Edinburgh easily became one of my favorite cities to visit in the UK. As the historic capital of Scotland, it offers a unique blend of culture, history, natural beauty, and friendly people! A much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city of London. Best of all, it's very affordable to visit Edinburgh from London.
The train journey from London to Edinburgh takes around 4-5 hours and costs approximately $40 per person each way. You can easily find affordable tickets on websites like Trainline.com in advance. I highly recommend spending 3-5 full days in Edinburgh minimum - my family and I definitely did not have enough time there in just a long weekend!
Getting around Edinburgh is very easy. Their public transportation system is similar to London, with buses being the main way to navigate the city. All bus tickets can be purchased using contactless payment like a debit/credit card or your phone when boarding, and most rides are around $2. We also took the tram into the city center which was only $5 per person for the whole day. This ticket also included all other forms of transportation like the tube or buses. It's a convenient way to access the airport as well. With apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps, it's simple to plan routes using the excellent bus and tram networks.
One of the top sights to see is Edinburgh Castle, where you could easily spend hours exploring the history and scenic views. Afterwards, stroll down the Royal Mile and explore the endless shops and restaurants along High Street. This will lead you to the beautiful Palace of Holyroodhouse, the royal family's official residence in Scotland. For an even better perspective, hike up Calton Hill which takes around 20 minutes for panoramic views of the city and palace below.
Nature lovers should tackle the hike up Arthur's Seat, which rewards you with the best views over Edinburgh and the sea after about 2 hours of climbing. Have care in the winter though, the hike can get very muddy and slick. During the winter holiday months, don't miss the Christmas market on Princes Street, with tasty mulled wine, rides, and unique gifts. Also here is the free National Gallery, perfect for warming up with world-class art.
Finally, Edinburgh has countless cozy pubs to discover. A top recommendation is Pilot Brewery - they serve craft beers, cocktails and hold fun events like Street Fighter tournaments with prizes. It's the perfect spot to watch football, play games and warm up on a chilly Scottish evening.
I hope this gives you some ideas for exploring amazing Edinburgh on a modest travel budget. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Sincerely,
Hailey
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