Edinburgh
United Kingdom · Country profile
Edinburgh is Scotland’s hilly, handsome capital, where a Medieval Old Town rises from the dark Royal Mile toward a castle on a volcanic plug, and a Georgian New Town mirrors it across the gardens below. The city layers every era: sweeping crescents, narrow lanes (closes) that plunge between stone tenements, a complacent calton hill skyline and a coastline that leads to the Firth of Forth. It is a festival capital, at its liveliest in August when the world’s largest arts festival takes over the theatres, streets and squares, and quietly rewarding the rest of the year with galleries, whisky and hill walks. Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in a city park, crowns it all.
About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city in United Kingdom. The city's documented population is around 524,930 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the British Pound (GBP) and English is spoken; the dialling code is +44. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Edinburgh Airport.
A Castle on a Volcano and a City of Two Old Towns
Edinburgh is compact — the two old towns, the castle and the main museums sit close enough to cover on foot in a day or two. The city’s personality is its skyline: the cliffs, the spires, the castle and the hills that frame everything. It is a walking city with a wet, changeable climate, so good shoes and a waterproof layer matter more than any sight. Outside the August festival the city is calm and stately, and the locals’ rhythm is unhurried. The sea is ten minutes away by train, and the Highlands begin — by rail or road — an hour north.
Festival-August Crowds, Booking Windows and Hill-Steep Streets
The Edinburgh Festival in August transforms the city — the Fringe books out fast, the streets pack with visitors and accommodation prices spike, so plan far ahead or choose another month for a calmer stay. In any season book the castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and a good walking tour ahead. The weather rotates quickly between sun, wind and drizzle, so pack layers even in July. The city climbs steeply from the gardens to the Old Town, so budget for hills. Most places take cards, but small cash helps for tips and market stalls. Scotland’s banknotes are legal but unfamiliar — no need to exchange them.
Closes Off the Royal Mile, Four Seasons in One Day and Banknotes
Edinburgh is a walking city and the Royal Mile is best done on foot, but the Lothian buses and the revived trams make hills and the outskirts easy. Explore the closes off the Royal Mile to escape the crowd and find the peaceful hidden courtyards. Arthur’s Seat is a proper hill — allow the morning and see the city from the top. The New Town’s grid is calm and elegant, while the Old Town keeps the drama. Pubs close at sensible hours and kitchens stop serving early by southern standards. Whisky, shortbread and sweaters make the classic take-home, and the summer evenings stay light surprisingly late in June and July.
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- Country
- United Kingdom
- Population
- 524,930
- Coordinates
- 55.9502, -3.3633
- Capital
- London
- Region
- Europe
- Currency
- British Pound (GBP)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +44
- Country code
- GB
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting United Kingdom for tourism.
Getting to Edinburgh
Airports we list for Edinburgh:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in United Kingdom
Other cities we cover in United Kingdom:
Frequently asked questions
Is Edinburgh the capital of United Kingdom?
No — the capital of United Kingdom is London.
What currency do I need in Edinburgh?
The local currency is the British Pound (GBP). Languages spoken in United Kingdom include English.
What is the dialling code for United Kingdom?
The international dialling code for United Kingdom is +44.
Which airport should I fly into for Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the airport we list for Edinburgh.
How far is Edinburgh from the nearest airport?
Edinburgh is about 297 km from Manchester Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit United Kingdom?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Afghanistan (visa required), Albania (visa required), Algeria (visa required), Andorra (eta required) and Angola (visa required). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Edinburgh? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.