Edinburgh Castle
A fortress built on an extinct volcanic rock above the city. Inside are the Scottish crown jewels, the Stone of Destiny, a medieval chapel and sweeping views over the Old and New Towns.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh's castle, the Royal Mile and the August festivals are what Scotland's capital is known for, and heading into the Highlands from there is easy.
Attractive locations
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The monarch's official residence in Scotland, at the foot of the Royal Mile. Visitors tour the State Apartments, which have links to Mary, Queen of Scots, and see the ruined abbey beside the palace.
Royal Mile
The historic main street of Edinburgh's Old Town, running downhill from the castle to Holyrood. Its narrow closes, shops, pubs and old buildings make it the natural route for a first walk.
National Museum of Scotland
A large museum on Chambers Street covering Scottish history, natural science, world cultures and technology, with a bright central hall and rooftop terrace that looks over the old city.
St Giles' Cathedral
The historic High Kirk of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile, known for its crown-shaped spire, carved stonework and the Thistle Chapel, home of Scotland's chivalry order.
Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano and the highest point in Holyrood Park. A moderate climb from the city leads to a summit with wide views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
Calton Hill
A small hill in the city centre topped by monuments, including an unfinished replica of the Parthenon. It is a popular, easy walk for sunset views over the skyline and the sea.
Airports
Edinburgh Airport EDI
It is about 11 km in a straight line from Edinburgh.
Dundee Airport DND
It is about 56 km in a straight line from Edinburgh.
Glasgow Airport GLA
It is about 78 km in a straight line from Edinburgh.
Scams and safe taxis
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the United Kingdom page
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan3.4 °C74 mm
- Feb3.4 °C60 mm
- Mar4.6 °C60 mm
- Apr6.9 °C53 mm
- May9.8 °C60 mm
- Jun12.7 °C82 mm
- Jul14.5 °C91 mm
- Aug14.1 °C100 mm
- Sep12.2 °C64 mm
- Oct9.2 °C93 mm
- Nov6.1 °C79 mm
- Dec3.9 °C73 mm
Driest months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May. Wettest months: Jul, Aug, Oct.
Costs
Prices here are about 89% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Festivals and events
festival
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
As one of the largest annual happenings in the country, it leaves hotels full and prices higher, so plan early.
Who can help
Emergency
999 (or 112) for police, fire and ambulance.
local government
Emergency number 999 (NHS guidance)
Helps with: Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. NHS England guidance for visitors from abroad also points to 111 for urgent but non-life-threatening problems.
Who qualifies: Anyone in England, including visitors from abroad, in a life-threatening situation.
Phone: 999
local government
NHS 111
Helps with: NHS service for urgent medical help or advice that is not life-threatening, or when you are unsure which NHS service you need. Symptoms can also be checked online at 111.nhs.uk.
Who qualifies: Anyone in England, including visitors from abroad, who needs urgent medical advice.
Phone: 111
local government
VisitBritain (British Tourist Authority)
Helps with: Britain's national tourism agency. Its websites cover trip planning for Britain and England. The contact page says it cannot reply to individual holidaymakers asking for travel advice.
Who qualifies: Anyone planning a trip to Britain; use the websites rather than the contact form for travel questions.
ngo
British Red Cross
Helps with: The UK's Red Cross society. Its website covers first aid, an international family tracing service, support for refugees and asylum seekers, and guidance for people affected by emergencies such as floods.
Who qualifies: People in the UK needing its support services; family tracing and refugee support are open to those affected.
Phone: 0344 871 11 11
Address: 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) United Kingdom
Helps with: The UN migration agency. In the UK it runs resettlement, support and protection activities for migrants, and has had a presence there since 1995.
Who qualifies: Migrants and refugees in the UK. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Address: Heron House, First Floor, 10 Dean Farrar St., London, SW1H 0DX
embassy
Foreign embassies and consulates in the UK (official list)
Helps with: For a lost passport or serious trouble, contact your own country's embassy. The Foreign Office publishes a list of embassies, high commissions and consulates in the UK, including their addresses and contact details.
Who qualifies: Citizens of each country, through their own embassy, high commission or consulate.