How to Plan a Trip to Edinburgh
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Scotland needs.
Your 4-step Edinburgh plan
Step 1 — Book flights to EDI
Edinburgh Airport Airport (EDI) is the main gateway to Edinburgh. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to EDIStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Grassmarket + Cowgate for the best first-time visit — Old Town pub district with the castle towering above.
Where to stay in EdinburghStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Edinburgh Castle + Royal Mile, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Edinburgh.
Things to do in EdinburghStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Edinburgh Trams (to Princes Street) is £7 and takes 35 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
EDI arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
UK requires ETA from 2025 for VWP countries + standard visa for non-VWP. UK is NOT Schengen — transit-only passengers must clear UK immigration unless using transit without visa.