The Scottish capital at a glance – Edinburgh profile

„Auld Reekie“ – the old smoky. This is the affectionate nickname the Scots give to their capital, Edinburgh, a term from the time when smoking chimneys shaped the city's landscape. Today, Edinburgh is a city full of history, culture, and impressive architecture that perfectly combines tradition and modernity. With its stunning skyline, historic old town, and vibrant cultural scene, Edinburgh is a true gem in the United Kingdom.

• Historical Old Town & Twisted Alleys – Explore the medieval streets of the Old Town and immerse yourself in the city's history.
• Impressive Castles & Palaces – Visit the famous Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Palace, witnesses to a turbulent past.
• Cultural Diversity & Festivals – Experience the city at its most creative during the Edinburgh Festival or the Fringe Festival.
• Stunning Views & Nature – Enjoy the panoramic view from Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill.
• Culinary Experiences & Pubs – Try Scottish specialties like Haggis or enjoy a glass of Whisky in one of the traditional pubs.

• Population: Around 550,000 people live here.
• Foundation: First settlements date back to the Bronze Age.
• Area: The city covers approximately 264 km².
• Highest Point: Arthur's Seat at 251 meters.
• Historic Center: The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• University: The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1582 and is among the best in the world.
• The Royal Connection: Queen Elizabeth II regularly spent time at Holyrood Palace.
• The Edinburgh Festival Fringe: The largest arts festival in the world attracts millions of visitors each year.
• The Castle on the Volcano: Edinburgh Castle sits on an extinct volcano.
• Ghost Town? – There are countless legends about haunted places like Mary King’s Close.
• Harry Potter fans take note: J.K. Rowling wrote large parts of the books in the city’s cafés.
• The One O’Clock Gun: A cannon is fired daily at 1 PM from the castle.
• The Literary City: Edinburgh was the first UNESCO City of Literature.
• Scotland's capital since 1437: Previously, Perth was the political center.
• Edinburgh has more trees per capita than any other city in Great Britain!

More than 3,000 years ago, people lived in the area of today's city. The Picts built a fortress called "Din Eidyn" on Castle Rock, a prominent volcanic cone. In the 10th century, the area came under Anglo-Saxon rule and was renamed "Edinburgh."

From the Middle Ages to the Capital of Scotland

In the 12th century, Edinburgh evolved into an important trading center. King David I constructed numerous churches and the first castle complex. The Royal Mile – the main street of the Old Town – became the lifeline of the city.

In 1437, Edinburgh officially became the capital of Scotland. In the following centuries, the city grew rapidly, but life was often harsh: narrow alleys, lack of hygiene, and diseases characterized the urban landscape. At the same time, Edinburgh became a center of art, science, and politics.

The Creation of the New Town – Edinburgh Changes Its Face

In the 18th century, the medieval Old Town was bursting at the seams. To alleviate the chaos, the New Town was designed – a Georgian district with wide streets, elegant houses, and generous squares. To this day, it is considered a masterpiece of urban planning.

From the Industrial Revolution to a Cultural Metropolis

During the industrial revolution, Edinburgh continued to grow but lagged behind Glasgow. Instead of focusing on industry, the city emphasized education and culture. Today, it is world-famous for its festivals, architecture, and high quality of life.

Edinburgh is divided into numerous districts, each with its own character and charm. The following table provides an overview of some of the most well-known areas:

District	Neighborhoods	Known For
Old Town	Royal Mile Grassmarket	historical buildings Edinburgh Castle narrow alleys
New Town	Princes Street George Street	Georgian architecture shopping, nightlife
Leith	Shore Commercial Street	harbor area restaurants Royal Yacht Britannia
Stockbridge	Circus Lane Dean Village	picturesque streets boutiques cafés
Southside	Marchmont Bruntsfield	student area, Meadows Park cafés
West End	Haymarket Dean Village	theater art galleries, quiet residential area

TIP: Stockbridge is a hidden gem for a relaxed stroll – here you will find charming streets, small cafés, and the Water of Leith Walkway!

Edinburgh is located in the southeast of Scotland, right on the coast of the Firth of Forth. The city is about 80 km from Glasgow and belongs to the Lothian region.

Climate in Edinburgh

The climate in Edinburgh is temperate maritime, which means that there are mild summers and cool winters. Here is an overview of the average temperatures:

Season	Average Temperature	Special Features
Winter	2–7 °C	Rarely snow, often windy
Spring	6–12 °C	Changeable, many blooming parks
Summer	12–19 °C	Pleasant, but rarely really hot
Autumn	7–14 °C	Colorful foliage, often foggy

Edinburgh can be temperamental weather-wise - an umbrella or a windproof jacket is always a good idea!

Edinburgh is full of impressive landmarks that reflect the history and culture of the city. From historic castles to modern attractions, there is much to discover here.

The Main Landmarks at a Glance

• Edinburgh Castle – The most famous castle in Scotland, perched on an extinct volcano.
• Holyrood Palace – The official residence of the British monarchs in Scotland.
• Royal Mile – The historic main street of the Old Town with many highlights.
• Arthur’s Seat – The local mountain of Edinburgh with spectacular panoramic views.
• Calton Hill – A viewpoint with iconic monuments.
• Scott Monument – A Gothic tower in honor of Sir Walter Scott.
• The Real Mary King’s Close – An underground street with ghost stories.
• National Museum of Scotland – A versatile museum with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to Scottish history.

Edinburgh Castle – Why is the Castle so Special?

Majestically, Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city and is considered the most important landmark in Scotland. It sits atop an extinct volcano and has been the seat of Scottish kings for centuries.

Highlights at Edinburgh Castle:

• The Scottish Crown Jewels – One of the oldest surviving collections of crown jewels in Europe.
• The Stone of Destiny – Scottish and later British monarchs were crowned on this stone.
• The One O’Clock Gun – A cannon is fired daily at 1 PM – a tradition since 1861.
• St. Margaret’s Chapel – The oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, dating from the 12th century.
• The breathtaking view – From the castle courtyard, you have a grand view of the city.

TIP: To avoid long queues, make sure to book your tickets online in advance!

The Royal Mile – What Makes it Unique?

The Royal Mile stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and is the most famous street in the city. It consists of several sections and is full of history, culture, and lively atmosphere.

Noteworthy stops along the Royal Mile:

• St. Giles’ Cathedral – An impressive Gothic church with beautiful stained glass windows.
• The Real Mary King’s Close – An underground alley from the 17th century with eerie stories.
• John Knox House – One of the oldest houses in Edinburgh, dating from the 15th century.
• Holyrood Palace – The royal residence with splendid chambers.
• Countless pubs and shops – Perfect for a beer or whisky in the evening.

TIP: Check out one of the many small courtyards (closes) – they often hide quiet, historical corners!

Arthur’s Seat – Is the Climb Worth It?

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano and at 251 meters, the highest point in Edinburgh. The hike to the summit is one of the best activities to enjoy a spectacular view of the city.

Reasons why the climb is worth it:

• Unique views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
• Pure nature in the middle of the city.
• One of the possible inspirations for the legend of King Arthur.
• Beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

TIP: The easiest ascent begins at Holyrood Park – don’t forget sturdy footwear!

The Perfect Route for a Day in Edinburgh

If you don’t have much time but want to see the main sights, you can use this route:

1. Start the day at Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the view over the city.
2. Stroll along the Royal Mile and discover hidden alleys and courtyards.
3. Visit Holyrood Palace at the end of the street.
4. Climb Arthur’s Seat for a fantastic view.
5. Relax in the afternoon in Stockbridge or Leith with a drink by the water.

TIP: If the weather is bad, a visit to the National Museum of Scotland or a whisky tour is worth it!

Although Edinburgh is located directly on the coast, there are also several rivers and canals winding through the city.

Waterway	Length	Features
Water of Leith	35 km	Scenic river with a walking path
Union Canal	51 km	Historic canal, now popular for boat tours
Firth of Forth	Coastal waterway	Home of the famous Forth Bridge

TIP: A walk along the Water of Leith Walkway takes you through some of the most picturesque corners of Edinburgh!

Besides its impressive architecture and history, Edinburgh is especially known for its vibrant cultural scene. Throughout the year, spectacular festivals, traditional celebrations, and extraordinary events take place here.

Which events should I not miss in Edinburgh?

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe – The largest arts festival in the world featuring theater, comedy, and street performances.
• Edinburgh International Festival – High-profile concerts, opera, and theater performances.
• Hogmanay – Scotland's legendary New Year's celebration with a huge street party and fireworks.
• Beltane Fire Festival – A spectacular celebration welcoming summer on Calton Hill.
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – An impressive military parade with bagpipe music in front of Edinburgh Castle.

The biggest events in Edinburgh at a glance

Event	Period	Info	Admission
Beltane Fire Festival	April 30	Traditional celebration with fire dancers	From about £10
Edinburgh Festival Fringe	August	Thousands of shows in theaters and on the street	Varies by event
Edinburgh International Festival	August	High-culture music and theater events	Varies by event
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo	August	Military parade with bagpipe and drum music	From about £30
Hogmanay	December 31 – January 1	New Year's celebration with concerts and fireworks	Some events free, main events ticketed

TIP: If you are traveling to Edinburgh in August, book your accommodations early – the city is in high demand during the festivals!

Whether as a single, a couple, or with family – the city offers the right program for every taste.

Five exciting excursion destinations in Edinburgh

1. Dean Village – A picturesque neighborhood by the Water of Leith, perfect for a relaxing walk.
2. Rosslyn Chapel – A mystical church with fascinating stone carvings, famous from The Da Vinci Code.
3. The Scotch Whisky Experience – Everything about whisky with tastings and interactive exhibits.
4. The Royal Yacht Britannia – The former royal yacht of the Queen, now a museum in the port of Leith.
5. Calton Hill – Fantastic views of the city with historical monuments.

Three recommendations in Edinburgh for couples

1. Romantic walk on Calton Hill – Perfect at sunset with breathtaking views.
2. Fine dining in New Town – Numerous restaurants featuring upscale Scottish cuisine.
3. Boat tour on the Union Canal – A relaxing experience with a picturesque backdrop.

Three recommendations in Edinburgh for singles

1. Pub tour through the Old Town – Scottish whiskies and live music in traditional pubs.
2. Visit to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Perfect for meeting new people.
3. Hike up Arthur’s Seat – An ideal spot for a little timeout with a magnificent view.

Three recommendations in Edinburgh for families

1. National Museum of Scotland – Interactive exhibits, perfect for children.
2. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions – A museum full of optical illusions and interactive stations.
3. Edinburgh Zoo – Home to the only pandas in Great Britain.

Three hotel recommendations in Edinburgh

Hotel	Location	Price Category	Special Features
The Balmoral	New Town	Luxury	Historic 5-star hotel with Michelin-starred restaurant
The Witchery by the Castle	Old Town	High-priced	Extravagant boutique hotel in Gothic style
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal	City Centre	Mid-range	Modern hotel in a perfect location near the Royal Mile

TIP: Those who want to stay centrally should book early – especially during festivals!

To ensure your stay goes smoothly, here are some important tips and information.

What is the weather like in Edinburgh?

The climate is typically Scottish: changeable. Here’s an overview of the temperatures:

Season	Average Temperature	Special Features
Winter	2–7 °C	Rarely snow, often windy and wet
Spring	6–12 °C	Blooming parks, pleasant temperatures
Summer	12–19 °C	Mild, but often rainy
Autumn	7–14 °C	Golden leaves, often foggy

TIP: A rain umbrella or a waterproof jacket should be in your luggage – rain can start at any time!

How to get to Edinburgh

By Plane

The Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located about 13 km west of the city. From there, you can reach the city center in about 30 minutes by Airlink 100 bus or tram.

By Train

The main train station Edinburgh Waverley is located in the heart of the city and offers connections to Glasgow, London, and other British cities.

By Car

Driving to Edinburgh is possible, but parking in the city center can be expensive and difficult. It’s better to park in the suburbs and use public transport.

TIP: If you are traveling from London, the train ride can be a nice alternative to flying – the route passes through stunning landscapes!

Absolutely: Yes! The city uniquely combines history, culture, and nature. Whether you walk in the footsteps of Scottish kings, enjoy the best view from Arthur’s Seat, or listen to live music in a cozy pub – Edinburgh will enchant you. Especially in August during the festivals or at Hogmanay on New Year's Eve, the city shows its most exciting side.