Edinburgh in a Nutshell
Special Offers on Edinburgh Hotels
Edinburgh Currency
Scotland's official currency is the Great Britian Pounds (GBP). Note that if you receive money in Scotland, you may receive notes that are a little bit different then the notes distributed in England. Some people in England may not be happy about receiving these bills because they may not think the bills are real since the Scotish looking notes are primarily distributed within Scotland.Traveler's Tip
Be wary about exchanging money at the airport or on the streets at currency exchange locations in a foreign exchange. The places often advertise no commission but will get you with the lower exchange rate. Some places take out almost as much as 13%. The best place is to do it back home at your local bank which typically still offers free currency exchanges but gives you about 3-5% less within the official currency exchange rate.
Edinburgh Transportation
Edinburgh has one of the best city bus systems in Europe. A one way ride will cost about €1.20 while an all day bus costs €3 at the time of this publication. Note that the all day pass does not include tour buses or night buses. There are two main bus companies that serve the city, so pay attention to which one you you buy the one day pass at. Lothian buses seem to offer more routes but this will depend on where your hotel or bed & breakfast is located. Note all the buses will require exact change.Traveler's Tip
Some people may not be used to riding public buses, but a few common etiqutes to follow is to allow people leaving the bus to get off before trying to board the bus and give up our seat to an elderly person if there are no more seats.
Airport Transportation
To get to Edinburgh's city centre from the airport, simply hop on the blue AirLink bus that runs 24 hours and you will be dropped off right in the heart of the city on Princes Street. Note that the bus that runs at night may not be the blue bus and runs less frequent. The ride will cost you €3 and get you to the city or to the airport in about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Edinburgh Tours
Edinburgh is visited by tourists from all over the world. There are a number of different tour companies that offer tours both within the city and outside the city. The regional tours will take you to places like Loch Lomond, Roseyln Chapel, Sterling Castle, Loch Nes, Highlands and other must see places in Scotland.City Tours
- Edinburgh Tour - Bus for €8/day that lets people hop on and off as they wish. The bus stops are all the major attractions within the city without having to change buses.
Regional Tours
- Highland Explorer
- Rabbies Tours
- Grayline Scotland
Edinburgh Hotels/Bed & Breakfasts/Hostels
The UK is known for all the great bed & breakfasts (B&Bs) throughout Ireland, England and Scotland. Edinburgh holds true to the reputation with a plethora of B&Bs throughout the city. B&Bs tend to be privately own with usually no more than 4-8 rooms. The cost of B&Bs in Scotland can range from €70 to well over €150/night depending on factors such as the season, day of the week and other typical factors.There are also major hotel chains in Edinburgh such as the Mariott, Holiday Inn and Best Western.
For those who are traveling on a budget or are traveling alone, there are a few hostels within the city as well. All of them are close to bus stations that will enable you to get to anywhere you want within a bus ride or two.
Edinburgh Attractions
-
Edinburgh's Royal Mile
A number of Edinburgh's attractions are situated along the Royal Mile that is up the hill from Waverly Station. -
Edinburgh Castle
Scotland's most visited attraction that sits upon a hill overlooking the city of Edinburgh. Visitors can get there many different ways: taxi, tour buses, city buses or walk up the hill right behind Waverly Station. There is an admission fee required to tour the castle. - The Royal Yacht Britannia
Voted Scotland's best visitor attraction. The yacht used to be used by the royal family a number of years back. - National Museum of Scotland
The historic story of Scotland under one building. The best part of the museum is no admission fee. The museum is located about a block from the Royal Mile and allows visitors access to 7 stories. - Sterling Castle
Located about 25 miles from Edinburgh, Sterling Castle is close to two of the most significant battles in Scotish history.