Edinburgh

Long before the “Outlander” series spread the word, Edinburgh, Scotland, was one of Europe’s historic jewels with bucket-list sights ranging from Arthur’s Seat to medieval Edinburgh Castle. The city is the perfect combination of quirky, friendly and a history-buff’s dream. After all, it’s impossible not fall for the capital of a nation whose national animal is the unicorn.

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QUICK GUIDE

WHEN TO GO

Visit Edinburgh in spring (March – May) to enjoy the combination of blossoming gardens and the tourist off-season.

Another off-season option is fall (September – November), but you’ll likely need an umbrella to walk the Royal Mile.
If you can handle the madding crowd, the sunny season is summer (June – August).

If you can handle the madding crowd, the sunny season is summer (June – August).

NEED TO KNOW

Visas: U.S. citizens do not need a visa, only a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date you plan to leave Scotland.
Money: Currency is the same pound sterling as the rest of the U.K. ATMs are prevalent, and credit cards are widely accepted.
Travel Health: Check with the Scottish Culture and Major Events Directorate for the latest health safety information, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates, crowd limitations and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

GETTING AROUND

Getting Here: Fly into Edinburgh Airport and take Airlink 100 shuttle to the neighborhood called City Centre (on Princes Street).
Getting Around: Walking is the preferred mode of travel when possible, and public transportation is efficient. Traffic is often at a standstill, so double-check taxi rates and surge pricing for rideshares. Rent a car if you plan side trips.

LOCAL INTEL

Local Lingo: Try out local lingo by calling Old Town its Scots pronunciation of “Auld Toun” — or a close as you can reasonably get. Scots derives from Old English, and Scottish Gaelic has Celtic ties. You’ll hear touches of both lyrical languages, mixed with the Queen’s English.
Must-Have Apps: Edinburgh World Heritage City App helps sort through thousands of sites on the historic registry. TFE App covers transportation, from Lothian Buses to Edinburgh Trams.
Insider Tip: Edinburgh Festival Fringe has grown into the largest arts festival in the world because they welcome anyone with a venue willing to host them to perform at the fest. From burlesque to magic to hip-hop — literally anything goes every August in Edinburgh.