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Edinburgh Castle from the Esplanade

No. 85 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

Scotland's dramatic capital: a castle on a volcanic rock, the Royal Mile and the world's largest arts festival.

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Photo: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Edinburgh is No. 85 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Scotland's capital is built on hills and old volcanoes, with its castle high above the city centre.

Its medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every August the city hosts the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival and other festivals, and the Hogmanay New Year celebrations are famous too.

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Photo: rboed*, CC BY 2.0, source

Best time to go

May to September has the longest days and mildest weather; August is the festival month, when hotels book up and prices rise.

The weather changes quickly at any time of year, so bring a waterproof jacket.

Top sights

  • 1

    Edinburgh Castle

    The fortress on Castle Rock, with the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels) and the One O'Clock Gun.

  • 2

    The Royal Mile

    The Old Town's main street, running from the castle to Holyrood, lined with closes, churches and St Giles' Cathedral.

  • 3

    Palace of Holyroodhouse

    The monarch's official residence in Scotland, with state apartments and the ruined abbey.

  • 4

    Arthur's Seat

    An extinct volcano in Holyrood Park; the walk to the 251 m summit gives wide views.

  • 5

    National Museum of Scotland

    Free museum of Scottish history, natural history and world cultures, with a rooftop terrace.

  • 6

    Calton Hill and the New Town

    Monuments and city views from Calton Hill, and the Georgian streets and squares below.

Getting there

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is about 13 km west of the centre; the tram and the Airlink 100 bus reach the centre in about 30 minutes.

Trains from Waverley station reach London King's Cross in about 4.5 hours and Glasgow in under an hour.

Getting around

The centre is walkable, but hilly. Lothian buses and the tram cover the city; you can tap a contactless card on board.

Practical tips

Currency
Pound sterling (GBP). Scottish banknotes are used alongside Bank of England notes. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Language
English.
Safety
Edinburgh is generally safe; watch for pickpockets in crowded places during the festivals. The emergency number is 999.
Visa & entry
Many visitors, including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries, now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Check gov.uk for the current rules.
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; plug type G.

Official information: VisitScotland Edinburgh (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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