Visiting Edinburgh: A Vibrant City Easily Explored on Foot

Edinburgh during sunset

Edinburgh is an enchanting mediaeval city that’s compact enough for exploration on foot and modern enough to house popular venues, attractions & energetic Edinburgh nightclubs. When exploring this unique mediaeval city, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring waterproof clothing, as well as water and Irn Bru, Scotland’s beloved carbonated soft drink beverage!

If you’re up for an adventure, make sure to stop by Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with stunning panoramic views of the city of Edinburgh.

It has a unique multicultural vibe.

Edinburgh city

Scotland’s capital city is an incredible centre of arts and culture. Festivals draw huge crowds to Edinburgh, while its nightlife remains vibrant. Additionally, this remarkable city features a long and rich history as well as multiple attractions to discover.

One of the most renowned attractions is Edinburgh’s Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its grand architecture and cobbled streets that will surely impress. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about Edinburgh’s rich history and legends.

Grammes and Kora is one of the city’s premier vegan dining spots, providing delicious dishes that are gluten-free and refined sugar-free, perfect for health-conscious travellers looking to dine. New Chapter is another top pick, offering dishes by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin.

It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Edinburgh’s Old and Georgian New Towns are ideal for exploration by foot, as they offer stunning vistas at every turn. Notable landmarks include Edinburgh Castle, home of turbulent historical events as well as the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny; Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill also stand out.

Summertime in Edinburgh is by far the most popular time to visit, when days are longer and the weather is warmer; however, accommodation prices and crowd levels reach their peak. To maximise your visit and minimise costs during this peak period, book early or select off-season dates.

It is a great place for walking.

Edinburgh viewed from a hill

Edinburgh is an ideal city to discover on foot. Both its mediaeval Old Town & elegant Georgian New Town have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while you’ll also be sure to spot historic structures such as St. Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament building, and Arthur’s Seat.

The Scott Monument is a Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, author of Rob Roy and Ivanhoe. At 61 metres in height, its central spire can be reached via climbing, or you could enjoy Corstorphine Hill for an enjoyable woody stroll with numerous trails that cross each other.

Art lovers will find plenty to admire in Edinburgh’s many galleries, ranging from oil paintings and abstract installations to oil portraits and modern sculpture. There is something here for every taste!

It is a great place for shopping.

Edinburgh offers something for every visitor, be it fashion, food, or art. With numerous galleries that display traditional and contemporary works ranging from oil paintings to abstract installations.

Princes Street is the main shopping area of the city and features many stores, including department store Jenners. George Street provides another avenue for finding high-end fashion wear from brands such as AllSaints, Hollister, Jigsaw, and Karen Miller.

Grassmarket and Candlemaker Row are perfect places for discovering independent shops offering everything from high street to designer clothing, as well as restaurants, Edinburgh nightclubs and local bars serving British, Jamaican, and Nigerian cuisines.

It is a great place for eating.

Trainspotting, The Illusionist movie scenes, or Scottish history through museums like the National Museum of Scotland or Surgeons’ Hall Museums—Edinburgh has it all. Check out The Edinburgh Dungeon for an 80-minute walk through 11 actor-led shows and 2 short underground rides that explore some of Scotland’s dark past (such as plague, cannibalism, and witchcraft) as part of your visit to this Scottish city.

The city centre offers many pubs where you can sample traditional Scottish fare like haggis mash and whisky while listening to live folk musicians. Additionally, quirky cafes specialise in “cake-only” confections with exciting flavour combinations, such as lavender and black pepper or chocolate orange and pistachio cakes.