Edinburgh Travel Guide

Edinburgh is the magnificent capital of Scotland. One of the biggest cities in the UK, Edinburgh is famous for its festivals and unique atmosphere. People from all around the world visit this historic city to enjoy its cultural wealth and have an unforgettable journey. If you are also planning an Edinburgh trip but don't know how to start planning, this Edinburgh travel guide might help you find out the best things to do in Edinburgh. Also, you can check our cheap flight search tool to get the best deals for Istanbul-Edinburgh Airport flights.

General Information About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. The city has been the most important settlement in the country since the 15th century, with a myriad of historical landmarks, art galleries, monuments, and natural wonders. Edinburgh weather is usually temperate and rarely sees extremes, making the city an ideal destination even for winter tourism. However, Edinburgh often experiences rain throughout all seasons.

Travel to Edinburgh

The fastest and most convenient way to travel to Edinburgh is by air. You can visit Edinburgh through the most comfortable flights, thanks to Pegasus Airlines' Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport-Edinburgh Airport flights. See our flights to Scotland to start planning your Edinburgh trip.

Find Cheap Flights to Edinburgh

If you are looking for cheap flights to Edinburgh, you're at the right place! You can use our cheap flight search tool to find the most affordable trips to Edinburgh Airport.

Traditional Cuisine in Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts a rich cuisine with many delicious dishes. Here are some of the most popular Scottish delicacies you must try:

1. Haggis: Scotland's iconic delicacy, Haggis is a type of pudding with sheep's pluck. The recipe typically contains chopped onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt. Although the original recipe includes cooking the mixture encased in the animal's stomach, today, an artificial casing is preferred. Haggis is almost always eaten with neeps, mashed turnips, and tatties, mashed potatoes.
2. Cullen Skink: A type of thick soup, Cullen Skink demonstrates the delicious seafood culture in Scotland. The dish is traditionally made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. If you enjoy a delicious soup, you must definitely try Cullen Skink during your trip to Scotland.
3. Steak Pie: One of the most famous components of traditional Scottish cuisine is their delicious pastries. Steak pie is made from stewing steak and beef gravy enclosed in a pastry shell. The filling of the pie often includes various vegetables and various ingredients.
4. Scotch Broth: Scotch broth, as one can guess, is a traditional broth dish originating in Scotland. Made of barley, stewing, or braising cuts of lamb, mutton, or beef, the Scotch broth is often enriched with root vegetables and dried pulses. The dish is a perfect starter for a traditional Scottish feast.
5. Black Pudding: A type of blood sausage, black pudding is among the main components of traditional Scottish cuisine. The dish is made of beef blood and pork fat, and sometimes with beef suet. Black pudding sometimes also includes oatmeal or barley groats to add flavor.
6. Smoked Salmon: As a country surrounded by sea, Scotland's cuisine is full of delicious seafood - among which is the world-renowned Scottish delicacy, smoked salmon! No matter when you visit Scotland, sampling delicious smoked salmon is a must.
7. Angus Beef: The famous Angus beef of Scotland is among the country's most popular kinds of ground meat. Made from the local Angus breed of cattle, this beef is usually seasoned and eaten alone.
8. Cranachan: If all these main dishes helped you quench your hunger, you might give cranachan, a traditional Scottish pudding made with whiskey and oatmeal, a try. Usually adorned with whipped cream, honey, and raspberries, this delicious dessert is among the favorites of Scotland's locals.

Holidays and Festivals in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, as the historical capital of Scotland, has a long and rich history going back to the Middle Ages. As a center of centuries-long cultural and artistic development, Edinburgh is home to a significant intangible heritage. Edinburgh's festival scene, with 11 popular festivals, is among the most popular attractions in the city. Some of these festivals have been organized for over half a century, making the city one of the most popular places in the UK. Thanks to its rich festival schedule, Edinburgh is commonly known as "the festival city." The earliest festival takes place on January 1, and Edinburgh's festivals are celebrated all year round. So, if you are visiting Edinburgh soon, you will have the opportunity to join one of these festivals and immerse yourself in the city's distinct culture.

• Edinburgh International Children's Festival (25 May-2 June): Edinburgh International Children's Festival is a top-tier event tailored for children. The event aims to nurture children's innovation and inspiration, providing numerous entertaining activities. During this festival, children get a platform to express their artistic nature.
• Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival (12 July-21 July): Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is a popular event focusing on traditional jazz, with many shows encompassing a diverse range of styles, from funk to hip-hop. Many aspiring and renowned international artists perform at the event, offering the audience a genuine taste of jazz and blues.
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2 August-24 August): The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a must-see for all military pageant enthusiasts! The iconic event features military bands, precision drill teams, and many cultural performers from various countries. The event draws over 200,000 live attendees and around 100 million TV viewers annually.
• Edinburgh International Festival (2 August-25 August): Edinburgh International Festival is one of the most popular events in the festival theatre Edinburgh has. Held in some of Edinburgh's grandest venues, the Edinburgh International Festival showcases the performances of world-renowned artists. First organized in 1947, the festival earned Edinburgh the nickname "the festival city." Today, residents and visitors from all around the world still attend the festival to celebrate music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2 August-26 August): Would you like to visit the world's largest arts festival? If yes, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe must be on your itinerary! At this festival, you can witness countless performances, including theater, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, and many exhibitions.
• Edinburgh Art Festival (9 August-25 August): The UK's largest annual visual art festival, the Edinburgh Art Festival, is among the most popular events held in the city. This vibrant festival serves as an international platform for aspiring artists to demonstrate their ambitious new works and reach a wider audience. Alongside emerging talents, many established and well-known artists also attend the festival to showcase their latest pieces.
• Edinburgh International Book Festival (10 August-26 August): Started as a small collection of "meet the author" events, the Edinburgh International Book Festival quickly evolved into a prime literary festival with about 1.000 events annually. The festival consists of various programs, such as a Children's Programme, where events on subjects like nature, art, and astronomy offer an entertaining experience for children of all ages. Additionally, the Writer's Retreat events allow internationally renowned authors to share insights and ideas with a captivated audience of literary enthusiasts. Finally, the festival also gives the First Book Award, where fresh talent gets recognized.
• The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (11 October-27 October): Scotland has a deep tradition of oral storytelling. The Scottish International Storytelling Festival aims to preserve the country's rich tradition while enriching the audience's imagination with local and international stories. This two-week festival culminates around Samhuinn, the Celtic counterpart of Halloween, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Edinburgh's old streets with guided tours or participate in workshops to improve their narrative abilities.
• Edinburgh's Christmas (November-January): Like other European countries, Scotland celebrates Christmas with festivities and jubilance. The events start with the traditional Christmas Market, set against the Scott Monument and Edinburgh's skyline. The market usually features around 70 stalls where you can purchase local and international products to enjoy the Christmas spirit. One of the most popular highlights of the event is Scotland's tallest Ferris wheel, the 46-meter-tall Big Wheel. You can also visit West Princes Street Gardens to enjoy various rides and attractions, as well as delicious dishes. Santa's Stories on St. Andrew Square is another popular attraction, where Santa and his elves provide magical storytelling in the city's historic square.
• Edinburgh's Hogmanay (29 December-1 January): Hogmanay is a multi-day festival between 29 December and 1 January. Considered the most notable Scottish holiday, Hogmanay celebrates the turning of a new year. During the festival, you can witness spectacular fireworks, attend concerts in the West Princes Street Gardens, have fun at street parties on Princes Street to count down to midnight, or visit many free programs.
• Edinburgh Science Festival (5 April-20 April): Inaugurated in 1989, the famous Edinburgh Science Festival is the world's first public science festival. The festival is a popular attraction for visitors around the world, featuring two weeks of exhibitions, events, workshops, performances, screenings, and discussions. The diverse programs and interactive exhibitions provide people of all ages with hands-on experiences in various scientific fields. Besides, a myriad of evening events, including discussions, debates, and audience participation, provide insights into all fields of science.

As you can see, the year-round festivals in Scotland make the city a popular tourist attraction in all seasons. So, if you are planning to visit Scotland soon, check the city's festival schedule to enrich your Edinburgh trip with festivities!

Places to Visit in Edinburgh

If you're planning a visit to Edinburgh, you should start planning your itinerary in advance. Since there are many places to visit in Edinburgh, it might be hard to decide between popular attractions. However, you needn't worry! In this Edinburgh travel guide, we also aim to help you with things to do in Edinburgh. Below, you can find nine of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh.

1. Explore Edinburgh Castle and Bask in History

Edinburgh Castle is a historic landmark that has become to be the city's symbol. This must-see structure is perched atop the Castle Rock, a volcanic plug overlooking Edinburgh. Besides its gorgeous architecture and magnificent details, Edinburgh Castle has a gallery where you can see the most well-known artifacts of Scottish history. Among these artifacts are the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in the UK, and the Stone of Destiny, the symbol of the Scottish monarchy.

2. Climb Arthur's Seat and Watch the Skyline

Arthur's Seat is definitely the second most iconic spot in Edinburgh, after Edinburgh Castle. Although getting there requires quite an effort, once you get to this ancient volcano, you can watch Edinburgh's dramatic skyline. Also, there are many side missions as well! You can follow different paths, from Arthur's Seat to several lochs and popular spots. Since Edinburgh weather can be rainy in all seasons, don't forget to check the forecast before the trip.

3. Visit Camera Obscura to Enjoy Illusions

Are you amazed by illusions? Then Edinburgh's Camera Obscura & World of Illusions might make a great addition to your itinerary. Visiting Camera Obscura might be a great experience, allowing you to explore over 100 exhibits and make the best of your journey to Edinburgh. Since it's a child-friendly attraction, you can bring the whole family!

4. Ascend Calton Hill and See the National Monument

Calton Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historic monuments and landmarks. The National Monument, one of the highlights of the place, is among the most popular attractions in the area. The monument's architecture bears a striking resemblance to the classical Greek architecture of the Pantheon in Athens. Before ascending Calton Hill, check the forecast for weather Edinburgh, just like you would for Arthur's Seat.

5. Be Amazed at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

If art is your thing, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art might be the perfect addition to your Edinburgh itinerary. The gallery has a large selection of masterpieces of different media, from magnificent sculptures to spectacular oil paintings, created by Scottish and international talents.

6. See Shows at the Festival Theatre

Festival Theatre Edinburgh is also a must-see for all visitors. If you want to add a bit of entertainment to your visit to Edinburgh, you can always head to the Festival Theatre to enjoy opera, ballet, and musical events. As these events are held all year round, you can always find something for your taste.

7. Go to the Scott Monument

Dedicated to the country's legendary writer, Sir Walter Scott, the Scott Monument is known for its stunning architecture. This Gothic spire is the largest memorial to a writer in the world. You can climb the monument to see the magnificent views of Edinburgh or visit the Museum Room.

8. Indulge in Chocolate at the Chocolatarium

Anyone with a sweet tooth must visit the famous Chocolatarium, where they can join micro-factory tours and explore the world of chocolate. There are also various workshops and tasting experiences to enrich your visit. Do not forget to bring back some high-quality chocolate from the Chocolatarium.

9. Enjoy the Wildlife at the Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the UK, with over 2.500 animals sheltered and protected. At Edinburgh Zoo, you can see animals of different species in their natural habitats. Edinburgh Zoo values all wildlife and demonstrates its ethical approach through an attentive conservation process. If the weather in Edinburgh is rainy or too hot, you might not be able to see some animals. So, pick a mild day.

Things You Need to Know Before Going to Edinburgh

We talked a lot about things to do in Edinburgh. Nevertheless, there are also a few things that you need to know before visiting Edinburgh. Knowing these tips might save you from unwanted situations or help you navigate the city hassle-free and with peace of mind. Here is everything you need to know before going to Edinburgh:

• The emergency number in Edinburgh is 999,
• Since Scotland is a left-hand traffic country, Edinburgh motorists drive on the left side of the road,
• The official currency in Edinburgh is the British pound sterling - most businesses do not accept dollars or euros,
• Since accommodation prices in Edinburgh are higher than in most European cities, booking in advance might help you get great deals,
• There are two train stations in Edinburgh, and knowing which station to use might prevent you from missing your train,
• Peak season in Edinburgh coincides with the festival season,
• If you are on a budget, avoid the city center,
• Staying in the Old Town means climbing hills to get to your destination,
• You can find many good restaurants and places to eat in Edinburgh around the New Town,
• Since the weather in Edinburgh is always rainy, pack layers and an umbrella.