Edinburgh

Elegant and eccentric, Edinburgh bundles up the best of Scotland, complete with cliff-top castles, green hills and blasting bagpipes. Its two monikers—Athens of the North and Auld Reekie—tell different tales. One weaves its way around grand ideas and Greek-like monuments, while the other dips underground in a haunted maze of tunnels and vaults. Exit Edinburgh to set out into Scotland's scenery.

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Visit Edinburgh: get started

Edinburgh is a perfect starting point for your trip to Scotland. Follow the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the innovative Scottish Parliament building. Tour Edinburgh attractions like the Scottish National Gallery or the National Museum of Scotland before a hike to Arthur’s Seat. Find packages or excursions to top places in Scotland, from St. Andrews to the Scottish Highlands.

Edinburgh travel guide

Destination facts

Language

English, Scots, Gaelic

What to bring back

A Scottish drinking bowl called a Quaich, Walker's shortbread cookies, Edinburgh Gin (the country does not only distill whisky!) and albums of traditional Scottish folk music (how do you feel about bagpipes?).

What to eat

Unique twists on Scottish classics (a haggis burrito, haggis pizza, etc.), Scotch pie (meat pie), black pudding, Scottish salmon and sticky toffee pudding.

Fun fact

Edinburgh might stun at street level, but underground, it gets… spooky. Historic streets hide a labyrinth of 18th-century vaults and tunnels once used to house lower classes or tradesmen. Stroll down the Royal Mile to find tours that will take you there and ply you with local lore, but beware, the underground is said to be haunted.