Edinburgh is home to a number of exciting festivals that attract thousands of visitors every year, including the Festival Fringe, International Book Festival, and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
The city’s vibrant culture and lively atmosphere also make it the perfect place to visit and experience the true Scottish way of life.
To celebrate the launch of their Edinburgh Festival Findr tool, the travel experts from Expedia have provided their insider tips for traveling around Edinburgh, if you’re visiting during one of the city’s amazing festivals.
The Edinburgh FestivalFindr not only provides you with detailed information on Edinburgh’s incredible festivals; but also provides helpful tips on places to eat, drink and stay on your visit. Whether you’re a seasoned Edinburgh festival-goer or you’re visiting the city for the first time, these tips will help you make the most of your trip and navigate the city like a pro!
Walk The Walk
One of the best ways to experience this incredible city is on foot! Edinburgh has plenty of sights, attractions, and history that you may miss out on if you’re traveling around by car or taxi, so why not walk and immerse yourself in the city’s diverse culture.
If you’re visiting during the Edinburgh International Book Festival held in Charlotte Square, one of Edinburgh’s most notable landmarks, The Georgian House, is only a 2-minute walk away; and you’re also only a 12-minute walk away from the lush Princes Street Gardens.
Whereas, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is hosted in over 300 venues in and around the center of Edinburgh, so you’ll be sure to find some interesting attractions whilst making your way around the city.
Catch A Bus
There are a number of local bus services that allow you to travel around the city, including regular buses to and from the airport.
If you’re visiting the Edinburgh Art Festival and fancy combining your visit with something a bit different the world famous Edinburgh Zoo is one of the many attractions you can easily get to via bus.
The Lothian bus services: 12, 26 and the 100 Airlink service, leave from Waverley Bridge and other stops around the city center and stop directly outside the entrance to the zoo. This means your journey to and from the festival couldn’t be any smoother.
Alternatively, if you want to take in the sights on your journey, why not book a ‘hop on hop off’ bus tour. These tours take you around the major landmarks of Edinburgh and conveniently allow you to hop on or off at various stops along the route.
Take The Tram
Traveling around Edinburgh via tram is an efficient and inexpensive way to get around the city. A variety of ticket types are available including day, AirportZone and family day tickets.
For those fortunate enough to be visiting the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the nearest tram stop is on Princes Street. This is only a short 10 to 12-minute walk away from Edinburgh Castle, where the Military Tattoo is held.
Not only that, but you’re also within walking distance of some of Edinburgh’s great historical landmarks such as the Scottish National Gallery and the National War Museum.
Edinburgh has some of the easiest and best transport links in the UK, which make it easy for both tourists and locals to get around. Hopefully, this article has given you enough guidance to help you plan your route around the city and make the most of your time in Edinburgh and Scotland!