Edinburgh: tours, city walks and Scotland day trips
Edinburgh rewards a visit that takes in both its medieval streets and its planned Georgian architecture. UNESCO recognised the Old and New Towns together in 1995, so a city itinerary need not stop at the Old Town.
Which Edinburgh tours suit a visit on foot?
A self-guided walk suits an audio-led visit, while a game adds a story and challenges to the outing.
The self-guided Edinburgh walking tour with an audio guide lasts 3 hours and includes GPS navigation through the CityAppTour app, audio in seven languages and a digital route map. For a game format, the Edinburgh Harry Potter self-guided game and tour lasts 1 hour and 5 minutes, with a downloadable game app, an original story, clues, challenges and directions.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
Two days make a useful city plan: spend the first on Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then give the second to the New Town and Arthur's Seat.
The Royal Mile links the castle with Holyroodhouse, giving the first day a clear route between royal landmarks. At the castle, the Great Hall dates from 1511 and was built for James IV. Its military history offers another reason to spend time here: Scottish forces recovered it from English control during a raid at night in 1314.
The second day contrasts Georgian planning in the New Town with the volcanic history of Arthur's Seat. The volcano erupted roughly 342 million years ago, and its rock layers include more than twenty lava flows with volcanic ash, called tuff, between them.
Which things to do in Edinburgh suit an interest in architecture?
The New Town and the Scottish Parliament building offer contrasting approaches to design. The New Town's plan was drawn up in 1767, and its formal arrangement reflects the Enlightenment of the 18th and 19th centuries.
At Holyrood, an international competition led to the selection of Enric Miralles to design the Scottish Parliament building. Its branching shape draws on Scottish architectural traditions and echoes the landscape. For a visit involving steps, the Scott Monument is another option: reaching its top involves climbing more than 200 steps on narrow spiral stairs.
Which Scotland day trips fit an extra day?
Glencoe fits a shorter excursion than the Highlands and Loch Ness option: the verified trips last 9 and 12 hours respectively.
The private Edinburgh to Glencoe Highlands day trip lasts 9 hours and includes a private vehicle, an English-speaking driver, air conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi and bottled water.
The private Highlands and Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh lasts 12 hours, with a private vehicle, an English-speaking driver, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and bottled water. Its inclusions also cover a Loch Ness viewpoint near Fort Augustus, a stop in Pitlochry and a drive through Cairngorms National Park.
When should you visit for a celebration?
New Year's Eve is an option if a celebration is the reason for your visit: the city has held an organised Hogmanay festival since 1993. The Torchlight Procession usually opens the Hogmanay festivities.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
Two days are a useful plan: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Holyroodhouse on the first; the New Town and Arthur's Seat on the second.
How can you plan a walk around Edinburgh?
The Royal Mile gives a route between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
What can you see in Edinburgh beyond the Old Town?
The New Town offers Georgian planning, while Arthur's Seat adds volcanic history.
Can you take a Highlands day trip from Edinburgh?
Yes, the private Glencoe trip lasts 9 hours, while the private Highlands and Loch Ness trip lasts 12 hours.
When can you visit Edinburgh for a New Year celebration?
New Year's Eve suits a Hogmanay visit; the festivities usually open with the Torchlight Procession.
