Edinburgh

This was my second time in Edinburgh; both times I stayed about 5 days, so I've covered a lot of ground! During my first visit, I did the following: Free walking tour Edinburgh Castle Holyrood Palace The Whisky Experience Camera Obscura This time around, we were focused on one main "anchor" activity each day, and those were: Royal Yacht Britannia Underground Tour Arthur's Seat Hike Museums Aside from our "anchors", we spent lots of leisurely wandering and walking. We also ate and drank well (coffee and whisky). By now, I am confident I've done each of the big touristy things, AND a lot of more unique and off-the-beaten-path stuff. This itinerary is based on our 2nd trip so it doesn't include the major things we did the first time around. That said, if you'd like my assistance with organizing a custom itinerary for Edinburgh, I can help! (I'll discount the service by the price of this guide if you previously purchased it.)

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Helpful Notes

The tram is easy and direct from the airport into Edinburgh or Leith. It’s 9.60£ round trip (as of July 2024) and your return journey can be any day within a 30 day window. No need to validate your paper ticket.

Tram day passes are 5£ (single rides are 2£) and can be bought through an app or at the machines at stops.

Accommodation

Accommodations in Edinburgh city center are really expensive. There are also very limited short-term property rentals because there has been a crackdown on them. Therefore, most of the somewhat affordable options you will find are hostels.

Given the lodging situation, I advise you to stay in nearby Leith. There's a direct tram line (to Edinburgh and to the airport) and it takes about 10-15 minutes to get into Edinburgh. Plus, there are several great spots in Leith to not miss!

Stay in Leith

www.booking.com

Leith Citadel

@hilaryinparis

We stayed at this funky Airbnb, and it was lovely! Normally I try not to use Airbnb, but this had 2 proper bedrooms with a double bed in each room, plus a nice kitchen and living room area, so it worked well for our group. Plus, you get to stay in a former church!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hilary Matson | @hilaryinparis

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Hello et bonjour ! I'm (another) American in Paris. I've lived in France since 2016 and I loooove sharing my Paris & France recs in hopes I can help others love this city and country as much as I do. I'm quite confident I've seen more of France than most French people, so no matter what you're looking for, I've (probably) done it! ✅ What I'm a great fit for: Mature travelers, couples, solo travelers, and families who enjoy soaking in authentic experiences, great food and wine, off-the-beaten-track gems, classic sites, and sustainable travel. 🌱 What's sustainable travel about? Traveling in a way that is kind to the environment, respectful of local culture, & supportive of the local economy. My trip-planning services are always through a sustainable lens. ❌ What I'm not a great fit for: Travelers focused on bars/clubbing or high-end shopping. ➡️ Follow me on TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest @hilaryinparis for Paris & France recommendations, tips, personal stories, and more. 🌍 PS: I'm on Thatch because I genuinely love sharing France with folks. My day job is running Yugen Earthside, a booking platform for responsible package trips primarily catering to groups of mature American travelers. My company's website is linked below.

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Edinburgh, UK

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