In Edinburgh travel tips

The survey compared hotel rates across 40 European destinations for December 31, with prices at all hotels with a central location and rated three stars or more in each destination recorded.

No first trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The world-famous icon of Scotland is part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the country. Dominating the skyline of the city, the fortress looms over the streets below from its position on the Castle Rock. Due to its strategic location, it has been a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a focus of countless sieges and battles. It also offers stunning panoramic views over the city of Edinburgh. Due to the size and walkability of the city center, the best way to explore Scotland’s capital is on foot. That means, if you are looking for a central Airbnb, you’ll be no more than a 30-minute walk from the Royal Mile — the main street leading to the castle gates. The Airbnb near Edinburgh Castle rentals we’ve selected here are steeped in history, have views of the iconic site, Superhost status, and five-star reviews from past guests.

One sleepy morning this summer in Edinburgh’s Leith neighborhood, a pub-stuffed, cobblestoned port district, a persnickety tailor tugged at the lapels of my formal Prince Charlie jacket and centered my furry sporran purse. Then, with assertive force, he hiked up my kilt so it rested comfortably above my navel, warming my belly like a Scotch ale. I embraced my awkward role as an inert mannequin, a clueless one at that, slowly transforming into a great Scot.

Earlier this year, I checked into a suite at Edinburgh's The Witchery by the Castle in the city's old town.

One of the best things about being in the drinks business is that if you do it right, you eventually find yourself with a sprawling global network of like-minded drinkers with hyper-discerning palates. You get to spend time with the industry’s finest in the most pleasurable way: Imbibing (and breaking bread) with distillers, blenders, bartenders, brand ambassadors, spirits educators, and founders—among many others. (An education in and of itself if you ask me.)

Robert Louis Stevenson once described Edinburgh as leading a “double existence”. He may well have been right — to this day, Scotland’s capital city manages to be simultaneously quaint and decedent, its crooked medieval streets bursting with innovative places to eat and drink. Step beyond its UNESCO-listed old and new towns, however, and there’s even more to discover. Join us below as we explore some of the city’s most exciting wine bars, from humble bottle shop hybrids to Michelin-starred mainstays.

From historic bars pouring the finest whiskies to gastropubs serving up gourmet burgers, when it comes to Edinburgh nightlife, there's has a drinking den to satisfy every craving. There are some world-class establishments in the city – but also plenty of duds. Follow our guide (and steer clear of the Grassmarket) for the best night out the Scottish capital has to offer.

Whether you plan on exploring Edinburgh Castle, scaling Arthur’s Seat or hunkering down in an old pub with a wee dram of whisky, this is a city where you’ll want to stay a while. Luckily, Edinburgh has more places to stay than anywhere else in the UK aside from London, with something for every budget. Here's our pick of where to stay in Edinburgh.