Plug – Type G

Credit Cards – Widely Accepted

LGBTQ Friendly – Yes

The 1oo Airlink bus runs from the Airport to Edinburgh Waverley station with services operating 24 hours per day.

Buy tickets on board with cash (exact fare only), or your contactless card or device.

Routes 200, 300 and 400 operate to areas outside the city centre.

There is a taxi rank outside the terminal. Edinburgh uses London-style Black Cabs although these are sometimes burgundy.

Taxis are metered and drivers pride themselves on their knowledge of the city.

Pay by cash or all major credit/debit cards in the cab. Tipping is appreciated.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city of striking contrasts where medieval streets meet elegant Georgian avenues and historic castles overlook lively pubs. It is compact, walkable, and full of atmosphere, making it ideal for a short city break or as the starting point for exploring the rest of Scotland.

Edinburgh’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of the city. Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline from its perch on Castle Rock. From the castle, the Royal Mile runs downhill to Holyrood Palace, lined with shops, pubs, and historic buildings. Along the way you will find St Giles’ Cathedral and The Real Mary King’s Close, which offers tours into the hidden underground streets of the old city. Across Princes Street lies the New Town, an elegant 18th-century district of wide boulevards and neoclassical architecture. Princes Street Gardens sit in the shadow of the castle, the Scott Monument can be climbed for sweeping views, and George Street is home to stylish shops, restaurants, and bars.

For those who like the outdoors, Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, offers a rewarding hike with panoramic views of the city, while Calton Hill provides an easier climb and is particularly popular at sunset. The nearby district of Leith has transformed into a lively waterfront with acclaimed restaurants and attractions such as the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Edinburgh is world-famous for its festivals. Each August the city hosts the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. Accommodation prices are sky high at this time. The prestigious International Festival and the dramatic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are held at the castle. At New Year, Hogmanay brings one of the world’s most famous street parties, complete with music and fireworks.

Food and drink are an essential part of the experience. Traditional dishes include haggis with neeps and tatties, Cullen skink (a rich fish soup), and fresh seafood such as salmon and oysters. Whisky is Scotland’s national drink and there are countless opportunities to sample it, whether on a tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience or in a cosy Old Town bar. Afternoon tea is also a popular treat, with venues such as The Balmoral offering a refined experience.

Shopping ranges from tartan, whisky, and traditional crafts on the Royal Mile, to high-street brands along Princes Street and designer boutiques on Multrees Walk. For something more individual, the Grassmarket and Stockbridge districts offer quirky shops and weekend markets.

Excellent excursions from Edinburgh include St Andrews, famous for golf and medieval ruins, Stirling with its castle and historic battlefield, Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by The Da Vinci Code, and full-day guided tours into the Highlands and to Loch Ness.

UK regulation UK261 gives compensation to passengers when their flight from the UK is delayed and arrives at its destination more than 3 hours behind schedule and the airline is at fault. You will not be entitled to compensation if the delay is due to “extraordinary circumstances” such as weather, strikes or security issues.