Popular Picks
Browse popular sites among travelers.
Edinburgh Castle
St. Giles Cathedral
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Arthur’s Seat
Calton Hill
Scott Monument
Favorite Moment
Check out Guidester’s favorite Edinburgh experience.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Every year for about three weeks in August Edinburgh comes alive in a display like no other. The Edinburgh International Festival, established in 1947, is the world’s largest performing arts festival drawing performers from every corner of the map. The city’s museums, pubs, restaurants, and art spaces are brought together with a remarkable calendar of events showcasing the best original performances from different genres across the performing arts spectrum.
It’s truly a wonder to behold. The energy of the city is absolutely buzzing day and night with all kinds of unique sights and sounds that keep you mesmerized as you wander from street to street.
Jack Baumann
Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!
Jack Baumann
Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!
Play Around
Explore Edinburgh with interactive maps.
Walk along the Royal Mile
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Check out Calton Hill
Discover the view from Arthur's Seat
Walk around Cowgate Street
Take in Princess Street
Video Tours
Discover Edinburgh through virtual walks and tours.
Start Planning
Begin planning your next adventure to Edinburgh.
Local Tips
There are fantastic views of Edinburgh in quite a few places but I think these are some of the best.
Scott's Monument
Climb the stairs to the top of Scott’s Monument for a great view of the old and new town
Arthur's Seat
Hike up Arthur’s Seat for unrivaled views of the entire city, the sea, and surrounding countryside
Calton Hill
Going up to Calton Hill has a great vantage point of the Old Town and Arthur’s Seat looming in the backdrop.
Edinburgh is full of 'wynds' (pronounced 'wineds') which refer to narrow lanes between houses or simply a winding street. One spot in particular to check out is the 'Old Tolbooth Wynd', a dark alley leading off the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh offers visitors easy transport links into and across the city. An excellent bus service combined with first class rail links, taxis galore, and the arrival of trams provides plenty of transport options for getting from A to B.
By Foot
Finding your way around Edinburgh by foot is often the best way. Nearly all of the major attractions are centered around the Old Town. Princess Street serves as the main thoroughfare dividing the Old and New Towns. Edinburgh is defined by its characteristic ‘wynds’ which are narrow streets that cut in between, and often underneath, existing buildings. Walk down some of these narrow lanes and you will discover plenty of hidden gems!
Buses
An excellent bus service transports residents and visitors across the city throughout the day and night, and includes a regular 24 hour service to Edinburgh Airport operated by Airlink100. Visitors can plan their journey within Edinburgh with Lothian Buses or with First Group for those coming from further afield. Buses only accept the exact fare and if you don’t have this you will be unable to travel.
Trams
WiFi friendly trams run 14 kms from York Place in the city center to Edinburgh Airport in approximately 35 minutes. Wheel chair accessible ramps and lifts are provided at the stops along the route. For ticket prices and to plan your journey visit www.edinburghtrams.com.
Taxis
There are over 1000 black cabs which can be hailed in the street or picked up from one of the taxi ranks within the city center. The taxis are metered and as a tourist you can feel safe that the fare you pay is the same as the local residents.
City Cabs
One of Edinburgh's major taxi companies - they can be hailed in the street or pre booked by calling 0131 228 1211. Visit their website for a list of services.
Private Hire Taxis
There are many private hire car companies operating within Edinburgh. These cannot be hailed in the street but must be booked in advance. Private hire cars must be approved by The City of Edinburgh Council and display a PHC plate on the dashboard.
Car Hire
Consider hiring a car for complete flexibility for traveling to, or in and around, giving you the freedom to go where you please, when you please.
Most pubs require you to order and pay at the bar, instead of with the waiter as in American restaurants.
Restaurants generally are the same as in the States, with a waiter that will take your order right at the table.
Tipping is not expected as gratuity is built into the bill. If you feel you had great service simply leave a couple of pounds on the table.
Where To Stay
Staying in the Old Town as close to the Royal Mile as possible is what I would recommend. Most of your major attractions lie in the Old Town and nothing beats the charming atmosphere of the areas old buildings and cobble stone streets.
Ramsey Gardens lies at the foot of the castle and would be an absolute treat if you are able to spend a bit on your hotel accommodation.
Guidester Favorites
Edinburgh Castle
The top visitor attraction in the city is on the Royal Mile on Castle Rock, which used to be a volcano in ancient times. You can see amazing panoramic views of the city from here. Castle highlights include the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the world’s oldest cannon (fired daily at 1pm)
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
A must-see venue for modern and contemporary art. Modern One is housed in a neoclassical building, which was designed by William Burn in 1825. You can see great examples of global and regional paintings here, including works by old masters such as Constable, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and an excellent collection of Scottish paintings.
Arthur's Seat
The name given to the hill made of volanic remains looming over the city. It’s a top tourist destination in Edinburgh, and an iconic landmark in the city. You can take a hike to the top, from where you have unrivaled views of the city and the surrounding countryside and sea. The hike will take around 45 minutes to an hour.
Rosslyn Chapel
Only a 20 minute drive from the city center, Rosslyn Chapel, was established in the 1400s by the same family that owns it today and serves as one of Scotland's most remarkable buildings. The chapel also appeared in the famous Dan Brown book/movie “The Da Vinci Code”.
St. Giles Cathedral
St. Giles Cathedral is uniquely Scottish in its architecture and its welcoming atmosphere. Take a look inside for some elegant wood carvings and stonework, and the wall banners that offer a colorful element to the space.
The Real Mary King's Close Tour
Explore the historic area and unknown secrets of the city. Located far into the Royal Mile, the area looks just like it would have been in the 1600s. Bookings must be made 24 hours before your visit
Local Eats
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Rome By Interest
This is just a small taste of what Rome has to offer. For a full and complete personal guide see ‘Get your Guidester guide’ below.
- Art & History
- Foodie
- Outdoorsy
Borghese Gallery
This building is one of Rome’s renowned museums because of the vast number of Bernini statutes it houses; it is the biggest collection in the world. It is situated in the grounds of Villa Borghese and was first constructed in the 17th century by Cardinal Borghese.
Tip: Only those with a pre-paid admissions ticket will be let in. You can find the booking/ticket office in the basement.
Piazza del Popolo
Literally meaning ‘People’s Square’, this is one of the most famous squares in Rome. In addition to an Egyptian obelisk of Ramses II, Piazza del Popolo is famed for its twin churches: Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.
Tip: Another must see is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, famous for its Renaissance art by some of the greatest artists ever to work in Rome: Pinturicchio, Raphael, Carracci, Caravaggio, and Bernini.
Baths of Caracalla
These ancient baths were opened in the 3rd century as a bathing complex that spread over 11 hectares. They were named after Emperor Caracalla and at one point could hold 1,600 guests bathing inside. The building used to be highly decorated with decorative mosaics and rich bricks, many of which are displayed within.
Day Trip to Tivoli
These ancient baths were opened in the 3rd century as a bathing complex that spread over 11 hectares. They were named after Emperor Caracalla and at one point could hold 1,600 guests bathing inside. The building used to be highly decorated with decorative mosaics and rich bricks, many of which are displayed within.
Dining outside
For the ultimate outdoor dining experience head to Hostaria Antica Rome right on the Appian Way surrounded by lush landscape and ancient ruins.
Authentic dining
If you’re looking for a more local experience in the historic center, try Osteria della Copelle, a little restaurant tucked away in the small Piazza della Copelle just a short walk from the Pantheon.
Campo de’ Fiori
Its name translated as “field of flowers”, the Campo de’ Fiori square was once a meadow. Today, the square is best known for its daily, lively market.
Wine & Food Tour
Eat and sightsee your way around the Trevi neighborhood on a half-day food and landmarks tour. While strolling the ancient sights, you'll make several food stops to sample specialties like cheeses, wines, prosciutto, gelato and more.
Horseback Ride Ancient Rome
If you love horses, nature and history, a walk on horseback along the spectacular Appian Way and surrounding Park will be an experience you will never forget.
With expert guides and horsemen, Sandro Bernardini and Andrea, you will see archaeological treasures, some of which would be difficult to reach except on horseback. 1hr, 2hr, 3hr riding tours.
Ziplining
Situated 730m above sea level in the small medieval town of Rocca Massima, the world’s fastest and longest zip line course is only an hour’s drive from central Rome. Travelling from sweeps from the Lazio coast in the Alban hills to the mountains of Abruzzo, the route passes through vast olive groves and karst areas gliding up the slopes of Monte S. Angelo Cradle of Falco Pellegrino.