Edinburgh: The hilly Scottish capital

Some key figures on Edinburgh

Total area: 102 square miles
Population: 901,455

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

We dare say that if you really love Edinburgh, then any time is the best time to visit. However, it's true that certain periods offer the best conditions to visit.

Summer:
Come to the capital in summer, from June to August, and you're sure to enjoy warmer and (usually) less rainy days than usual. What's more, the days are longer, so you can see as much as possible in a single day. It's also the time of year when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place, a unique festival bringing together the best performing arts all over the city, giving it a unique and warm atmosphere.

Autumn:
Come in autumn if you want to see the city transformed into shades of orange and red as the leaves fall to the ground and provide a majestic vision.
Although it's colder, the city has found plenty of ways to warm you up, with beautiful hikes, tartan scarves and even hot chocolate. Some locals might say that this is the best time to see the true essence and magic of Edinburgh.

Spring:
Come in the spring, from April to May, to enjoy the lush green spaces the city has to offer. It's also the perfect time to admire the flowers during the cherry blossom season and take a stroll through some of the city's gardens. What's more, this is a quieter time than summer, so it's easier to visit in peace and quiet.

Winter:
Come in winter to experience the festive season. Although Edinburgh can be very rainy and gloomy during this period and the streets are emptier, there's always a silver lining. Indeed, Edinburgh under the snow or even its beautiful Christmas Market can be quite a sight to behold.

Driving in Edinburgh

Driving in Edinburgh is not very different from in the UK in general, here people drive on the left side of the road. And when it comes to parking, there is plenty of on-street parking available in the city. However, be careful not to park in spaces reserved for ‘blue badges’, as you need a special permit to do so.

Safety in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a particularly safe capital, even though when travelling it's always best to be aware of your surroundings. During the day you are unlikely to encounter any danger, however some places are best to be avoided at night, such as Calton Hill.

In case of an emergency, it’s best to dial 999 as it can be used for fire service, to call the police and even to call an ambulance.

What should you bring back from your trip to Edinburgh?

Every visitor has their own preference when it comes to travel souvenirs, some might prefer a snowball, a small picturesque postcard and some a fridge magnet. Although a fridge magnet is great , you might want something more personal to Edinburgh. Don’t worry, we have plenty of ideas for you.

In fact, anything with a tartan design is perfect to take home as a souvenir. Whether it's a scarf for cold days, a quality Scottish wool product or even a traditional kilt, you'll find the tartan of your dreams. What's more, if you prefer taste to a physical souvenir, take home a bottle of Scotch whisky. Whether the bottle stays full for a long time or not, the taste will remain etched in your mind. Finally, on a more historical note, honour the city of literature by bringing back one of the city's iconic books.