Scotland's capital layers a castle perched on a volcano, a medieval old town listed by UNESCO and an elegant Georgian New Town. Here's how to enjoy it in 2 or 3 days.
Edinburgh at a glance
Population
540,000
Airport
EDI
Ideal stay
2 to 3 days
Budget / day
โฌ70-250
Flight Paris
~1h45 direct
Time diff
-1h
Current climate
Best season
In brief
A capital best explored on foot
The historic center is all walkable. Count 2 days for the must-sees, 3 to take it slow.
Two cities in one, both UNESCO-listed
The medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town form a single World Heritage site.
Weather that changes by the hour
Pack a waterproof jacket and layers in any season, even in high summer.
August means the Fringe
The world's largest arts festival takes over the city, but prices soar and everything books out.
A vertical, volcanic city
Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, the castle: bring good shoes for the climbs.
Must-see
The fortress perched on an extinct volcano dominates the city and holds the Crown Jewels.
The cobbled spine linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with closes and pubs.
A hike up an ancient volcano for a 360ยฐ view over the city and the North Sea.
The monarch's official residence in Scotland, at the foot of Arthur's Seat.
A hill of neoclassical monuments. The best viewpoint at sunset.
Elegant 18th-century facades, ordered squares and the shops of Princes Street.
A former millers' hamlet on the Water of Leith, suspended out of time.
From prehistory to pop, one of the country's finest museums, and entry is free.
A curved street of colorful facades, said to have inspired the Harry Potter universe.
Choose your district
The medieval heart, steps from the castle and Royal Mile. Historic atmosphere. From โฌ90/night.
โ Recommended
Elegant Georgian district, Princes Street shopping, smart restaurants. From โฌ110/night.
Smart
Bohemian village on the Water of Leith, Sunday market, cafes. From โฌ95/night.
Bohemian
A reinvented old port, great food and gentler rates than the center. From โฌ70/night.
Foodie
Getting around
On foot
The center is entirely walkable. Most sights are within 20 minutes of each other.
Tram
A single line links the airport to the center via Princes Street. Simple and reliable.
Lothian Buses
Dense, cheap network. Pay with exact change or a contactless card.
Taxi (Uber, black cab)
Handy at night or in the rain. Black cabs can be hailed in the street.
Climate & crowds
01
Jan
02
Feb
03
Mar
04
Apr
05
May
06
Jun
07
Jul
08
Aug
09
Sep
10
Oct
11
Nov
12
Dec
Summer
June to August ยท 15-19ยฐC, long days ยท Ideal for weather, but the August Fringe makes the city packed
Shoulder
Apr-May, Sept-Oct ยท 8-15ยฐC, soft light ยท Fair: fewer crowds, calmer rates
Winter
Nov to March ยท 2-7ยฐC, short days ยท Avoid except for Hogmanay (New Year), cold and dark
How much
Backpacker
โฌ70
per day
Comfort
โฌ150
per day
Premium
โฌ300
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
1h away ยท Castle and Bannockburn battlefield
๐ 1h away ยท Sister city, art and music
2h30 away ยท Wild mountains and lochs
1h30 away ยท Scotland's largest loch
FAQ
Laura Petit โ
ยทEurope specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.