Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland
About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and it is located in central eastern Scotland, near the Firth of Forth, close to the North Sea. Thanks to its spectacular rocks, rustic buildings and a huge collection of medieval and classic architecture, including numerous stone decorations, it is often considered one of the most lively cities in Europe.
Edinburgh is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it is a city with a fantastic position. The view falls on all sides – green hills, the hint of the blue sea, the silhouettes of the buildings and the red cliffs. It is a city that calls you to explore it by foot – narrow streets, passageways, stairs and hidden church yards on every step will pull you away from the main streets. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.
The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. Most of the structures in the Old Town have remained in their original form over the years. Charming medieval relics are plenty in this section of the city. In contrast, orderly Georgian terraces line the streets of the New Town. The general urban scenery is a blend of ancient structures and modern architecture, which gives the city a unique character. In 1995, the Old Town was listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. With year round festivals, a throbbing nightlife and an entertaining arts scene, Edinburgh never falls short of interesting travel ventures
The Forth Bridges
McEwan Hall
West Bow
The City of Edinburgh
How to get to Edinburgh city from the Airport
Airlink bus
Airlonk bus (100) runs between the airport and city centre, reaching the city centre in 25minutes. A single adult tickets costs £4.50 and an open return is £7.50. Airlink bus runs to and from the airport 24 hours a day approximately every 10 minutes. For more information see Lothian buses.
Tram
Tram from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre, reaching the city in 35 minutes. A single airport adult £6.50 and an open return is £10.00-£20.50. Edinburgh trams run every 10-15 minutes from 6am until 11pm. Find out more about tickets, routes and timetables on Edinburgh trams.
Taxi
Taxis can be hailed from outside Edinburgh Airport, reaching the city centre in 20-30 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the centre will cost £20-£25 and can fit up to 5 passengers. For more information see civitatis.
Getting around
Walk
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city is a relatively small city and its medieval air makes it ideal to visit by foot.
Bus
Travel like a local, buses run 24 hours a day in Edinburgh. Pre-purchase tickets on m-tickets a downloadable Lothian buses app or on the bus using contactless card payment or by cash (note, bus does not give change to cash). Find out more about tickets, routes and timetables on Lothian.
Taxi
Taxis run 24 hours a day in Edinburgh. Find out more about fares and taxi companies in Edinburgh.
IMPORTANT
In Scotland, as of 21 June 2020, face coverings became mandatory when travelling on public transport. Customers must follow Scottish Government’s advice and guidelines on wearing a face covering when using public transport unless they have a legitimate reason and as such are exempt.