Scotland's enigmatic capital

Draped across a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags and sandwiched between the Firth of Forth and the flat landscape of the Lothians, Edinburgh is Scotland‘s most handsome and charming city.

Perfectly blending tradition and modernity, the city is split into the old and new town, neatly divided by Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare. The old town has retained its medieval feel with winding lanes and cobbled streets, while the new town – itself over 200 years old – is characterised by broad streets lined with neoclassical buildings.

At the heart of the old town is the Royal Mile which runs from Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, all the way down to Holyroodhouse, the King’s official Scottish residence. This side of the city is steeped in history and littered with monuments such as St. Giles’s Cathedral and the Scott Monument, but it is also home to a handful of modern museums and galleries including the Scottish Parliament Building, whose iconic steel, oak and granite design has been quite the talking point among residents and visitors alike.

Edinburgh was once referred to as a ‘hotbed of genius’ and the new town, influenced by the ideals of the Scottish Enlightenment has an altogether different feel. Here you’ll find beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings and a wealth of independent boutiques, galleries and antique shops.

Scotland‘s capital is an incredible picturesque city and there are plenty of vantage points from which to admire the skyline. Climb to the top of Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags for sweeping views across the jumble of rooftops and church spires. For a totally different experience, head down to the waterfront at Leith or to the quaint seaside towns of Cramond and Portobello.

No introduction to Edinburgh would be complete without mentioning the Fringe, a three-week programme of theatre, comedy, dance, music and spoken word. It is the largest arts festival in the world and plays host to some of the biggest names in the industry as well as the next big artists, waiting to be discovered.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

  • Explore Edinburgh after dark preview image
  • Catch a show at the Fringe preview image
  • Make a kilt with a master craftsman preview image
  • Taste haggis in the Old Town preview image

Explore Edinburgh after dark

toggle accordion

Wander the dark streets of Edinburgh with a local guide and visit the eerie dwellings of the Real Mary King’s close

Catch a show at the Fringe

toggle accordion

Experience a variety of different shows and concerts during the Fringe Festival in August

Make a kilt with a master craftsman

toggle accordion

Take part in a workshop with a kilt-maker and learn the process of kilt making

Taste haggis in the Old Town

toggle accordion

Explore the historic cobbled streets of the Old Town and taste local delicacies such as haggis

A word from one of our experts

Edinburgh is an incredible destination. One of my favourite experiences here is exploring Edinburgh Castle, where you can learn the rich history of the royalty who once lived here. Afterwards, a private whisky tasting session will introduce you to the city's local delights.

James Wakelin headshot
James Wakelin

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Edinburgh

There are many incredible places to stay in Edinburgh. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Edinburgh

Waldorf Astoria - The Caledonian
With beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle and the city, this luxuriously ornate hotel is the perfect place to call home while you’re exploring Edinburgh and its surrounds. It was built in 1903 and is a well-established icon on the popular Princes Street. Another of its claims to fame is boasting the largest number of rooms with castle views in the city. It is within easy walking distance of a variety of city hotspots including the castle, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh International Conference Centre and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel’s 241 rooms are elegantly appointed and perfectly encapsulate the building’s heritage. The design palette is soft and natural, with gentle accent colours adding a modern touch. Warm lighting, interesting textures and stylish wallpapers add extra flair. High ceilings and large windows in the hotel’s public areas allow in plenty of light. Located in the impressive lobby lounge you’ll find the social hub of the property, Peacock Alley. Here you can indulge in a sumptuous afternoon tea or end the day with a custom cocktail. For casual, relaxing all-day dining, take a table at Grazing by Mark Greenway, and raise a glass or two at the trendy and sophisticated Caley Bar. Inspired by the Caledonian Railway, the bar’s inviting ambience is a nod to Victorian luxury. Spending some time attending to your mind at body at the only Guerlain Spa in the UK, where there is a menu of French-style beauty treatments to choose from. Waldorf Astoria also boasts a 12-metre swimming pool, a sauna, steam room and fitness centre.
Discover more

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design illustration image

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences illustration image

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel illustration image

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Edinburgh example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

Historic Castles and the Epic Highlands

12-Day Trip

Historic Castles and the Epic Highlands

From
$0 pp

12-Day Trip

Historic Castles and the Epic Highlands

From Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Highlands and West Coast, this is Scotland at its best
From
$0 pp
Scottish Family Adventure

9-Day Trip

Scottish Family Adventure

From
$0 pp

9-Day Trip

Scottish Family Adventure

Embark on a family discovery of some of Scotland’s most majestic scenery and historic sites
From
$0 pp
A Luxury Discovery of England and Scotland

14-Day Trip

A Luxury Discovery of England and Scotland

From
$0 pp

14-Day Trip

A Luxury Discovery of England and Scotland

From London to Edinburgh - explore the best of the British Isles
From
$0 pp
Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Edinburgh adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go in Scotland

Aberdeen thumbnail

Aberdeen

The coastal city of Aberdeen is, despite its seemingly remote location, a prosperous, cosmopolitan city with an international population that has long relied on the sea and, in more recent decades, the oil industry.

Read more
Glasgow thumbnail

Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city is a thriving metropolis renowned for its culture and style. It’s home to world-class museums and galleries, a vibrant arts scene and some of the country’s best shopping and nightlife.

Read more
Scottish Highlands thumbnail

Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands boast a sublime landscape of lochs, stark mountains, forests and a winding coastline dotted with empty beaches and remote fishing villages.

Read more
Scottish Lowlands thumbnail

Scottish Lowlands

The Lowlands encompass the southern half of Scotland between the Highlands and the English border, along with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.

Read more
West Coast and Islands thumbnail

West Coast and Islands

The stretch of coastline between Cape Wrath and Loch Linnhe may just be the most beautiful landscape in Britain. Sparse granite mountains are blanketed with heathland dotted with hill lochs, while winding single-track roads skirt fjords and sandy beaches lapped by azure waters.

Read more

Meet your Europe team

When to visit

Scotland can be a year-round destination, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant.

May–June and September–October are especially pretty as the wildflowers and heather are at their best. These months also fall on either side of the summer holiday surge in domestic visitors.

Historic tours

Year round

Festivals

August

Winter festivities

December

When Is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

When Is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

Read more

Plan your trip to Edinburgh

Whatever you want from your adventure in Edinburgh, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start Planning

Don't take our word for it

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.