Flights to Edinburgh

What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the top attractions in Scotland. Inside the fortress, you can visit St. Margaret's Chapel and the Scottish War Memorial, see the Scottish Crown Jewels, and attend the Half Moon Battery. It is one of the most visited castles in the United Kingdom, and those travellers keen on the idea of jumping the queue might consider buying a skip-the-line entrance ticket once you’ve bought your flights to Edinburgh. It can be a great time saver during summer in particular, when the lines have been known to become extra lengthy.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an important historical landmark in Edinburgh. It's where both King James II and King James IV were married, and it is the former home of Mary Queen of Scots. Today, it's the official residence of Queen Elizabeth when she visits Scotland. If the dates of your tickets to Edinburgh put you in the city when the Queen is not in residence, the Palace is open for visitors to see the Historic Apartments and the State Apartments. Other highlights include the Great Gallery, the Holyrood Abbey and the Queen's Gallery.

Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh. If the weather is on your side, you can hike to the top for beautiful views over the city. The best way to summit the hill is from Dunsapie Loch in Holyrood Park or via the Salisbury Crags. Pack a raincoat and a good pair of hiking boots for your flights to Edinburgh in case it starts raining during your climb.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland attracts more than two million visitors each year. Inside the 16 galleries, you'll find exhibits dedicated to archaeological finds, medieval artefacts, technology, science, art and natural history. One of the most popular displays is Dolly, the world’s first cloned sheep.

What are the best restaurants and cafes in Edinburgh?

Spoon

Fans of Harry Potter may already be familiar with Spoon. This is one of the cafes JK Rowling used to frequent when she was writing the first book in the world-famous series. So, if you’re a book-lover and are travelling on cheap flights to Edinburgh, putting a visit to Spoon on your itinerary could be high on your to-do list. As well as its literary appeal, Spoon offers great all-day dining options with regularly-changing menus. Come in the morning for porridge with red fruit compote or a vegetarian breakfast, or plan on having lunch here to sit down to peat-smoked haddock, grilled kippers with patatas bravas, or flatbread with braised pork and leeks

Mum's Great Comfort Food

Located near the University of Edinburgh, this diner has prices that are perfect for travellers on a budget. Plus, the fare caters to those that find themselves craving home cooked-style dishes. Think classic meals like sausages and mash with gravy, freshly baked pies, casseroles and hearty stews. Have room for dessert? Choose between treacle and date puddings, fruit crumbles, a Scottish cranachan, or Eton mess.

Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar

Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar is a historic pub in Edinburgh, named after the dog who guarded his owners grave for 14 years until he died. The pub is located opposite the memorial dedicated to this beloved pooch, and is also conveniently near some of the city’s top attractions, such as the National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Kirkyard. If your flights to Edinburgh fall over a Sunday, come past for the weekly roast or delicious pie.

What should I know before visiting Edinburgh?

Money

Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom and uses the British Pound Sterling, and credit cards are widely accepted if you didn’t get a chance to exchange money before departing Australia or when landing at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). When it comes time to tip, always check your bill. Some restaurants automatically include a service charge. Otherwise, it's customary to tip between 10-12% of your bill.

Getting around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a pedestrian-friendly city, though if you find yourself out and about when it starts to rain - this is Scotland, after all - there are several alternatives.

Transport from Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) into town is with the Airlink bus. It runs from the airport to Waverly Station every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. A single trip costs 4.50 GBP ($8.50 AUD), and the journey has a 30-minute travel time. Another affordable option is the tram. It costs 6 GBP ($11 AUD) and stops at several stations in the city, including Edinburgh Park, Haymarket and Princes Street. If you have heavy bags or want a quicker transfer, you can take a taxi from Edinburgh Airport (EDI). When your flights to Edinburgh land, you can use the airport's WiFi to request a ride with Uber or walk to the taxi rank and take a metered cab.

Best time to visit Edinburgh

The best time to travel on airfare to Edinburgh all depends on the type of holiday you want. In October, the city is awash with gorgeous autumnal colours. It's also a shoulder season, meaning cheap flights to Edinburgh tend to be easier to find, and attractions like Edinburgh Castle aren’t as crowded. August is another great time to book flights to Edinburgh. You can attend the city's Fringe Festival. It's the world's largest arts festival, and it attracts artists and attendees from all over the world. Due to the popularity of the event, you should book your plane tickets to Edinburgh as early as possible. For an unforgettable winter holiday, book your tickets to Edinburgh in December. It's one of the best winter holiday destinations in Europe, and you’ll be able to experience the festive magic of the city, including the famous Christmas markets.