General information on Edinburgh

General information on Edinburgh

Here we will tell you all you need to know to prepare for your trip to Edinburgh: money, language, weather, history, the dates of the famous festival and much more.

Travel Advice

Documents, passports and visas to visit Scotland and the rest of the UK, depending on where you are from.
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Travel Insurance

Find out how healthcare and medical insurance works in Scotland to ensure you're covered before your travels. Get your travel insurance for Edinburgh now.
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Language

Despite some areas of Scotland speaking Scots and Gaelic, since 1707, the official language has been English.
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Prices

Although hotels and eating out in Edinburgh are relatively expensive, most museums and attractions are free. Find out how much you need to visit Scotland
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Currency

The official currency of Scotland and its capital Edinburgh is the GBP Pound. Find out where to exchange money and what the best ways to pay are.
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Climate

Edinburgh has a temperate climate with cold and humid winters and mild summers. Find out what the weather averages are depending on the stations.
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Opening Hours

Discover the opening times of shops, museums, restaurants and pubs in Edinburgh to make the most of your stay in Scotland’s capital.
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Public Holidays

Find out about Edinburgh’s public holidays. It's always a good idea to check out the bank holidays of the country you want to visit to organise your stay.
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History of Edinburgh

History of Edinburgh

From its foundation until the present day, Edinburgh’s history is extremely fascinating. Find about the city's past, present and future.
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Other questions

Edinburgh facts & figures

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second most visited city in the United Kingdom after London.

An estimated 559,000 people live in Edinburgh. However, during Edinburgh's Festivals, the population doubles.

Health insurance

If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA), we encourage you to travel with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you are from outside the European Union, we recommend getting health travel insurance before travelling to Scotland.

Electricity, plugs and sockets

The power sockets used in Scotland are the same as in the rest of the UK (Type G) with three prongs. If in your country the sockets are different, you can either buy an adaptor or borrow one at your hotel.

Helpful telephone numbers

  • Emergencies: 999
  • Edinburgh area code: 131
  • United Kingdom’s area code: 44

Unusual things to see in Edinburgh

Unusual things to see in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most fascinating and surprising cities of Europe. Packed with oddities and eccentricities, it captivates all tourists’ hearts.
Edinburgh's Festivals

Edinburgh's Festivals

Edinburgh's festivals refers to the various events and shows that take place in the city. Find out what festivals there are and when they take place.