Cidade Turismo
the United Kingdom
Edimburgo

Escócia · the United Kingdom

Edimburgo

The capital of Scotland between the castle on the volcanic rock and the Palácio de Holyrood: the medieval Royal Mile, the Georgian Cidade Nova, Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill and the August festival.

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In the photo: Calton Hill

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Edimburgo is the capital of Scotland and lies in the southeast of the country, between volcanic hills and the Forth estuary, about 650 km from Londres. The city grew up around the castle on a basalt rock and expanded during the Middle Ages along the ridge that descends to the Palácio de Holyroodhouse, the monarch's official residence in Scotland. That axis is the Royal Mile, the heart of the Cidade Velha.

In the 18th century, to ease the cramped Cidade Velha, the Cidade Nova was built to the north — a planned district of straight streets, squares and Georgian houses. The two parts together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Between them lies the valley of the Princes Street Gardens, through which the railway runs and where Waverley station is located. Princes Street is the main shopping street, with a view of the castle across the valley.

Highlights include the Castelo de Edimburgo, with the Joias da Coroa da Escócia and the Pedra do Destino; the Catedral de St Giles; the Museu Nacional da Escócia, with free entry to the collection; and the Palácio de Holyroodhouse. The city has hills you can walk up: Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano inside Holyrood Park, and Calton Hill, with neoclassical monuments and the classic city view. In the port of Leith is the royal yacht Britannia.

In August the Festival de Edimburgo usually takes place, with the Fringe performing arts festival and the military Tattoo at the castle, which fill the city and drive up accommodation prices. The weather changes fast and it’s often windy: bring a coat in any month.

This destination brings together 1 city: Edimburgo.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Edimburgo is
Edimburgo

Contornos: Office for National Statistics, Open Government Licence v3.0; contém dados OS © Crown copyright 2026. Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Edimburgo

✈ Edinburgh Airport (EDI), in Ingliston · 13 km to Edimburgo

Check before buying. Edimburgo airport is about 13 km from the centre, linked by tram and bus. From Londres the train departs King's Cross and arrives at Waverley station in about 4h20; there are also trains from Euston via the west coast.

The local experience

Things to do in Edimburgo

Edinburgh Castle
Edimburgo · Escócia · Castle

Edinburgh Castle

The fortress atop the volcanic rock that dominates Edinburgh, housing the Honours of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret's Chapel from the 12th century, the siege cannon Mons Meg and the one o'clock gun.

Royal Mile
Edimburgo · Escócia · Historic street

Royal Mile

The sequence of streets that descends from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse along the ridge of the Cidade Velha, with tall stone houses, narrow alleys called closes, churches, museums, pubs and tartan shops.

St Giles' Cathedral
Edimburgo · Escócia · Church

St Giles' Cathedral

The main church of Edimburgo, on the Royal Mile, with a 15th‑century crown‑shaped tower, stained glass, the statue of John Knox and the Capela do Cardo of the Ordem do Cardo.

Palace of Holyroodhouse
Edimburgo · Escócia · Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, at the end of the Royal Mile, with the apartments of Maria, queen of the Scots, the Grande Galeria of portraits and the ruins of the abbey of Holyrood from the 12th century.

See 5 more places in Edimburgo
Arthur's Seat
Edimburgo · Escócia · Viewpoint

Arthur's Seat

The extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, 251 metres high, a few minutes from the Royal Mile, with views over the whole city, the castle and the Forth estuary.

Calton Hill
Edimburgo · Escócia · Viewpoint

Calton Hill

The hill at the end of Princes Street with neoclassical monuments, such as the unfinished Monumento Nacional, and the most photographed view of Edinburgh, with the castle, the Cidade Velha and Arthur's Seat.

New Town
Edimburgo · Escócia · Neighborhood

New Town

The Georgian Cidade Nova of Edinburgh, planned from 1767, with Princes Street and its gardens, George Street, elegant squares, the Scott Monument and, by the river, the village of Dean Village. UNESCO World Heritage.

National Museum of Scotland
Edimburgo · Escócia · Museum

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland, with a Victorian glass-and-iron hall, the country's history from prehistory, the Lewis chess pieces, the sheep Dolly and a terrace with a view of the castle. Admission to the permanent collection is free; check before you go.

Royal Yacht Britannia
Edimburgo · Escócia · Ship

Royal Yacht Britannia

The royal yacht used by the British royal family from 1954 to 1997, now moored in the port of Leith and open to visitors, with the private apartments of Queen Elizabeth II, the State dining room and the engine room.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From May to September the days are long, with daylight until near 22:00 in June, and the weather is usually milder. August, the festival month, is the busiest; book well in advance. In winter it’s cold, windy and it gets dark around 15:30 in December, but the city has a Christmas market and the Hogmanay New Year celebrations. Always bring a waterproof coat.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Three full days cover the city well: one for the castle and the Royal Mile, one for Holyrood, Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill, and one for the Cidade Nova, the Museu Nacional and the Britannia. With four or five days you can add day trips to the Highlands, to lake Ness or to Stirling.

Which city to stay in

The Cidade Velha, near the Royal Mile, puts the castle and pubs within walking distance, with sloping streets. The Cidade Nova, between Princes Street and George Street, has hotels in Georgian townhouses and is close to Waverley station. Stockbridge, to the north, is residential with shops and restaurants. Leith, by the harbour, has fish restaurants and is about 15 minutes by tram from the centre.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Edimburgo

How to get from Londres to Edimburgo?

By train, from King's Cross to Waverley station in about 4h20, or by plane, with a flight of around 1h20. The train arrives in the city centre.

How many days to stay in Edimburgo?

Three full days for the city; four or five to include a day trip to the Highlands or to Stirling.

When is the Festival de Edimburgo?

It usually takes place in August, with the Fringe, the International Festival and the military Tattoo at the castle. The city gets very busy; book accommodation well in advance.

Do I need a car in Edimburgo?

No. The centre is covered on foot, by tram and by bus. A car only helps for the Highlands; you drive on the left, and roads in the north are narrow.

Does Escócia use the same currency as Inglaterra?

Yes, the pound sterling. Scottish banks issue their own banknotes, which are valid across the United Kingdom.

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