Edinburgh castle view from Calton hill, Scotland - UK; Shutterstock ID 2570942437; purchase_order: N/A; job: Cruise images; client: Cunard_digital; other: part of digi licencing

Destinations Europe

Our guide to Edinburgh

Like much of Scotland, Edinburgh is a beautiful region shrouded in myth, mystery, and ancient history. Pale stone monuments. Crooked cobbled streets. Views out to the moody Firth of Forth estuary. Discover a fascinating atmosphere in Scotland’s bewitching capital.

3 min 20 May 2025

Getting to and around Edinburgh

What to see in Edinburgh

What to do in Edinburgh

What to eat in Edinburgh

Getting to and around Edinburgh

One of the ports you could dock at close to Edinburgh is Newhaven, which is roughly two miles north of the city centre. A transfer service from Newhaven into Edinburgh is usually provided, or there are plenty of taxis available. Public buses also regularly carry out the route, which takes around ten minutes.

You could also access Edinburgh from the cruise port at South Queensferry, which is slightly further west along the River Forth. Again, a shuttle service will usually be provided, and the journey takes around 25 minutes. You’ll also find taxis, local buses, and rail travel to Edinburgh.

South Queensferry, Edinburgh

What to see in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is far from lacking when it comes to things to see. The most famous landmark is probably Edinburgh Castle, whose mighty presence looms over the city. While well worth a visit, there are many other locations that may well pique your interest too.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle boasts a long and varied past. It stands tall on Castle Rock, which is known to have been the site of an Iron Age fort, centuries before the castle itself was built. Today you can see Scotland’s crown jewels at the castle, which were hidden during Oliver Cromwell’s occupation, and rediscovered and exhibited here in 1818. The 9^th century, Scottish Stone of Destiny is also on display once again, having been returned in 1996 after being taken to Westminster Abbey in 1296.

Mary King’s Close

A street once called home by Edinburgh’s poorest residents, in the 17^th century, Mary King’s Close is said to be haunted today. It continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike. Now underground, beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, in the 16^th century this street was once filled with people and traders, including the fabric merchant Mary King. It was buried in 1760, when the Royal Exchange was built. Explore this dark and gloomy part of the city and find out if the ghost stories are true.

Medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town

For another glimpse into Edinburgh’s history, ponder the lives of those who once walked the streets of Medieval Old Town. Here you’ll find many examples of preserved Reformation-era buildings, prompting the imagination to picture bustling families going about their lives. Then, in Georgian New Town, discover neoclassical, honey-coloured stone architecture, complimented by pretty, symmetrical gardens and wide roads. Both these areas of the city are sure to fill your camera roll.

What to do in Edinburgh

As well as taking in Edinburgh’s plentiful historic landmarks, this captivating city brings a wide variety of other ways to spend your time, from the active and adventurous to the enriching and educational.

Explore the arts scene

For those who seek to discover a vibrant and contemporary side to the city, Edinburgh is also known for its arts and cultural scene. Home to the renowned, annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival, you’ll find opportunities to explore plenty of thought-provoking galleries, street art, and theatre all over town.

Whisky tasting

Many would argue that no trip to Scotland is complete without sampling a whisky or two. If this appeals, you’ll find plenty of chances to wet your whistle in Edinburgh, not only at bars and pubs, but at organised whisky tastings. From the rustic to the refined, explore the best drams in the city.

Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat

Should you be exploring Edinburgh in favourable weather, perhaps enjoy time spent outside in Holyrood Park. The park is just a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, and within it you’ll find Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that brings wonderful views of the city if you make the climb.

Shopping in Edinburgh

During your time in port, you may well be on the lookout for a souvenir or two to take home, whether for a loved one or perhaps for yourself. If so, you could spend a few hours shopping on the iconic Royal Mile or Princes Street, where you’ll have your pick of high street brands and independent boutiques, not to mention whisky shops.

Some classic Scottish gifts to take home include local produce like shortbread, tablet, and whisky, or you could choose something that will (arguably) last a little longer, like authentic tweed or tartan clothing, or Celtic style jewellery.

What to eat in Edinburgh

When it comes to dining, Edinburgh serves up a wealth of different options. You could choose to dine at superb Michelin-starred restaurants or go local with freshly cut chips drizzled in Edinburgh ‘chippy sauce’, washed down with an Irn-Bru. Perhaps you’d like to try some classic Scottish comfort food. You could sample Scotland’s national dish, haggis, neeps, and tatties, or perhaps try some surf and turf, with a cut of succulent Aberdeen Angus beef or smoked Scottish salmon.

Sweet treats to try in Edinburgh include cranachan, a rich dessert made with raspberries, oats, cream, honey, and whisky, or maybe you’d prefer a piece of buttery shortbread or sweet and crumbly tablet. Then, of course, there’s whisky. Scotland is home to more than 100 distilleries, and you’ll find opportunities to try countless different bottles in Edinburgh, should you wish.