Travel to Edinburgh

As the seat of the Scottish Enlightenment, along with its status as the capital city of Scotland for almost 600 years, Edinburgh holds a unique position in the heart of Scotland. The castle, the city's icon, constantly reminds visitors of its millennium-long vigil kept from its perch on Castle Rock. Today, Edinburgh's economic strengths lie in banking, insurance and tourism as visitors continue to come in increasing numbers to experience the city's history first-hand.

Transportation to Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Airport is located 10 miles west of the city centre. Flights out of Edinburgh serve destinations across the UK and the EU, with a handful of international flights as well. The Waverly Railway Station is located at the city centre, from where a trip to London takes just 4 hours 30 minutes. Frequent services also run to Glasgow. Regular bus service departs from St Andrews Square, where passengers can book a ride to most major destinations in the UK. Taxis are easily hired all over the city and can be chartered to any local destination.

The roads leading to Edinburgh are well-maintained, though the hilly terrain, sometimes winding roads and one-way streets make driving a little precarious at times. While the scenery is fulfilling, driving here does call for a little extra caution. The M9 connects Edinburgh to Glasgow in the west; the M8 heads southwest out of the city; and the A729 is an access road for the surrounding suburbs. Meanwhile, the A7 continues south to England.

What to see

Centuries of growth and refinement have resulted in a marvellous architectural landscape that culminates in the castle overlooking the city. The specimens of architecture have roots in Roman times and significant anchors in medieval and Georgian eras. The Old Town is laid out in narrow, winding alleyways that open up into public squares. The New Town was designed and built in the 18th century and demonstrates a heavily Georgian influence.

Museums across the city showcase Edinburghs cultural heritage, art, archaeology and natural history. The Royal Museum was built on Chambers Street in 1861 and it contains exhibits on the art, history and geology of the region. The Museum of Edinburgh leans more on the local history and folklore of Edinburgh. The Writer's Museum, Museum of Childhood, National Library of Scotland and the National War Museum are other museums worth exploring.

Daytrips

Edinburgh and its surrounding area is a great place to explore by car, with its wonderful scenery and landscapes. The nearby port city of Leith, now a suburb of Edinburgh, is sometimes visited by tourists as well, with its own sites and coastline to take in.

Activities and leisure

Edinburgh hosts all kinds of sports and activities to participate in, both indoors and out. Several spectator sports events are well-attended, namely rugby, football and horse racing. Curling, a quirky ice sport played in Scotland, is another popular sport to watch, while skiing and indoor rock climbing are also popular activities. For a relaxed afternoon, a leisurely stroll around the Old City is rewarding.

Safety issues

Generally speaking, Edinburgh is a very safe city to visit. However, it still falls victim to its own share of petty theft, primarily pick-pocketing. It's always best to stay alert to any possible dangers. Rock climbing and skiing increase the risk of accident and injury. We strongly recommend that you invest in a travel insurance policy to protect you, your family and your belongings against potential loss while you're travelling.