With high profile events such as the Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Tattoo attracting global attention every year, Edinburgh has become one of the ‘must go’ places in the world. It’s unique mix of history; culture and stunning natural features attract hundreds of thousands of tourists. But making the wrong choices as to when and where to go can prove costly.
At certain times of the year, accommodation prices skyrocket. By far the most expensive times to visit Edinburgh are during the Fringe Arts Festival in August, closely followed by the New Year Celebrations at Hogmanay on the 31st December/1st January. So unless you desperately want to see those events it is best to avoid those times and then the costs become much more manageable.
Edinburgh is very accessible. It has an international airport offering direct links to the US, while if you are traveling around Europe, look for cheap flights by companies like Ryanair. Don’t use long distance trains, as this can be prohibitively expensive. Instead, if you are arriving via London airports it is worth considering opting for the National Express or Megabus long distance coaches as these provide inexpensive connections to all the major cities within the UK and further afield from as little as £10. Reliable, comfortable and with wi-fi access, such coaches are a good choice.
Camping and caravanning can be difficult. As with any major city in the city in the UK, sites are located out in the suburbs and can involve a long journey into the centre of the city. Taking a car or RV into the centre of Edinburgh is not recommended. Parking facilities are limited and the charges can be expensive.
“People relax at park in Edinburgh walking distance to Old Town, where you'll awe at preserved medieval and Reformation-era buildings.” [Photo Credit: Marketing Edinburgh]
Airbnb is proving an increasingly popular way to obtain inexpensive accommodation, and during the summer months student housing may be available at the University of Edinburgh. There are numerous cheap and cheerful backpackers hostels, mostly within reach of the railway station. Generally prices start at around £20 but can be higher at busy times of the year. The Backpackers Hostel states that during special events such as August and Hogmanay, all accommodation has to be paid in full, one month before arrival and refunds may not be possible. Other hostels include Kickass and St Christopher’s, all of which have 24-hour reception.
Hostel accommodation varies and includes single sex dormitories, bunks and private rooms. In general, this self-catering accommodation is restricted to over 18 year olds, although the Backpackers Hostel states that 12-18 year olds can stay in a private room with an adult. Check out rules before booking, some are non-smoking and require photo ID. Additional facilities often include laundry rooms, security lockers, free city walking tours and club pub crawl tickets. Staying in a hostel can be a great way to meet fellow travelers.
Edinburgh city centre is very compact, with most tourist and heritage sites located within walking distance. If you are planning to use public transport, it is better to buy a weekly or daily pass depending on how long you are staying rather than opting for individual tickets.
By far the most costly activities are the big well known attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Real Mary Kings Close and the Scotch Whisky Experience. Choose which ones you really want to see, and then opt for concentrating on much lower cost activities.
Edinburgh is a great place to walk and explore the cobbled streets, hidden closes and alleys. There are several low cost walking tours available and these are a good way to discover the main sights of Edinburgh Old Town, its legends, history and ghost stories. Tours described as free are tip based; you pay what you can afford which can be as little as £1 per person. Such tours are an ideal way to start finding your way around the city.
There are lots of free places to visit in and around the city. Several museums are free of charge to enter and may have completely free guided tours available around their displays, highlighting all the most important and interesting items. Among the free museums worth considering for a visit are “The Museum on the Mound” which has some of Scotland’s oldest bank notes, “People’s Story on the Royal Mile” at Canongate retelling the story of Edinburgh residents since the eighteenth century; and the massive “National Museum of Scotland” covering all aspects of Scottish history and life. Also worth considering is the Tartan Weaving Mill & Exhibition, just outside the gates of Edinburgh Castle. This is a combination of shop and informative displays where you can find out about the history of tartan, watch it being woven, and how kilts are made.
Other interesting buildings that are free to enter include St Giles Cathedral and Greyfriars Kirk with its statue to Bobby, a faithful dog who watched over his master’s grave for years.
The Underground Vault Tours are definitely worth considering, even though these are a paid for attraction. It is the only way in which you can get into the maze of hidden tunnels beneath the Old Town that were once home to massive communities of folk, including criminals, witches and ghosts! Very atmospheric and informative, the tours show how parts of Edinburgh Old Town started creating tall buildings, which steadily became covered over in many areas.
Exploring the landscape of Edinburgh is another low cost activity. There are many lovely gardens to discover such as the Princes Street Gardens close to Waverley Station, as well as the stunning hills in Holyrood Park. Arthur’s Seat is the main peak of this group of hills, rising to over 251 meters above sea level. It was once the site of an ancient fort. Good walking shoes are definitely needed as it can be quite a long walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat, but it is well worth it for the spectacular views.
Edinburgh is beautiful, fascinating and historic. And not costing an arm and leg to explore, it’s no wonder people travel to Europe for a chance to see all Scotland’s capital has to offer. Just choose your times carefully.