For a city that started as nothing more than a fort on a hill, Edinburgh hasn’t done too badly for itself over the years. If you’re visiting the Scottish capital in 2022, you’ll need some tips on tricks to help you figure out where to go and what to do. This is the essential Edinburgh solo travel guide.
After reading this post, you’ll no longer be wondering “Why should I visit Edinburgh?”, but rather “When can I go to Edinburgh?”
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Note: this post includes a free pdf Edinburgh itinerary. Just drop your email below and you’ll get the itinerary sent to your inbox within a few minutes.
Now, before we go any further, take a look at my Edinburgh travel video to find out why the city is one of my favourite solo travel destinations in Europe. (It only takes two minutes to watch and you’ll get a great feel of the city!)
Edinburgh travel information
Skip to the next section: How to get to Edinburgh
Before we kick off this Edinburgh solo travel guide, let’s take a look at some essential information about the Scottish capital.
Although it’s not the biggest city in the country — that’s Glasgow — Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century. The city is one of the educational, historical, cultural and financial centres of the United Kingdom.
- Edinburgh inhabitants: about 500,000
- Edinburgh climate: temperate maritime
- Languages spoken in Edinburgh: English & Scots
- Edinburgh currency: pound sterling
- Edinburgh time zone: GMT
How to get to Edinburgh
Skip to the next section: What to do in Edinburgh
There are a few ways to get to Edinburgh, including flights, trains and buses.
Flights to Edinburgh
For most people travelling to Edinburgh from outside the UK, a flight will be the best option.
- United States: Direct flights from New York JFK, New York Newark and Chicago O’Hare Airports with United Airlines, Delta Airlines and Air Canada.
- Canada: Direct flights from Toronto with Air Canada Rouge.
- Australia: Connecting flights from Sydney with Qatar Airways or Emirates.
- Europe: Many direct flights with low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, FlyBe and Norwegian.
- United Kingdom: Direct flights from major cities with carriers such as British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet and FlyBe.
Trains to Edinburgh
Travelling by train to Edinburgh is often the fastest and best value-for-money option for people coming from major cities in the UK, such as Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow or Liverpool.
Check the National Rail website to find train times and timetables to Edinburgh.
Pro tip: you can save a substantial amount of money by travelling during off-peak times and departing from smaller train stations (e.g. London Euston instead of London Kings Cross).
Buses to Edinburgh
If you don’t mind spending more time on your way to Edinburgh to save money on transport, a bus or coach is probably your best bet.
Be sure to check companies like National Express, Megabus and Citylink, as well as comparing bus fares on aggregate websites like Wanderu and Busradar.
Getting around Edinburgh
Honestly, you’ll be able to visit everything you want to visit on foot.
But, just in case you want some more comfort instead of working out (yes, walking around Edinburgh is quite a workout), you can also rely on its excellent bus network.
Still not quite enough comfort for you? You can hail one of the 1000+ black taxis driving around at any time.
Edinburgh solo travel guide: What to do in Edinburgh as a solo traveller
Now, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this Edinburgh solo travel guide.
You’re here because you were wondering what to do in Edinburgh, and I’m here to answer that question for you.
Cultural places to visit in Edinburgh
Skip to the next section: Miscellaneous things to do in Edinburgh
Of course, these will be some of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh. In other words, lots of other people will be here.
But that doesn’t make these Edinburgh attractions any less worthy of a visit, right? There’s a reason why all these people decide to visit these places.
Edinburgh Castle
This 11th century castle is one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable monuments and was recently voted Scotland’s number one paid-for attraction.
As if seeing the magnificent castle on the hill wasn’t enough, it’s also home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Price: From £11.50 per person.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, this is the official residence of the British monarch (Queen Elizabeth II at the time of writing) in Scotland.
Whenever the Royal Family is not present at the Palace, the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots are open to the public.
While you’re in the area, check out the Queen’s Gallery to see if anything interesting is on.
Prices:
- Queen’s Gallery and Palace (adult): £21,60
- Queen’s Gallery and Palace (student): £19,20
- Palace only (adult): £16,50
- Palace only (student): £14,90
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a hill located to the east of Edinburgh’s city centre. The hill is home to the Scottish Government and offers one of the best views of the city.
One of the monuments you will likely see on most pictures of Calton Hill is the Dugald Stewart Monument, a memorial to the Scottish philosopher of the same name.
Price: Free
Edinburgh Old Town
The Old Town (or Auld Toun, as Scots might say), is the name for the historic city centre of Edinburgh.
This part of the city has retained much of its original medieval street plan, with narrow alleys, called closes (most notably Mary King’s Close), leading downhill on either side of one main road – the Royal Mile.
The Old Town and New Town were both declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1995.
Price: Free
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland was established in 2006 after a merger between the Museum of Scotland and the adjacent Royal Scottish Museum.
This museum highlights key events in Scottish history as well as more general collections regarding technology, world cultures and natural history.
Notable exhibits include the stuffed body of Dolly the sheep (the first cloned animal from adult cells), one of Elton John’s suits, and the Scottish Maiden (a guillotine before it was cool).
Price: Free
Scott Monument
Contrary to popular belief, the Scott Monument isn’t dedicated to people with the Scottish nationality. Instead, it’s a monument to author Sir Walter Scott.
Fun fact: after Scott’s death, a contest was held to come up with a design for this monument. A man named George Meikle Kemp entered the contest under the pseudonym John Morvo because he was a self-taught architect and he feared that his reputation would disqualify him.
The contest judges liked his design so much that they awarded him the contract to construct the monument.
Price: Free
University of Edinburgh – Old College
The Old College is one of the buildings of the University of Edinburgh in the city centre. An architect named Robert Adam designed this building to replace a few older buildings of the university.
This building is currently home to the School of Law, some parts of the University’s administration, and the University’s public art gallery, the Talbot Rice Gallery.
Price: Free
Miscellaneous things to do in Edinburgh
Skip to the next section: Off-beat things to do in Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the name of an extinct volcano, which is the main peak of a park called Holyrood Park.
For a very accessible hike just outside the city centre, Arthur’s Seat is the place to be.
When we were in Edinburgh, we were greeted by a man in a traditional kilt playing the bagpipes at the summit of Arthur’s Seat.
Price: Free
Mary King’s Close
As mentioned earlier, Mary King’s Close is one of the most notable historic closes off the Royal Mile in the historic city centre of Edinburgh.
This particular close was named after Mary King, a burgess who lived here in the 17th century.
At the time of the construction of the Royal Exchange (18th century), this close was shut off for the public and became shrouded in mystery.
Today, Mary King’s Close is operated as a visitor attraction.
Price: A guided tour by Real Mary King’s Close costs £16,50 for adults and £14,25 for students.
Princes Street
Princes Street is the southern border of Edinburgh’s New Town district, and also the city’s main shopping street.
The street has been an important part of Edinburgh’s street plan ever since its construction in the 18th century. Today, the north side offers many shops to travellers and locals alike, while the south side gives everyone a scenic view of the old town and Princes Street Gardens.
Price: Free
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
If you like optical illusions, holograms, photography and interactive exhibits, Camera Obscura is the place to be.
Founded by Maria Theresa Short in 1835 as a way to exhibit scientific instruments, Camera Obscura today features over 100 exhibits, games and shows that are worth an hour or two of your time.
Don’t miss the vortex tunnel, the camera obscura show and the panoramic view of Edinburgh on the top floor.
Price: £16,50 (adults) / £14,50 (students)
Victoria Street
As one of the most photographed locations in the entire city, Victoria Street is among the most recognisable and picturesque streets of Edinburgh.
And, to be honest, who could resist snapping a few photos of the curved street with its brightly coloured storefronts?
Fun fact: Victoria Street is often rumoured to have been the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, as author J.K. Rowling spent most of her time writing her magical stories in Edinburgh.
Price: Free
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the common name of the most important — and most-visited — street of Edinburgh’s Old Town district.
In reality, the Royal Mile isn’t the actual name of this street. Rather, it’s a succession of different, smaller streets (Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand).
Stroll along this vivid street to see street performers and buskers, eclectic shops, unique restaurants and funky pubs.
Price: Free
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh is one of Britain’s main scientific centres for botany. The Garden’s collection currently includes over 13.000 plant species.
In 2020, the botanic gardens are celebrating their 350th birthday — the perfect moment to learn all about the botanical history of Edinburgh and Scotland.
Price: Free entry to the gardens; £7 to enter the glasshouses (£6 for students)
Off-beat things to do in Edinburgh
Skip to the next section: Where to eat and drink in Edinburgh
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
The Surgeons’ Hall Museums were opened to the public in 1832, after having taught medicine students about bone and tissue specimens and works of art for hundreds of years.
If you want to learn about the history of pathology, medicine and surgery, SHM is the place to be.
One of the interesting attractions in the museum is a mock anatomy theatre where a short video teaches you about the history of public dissection among students of medicine.
Price: £8 for adults, £4,50 for students
Holyrood Abbey Ruins
The Holyrood Abbey Church was completed in the early 13th century. Ever since its construction was finished, it served as a central point in Scottish and English history.
The building started decaying due to several wars and revolutions throughout the years. The roof collapsed in 1768, and the abbey ruins have looked the same way for the last 250 years.
Price: Free
Dr Neil’s Garden
Dr Neil’s Garden is a garden located on the eastern side of the Holyrood park. It can easily be combined with climbing Arthur’s Seat into a day trip.
This garden has often been referred to as a hidden gem in Edinburgh. The garden houses rare plants, fabulous walkways and peaceful places to sit.
Price: Free, donations welcome
Museum of Childhood
If you’re wandering along the Royal Mile and have an hour to fill, check out the Museum of Childhood.
As the name reveals, this museum focuses on objects, toys and games relating to childhood life. These objects tell the story of how children grew up in Edinburgh throughout the years.
The museum also has several interactive spaces and attributes to take photos with.
Price: Free, donations welcome
Where to eat and drink in Edinburgh
Skip to the next section: Where to stay in Edinburgh
(Click the links to go to the websites of these Edinburgh restaurants and bars)
Grassmarket area
When we’re talking about Edinburgh bars, we can’t leave out the Grassmarket area. This is a historic market place in the city centre and it’s home to many interesting bars, pubs and cafés.
Dragonfly
Cocktails in Edinburgh? Look no further. Dragonfly has excellent drinks and very friendly staff members to serve them.
Mary’s Milk Bar
If you’re looking for ice cream in Edinburgh, you definitely need to go to Mary’s Milk Bar. They make fresh gelato every morning and the choice of flavours changes every day.
Hula Juice Bar & Café
One of our favourite places to get breakfast in Edinburgh was Hula Juice Café. Established in 2007 as a juice bar, the concept now also covers healthy breakfast, brunch and lunch. (And it’s plastic-free!)
Brass Monkey
Brass Monkey is a bar and restaurant in Edinburgh’s Southside district. Besides food and drink, they also have a cushioned cinema room, board games and dartboard and arcade machines. (Plus, the drinks come with a student discount!)
Cuckoo’s Bakery
Cuckoo’s Bakery is THE place to go for fresh, quirky cupcakes in Edinburgh. The cupcakes are baked from scratch every day and there’s a weekly special to surprise you!
Paradise Palms
If you’re into vegetarian food, local and international beers and good music, take a look at Paradise Palms. The food is award-winning and American-inspired, but without the meat.
The Boozy Cow
This restaurant has a special place in my heart. Locally sourced burgers, mouth watering cocktails and a great atmosphere. What’s not to love?
The City Café
The City Cafe is an mid-century American-inspired diner off the Royal Mile that has served burgers, all-day breakfast, milkshakes and drinks since the mid-1980s. My recommendation: full Scottish breakfast with haggis and black pudding.
Timberyard
Timberyard is a slightly higher-class family-run restaurant in an authentic brick warehouse. Here, you’ll find dishes and menus that use ingredients supplied by local growers, producers and breeders.
Spoon
Spoon is a bistro-slash-cafe-slash-restaurant in Edinburgh that — according to their own website — aims to close the gap between a casual cafe and a formal restaurant.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Skip to the next section: Edinburgh solo travel tips
Best areas to stay in Edinburgh
- Leith: Edinburgh’s port district, that has also become something of a gastronomical haven in recent years, is just a bus ride away from the city centre.
- New Town: Shopping, eating, drinking and more: New Town has it all.
- Old Town: The historic city centre of Edinburgh will leave you feeling like you’ve gone back in time with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings.
- Stockbridge: One of Edinburgh’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods and often referred to as the hipster hub of the Scottish capital.
- Newington: Mostly a residential neighbourhood, Newington is a great area to stay if you don’t mind a little walk to get to the city centre.
Places to stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh hostels
Hostels in Edinburgh are clean, high-quality and easily accessible. Prices for a bed in a shared dorm room run between €10 and €20 per night.
Find Edinburgh hostels here.
Related: How to find cheap hostel rooms
Airbnb
Short-term rentals are much less of a problem in Edinburgh than in other major cities, such as Paris and Barcelona.
As such, you can find some great places to stay as a solo traveller in Edinburgh.
For example, I shared a flat near Grassmarket with my two best friends.
Pro tip: sign up for Airbnb through this link and earn over €40 off your first trip.
Couchsurfing
In the interest of full transparency: I’ve never used Couchsurfing before. But it’s been on my list for a while now.
That being said, I’ve only heard good things about Couchsurfing. You get to stay with a local, who might be able to show you the ins and outs of the city, and — best of all — it’s completely free.
What’s not to love?
Budget hotels
For anyone who might want a bit more luxury during their solo travels, it’s worth looking into budget hotels.
They’ll cost a bit more than, say, a backpacker hostel or an Airbnb, but you’ll get what you pay for.
A private bathroom, breakfast buffet or a hotel gym are just a few things that you could expect when you’re booking a hotel in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh solo travel guide: tips and tricks
Skip to the next section: Free Edinburgh solo travel guide (itinerary pdf)
An Edinburgh solo travel guide is nothing without some specific information about how to actually – you know – visit the city as a solo traveller.
Walking around and using the bus
As I’ve mentioned a few times in this article, Edinburgh is a very walkable city. The city centre isn’t very big, and you can get from one side to the other in about half an hour.
That said, if you’re looking to venture a little further than the Royal Mile or Princes Street, the buses in Edinburgh are also available.
All buses are operated by Lothian. A single journey costs £1,80 and you can purchase tickets on board with exact cash or contactless credit/debit card, or you can pre-purchase using the Lothian app.
Good to know: Lothian also operates Airlink 100, a bus that will take you from the airport to the city centre (and vice versa) for £4,50 one way.
Edinburgh City Pass
As a solo traveller in Edinburgh, it may be worth it to purchase an Edinburgh City Pass. At £45 for one day, the price is rather steep. However, with some careful planning, you can fill a day with things to do in Edinburgh and get enough value out of the pass to justify its cost.
The Edinburgh City Pass also includes a free airport transfer by tram and a free guide book.
If you want to visit the Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh Dungeon, Scott Monument, Holyrood Distillery and more, you should look into buying an Edinburgh City Pass.
Edinburgh Festivals
Edinburgh is literally world-famous for its festivals. They bring people from all walks of life together, and people come from everywhere to be a part of the celebrations.
And that’s one of the reasons why these festivals are perfect for solo travellers. Many of the people attending will also be travellers, which means you can easily socialise with them and maybe make some new friends.
Some examples of events worth attending in Edinburgh:
- 7 – 31 August 2020: Edinburgh Fringe (the biggest arts festival in the world!)
- 17 – 26 July 2020: Edinburgh Jazz Festival
- 7 – 29 August 2020: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
- 7 – 31 August 2020: Edinburgh International Festival
- 16 October 2020: Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Cheap food for solo travellers in Edinburgh
Aside from my tips for finding cheap food as a solo traveller in general, there is something I can tell you specifically about Edinburgh.
If you’re looking to cut down your food budget, don’t eat at restaurants.
A great option in Edinburgh is pubs located in closes and streets that go off of the Royal Mile. These pubs serve great food that will be cheaper than what you’ll get at proper restaurants.
Here are some great options for pub food in Edinburgh.
If you’re trying to save even more, have your main meal of the day at lunch and cook your own dinner.
Connect with locals
Let me end this Edinburgh solo travel guide by saying this: if you’re in the Scottish capital and you’re not talking to locals in some way, you’re doing it wrong.
Edinbuggers are very friendly, willing to connect with travellers and share stories with one another.
Take advantage of that. After all, what’s solo travel about if not connecting to people and getting to know the world around you?
Free Edinburgh solo travel guide (itinerary pdf)
As a little bonus, I’ve put together a free Edinburgh solo travel guide for you. It’s a downloadable Edinburgh itinerary (pdf file) which you get access to by leaving your name and email in the form below.
PIN IT!
Crystal
February 22, 2020 at 4:43 pmThe Museum of Childhood picture of you and your friends is the best picture! Dr. Neil’s Garden near Duddingston Loch is cool! I’d say it’s a hidden gem as most tourists stay on the other side of Arthur’s Seat. Great post about Edinburgh, Sander!
Sander
February 22, 2020 at 6:05 pmThanks for your comment, Crystal! Your nice words about Edinburgh mean a lot to me, considering your vast experience 😉
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December 16, 2020 at 11:23 amreally cool site