one of the oldest fortified palaces in Europe, is a must-do for all visitors, as is hiking Arthur's Seat , the highest point in Edinburgh. Another popular attraction is Palace of Holyroodhouse; the Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II, it welcomes visitors whenever the British Royal Family is not in town. Here are some of the top things to do during your trip to Edinburgh:

• Tour The National Art Gallery of Scotland ; consisting of three galleries, this vast art museum showcases works from both Scotland and around the world.
• Dine at The Kitchin , a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant that highlights local ingredients.
• Attend the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe , the world's largest arts festival , to see performances ranging from plays and comedy shows to live music.

For more, explore our full-length articles on the top things to do in Edinburgh and the best museums in Edinburgh . And, be sure to check out our guide to spending 48 hours in the Scottish capital .

Iain Masterton/Getty Images 

What to Eat and Drink

Edinburgh is an international city that boasts cuisine from all over the world, but of course you'll want to experience Scottish fare while visiting. Haggis, a meaty pudding cooked in a sheep's stomach, is Scotland's most famous dish and broadly available around Edinburgh, especially at pubs. Other local dishes include Stornoway black pudding, Cullen skink, Cranachan, and smoked salmon. And if you're wanting to imbibe on Scottish whisky, you can sample it at any number of places, including The Abbey Bar and The Balmoral Whisky Bar .

Because the city is so diverse, travelers will find not just pubs, but also fancy Michelin-starred restaurants, quirky burger joints, and outdoor food stalls. While many restaurants and pubs can be found in the city center, be sure to venture into Leith to try pizza at La Favorita or Scottish-French fusion at Restaurant Martin Wishart .

For more, check out the best restaurants in Edinburgh and our guide to Edinburgh nightlife .

Where to Stay

While each of Edinburgh's 12 neighborhoods is distinctly charming, you might find some more convenient than others depending on your itinerary, Most travelers opt to stay in the city center, which includes the Royal Mile and New Town. Many of the popular hotels, including both chain and boutique options, are located in these two areas alongside the popular attractions and shopping streets. If you prefer to stay somewhere close to the water, look for a hotel or apartment rental in Leith, a cool neighborhood with lots of independent cafés, stores, and bookshops. For something a little off-center, head to Portobello, a seaside resort neighborhood only 20 minutes from central Princes Street. Some iconic Edinburgh hotels include The Balmoral , The Witchery by the Castle , The Royal Scots Club , and Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh .

Read our roundup of the best hotels in Edinburgh to learn more and find the right accommodation for you.

Getting There

Most international travelers arrive in Edinburgh by flying into Edinburgh Airport , a fairly busy airport with one main terminal. The airport services several cities in the U.S., mostly on the East Coast, as well as Europe and the Middle East. It also has numerous flights that connect from London's Heathrow Airport.

Alternatively, you can take a train from London or one of the U.K.'s other large cities; trains operate regularly and arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station. If you're driving, be sure to include a GPS in your rental car to help navigate the unfamiliar roads.

Culture and Customs

Tipping isn't as frequent in Scotland as it is in America, but it's still customary to tip in restaurants or taxis, especially when you receive good service. The typical amount is 10 percent, but you can use your best judgment. In a pub, leave a pound or two when ordering drinks at the bar. And while it may be slightly jarring to some visitors, the legal drinking age in Scotland is 18.

 Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images

Money Saving Tips

• The best way to save a few bucks is to walk. Edinburgh is a very walkable city and it's central area is compact enough that you shouldn't need a rental car or to take many taxis. Plan out your itinerary to take advantage of walking everywhere you can.
• Many of the museums offer free entry, including The National Museum of Scotland, The Museum of Childhood, and The Museum on the Mound. Historic cathedrals like St. Giles' Cathedral are also free to enter.
• Tour the Scottish Parliament for a glimpse inside Scotland's political landscape. It's open to the public six days a week and tours are free.
• To save money on meals, pay a visit to one of Edinburgh's food markets. The Pitt Market, which takes place every Saturday in Leith, is one of the most popular. Travelers arriving at Waverley Station will also find more than 40 food stalls at Waverley Market @ Platform 2.
• Two discount attraction passes are available for tourists in Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh Ticket and Edinburgh City Pass .

Visit Scotland. "Frequently Asked Questions About Scotland."

VisitScotland. "Frequently Asked Questions About Scotland."

This Is Edinburgh. "Edinburgh Fringe Festival."

A Guide to Airports in Scotland

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

Your Trip to Birmingham, England: The Complete Guide

Dublin Guide: Planning Your Trip

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

Your Trip to Mexico City: The Complete Guide

Nightlife in Edinburgh: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

48 Hours in Edinburgh: The Ultimate Itinerary

Your Trip to Ireland: The Complete Guide

9 Top Things to Do in Dundee, Scotland

12 Best Beaches in Scotland

The Best 15 Restaurants in Edinburgh

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Top 20 Things to Do in Edinburgh

The World's 10 Best Destinations for Backpackers

27 things you should know before visiting Edinburgh: Why does it smell? Can I use English money? And more

Jan 3, 2022 • 8 min read

Here’s what you need to know before you dive into Edinburgh © matthi / Shutterstock

With its grand castle and famous festival, Edinburgh is a tourist magnet. But Scotland ’s capital isn’t just a collection of big-ticket sights. Set on a series of extinct volcanoes and blessed with chasm-like medieval alleys and grand civic squares, Edinburgh is a stunner with substance.

There’s history around every sandstone-hewn corner, of course, but you’ll also find vibrant life in its parks, pubs and suburbs. Edinburgh isn’t just worth visiting, it’s worth throwing yourself into. Here’s what you need to know before you dive in: when to go, what to pack, the slang, the smells and the banknotes.

Planning your trip to Edinburgh

Arriving in edinburgh.

Edinburgh's airport is 8 miles (13km) away. Buses (cheaper), trams (quicker when the roads are busy) and taxis (good for door-to-door drop-offs) connect the terminal with the city center. If you’re arriving from outside Britain and you’re not a UK citizen, you’ll need to fill out a passenger locator form .

Train passengers roll into Edinburgh Waverley – travelers coming from England will get gorgeous coastal views on the way up. Buses arrive at St Andrew’s Square in the New Town, just north of the center.

Come in summer for a chance of sunshine

Summer, when the days are long and bright and the winds are generally docile, will suit most visitors best. But if you don’t mind a spot of dreich (dismal) weather, come in the colder months, when you can mix warm pubs and museums with bracing strolls along atmospheric streets.

Dodge the Festival (unless you’re here for the Festival)

The world’s biggest arts festival takes over the city every August. If you’re going, book your accommodation months in advance and be ready to book the biggest shows early too. If you’re not, avoid August. Things also get pretty busy around Hogmanay (the run-up to New Year), but the madness is shorter-lived.

Booking in advance can be worth it

The earlier you book your accommodation the better, especially during the Festival. The biggest shows, including the Tattoo , should be booked well in advance too. The Edinburgh City Pass is worth a look if you’re also going to hit attractions such as the Castle and Leith’s Royal Yacht Britannia – it includes access to the fun city bus tours too.

Beyond that, booking online a day or so before you go is a good idea for the castle – you can save money and waiting time. 

Pack waterproof gear

You’ll need a jacket whenever you’re visiting. Edinburgh rarely gets that cold, but it can change from bright sunshine to rain-lashed darkness in a heartbeat. You’re likely to do a fair bit of walking, so a pair of comfy shoes is important. There’s no need to pack anything particularly formal.

Why are there two towns?

Central Edinburgh is a city divided. But it’s not any ill feeling that keeps the city apart – instead a valley containing the elegant Princes Street Gardens and Waverly Station separates the Old and New Towns. The Old Town is the medieval quarter, where packed tenements rise high and cobbled streets and wynds (alleys) stretch down from the famous Royal Mile. The New Town (around 250 years old, everything being relative) has airy boulevards and clipped squares along an orderly grid.

Further out are districts including the West End (fairly smart), Leith (the rough-cut setting of Trainspotting , now steadily gentrifying) and the Southside (low-key and studenty).

How long do you need in Edinburgh?

Take a day for a whistle-stop tour of the Royal Mile and a ramble around the Castle, or take two to get a sense of what the Old and New Towns have to offer. Four days or more will give you a proper feel for the city, heading north to the former port of Leith and west to the Gallery of Modern Art , as well as ticking off all the big sights in the center.

Spending time in Edinburgh

What kind of currency do you need .

Scotland has its own banknotes, but English notes are accepted everywhere in Scotland. (You’ll find a few shops in England that don’t repay the favor.) Card and contactless payments are now more common than cash, and they're the easiest way to pay on public transport too – if you use cash on a bus, you’ll need exact change, or a pass is a good alternative.

The Pink Triangle is where to find LGBTQ+ Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s gay scene is centered on the “Pink Triangle”, just northeast of Princes Street. CC Blooms is the mainstay, with (fairly expensive) food in the day and cabaret and DJs at night. Down the road in Abbeyhill, the Regent is a laid-back alternative. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Scotland in 2014. 

Sniffing out Old Reekie

“Old Reekie” is one of Edinburgh’s most enduring nicknames. It dates from the 17th century, when the Old Town’s narrow, tall streets, combined with the Nor Loch (a stagnant pool where Princes Street Gardens now sits) created a notorious odor that mixed smoke and effluent. These days, Edinburgh smells much like any other city, although the West End sometimes has a slight boozy fug from the brewery.

How to travel around Edinburgh

It's hilly, but walking is the best way to get around Edinburgh  – you’ll pass unexpected views and get a feel for the city’s rhythms. If you’re heading right across town, a cab (try Central Taxis) or ride-sharing app (Uber is the big one) isn’t a bad bet. There’s no subway, but trams connect the city center and West End with the airport, and buses are also helpful for heading to Leith or the Southside.

Etiquette in Edinburgh

Don't offend the locals.

If you meet someone in a social setting, an informal “hi” or a handshake are the usual greetings. You’re unlikely to inadvertently cause offense, though subjects like politics and religion are generally avoided in small talk. Scottish independence and Brexit can inspire passionate responses too.

Remember that Edinburgh is in Scotland, which is a part of Britain, but you’re definitely not in England – while lots of English people happily make Edinburgh their home, the England football team is traditionally booed with enthusiasm.

Buy your round in the pub

Rules here are the same as elsewhere in Britain and Ireland – one person usually orders for your group at the bar, paying for the “round” of drinks and bringing them back to the table. Everyone else then takes turns to get the round. Smarter bars may have table service, and almost everywhere will be able to offer a tray if you’ve lots of drinks to carry.

Most places take cash, although card or phone payments are more common. Pubs stay open later than south of the border – usually until midnight or 1am.

When should you tip, and how much? 

Tipping is only really required for table service in a restaurant (10% to 15%), although locals often round up taxi fares. If a hotel porter helps with your luggage, a tip of a pound or two per bag is standard.

Mind your tongue!

As a cosmopolitan city, Edinburgh is used to a range of accents. But you may not recognize every word you hear – take, for example, haar (a sea fog), Jambos (supporters of local club Hearts), Hibbies (hy-bees, supporters of city rivals Hibernian), Weegies (Glaswegians) and salt ‘n sauce (a vinegary and delicious condiment for chips). And you should ken (know) that Cockburn Street is pronounced “Coe-burn” and Edinburgh itself is “Edin-bru”, or even “Embra”.

Health and safety in Edinburgh

It’s a safe city – but watch your step.

Edinburgh is relatively safe. Pub-packed areas like the Cowgate (Old Town), Rose Street (New Town) and Lothian Road (West End) get lively on Friday and Saturday nights, but serious trouble is rare. Calton Hill offers good views during the day but is best avoided at night. Take usual precautions for a city, and use recognized ride-sharing apps or black cabs if in doubt at night.

Street scams are also uncommon, but watch your step as you explore: The sloping cobbles of the Old Town are slippery when wet. And when crossing roads, remember that traffic drives on the left.

Can you drink the water?

Oh yes. Edinburgh tap water is safe to drink ,and you can request it for free with your meal in a restaurant. The region’s water is soft (low in dissolved minerals), giving it a fresher taste than water from much of the UK.

Attractions are mostly accessible

Most modern hotels and attractions are accessible for travelers with disabilities, but many older buildings – including guesthouses and some pubs and restaurants – lack ramps and lifts. The New Town, with its wide streets, is more straightforward for wheelchair users than the steep, sometimes cobbled streets of the Old Town. Tourism body VisitScotland has a useful guide to accessible accommodation.

You might also like:  Budget Edinburgh: the best things to do for free in Scotland's capital 17 best things to do in Edinburgh Edinburgh for first-timers  

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Feb 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Writer Monisha Rajesh reports on her overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Edinburgh.

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Dec 5, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Aug 3, 2023 • 4 min read

May 26, 2023 • 5 min read

May 23, 2023 • 6 min read

May 22, 2023 • 6 min read

May 10, 2023 • 5 min read

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 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: 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 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!

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 !

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.

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 .

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!

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 .

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

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!

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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!

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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 !

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 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!

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!

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 .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• where to stay
• and much more

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 .

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

edinburghtouristguides.com

Professional guides for Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh with a Blue Badge guide!

A visit to the Scottish capital will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip to Scotland, and who better to show you around than a local, knowledgeable Blue Badge guide!  Discover the dark alleyways of the Old Town , the Georgian splendour of the New Town or even go a bit further afield to explore the spectacular coastline and surrounding countryside with a qualified, professional tour guide on hand to share the stories, legends and customs of this beautiful part of the world.

Qualified Tourist Guides

Enjoy a bespoke tour tailored to your requirements and interests. Learn more about the different types of tour we can provide here .

When it comes to Edinburgh, we are the professionals!

Established over 60 years ago, the Scottish Tourist Guides Association has over 200 members based in and around Edinburgh.

All our guides are fully trained, qualified, and experienced.

We offer tours in 19 different languages.

Awarded by the Scottish Tourist Guides Association, the ‘Blue Badge’ is a symbol of excellence in tourist guiding.

We are Scotland’s ONLY body of Accredited National Tourist Guides

Established over 60 years ago, we are recommended by the Scottish Government and VisitScotland

Discover Edinburgh’s best kept secrets with a Blue Badge guide! Our guides are knowledgeable, informative and entertaining, and will help you make the most of your visit to Edinburgh.

Look out for our Blue Badge

Whilst each of us has our own unique guiding style, interests, and areas of expertise, we are united by our passion for Scotland’s capital city and our desire to share it with you. Look for our Blue Badge – the mark of excellence in tourist guiding around the globe. We are the only ones to hold it in Scotland.

A warm welcome to visitors to Edinburgh!

Latest News

Love on the Royal Mile

February 9, 2022

A team of STGA Blue Badge guides are offering walking tours with a difference this Valentine's Day! … [Read More...] about Love on the Royal Mile

Tall Tales Returns for Doors Open Day

September 16, 2021

Sat 26th Sep: in person walking tour Sun 27th Sep: virtual tour Enjoy amazing stories behind … [Read More...] about Tall Tales Returns for Doors Open Day

The Pentland Hills – A Favourite Walk

September 6, 2021

Susan Napier, Blue Badge Guide, takes us on a scenic walk through the Pentland Hills just outside … [Read More...] about The Pentland Hills – A Favourite Walk

• [email protected]

Scotland Welcome

Attractions.

Book Tours, Attractions & Activities in Scotland

• Aberdeenshire & Grampian
• Fife & St Andrews
• Perthshire & Heartlands
• The Borders
• The Highlands & Islands

The West Coast

Filter price, tour categories, experiences.

Book your next adventure… Swift Secure Simple

The Highlands & Islands

Fife & St Andrews

Customer Favourites

Trending tours, attractions & activities in scotland.

Edinburgh Tattoo and Highland Day Tour

Created with Sketch. Edinburgh

Experience the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo - and more!

The Edinburgh Ghost Bus

Join Edinburgh’s most famous and best loved spooktacular attraction.

Witches Old Town Tour & Underground Vault

Discover a very wicked history on this spellbinding walking tour.

Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting

Explore the behind-the-scenes process of creating this award-winning gin and enjoy a tasting session

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh: Dining Pass Voucher

Unleash Your Culinary Desires with Hard Rock Cafe's Mind-Blowing Set Menus

Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Glasgow

Created with Sketch. The Highlands & Islands

Explore the highlights of The Highlands on this one-day tour from Glasgow.

Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of Scottish Fudge

Uncover Old Town hidden gems and taste Scottish Fudge!

Experience Categories

There’s something for everyone…, family friendly, create lasting memories with your family, food lovers, tickle your taste buds with the best food & drink in town, adventure calls, grand castles, beautiful lochs & misty mountains await, culture vultures, spread your wings, step back in time, delve into scotland’s rich past, night hawks, party animal, evening reveller, or into the spooky take a look…, first timers, "you never forget your first time" - let us help you make it special, the latest posts from @scotlandwelcome, get updates & more.

Thoughtful thoughts to your inbox

or continue with

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Keir Starmer's first speech as Prime Minister: 5 July 2024

Keir Starmer gave his first speech as Prime Minister on the steps of Downing Street.

Keir Starmer’s first speech as Prime Minister BSL

Good afternoon… 

I have just returned from Buckingham Palace… 

Where I accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King… 

To form the next government of this great nation. 

I want to thank the outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. 

His achievement as the first British Asian Prime Minister of our country… 

The extra effort that will have required…  

Should not be underestimated by anyone. 

We pay tribute to that today… 

And we also recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership.

But now our country has voted, decisively… 

For change.  

For national renewal. 

And a return of politics to public service.

When the gap between the sacrifices made by people… 

And the service they receive from politicians…

Grows this big. 

It leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation.  

A draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future…

That we need to move forward, together. 

Now, this wound…

This lack of trust… 

Can only be healed by actions not words… 

I know that.  

But we can make a start today… 

With the simple acknowledgment… 

That public service is a privilege.  

And that your government should treat every single person in this country… 

With respect. 

If you voted for Labour yesterday… 

We will carry the responsibility of your trust, as we rebuild our country. 

But whether you voted Labour or not… 

In fact - especially if you did not… 

I say to you, directly…

My government will serve you. 

Politics can be a force for good - we will show that. 

And that is how we will govern. 

Country first, party second. 

Yet, if I’m honest… 

Service is merely a pre-condition for hope. 

And it is surely clear to everyone… 

That our country needs a bigger reset…  

A rediscovery of who we are. 

Because no matter how fierce the storms of history… 

One of the great strengths of this nation…

Has always been our ability to navigate a way through to calmer waters. 

And yet this depends upon politicians… 

Particularly those who stand for stability and moderation - as I do… 

Recognising when we must change course. 

For too long now… 

We have turned a blind eye as millions slid into greater insecurity.  

Nurses, builders, drivers, carers… 

People doing the right thing 

Working harder than ever… 

Recognised - at moments like this, before. 

Yet as soon as the cameras stop rolling… 

Their lives are ignored. 

I want to say very clearly to those people - not this time. 

Changing a country is not like flicking a switch… 

And the world is now a more volatile place. 

This will take a while. 

But have no doubt that the work of change begins - immediately.

Have no doubt - that we will rebuild Britain… 

With wealth created in every community. 

Our NHS back on its feet, facing the future. 

Secure borders…

Safer streets… 

Everyone treated with dignity and respect at work. 

The opportunity of clean British power…

Cutting your energy bills for good. 

And, brick by brick… 

We will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity… 

The world class schools and colleges…

The affordable homes that I know… 

Are the ingredients of hope for working people… 

The security that working class families like mine… 

Could build their lives around. 

Because if I asked you, now… 

Whether you believe that Britain will be better for your children… 

I know - too many of you would say: no. 

And so my government will fight, every day… 

Until you believe again. 

From now on… 

You have a government unburdened by doctrine… 

Guided only by a determination to serve your interests…

To defy, quietly…  

Those who have written our country off.  

You have given us a clear mandate… 

And we will use it to deliver change… 

To restore service and respect to politics… 

End the era of noisy performance… 

Tread more lightly on your lives… 

And unite our country. 

Four nations… 

Standing together again… 

Facing down, as we have so often in our past…

The challenges of an insecure world…

Committed - to a calm and patient rebuilding. 

So with respect and humility… 

I invite you all… 

To join this government of service… 

In the mission of national renewal. 

Our work is urgent… 

And we begin it today.

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Why tourists could soon ditch Edinburgh for cool, historic Dundee

D undee, the oldest, sunniest and fourth largest city in Scotland, has not always been on the tourist trail. But having experienced both boom and bust several times in its history, this friendly, compact city on the banks of the River Tay has a history of reinvention. Now, it is once again transforming itself – and could soon leave rivals Edinburgh and Glasgow in the dust.

The latest boom is the result of a raft of new openings and developments. The UK’s first (and only) Unesco City of Design, Dundee took a significant step into the limelight with the return of RRS Discovery , the ship that took Scott to the Antarctic, as well as providing a new home for HMS Unicorn , a 200-year-old Royal Navy ship – one of the oldest in the world. The regenerated waterfront has also welcomed the appropriately ship-shaped V&A Dundee , a museum of design, art and architecture which is the first iteration of the V&A outside London.

And then there’s the Eden Project Dundee, with its imaginative ambitions for an abandoned former gas works just along the waterfront from the V&A and Discovery. With £7.6 million of funding committed, it’s expected to bring 500,000 visitors a year to the city, drawing them with the promise of experiences which combine the arts, entertainment, learning and green space. It’ll incorporate the derelict gasometer, creating gardens within old walls and building a new pedestrian bridge which will link the city and the waterfront. 

But it’s not all about the new – Dundee is repurposing its past, too. Said to have been built on “jam (marmalade), jute (mills) and journalism (newspapers and comics)”, the wealth generated by the so-called “Three Js” is still evident here, not least in the lavish high-Victorian Gothic architecture scattered throughout the small city centre, along with Art Deco iron-work you won’t see anywhere else in Scotland. 

Visit the McManus – the city’s art gallery and museum – and you’ll find one of the finest examples of Gothic revival architecture anywhere in the UK; or wonder along to the meticulously restored Verdant Works – Scotland’s jute museum – where working machinery tells the stories of those who once worked in the jute and linen mills. There’s also J. A. Braithwaite on Castle Street, Dundee’s oldest tea and coffee shop (where the original mahogany shop fittings and scales are still in use), as well as Verdant Gin , the first (legal) distillery to open in the city for over 200 years, and a former ironworks that’s recently become home to the 71 Brewing Company ’s beer garden, brewhouse and shop.

A compact place, Dundee’s size works to its advantage too – with plenty of interesting neighbourhoods (Perth Road’s boutique and retro shops, for example), appealing places to eat and drink, and offbeat gallery experiences (like modern-art spot Gallery 48 or Dundee Contemporary Arts ) to build your itinerary around. 

And there’s nature, too. Climb to the top of Dundee Law – the highest point in the city – for great views; go for a stroll in the riverside Botanic Gardens ; or take the nine-minute train to Broughty Ferry, an attractive suburb of Victorian villas with a long sandy beach and 15th century castle. 

However you approach the city, with the on-going regeneration of the waterfront and kudos of the Eden Project, Dundee’s profile looks set to carry on climbing – with all the quintessential elements of Dundonian life enduring yet. Goodfellow and Steven (the marmalade family) still makes Dundee fruitcakes; 86 years on, D.C. Thomson is still publishing The Beano; and you can still get a Scotch pie at any hour, day or night, at Clark’s Bakery . What more could any tourist ask?

Hotel Indigo Dundee is a fun, stylish conversion of a former mill with an extraordinary Italianate tower (double rooms from £57; ihg.com); Malmaison Dundee , meanwhile, offers a taste of art deco (double rooms from £65; malmaison.com )

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

We've refreshed our website design so things may look a little different if you've been here before. We'll be making more improvements soon so watch this space.

Get in touch with VisitScotland for help with planning your trip, business support and more.

General questions

Got a question about your trip?

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

[email protected]

We’ll aim to get back to you within 5 working days.

Write to us:

VisitScotland Waverley Court 4 East Market Street Edinburgh EH8 8BG

Business advice & information

The VisitScotland corporate website has advice for tourism businesses, statistics on tourism in Scotland, news and media contacts.

Business support

Guidance on how VisitScotland can help your business.

Information about working for VisitScotland.

Complaints and feedback

Register a complaint or give feedback about VisitScotland, or write to us at the address above.

Industry advice

Contact your local Industry Relationship Manager, who can offer advice on all of the services on offer to businesses.

Contact Media Centre

Share or request images and content including video and press releases by contacting our Media Centre team.

Statistics and insights

Facts and figures exploring everything from our markets to emerging trends.

Contact Travel Trade

Contact the team for trade related information about the travel industry.

Business & event listings

If you have a business or event, fill in the form to apply for your free web listing on VisitScotland.com.

Dunnottar Castle

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Business listings

Find out how to apply for a free web listing for your business.

Apply for a business listing

Update your existing business listing on our site by contacting our Customer Services Team. 

Email the Customer Services Team

Events listings

Find all the information you need on how to submit an event to display on VisitScotland's event pages online.

Submit your event

Update an existing event listing on our site by contacting the Events team

Email the Events team

A tip from your local expert

Glasgow information centre

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

Places to Go

Things to See & Do in Scotland

Top Tips for Travelling to Scotland

Accommodation in Scotland

Holiday Ideas for Scotland