Edinburgh is a majestic ancient city in Scotland, crowned with a castle on a granite rock, towering high above the streets. But behind the historical surroundings lies the atmosphere of the city. You can spend time in museums and galleries during the day, and closer to the night – sit in a pub, go to a club, theater or restaurant overlooking the harbor.
How to get to Edinburgh
Edinburgh International Airport is located 12 km west of the city. It receives flights not only from all over England, but also from continental Europe, Ireland and some cities in North America. The duration of the flight from Moscow, excluding connections, is about 4 hours.
- TOPPHARMACYSCHOOLS: Geography and climate of country United Kingdom, including traditions, cuisine and drinks.
The airport has an information office, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, shops and restaurants, rent-a-car offices and Wi-Fi. You can get there by Lothian Buses Airlink service 100 from the Waverley Bridge, which is located at the exit from the railway station. One-way fare 3.5-6 GBP, round-trip about 13 GBP, 30 minutes on the way, departure every 10-15 minutes, tickets can be bought from the driver. The bus stops at West End and Haymarket along the way. You can also take a taxi, cost 22-35 GBP, 20 minutes on the way.
In addition, Edinburgh can be reached from Glasgow Airport, located just 100 km to the west. Scottish Citylink bus number 905 connects the airport and Glasgow Buchanan bus station, where you can transfer to bus number 900 to Edinburgh (2 hours on the way, departs every 15-30 minutes). The prices on the page are for October 2021.
From Glasgow, you can also take the First ScotRail train, which takes 50 minutes, departs every 15 minutes, and costs 12-20 GBP
- CITYPOPULATIONREVIEW: Climate figures of London United Kingdom, including detailed weather information by month.
By bus
Edinburgh bus station is located on the north-east corner of St Andrew Sq, the entrance is from the square and from Elder St. There is an information office, wi-fi, a left-luggage office.
By train
Edinburgh’s main railway station, Waverley (Waverley Bridge), is located in the heart of the city and receives trains from all over the country. Another station, Haymarket (Haymarket Tce), serves as a stopover and departure point for westbound trains. Tickets can be purchased from the Edinburgh Rail Travel Center (4.45-00.30 Mon-Fri, 7-00.30 Sun) at Waverley station.
Districts of Edinburgh
Just Town (town, from English “city”) is medieval Edinburgh with its Royal Mile, which leads from Holyrood Palace to the castle. This is the most interesting area for tourists in the city.
New Town (respectively, “new city”) is the second half of the historical center, which has earned the prefix “new” for its buildings of the 18th century. It is also the commercial center of Edinburgh, which is respected by shopaholics from all over the world for the abundance and quality of shops.
Stockbridge and Canonmills is next door to New Town, there are also interesting shops and the best place to relax in the city – the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Edinburgh/East – Portobello beach area and the historic village of Duddingston. Edinburgh/South is a popular part of the city with students as there are plenty of places to eat and, more importantly, drink. Here is the famous Roslyn Chapel, which is discussed below. Edinburgh/West attracts with its zoo and (for connoisseurs and fans) Murrayfield Rugby Stadium.
Royal Edinburgh Ticket
The Royal Edinburgh Ticket is a great opportunity to see as many of the city’s sights as possible and save money. It allows you to visit 3 popular attractions of the city: Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace and the royal yacht Britannia. The ticket is valid for two days. Ticket price: 55 GBP, preferential (for pensioners over 60 and students): 48 GBP, children (5-15 years old): 30 GBP.
Transport
Public transport of the city is represented by Lothian Buses, which run mostly in the center of Edinburgh, and First Edinburgh – in the surroundings and villages near the city. Route schedules can be found at each stop. The fare in the city is 2.5 GBP (children under 5 years old are free, from 5 to 15 – 1 GBP). Lothian bus drivers do not give change, they need to pay a strictly designated amount, but First Edinburgh is more loyal to tourists who get confused in unfamiliar pieces of paper and give them change. But Lothian Buses also offer a day pass for 5 GBP., which entitles you to an unlimited number of trips during the day, the ticket is purchased from the driver. Night buses also run around the city, departing once an hour from midnight to 5 am, fare 3-7 GBP.
By taxi
Black elegant Edinburgh taxi cabs can be hailed from the street, ordered by phone (+ 0.5-0.8 GBP per call) or found in the parking lot. However, it should be borne in mind that this mode of transport is very expensive: the minimum fare is 2.1 GBP (at night 5 GBP) for landing plus the first 450 m, then 0.25 GBP for every 240 yards (220 m). In short, a typical 2-mile trip through the city center will cost 6-15 GBP minimum.
Scotland is whiskey, and going to Edinburgh, you should immediately lay a couple of hours to visit The Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre. Here, tourists will be given an unforgettable tour, told about the history and origin of whiskey, methods of distillation, types of malt, and, of course, will be given a taste.
By bike
Despite the fact that Edinburgh is full of hills and climbs, it is a very bike-friendly city, if certain rules are followed. Firstly, do not forget about traffic that is not typical for Russia, and secondly, you must comply with local requirements: turn on the lamp in the evening, do not drive down a one-way street in the opposite direction, do not run a red light, do not drive on lawns. Local “bobby” cops have the right to fine negligent cyclists up to 40 GBP. Otherwise, beautiful Marchioness, the pleasure of cycling through Edinburgh is truly incomparable.
There are many international rent-a-car companies in the city, but the best prices are in small local agencies.
