Edinburgh Travel Guide: plan your trip offline

Your offline companion to the Athens of the North.

Edinburgh is built on volcanic rock. A medieval Old Town of closes and tall stone tenements runs down the Royal Mile from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, while the Georgian New Town, laid out in the 18th century, spreads in elegant streets and gardens to the north. Together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the hills, crags and sea views make it one of Europe's most walkable capitals.

This guide helps you plan without a signal: which sights are worth paying for, which of the best things are free, how buses, trams and trains work, what to expect from the weather and the festivals, and day plans that keep the hill-climbing under control.

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Quick facts

When to visit

May to September is the warmest and brightest time, with long evenings and the festival season in August, though prices and crowds peak then. April and October are quieter, with lower prices and good light for walking. Winter is cold, dark and wet but atmospheric, with Christmas markets and Hogmanay. Bring layers and a waterproof at any time of year.

Top places

• Edinburgh CastleThe fortress on the volcanic rock that has dominated the city for nine centuries.
• The Royal MileThe cobbled spine of the Old Town, running from the Castle down to Holyrood.
• St Giles' CathedralThe High Kirk of Edinburgh, with a crown-shaped spire and the Thistle Chapel.
• Arthur's Seat & Holyrood ParkAn extinct volcano in the middle of the city, with the best free views in Scotland.
• National Museum of ScotlandA free, world-class museum of Scottish history, science, art and natural history.
• Calton HillA small hill with monuments, the "Athens of the North", and the best sunset view of the city.
• Dean Village & Water of LeithA fairytale former mill village hidden in a gorge, a short walk from Princes Street.
• Victoria Street & the GrassmarketThe colourful curved street said to have inspired Diagon Alley, and the old market square below it.
• Princes Street GardensA green valley between the Old and New Towns, with the castle looking down from above.
• Scottish National GalleryA free gallery of masterpieces on The Mound, from Raphael to Monet and Scottish painters.

Day plans

• Edinburgh in One DayThe Castle, the Royal Mile and the best views
• Edinburgh on a BudgetA day of free sights

Practical tips

• Getting aroundBuses, trams, trains and walking
• AirportEDI to the city centre
• Money & tippingCards, tipping and the visitor levy
• Rules & practicalitiesEntry, plugs, drinking and emergencies
• Scams to avoidLow risk, but worth knowing
• Local etiquetteManners and Scottish habits
• Weather & hillsLayers, wind and steep streets
• Festivals & seasonsFringe, Hogmanay and crowds
• Eating outScottish food and where to try it