Coming to Edinburgh for the first time? I see a lot of chat online about visiting Edinburgh (or “Europe” in general) but here’s what I think you should know, as a local who has worked many retail and customer facing job in Scotland’s capital.
Public Transport in Edinburgh
We do have Uber and Taxi firms like City Cabs (which has an app you can download) but for Edinburgh locals public transport, walking, and cycling are the main ways of getting around. I think I’ve only taken a taxi twice in the 6 years I’ve been back living in Edinburgh.
Buses
Lothian Buses are the main bus provider for Edinburgh. You can tap on the bus simply by using contactless payment using your card or phone. Alternatively you can download the Lothian Bus App and buy your tickets in advance there. The app also has live updates and a journey planner, which is handy (Google and Apple Maps are also reliable for public transport timings).
The AirPort Express Bus will take you straight to/from the airport to Edinburgh City Centre. Tickets can be purchased as above, or on-board with card or cash. The bus stand is right at the departure door when you exit the airport, you can’t miss it.
Trams
Trams run every seven minutes (roughly). The tram route takes you all the way from the airport, through the city centre and Leith, ending in Newhaven. Different from busses, tickets must be bought (and activated) in advance, activation will require an internet connection. Annoyingly you cannot buy tickets on the tram. Tickets can be bought using the Edinburgh Trams app, at the on-platform kiosk, or by tapping a contactless payment method at the scanners on the platform – but remember to tap off or you’ll pay the much more expensive airport fare!
Walking
Edinburgh is a small city so is totally walkable, but be ready for those hills and stairs!
Cycling
There are some great cycle paths like Water of Leith and Roseburn Path, which are totally off road and very beautiful. There are many cycle lanes, but most locals question Edinburgh City Council’s sanity at how they’ve been designed… So Edinburgh is cycle friendly depending on your route and ability, but don’t expect Amsterdam stye cycle accessibility.
Edinburgh now has the Voi bikes rental system which is a great way to get around; just download the app and go.
There are also many cycle tours if would prefer a guide.
If you want water or ice, just ask
I keep seeing this weird thing on Tiktok where people say European’s don’t have access to water. When you go to a restaurant or cafe you might not automatically be given water, some have self serving stations, or you just need to ask for tap water. Ice also isn’t automatic, if you want it just ask politely. We also have various public water fountains to fill up water bottles (it even has its own website) and most cafes will happily top up for you.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
Definitely book the popular spots in advance. Some of the best restaurants are small and fill up fast.
Look at a menu before you go. Ordering off menu isn’t really a thing here, when I say this removing something you don’t like or are allergic to is totally fine but asking for a specific dish that isn’t on the menu or switching out multiple ingredients isn’t standard here and may not be able to be accommodated.
Edinburgh Coffee Culture
Edinburgh has a thriving craft coffee scene. I’ve shared some of my favourites here. Speciality coffee places tend to keep drinks simple to let the coffee shine, so again check the menu before you go if you want something specific.
Book the big Edinburgh attractions
Get your tickets for the big experiences in advance. Edinburgh is a very popular destination so if you want to go to tourist hot spots I’d highly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment; this is especially true for Edinburgh Castle, Britannia and some restaurants like The Witchery.
August is the busiest time of year – Edinburgh Fringe Season
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest performing arts festival and takes over the city for 3 weeks in August. With 25,000 artists and even more attendees Edinburgh gets BUSY (and expensive) in August… but is such a great experience! If you love art and comedy this is the perfect time of year to visit. If crowds aren’t your thing maybe plan an alternative month.
Avoid Scottish tourist tat
Edinburgh is FULL of amazing artists and makers so why not take home a souvenir made by actual Scots putting money back into the local community and supporting arts instead of buying made-abroad tourist tat. Great place to shop for authentic Scottish souvenirs include the Scottish Design Exchange, An Independent Zebra, Red Door Gallery, Tron Kirk Market. Leith Makers, Logan Malloch, Leith Market (only Saturdays), Coburg House (open 11-4 Saturdays and Sundays), and West End Fair (throughout August).
Support your local witches
On a similar note, please support your local witches instead of the author who should not be named. There is so much history and magic in Edinburgh. Some shops to check out include Black Moon Botanica, Wheel of Fate, Portal, and The Wyrd Shop. There are also some great historical witch and lore tours.
Check opening times
Lots of Edinburgh business are independently owned with tiny teams so its always worth checking opening times to avoid disappointment.
Take your time
I meet so many people who whizz in and out of Edinburgh in a day and do long coach trip to the highlands before heading off. That’s great if you only have a short time but if you have a little extra I’d highly advise relaxing and taking it all in. Pace of life is pretty slow here, Scotland is steeped in history, nature, and culture. Take your time to enjoy it. Maybe take the train, rent a car or visit a few different places.
Manners will get you much further
Calmly waiting your turn in a queue and saying please and thank you is expected here. Saying things like “I’m gonna take” instead of “please may I have” seems like such a small thing but will get you a much better response.
Ask Edinburgh Locals
Despite what you might see online we are a really welcoming bunch. Instead of following the crowd why not ask a local where they would recommend. I’ve got a bunch of recommendations on my blog which includes great local influencers to follow, artisan coffee, indie shops, veggie eats, craft beer, and more. It’s the list I send to my friends – so you know it’s good.
Pack for all seasons
Scotland’s weather is temperamental which is why it’s so ruggedly beautiful. My advice is pack light layers for all seasons, so the weather doesn’t get in the way of your visit.
Enjoy! Don’t forget to have fun.
