Trips to Edinburgh
Your trip to Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a stunning city with a history dating right back to the Middle Ages. A walk through the city is like being transported through time - Edinburgh is filled with cobbled streets, neoclassical architecture, towering
mediaeval structures and lush, natural views.
Part of Edinburgh's charm is that, despite being a capital city, it's relatively compact and many describe it as friendly, cosy and rustic. At the same time, there is no shortage of things to see and try - the city is home to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, delectable traditional cuisine and beloved Scotch whisky, and even ghost tours that visit a spread of famous haunted sites.
When planning your trip to Edinburgh, we at Opodo are happy to help with not just the travel arrangements but also keep you well-informed with all the extra important details to ensure that you're confident and comfortable. From the booking process to the final day of your trip, we've got you covered.
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a flight + hotel package in Edinburgh to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you’re only looking for a hotel, you can find it here.
What to do in Edinburgh
If you've booked one of our Edinburgh weekend deals, then you may be wondering how to make the most of your time in just a few days. The city shouldn't be judged for its size: there's an abundance of sites to see and experiences to tick off your bucket list. Here's a quick and simple itinerary to make sure that, with three days in the Scottish capital, you see the top attractions and get a real taste of the city.
Day 1: Visit the Royal Botanical Garden
Your first day in Edinburgh is a great time to get straight down to business and visit some of the city's most iconic attractions. The great news is that not everything has to be booked and paid for; you can wander around several of Edinburgh's top tourist sites for free, including the Royal Botanical Garden and St Giles Cathedral.
If you don't mind splashing out on some guided experiences, then you can book a tutored tasting session with the Scotch Whisky Experience for an hour, at the top of the Royal Mile. While you're up that way, take a tour of Edinburgh Castle or a visit to the Palace of Holyrood at the other end of the Old Town. If you fancy a walk outdoors to balance out the indoor tours, then Holyrood Park is just one mile east of the castle and is open to the public with free entry.
Day 2: Try Edinburgh’s Scotch pies
To break up your day for some lunch or wind down after hours on your feet, you can sit down at one of the many local pubs or restaurants and treat yourself to some traditional Scottish food. The national dish is haggis, a savoury, spiced meat pudding that can be found at pretty much every eatery. Other local dishes worth trying include Scotch pie, Cullen skink and, of course, fish and chips. Another item that supposedly arose from a Scottish chippy for those with a sweet tooth (and sense of adventure) is the controversial deep-fried Mars bar.
The city continues to thrive in the late hours and is considered the best place in Scotland for a night out, and this doesn't just apply to bars and clubs! Comedy venues like The Stand and Monkey Barrel Comedy are sure to fill your evening with laughter, while shows at the King's Theatre, Edinburgh Playhouse or Royal Lyceum Theatre can fill it with drama. For fans of the supernatural, Edinburgh even hosts evening ghost tours in some of its famously haunted locations.
Day 3: Shopping for souvenirs in the Grassmarket
Edinburgh is known for being a great city for getting around on foot, so the last day is perfect for taking it easy and getting lost in the cobbled streets to drink in the atmosphere. Along the way, you might like to treat yourself to a shopping trip. The Grassmarket and Victoria Street are charming and colourful shopping spots filled with independent and designer retailers selling just about anything from handmade crafts to antique trinkets.
If you prefer to stay indoors, then the National Museum and National Gallery are both well worth a visit to take in collections displaying feats of nature, art, design, technology and history from Scotland and also all over the world. The gift shops at both of these locations are a good place to get some souvenirs to remember your trip.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Edinburgh and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Edinburgh
What is the name of Edinburgh's airport?
There is just one airport in Edinburgh, named Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which simplifies things a little! It's also just eight miles from the city centre.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Edinburgh?
British Airways, Flybe, Ryanair and easyJet all provide direct flights to Edinburgh.
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
You should let the airline know about any children travelling alone before the flight. Some airlines offer a paid Unaccompanied Minor service that you need to arrange in advance; without any special arrangements, flight attendants can only check on children travelling alone as part of their usual rounds during the flight.
How can I travel with the assistance dog?
Similarly, you will need to let the airline know if you want to bring an assistant dog on board the flight with you. There should be no additional charge for this and your dog will be secured in the foot well throughout the journey.
How do I find cheap flights to Edinburgh that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
Opodo has you covered when it comes to finding the best deals for cheap flights! Our search engine lets you search for flights from your location to Edinburgh and filter the options by price using the handy 'Cheapest' tab on the results page. You can view the different options that can give you more flexibility after selecting the desired ticket, which may include our Flexible Travel Dates service.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in Edinburgh?
You can find some great deals and save a bit of cash by booking hotels alongside your flight at Opodo. Just search for flights and where to stay in Edinburgh using the 'Flight + Hotel' tab on our search engine, and then you can filter your results to find the perfect deal for you.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
Be sure to check out what baggage allowances you have with the airline before your flight as different airlines have different rules about weight and size limits. When booking your ticket to Edinburgh with Opodo, you should also check the baggage options listed.
How can I check in with Opodo?
We provide information about the check-in times for different airlines, though you should also regularly check in case there are any updates. Before your flight, you can click on the link we will provide to your airline, then check in online and print out your boarding pass.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight to Edinburgh?
If you cancel your ticket within the time frame we provide after booking then you will be able to receive a full refund, though we may apply a standard service fee depending on your ticket type and when you cancel. If you paid more for a flexible ticket at the checkout, then you may be able to cancel your flight with fewer fees or none at all.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
If the airline is responsible, then you will be eligible for compensation. This applies if you arrive in Edinburgh three hours after the stated arrival time or are unable to fly because the flight has been overbooked.
Key information about Edinburgh Airport
When's the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Our advice can help you decide when the best season to travel to Edinburgh is, but the truth is that it depends on what makes or breaks a holiday for you.
If you want to catch the city during the summer months, then August is a good time to visit. This month is part of the peak season for tourists due to the city's hallmark festival - the Fringe - so expect to see a lot of people and for ticket prices to be a little higher. But if you like all things art - comedy, drama and more - this is the time to visit.
For cheap breaks to Edinburgh, it's best to aim for the quieter months in winter when flights are in low demand. January is the cheapest month to travel, though keep in mind that it gets pretty chilly around that time of year! Scotland is still beautiful if you get snow, though, and if you choose to travel in winter then you will be able to dodge the tourist crowds (as long as you also dodge the busy holiday season) and snatch up a bargain. Just make sure you're prepared to wrap up for below-zero temperatures!
Shoulder seasons during autumn and spring offer a good middle ground for avoiding the peak-season prices and harsher weather. May is also the driest month of the year, which gives you one less thing to fret about when packing (though it won't hurt to have an umbrella to hand just in case - it's still Scotland, after all).
