CityHoliday Hotspots

The seamless entwining of the old and new makes Edinburgh a highly sought after destination with visitors exploring the vibrant history, enthralling landscape and thrilling social calendar throughout the year. The city also boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred eating spots than any UK city outside of London and in addition to a long list of local attractions, including world-famous whisky distilleries Edinburgh also plays host some of the most famous literary, art and cultural festivals in the world...

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland located in the Central Belt region of the country. With a population of approximately 450,000 Edinburgh manages to combine both ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere. Watched over by the imposing castle, the symbol of the city, Edinburgh combines medieval relics, Georgian grandeur and a powerful layer of modern life with contemporary avant-garde. In Edinburgh, medieval palaces rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture, Gothic churches with amazing museums and galleries. Scotland's throbbing night-life centre, Edinburgh, "the Athens of the North", is also a feast for the mind and the senses, playing host to great restaurants, shops and an unequaled programme of city festivals throughout the year.

Country: United Kingdom

Currency: Pound Sterling

Best time to visit: All year round

More info : Visit Scotland

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Airport

To and from the airport:

Tram

Edinburgh Tramway links the airport to Edinburgh city centre every 8-10 minutes between 06.15 and 22.45. Adult fares from the airport to any stop are £5 for a single and £8 for an open return - you must purchase a ticket from the machine before you board. No change is given, however the machines do accept cards. If you are adventurous, and want to save a few pounds, consider walking to the next stop - Ingliston Park & Ride. A single fare from there to any other stop (except the airport) only costs £1.50.

Airlink Express bus

Airlink Express service 100, runs from outside the terminal building to Edinburgh city centre (Waverley Bridge) at least every 10 minutes until 00.22, and then every 30 minutes from then until 04.45. The bus leaves from Waverley Bridge (opposite entrance to train station) for the Airport at the same intervals 24/7. Adult fares are £4 for a single, £7 for an open return and the journey takes an average 25 mins. The buses offer free wi-fi connection, sockets for charging electrical equipment, CCTV allowing top-deck passengers to monitor their luggage, and electronic "next-stop" information. The Airlink buses have a dedicated blue livery which makes them easy to distinguish from the rest of the Lothian fleet. From 00.22 to 04.45, Airlink passengers must use the N22 nightbus to reach the airport, this leaves from Princes Street.

Lothian Bus

A cheaper alternative is the ordinary Lothian Buses service 35, which runs from the bus stance outside the arrivals building to Ocean Terminal via the Royal Mile/High Street. Although much slower (about 1h30) and with less provision for baggage than the 100, it is far cheaper at £1.50 a single and also allows the use of day tickets (£3.50) and other options that work on all Lothian Buses services, a great option for getting straight to the city if travelling lightly or on a budget. Do note that you must carry exact change with you onto the 35, as the driver can't give any back to you.

More information to be found at: To/from the airport

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