What currency is used in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh uses the Pound sterling (GBP); Scottish banknotes circulate alongside Bank of England notes.

How much does a day in Edinburgh cost?

Roughly $60-90 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $150-230 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.

Is Waypacker free to use in Edinburgh?

Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.

Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?

Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.

Can I meet locals in Edinburgh without staying with anyone?

Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.

Will anyone see my exact location?

No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

Edinburgh travel guide

United Kingdom

Scotland's capital has a castle on one volcanic crag and Arthur's Seat rising beside the city. Medieval closes, Georgian terraces and a busy pub culture fit into a compact, walkable centre.

Essentials

Language: English, with some Scots and Gaelic on signs
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP); Scottish banknotes circulate alongside Bank of England notes
Plugs: Type G, 230 V
Emergency number: 999 or 112
Tipping: Around 10 per cent in restaurants if service is not already added; there is no need to tip for drinks at the bar.

Rough daily budget

Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:

Backpacker: $60-90, with a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport.
Mid-range: $150-230, with a private room and restaurant meals.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Old Town: the Royal Mile and its narrow closes, running from the castle down to Holyrood.
Stockbridge: a village feel north of the centre, with independent shops, a Sunday market and the Water of Leith walkway.
Leith: the old port, now known for its waterfront restaurants and relaxed bars.

Getting around Edinburgh

The centre is walkable but hilly. Buses cover the city, and the tram runs from the airport through the centre to Leith and Newhaven.

Best time to visit Edinburgh

May to September; August brings the festivals and fills the city, so book well ahead.

Top things to do in Edinburgh

Tour Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels
Spend a free afternoon in the National Museum of Scotland, then climb to its rooftop terrace
Walk up Calton Hill for its monuments and a view along Princes Street
Follow the Water of Leith walkway through Dean Village, a former mill village below the New Town
Go below the Royal Mile on a guided tour of The Real Mary King's Close

What to eat in Edinburgh

Haggis, neeps and tatties: spiced, oat-thickened sheep's offal with mashed swede and potato
Cullen skink: a thick soup of smoked haddock, potato and onion
Cranachan: raspberries layered with cream, toasted oats, honey and whisky
Scotch whisky: try a dram from a different region, such as a smoky Islay or a lighter Speyside

Day trips from Edinburgh

Stirling: its castle and the Wallace Monument, about 50 minutes by train
North Berwick: a seaside town with beaches and boat trips to the Bass Rock gannets, about 35 minutes by train
South Queensferry: views of the three Forth bridges, around 30 minutes by bus or train

Local etiquette

In a pub, if someone buys you a drink, take your turn and buy the next round. Queue for buses and at bars, and call it Scotland, not England.

Staying connected

Prepaid SIMs from the main networks are sold in supermarkets and phone shops, eSIMs are widely supported, and Wi-Fi is common in cafés and pubs; EU phone plans may charge roaming in the UK, so check yours.

Staying safe

Crime is low for a capital, though pickpocketing rises in August festival crowds. Weather changes fast on Arthur's Seat and the hills, and the cobbles get slippery in rain.

A local tip

Climb Arthur's Seat early in the morning for views over the city and the Firth of Forth, and bring a layer for the wind at the top.

Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.

Meet people in Edinburgh on Waypacker

Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Edinburgh for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Edinburgh, you could be one of the first hosts.

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Questions about Edinburgh

What currency is used in Edinburgh?: Edinburgh uses the Pound sterling (GBP); Scottish banknotes circulate alongside Bank of England notes.
What is the emergency number in Edinburgh?: In Edinburgh, call 999 or 112.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?: May to September; August brings the festivals and fills the city, so book well ahead.
How much does a day in Edinburgh cost?: Roughly $60-90 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $150-230 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
Is Waypacker free to use in Edinburgh?: Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?: Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
Can I meet locals in Edinburgh without staying with anyone?: Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
Will anyone see my exact location?: No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

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