Edinburgh holidays take you to a destination famous for its magnificent castle, charming cobbled streets and award-winning festivals.
Sometimes called the ‘Athens of the North’ on account of its impressive architecture, the Scottish capital is brimming with history and has an innate sense of fun.
Visits to imposing Edinburgh Castle or the spooky tunnels that lie beneath the streets are sure to leave you intrigued by the city’s many age-old stories and legends.
Edinburgh is also filled with modern delights, from cutting-edge restaurants and acclaimed art galleries to much-loved comedy events and cosmopolitan shopping districts.
Whether you’re looking for cultural attractions, family-friendly activities or a romantic escape, holidays to Edinburgh always deliver good times.
There’s a great choice of things to do on a holiday to Edinburgh, from memorable medieval attractions to an exploration of the origins of Harry Potter.
Winding cobbled streets weave their way through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, watched by the captivating castle that sits high above the city.
Climb the castle’s stone steps to view the oldest crown jewels in the UK, or stumble across further historical treasures as you walk down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyrood.
Youngsters will love a trip to the Edinburgh Dungeon, where gruesome tales and terrifyingly entertaining re-enactments give visitors a spine-chilling new perspective on the city’s past.
Breathe in the famously fresh Scottish air when you venture out on a scenic hike. The climb to the top of Salisbury Crags is simply unforgettable.
Better known, however, are the various routes around Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano accessible on foot from the streets below. Head to its 820-feet-high summit for fabulous panoramic views – and the perfect photo opportunity. The Pentland Hills, which rise just south of the city, also offer stunning vantage points.
While there’s lots to distract you on the enchanting streets of Edinburgh, there’s a whole other world below the surface that’s just waiting to be discovered. Journey under the Royal Mile on a guided tour and make your way to a hidden 17th-century street.
Costumed actors will guide you around the underground labyrinth, telling tales of the locals who once lived there. Learn how the neighbourhood came to be abandoned and hear about the restless ghosts that are rumoured to haunt it.
Follow in the footsteps of a modern literary giant and visit the locations in Edinburgh where J.K. Rowling penned some of her famous Harry Potter books. Start your journey at the Elephant House cafe – often called the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter’.
Nobody could blame you for mistaking colourful Victoria Street for the Potter saga’s Diagon Alley – it’s just one of the many places here that inspired Rowling. Wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard and you may also spot some familiar-sounding names on the tombstones.
The city has a global reputation for staging superb cultural events, with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe being one of the best. The streets are packed every August with musicians, comedians and actors, all playing their part in the world’s largest arts festival.
Holidays in Edinburgh also mean year-round entertainment. Visit at other times and you’ll find festivals dedicated to literature, science, film and jazz. You can also end the year in style by joining Edinburgh’s famous New Year’s Eve – or Hogmanay – street party.
If Edinburgh’s eventful past and medieval sights sound like your personal slice of heaven, then look no further than the city’s Old Town.
Explore cobblestone streets, admire splendid architecture and take in the many towers and spires of a remarkable neighbourhood. The Radisson Blu Hotel is ideally placed on the Royal Mile for all this and more.
You won't be short of stylish interiors and elegant window displays in Edinburgh’s delightful New Town.
Shopaholics will love being at the very heart of things in and around Princes Street, with its designer stores, renowned restaurants and fashionable cafes. High-end retailer Harvey Nichols has also made its home in an area that is ideal for luxury Edinburgh holidays.
Delicatessens, chic cafes and artisan cheese shops line the streets of Stockbridge. Here you’ll find the award-winning Golden Hare bookstore, along with a host of other quirky retailers.
The Clarendon Luxury Apartments provide a spectacular base in one of the neighbourhood’s famous ‘crescents’. Relax in the Royal Botanic Garden and browse for fine local produce at a farmers’ market that’s held every Sunday.
Scotland’s currency is pound sterling (GBP). You’ll find that the design of Scottish bank notes differs from those used elsewhere in the UK.
Edinburgh is a great place to explore on foot. The city is also served by buses, trams and taxis. Trains connect you to the rest of Scotland.
The main language spoken in Edinburgh is English. Scottish Gaelic is one of the country’s other recognised languages.
Public holidays in Edinburgh include Christmas Day (25 December) and Good Friday (March or April). Scotland also celebrates Hogmanay on 1 and 2 January each year.
A visit to the Scottish capital wouldn’t be complete without tasting the local delicacies. Start your day with a warming bowl of Scottish porridge, made with salt rather than sugar, or treat yourself to a ‘full Scottish breakfast’ – which sometimes includes haggis.
One of Scotland’s most famous dishes, haggis is a savoury pudding made from sheep liver mixed with onion, oatmeal and spices. Have it served alongside ‘neeps’ and ‘tatties’ (swedes and potatoes) for true authenticity.
Edinburgh also has plenty of destination restaurants, including The Kitchin in Leith – famous for serving Scottish seafood and meat in an elegant, colourful and delicious style.
Our Edinburgh packages give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Scotland.
You may well hear the unmistakable sound of bagpipes accompanying your progress around the city’s streets. The Scottish national instrument also plays a key role in major holidays and cultural occasions.
Time your trip to coincide with the celebrations held for Hogmanay, Burns Night (marking the birthday of legendary poet Rabbie Burns) or St Andrew’s Day and you’ll find Edinburgh more alive than ever with song, dance, music and feasting.
From lofty towers to spooky catacombs, Edinburgh is one of the finest places in all of Scotland to explore the country’s compelling past. Take a trip to the National Museum of Scotland to gain a fascinating insight into its long and eventful story.
Edinburgh holidays deliver interesting historical sights at every turn, from the famous castle looming over the city to the 19th century statue of a dog known as Greyfriars Bobby. The story goes that the dog devotedly watched over his master’s grave for 14 years until his own death in 1872.
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