Edinburgh Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Edinburgh Tours & Trips

• When is the best time to visit Edinburgh for festivals and events?

  August transforms Edinburgh into a cultural hub with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe International Festival and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle drawing massive crowds. The streets fill with performers while theaters host hundreds of shows daily. Beyond summer the calendar stays busy with Hogmanay celebrations in December and the Edinburgh Science Festival in April. As one traveler noted "The atmosphere during the Fringe was electric with street performers and shows everywhere you looked." For fewer crowds and better rates at places like The Balmoral Hotel May and September offer mild weather and a more relaxed pace.

• What are some unique local food experiences in Edinburgh?

  Edinburgh's food scene spans from traditional Scottish fare to modern cuisine. Visitors can try haggis at The Witchery or fresh seafood along The Shore in Leith. The historic Grassmarket district houses pubs like The Last Drop perfect for sampling local craft beers and whiskies. According to a recent visitor "The food tour through Edinburgh's Old Town was a highlight - we tried everything from Scottish tablet to fresh-baked shortbread." The Edinburgh Farmers' Market on Castle Terrace offers local cheeses meats and baked goods every Saturday morning.

• What are the most popular areas to visit in Edinburgh's Old Town?

  The Royal Mile serves as the main artery of Old Town connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Key stops include St. Giles' Cathedral The Real Mary King's Close and the National Museum of Scotland. According to visitors the winding cobblestone streets reveal something new at every turn. As one traveler observed "The castle was absolutely breathtaking and our guide's knowledge of its history made it come alive." Hotels like The Witchery by the Castle and The Scotsman place guests in the heart of these historic attractions.

• What day trips are possible from Edinburgh?

  Edinburgh's central location makes it ideal for exploring Scotland. Popular day trips reach St Andrews the Highlands and Loch Ness. A recent traveler shared "The day trip to Stirling Castle and the Trossachs National Park was a perfect complement to our Edinburgh stay." Most tours depart from central points near hotels like The InterContinental Edinburgh The George making early morning departures convenient for guests.

• How much money should I budget per day for Edinburgh?

  Daily costs in Edinburgh average USD 150-200 not including accommodations. This covers meals (USD 15-25 for lunch USD 30-45 for dinner) public transport (USD 5-10) and attractions like Edinburgh Castle (USD 25). One visitor noted: "While main attractions can be pricey many museums like the National Museum of Scotland are free and walking tours work on a tip basis." Budget-friendly options include street food at Grassmarket (USD 8-15) and traditional pub meals (USD 20-30).

• What's the typical length of stay needed to properly explore Edinburgh?

  Three to four days allows visitors to experience Edinburgh's essential sights and culture. According to one traveler: "We spent 5 days in Edinburgh and felt it was perfect to see the major sites while having time to wander the hidden streets and enjoy local pubs." This timeframe covers Edinburgh Castle the Royal Mile Arthur's Seat and neighborhoods like Stockbridge and Leith. Additional days enable visits to museums art galleries and nearby attractions like Rosslyn Chapel or the Forth Bridges.