The Basics
City Name: Edinburgh
Where is it located?: Edinburgh is in Scotland’s southeastern corner, on the ocean.
Why do people go there?: If you’re going to search for your Scottish ancestors, start here. Edinburgh has all the usual attractions (castles, museums, etc) but the biggest draw is the August Fringe Festival, focusing on the performing arts.
How do travelers get there?: Trains in the UK are expensive, but most head up this way from London, although you can fly or drive.
Currency: Pound
City Code: 131
Population: 500,000
Languages: English, but they’ll curse at you in Scottish
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Old Town, New Town, Leith, Swanson Village, Stockbridge, Queensferry
Attractions: Edinburgh Castle, Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Grassmarket
Accommodations: Edinburgh Hostels, Edinburgh Hotels
Tourist Office: VisitScotland, 23 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh, Scotland EH4 3TP, Telephone Nos. +44 131 332-2433, Fax: +44 131 343-1513, Email: info@visitscotland.com, http://www.visitscotland.com/
Off-the-beaten-path: Water of Leith, Royal Mile
Health Issues: HIV and sexual health subjects are tackled in many schools in Edinburgh
Tips for Visiting
When to go: July and August are the busiest months and are best avoided due to staggeringly high prices and numbers of tourists. Shoulder seasons are still enjoyable, although you should bring a rain coat any time of the year. The Fringe Festival in August brings many visitors and accommodation goes fast.
City Specific Events: Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
How to get around?: Bus it baby!
Good to know: Edinburgh was chosen as the best city to live in United Kingdom.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Edinburgh is the Edinburgh International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Edinburgh travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
