Edinburgh is where many Scotland journeys begin. The capital has one of the most recognisable skylines in Europe: the Castle on its volcanic rock, the Royal Mile cascading down to Holyrood, Arthur's Seat rising behind. It is a city of layers, medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town side by side, with a food and whisky scene that has grown enormously in recent years.
The Old Town
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from Castle Rock. The Royal Mile runs downhill from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch's official Scottish residence. The closes (narrow alleyways) off the Royal Mile are worth exploring. St Giles' Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, the Writers' Museum and Mary King's Close are all on or just off the Mile.
Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano right in the city centre. The walk to the summit takes about 45 minutes and the views over Edinburgh, the Forth and across to Fife are superb. It is one of those rare things: a proper hill walk in the middle of a capital city.
The New Town
Edinburgh's Georgian New Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Princes Street, George Street, Charlotte Square and the elegant crescents behind them form one of the finest collections of Georgian architecture in Europe. Good shopping, restaurants and whisky bars.
Food and whisky
Edinburgh's dining scene is strong. Michelin-starred restaurants sit alongside excellent casual options. For whisky, the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile gives a good introduction, and specialist bars like Usquabae and Bow Bar have exceptional selections.
Edinburgh as a touring base
Many of our clients start or end their Highland tours in Edinburgh. The city has the best international flight connections in Scotland and is a natural place to spend a day or two before heading north. See our day tours from Edinburgh and private tours from Edinburgh.
Day trips from Edinburgh
St Andrews and Fife - about 1.5 hours. Golf, fishing villages, Falkland. See our St Andrews day tour.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs - about 1.5 hours. Scotland's largest loch. See our Loch Lomond day tour.
Glen Coe and the Highlands - a long day but spectacular. See our Glen Coe from Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Airport transfers - we provide Edinburgh Airport transfers and Edinburgh chauffeur service.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Edinburgh from the Highlands?
Inverness is about three hours north via the A9. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are about an hour and a half. St Andrews is about an hour and a half. The Highlands are very accessible from Edinburgh.
Can you do a Highland day trip from Edinburgh?
Yes. Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, St Andrews and Fife are all easy day trips. Glen Coe and the Highlands are possible as a long day (10-12 hours). We run day tours from Edinburgh covering all of these.
Should I start my Scotland tour in Edinburgh or Inverness?
Edinburgh if you are flying internationally (Edinburgh Airport has the most connections). Inverness if the Highlands are your priority. Many clients start in Edinburgh and end in Inverness, or vice versa, with touring days in between.
Is Edinburgh walkable?
The Old Town and New Town are very walkable, though hilly. The Royal Mile from the Castle to Holyrood is about a mile. A half-day on foot covers the main sights easily.
