Print
Email
Bookmark & shareOrientation
Studded with volcanic hills, Edinburgh has an incomparable location on the southern edge of the enormous Firth of Forth. The Old Town, with its crowded tenements and bloody past, stands in contrast to the orderly grid of the New Town with its disciplined Georgian buildings. Most of the city's sights are contained within these two districts. The largely medieval Royal Mile, running down from Edinburgh Castle - which, perched atop its black, volcanic crag, dominates the central area - to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is the Old Town's spine. In the New Town, Princes St, though not so architecturally inspiring, is Edinburgh's chief thoroughfare and one of the world's most spectacular shopping streets. To the north of the centre, Leith, Edinburgh's main port, has survived a period of decline to become a fashionable area of pubs and restaurants. Portobello to the east is where Edinburgh's citizens spend time on the beach when the weather is warm enough. To the west, medieval South Queensferry sits in the shadow of the two large bridges that span the Firth of Forth. To the south, near Holyrood Park, is picturesque Duddingston.
Getting There
There are direct flights to Edinburgh (and Glasgow) airports from England, Wales, Ireland, USA, Canada, Scandinavia and several countries in western and central Europe. From the rest of the world you will probably have to fly into a major European hub and catch a connecting flight - London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris have the best connections with Edinburgh.
Buses are an inexpensive way to travel between cities in the UK.
International trains leave from the brand-new Edinburgh Train Station.
Trains are often more expensive than buses but can be competitive if seats are booked early or you look out for specials.
Getting Around
The only public transport is buses which have the city carefully covered. Otherwise the best way to get around is on a bicycle. Distances are short and bike lanes and paths are well marked.
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
