Edinburgh, the historic, hilly Scottish capital, perfectly combines the medieval and modern world and offers visitors a thrilling time of adventure and excitement. With its imposing castle dominating the skyline and world-famous landmarks, it's no wonder Edinburgh is the UK's second most visited city. The Scottish capital hosts several festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. For most first-timers, few sights are as breathtaking as Edinburgh's Old Town. With its hidden alleys and cobbled streets, there'll never be enough time to explore all the rare gems in this medieval quarter. Descend Castle Hill along the Royal Mile to the opulent Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland. Two hugely popular attractions are the Scottish National Gallery and Real Mary King's Close, a historic underground street below the Royal Mile, for which you can book a tour. Princes Street and Gardens is a major thoroughfare for many visitors, while Broughton and Calton feature some of Edinburgh's flashiest monuments. For luxury shops and vibrant clubs, the Georgian New Town will satisfy all your needs. As for a great hotel, Edinburgh has plenty of options! To get the best hotel deals in Edinburgh, book a hotel on eDreams. Our user-friendly platform allows you to choose from thousands of hotels in Edinburgh based on your budget, rooms, number of guests, and many other variables.
Edinburgh Castle tops the list of tourist attractions in the city. The castle houses the magnificent Scottish National War Memorial and National War Museum, iconic collections of Crown Jewels, and the Stone of Destiny that is used to coronate Scottish monarchs. At the other end of the Royal Mile is the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse and the nearby 12th century Holyrood Abbey. This 1678 edifice is the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and the place where James V and Charles I were crowned. The palace includes tastefully furnished Historic Apartments, where Mary, Queen of Scots once lived and The Great Gallery of Scottish kings. The largest concentration of historic landmarks, enchanting townhouses, and jaw-dropping churches are on the Royal Mile which links the Holyrood Palace with the Edinburgh Castle. The Writer's Museum holds a breathtaking collection of rare literature and artworks, including those of Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. For spectacular views of the city from a vantage point, climb the 250-metre Authur's Seat in the Holyrood Park. Head over to the National Museum to see more than 8,000 artefacts, including the world's first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep. With an impressive 13,200 plant species from different continents on 70 acres, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers a natural haven for romantic strolls and fun family weekend trips. Princes Street is home to one of the oldest department stores in the world and features independent shops, public gardens, fountains, and a variety of food outlets. The street's major attractions include the David Livingstone Memorial and the Sir Walter Scott Monument. Visitors also flock to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, which holds over 65,000 photos of some of Scotland's most prominent citizens. Art enthusiasts will love the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One) for its phenomenal collection of paintings. Check out the fabulous fauna at the Edinburgh Zoo, including the UK's only giant pandas. The whole family will enjoy a day trip to the Museum of Childhood with its puppet theatre. Her Majesty's now retired Royal Yacht Britannia is exceptionally popular among tourists. Experience regal opulence firsthand over the five floors of the royal boat and listen to an audio tour of the vessel's many voyages all over the world during its 40+ years of service. And if you're looking for an excellent hotel Edinburgh has a dizzying range. Use eDreams to help narrow your search using our extensive database when you're looking for great hotel deals for your trip to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh has several districts with distinct vibes and architecture. Old Town is the most charming and hosts the largest number of tourist attractions. Its Royal Mile provides access to High Street, Castlehill, Canongate, and the Lawnmarket. You can also explore Cowgate and Grassmarket with their secret closes, quaint houses, and majestic landmarks. New Town's signature Georgian architecture and a large number of restaurants, pubs, cafes, and shops make it an ideal place to look for hotel deals. Its network of streets, squares, and circuses is a boon for walking, and Princes Street provides an easy connection to other parts of the city. For cheap hotels, head over to Marchmont, about a mile from High Street. You can also try New Haven, a fishing village with a busy fish market and great hotel deals. If you want to spend quality time with the locals over tasty Scottish delights, Stockbridge is an excellent choice. Art and culture lovers will adore the vibrant atmosphere of the West End, especially if they want upmarket hotels. The area around the Port of Leith also offers a relaxing atmosphere for people who want to cool off and soak up the city's atmosphere.