Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £20–40 | £80–150 |
| Food | £12–20 | £30–50 |
| Transport | £5–8 | £10–20 |
| Activities | £0–15 | £20–40 |
| Drinks | £8–15 | £18–30 |
| Daily Total | £45–98 | £158–290 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- UK visa rules apply (not Schengen). Most nationalities get 6 months visa-free. ETA required for some from 2025
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is 13km west. Tram to city centre (£7.50, 30 min). Bus Airlink 100 (£5.50, 25 min). Taxi: £25–35
- Trains from London King's Cross (4.5 hrs, £30–120). Glasgow (50 min, £15). Book via LNER or Scotrail websites
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. NHS provides emergency care. GHIC/EHIC covers EU citizens at reduced rates
- Tap water is excellent — Scottish water is some of the best in the world. Refill stations widespread
- Edinburgh is very safe. Minor pickpocketing on the Royal Mile during festivals. Some areas of Leith quieter at night
Getting Around
- Lothian Buses run frequently. Day ticket: £4.80, single: £2. Contactless on the bus or via the TfE app
- Edinburgh Trams run from the airport to York Place via Princes Street (£1.80 city zone, £7.50 airport)
- The city is very walkable — Old Town to New Town is 15 min. Uber and Bolt work. Taxis are metered (black cabs)
Connectivity
- UK SIM cards from Three, Vodafone, or EE. Pay-as-you-go from £10 for 5–10GB at airport or high street shops
- Free WiFi in cafés, pubs, and museums. Edinburgh has good 4G/5G coverage across the city
- Download the Edinburgh Bus Tracker app, Trainline for rail tickets, and CityMapper for navigation
Money
- Pound Sterling (£). Scottish banknotes are legal tender in Scotland but sometimes refused in England — spend them here
- Contactless payment accepted almost everywhere. ATMs from major banks (RBS, Bank of Scotland) have no fees
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants (check if service charge is included). Not expected at pubs for counter service
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential — Edinburgh weather changes hourly. Rain jacket mandatory year-round. Wind can be fierce
- Comfortable walking shoes — the Old Town is hilly with cobblestones. Sturdy shoes for Arthur's Seat
- Warm layer even in summer — evenings cool to 10–12°C. Sunscreen on sunny days (UV can be surprisingly strong)
Cultural tips
Whisky, Not Whiskey
In Scotland it's "whisky" (no "e"). Ask for a "dram" not a "shot." Single malt is sipped neat or with a drop of water — never mixed. Tell the bartender what flavours you like and let them guide you. It's a conversation, not just a drink.
Scottish Identity
Scotland is NOT England. Don't call Scots "English" or say "UK accent." Scotland has its own legal system, education system, banknotes, and strong national identity. Independence is a live debate — tread carefully.
Festival City
August transforms Edinburgh — the Fringe, International Festival, Book Festival, and Art Festival run simultaneously. The city population doubles. It's extraordinary but chaotic. Book everything months ahead or embrace the spontaneity.
Haggis & Scottish Food
Haggis is delicious — don't knock it before trying it. It's spiced lamb offal with oatmeal, served with neeps (turnip) and tatties (potatoes). Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) and cranachan (raspberry whisky cream) are other must-tries.
Right to Roam
Scotland has the "right to roam" — you can walk almost anywhere responsibly, including private land. This is a cherished freedom. Leave no trace, close gates, and respect wildlife and crops.
Weather Attitude
Edinburgh has four seasons in one day — literally. Don't wait for good weather; embrace it. Scots have a saying: "There's no bad weather, only bad clothes." Rain is guaranteed; sunshine is a bonus.
