Geography
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and has been since the 14th century. Located in Lothian on the shore of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh has an estimated population of 489,000, which makes it the second most populous city in Scotland and the 7th in the United Kingdom.
Climate
The weather in Edinburgh varies throughout the year, with cold winters and mild summers. Visitors can expect the weather to vary from day to day, and sometimes hour to hour, so packing for all occasions is often recommended!
Language
English is the main language spoken in Scotland today and has been the since the 18th Century. However, there are a wide range of different accents and dialects spoken across the country. From the largest cities right through to the smallest of our islands, differing accents can be found. These range from soft and sing-song to stronger and more pronounced.
Currency
The pound Stirling (£), commonly abbreviated to GBP, is the official currency used in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. One pound is written as £1 and is divided into 100 pence (p).
There are a variety of coins and banknotes in circulation across the UK.
- Coins available are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2
- Banknotes most frequently come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, £50.
- £1 and £100 banknotes exist; however, these are rarely used and may not be accepted by all retailers.
Transport
Travelling within Edinburgh couldn’t be easier thanks to its world-class and easy-to-use public transport network and walkability.
ON FOOT
Edinburgh is a great walking city – you can reach most of the attractions in the centre on foot.
In the Old Town, walking the cobbled streets is all part of the experience, with something to explore around every corner or visitors can enjoy luxury shopping, international dining options, and Scottish pubs in the city’s 250 year old New Town.
TRAMS
Glide your way through the city with Edinburgh Trams. Running every 7 minutes from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven in the north of the city, there are 23 stops along the route, including Ingliston Park and Ride, Murrayfield Stadium, Haymarket Station, St Andrew Square and Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre at Leith.
Other
In Scotland, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type G are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
TOP 6 RESTAURANTS
The Kitchin
https://thekitchin.com/
78 Commercial Quay
Leith
Edinburgh EH6 6LX
(Distance to venue: 5,2 km)
The Scran & Scallie
https://scranandscallie.com
1 Comely Bank Road
Stockbridge
Edinburgh EH4 1DR
(Distance to venue: 2,2 km)
Rhubarb Restaurant
https://www.prestonfield.com/eat-drink/rhubarb-restaurant/
Priestfield Road
Edinburgh
EH16 5UT
(Distance to venue: 3,8 km)
The Dome
https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com/
14 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PF
(Distance to venue: 1,7 km)
Tipo
https://tipoedinburgh.co.uk/welcome/#contact
110 Hanover St
Edinburgh
EH2 1DR
(Distance to venue: 1,7 km)
TOP 5 ATTRACTIONS
Scottish National Gallery
(Distance to venue: 2,3 km)
Overlooking the lush and green Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the 19th century.
Step inside this stunning building and you’ll find walls adorned with masterpieces from Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh, and a comprehensive collection of works by Scottish artists, including Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart. Don’t miss Raeburn’s much-loved The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch or, as it has become known, The Skating Minister.
Edinburgh Castle
(Distance to venue: 1 km)
Situated at the top of the Royal Mile on top of castle rock, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most-visited paid-for attraction and the most iconic building in the city. Perched on top of an extinct volcano, the Castle and its Esplanade offer unparalleled views across Edinburgh and over the River Forth to Fife.
Once inside, don’t miss the Honours of Scotland – the oldest crown jewels in the UK; the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy; 12th century St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, and Mons Meg, the famous 15th century gun.
Keep your ears pricked for the firing of the One O’clock Gun. Fired at exactly 1pm each day (except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day) from Mills Mount Battery, you can set your watch by it!
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
(Distance to venue: 3 km)
Situated between Arboretum Place to the West and Inverleith Road to the East, the garden is just a mile from the centre of town and well served by buses. With its collection of 100,000 plants and 70 acres of beautiful green space, the Botanics (as it is locally known) should be on everyone’s Edinburgh to-do list.
Free to visit (exclusions apply to special events) you can easily loose a few hours exploring their diverse collection. Highlights include the serene Chinese Hillside, world-famous Rock Garden and the magnificent Giant Redwood trees in the Woodland Garden.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
(Distance to venue: 2,9 km)
Located at the foot of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is The King’s official residence in Scotland and the home of Scottish royal history. Explore 14 magnificent state apartments, including the Throne Room and the Morning Drawing Room where many historical events have taken place.
Take a look at Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers, where she resided after her return from France in 1561 and take a stroll around the romantic ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey and royal gardens – all of which can be enjoyed with a multimedia tour in ten languages.
The Palace hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, from family activity days and lunchtime lectures to workshops and short talks.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
(Distance to venue: 5,6 km)
Having sailed over one million miles around the world and now permanently berthed on the shores of Leith, The Royal Yacht Britannia was Queen Elizabeth II’s floating palace for over 40 years. This 5-star attraction offers a fascinating glimpse both above and below deck.
The fascinating audio tour, available in over 30 languages, takes visitors round five decks and is a rare glimpse into the public and private lives of the British Royal Family. Step aboard and follow in the footsteps of royalty to see where the Royal Family enjoyed their own family holidays and entertained presidents, prime ministers and celebrities from President Nelson Mandela to Frank Sinatra.
Highlights of the tour include the State Apartments, the Sun Lounge and the gleaming Engine Room. Remember to count the cuddly corgis in the Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt! Experience stunning waterfront views and waiter service in the Royal Deck Tea Room, where you can enjoy a warm welcome as well as delicious cakes, scones, soups and sandwiches, made on board.