Edinburgh's Old Town climbs a volcanic ridge to a hilltop castle, its closes and wynds still following their medieval layout, while the Georgian New Town spreads out in elegant straight lines below. Compact enough to walk end to end, it's also a launchpad for the Highlands.
Month by month
Best: April, May, June, July, August, September
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Feb
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Apr
May
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Aug
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Oct
Nov
Dec
Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
How long to stay
3–5 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 7.5h from the US East Coast, 1.5h from Europe, 9.5h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Book Edinburgh Castle tickets online for a specific time slot to skip the queue.
- Weather changes fast — layer up and carry a rain jacket even in summer.
- During the August Fringe Festival, book accommodation and popular shows months ahead.
Plan a trip to Edinburgh
Pick your dates and Offdays builds a day-by-day itinerary from Edinburgh's best places.
Destination