19 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Edinburgh

These 19 tips to know before visiting Edinburgh are what I wish I knew before my trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Hopefully these travel tips will help you from making some of my mistakes when traveling through Edinburgh!

DISCLAIMER: I only express my opinion based on my experience. Your experience may be different.Links above may include affiliate commission or referrals. I'm part of an affiliate network and I receive compensation from partnering websites. This video is accurate as of the posting date but may not be accurate in the future.

[davidkelly]

Great video. It's always nice to see people who visit Edinburgh have such kinds words to say. As someone who has lived there all their life it's easy to forget all that it has to offer.

A few additional tips for visitors:
The National Museum of Scotland on Chamber St (About 2 minutes walk from the Royal Mile) is well worth a visit, especially if you get some bad weather and need to get away from the rain! You can easily spend a few hours there.
Botanic Gardens - Again, not far away from the town centre (You can walk downhill in 15 minutes from Princes St, but the walk back up is a tough one so maybe catch a bus back up).

To expand on the water of leith, the walkway goes all the way from the shore up to Balerno. If you hire a bike it's well worth a cycle. I think it's about 12 miles long and a lot of the route is beautiful and very peaceful.

Avoid: the bus tours, they are a con. You can just use Lothian Buses (that go all over the city) and get a day saver for a fraction of the price. A day saver lets you hop on and off all Lothian Buses for that day.
If you go anywhere to eat on the Royal Mile you'll pay more for your meal, if you look about a bit you can get better meals for a more reasonable price.

[moiraedwards]

Don’t miss Portobello beach as a place to visit! People never think that would be in a City.

[tqfjyyt]

As an Edinburgh-based, but globally mobile (business and pleasure) person, this channel is right in my wheelhouse. Subscribed - and I hope to work through most of your videos in due course.

One of the few channels to also highlight how under-appreciated the Water of Leith is. Although I would add that while most of the walk is quite wonderful in its own right, it also allows for several pit stops into the less touristy but pleasant parts of the city that also have quite good bars, cafes, and minor (but not swamped) attractions. I’ve actually noticed in recent years and months more visitors - particularly Americans - venturing into the increasingly trendy parts of Leith itself.

[em]

Went to London and Edinburgh a couple of years ago. London is so pretty but Edinburgh was the best surprise ever! I cannot wait to go back!

[AMEENHAI]

The "shoes Notice" is very important, you need a good and water proof shoes, actually the shoes were my only problem in Edinburgh, the main problem was walking uphil and downhill

[sweater]

Speaking of hikes in Scotland, Pentlands is a (45ish? minute) bus ride away from Princes St, and the hike near the William Wallace monument in Stirling is a 30ish minute bus ride away.

[PRAVINRAAJRAAJ]

Scotland is a very beautiful magical marvellous country.

[aldo]

Great overview. Dean Village / Water of Leith are great spots but quite hidden away. Mary's Milk Bar...tick. And also Mellis's cheese shop is OUTSTANDING!!!!

[jerrytracey]

What a great review. I live nearby, going into Edinburgh frequently, and you have hit the mark on all counts. Edinburgh is definitely walkable, but there are quite a lot of long staircases up and down either side of the ridge that forms the Royal Mile and you'll need to pace yourself if you are anything less than 100% fit. Another recommended place for good food at a reasonable price is Grassmarket. During the Festival you also get some good street entertainment if you want to avoid the grind of the High Street end of the Royal Mile

[ducatiman]

Thankyou for your tips and advice !! I agree - visit Edinburgh !!

[jaymartin]

I would second your suggestion to plan on spending significant time in Edinburgh. . . . .and Glasgow, and maybe points nearby. London is a quality destination and easier to get a trans-Atlantic flight to and from. But if I had it to do over I would go straight to Scotland and save London for another time.

I would also agree that public intercity transportation is better and easier than in the U.S. and a car is not necessary. I've got friends that rent away and have no trouble. But I would be stressed remembering to drive on the wrong side of the road.

[sophietalbot]

I’ve just firmed uni of Edinburgh and when we visited we went to Mary kings close it was so good kind of like the London dungeons!

[kieranpeanut]

If you want more of a challenge and also have bus links from the city center to the Pentland Hills for a nice little hike just on tbe outskirts of the citys southside.

Bus only takes less than 30 min.

[theidk]

Sure, take train that is 4 times as much as a flight, no thanks. But that's all the trains in the UK - swiss prices, average experience. But good vid, thanks for the tips. Edinburgh is a beautiful city and I'm happy I visited.

[JordanTourist]

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, blends historic charm with vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. One of the most beautiful cities in the world!

[pciochetto]

Hey bro. Loved the video. Great energy. Compact info . Efficient. Were from NY heading to Scotland in August. 3days Edinburgh. 3Days Glascow, and a random as of now still unplanned 6 days in the Highlands. Cheers!

[steveelrickster]

Brilliant summary. Thank you for such a lovely tribute to the city

[kathleenirvine]

Love Edinburgh great buildings and history 😊

[MoRa-bryf]

Now, I am ready for Edinburgh! Thank you! :-)

[JoDora]

Wonderful video. Thank you for your great tips. I loved the way you explained. Fast, short, and to the point. 5*. Subscribed. 🥳🥰👏