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EuropeUnited KingdomScotland

Edinburgh

Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh works well as a base: 10 minutes from Colinton, right by St Giles' Cathedral.

Edinburgh is a city located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 514,990, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Edinburgh sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Edinburgh to your route.

About Edinburgh

The Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) is the country's national academy of art. It promotes contemporary Scottish art. The Academy was founded in 1826 by eleven artists meeting in Edinburgh. Originally named the Scottish Academy, it became the Royal Scottish Academy on being granted a royal charter in 1838. The RSA

Read more maintains a unique position in the country as an independently funded institution led by eminent artists and architects to promote and support the creation, understanding, and enjoyment of visual arts through exhibitions and related educational events.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Edinburgh?

Plan your road trip to Edinburgh with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Edinburgh as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Edinburgh located?

Edinburgh is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 55.9521 latitude, -3.1965 longitude.

What is the population of Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a population of approximately 514,990 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
514,990
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
55.9521, -3.1965

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomScotlandCity

Worth the detour from Edinburgh

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral

The High Kirk of Edinburgh with its distinctive crown spire, mother church of Presbyterianism on the Royal Mile.

0 km · about 5 min drive

museum

National Museum of Scotland

A stunning Victorian and modern building housing diverse collections from Scottish history to world cultures and natural science.

1 km · about 5 min drive

historic highway

The Royal Mile

Edinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.

1 km · about 5 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Calton Hill

An accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.

1 km · about 5 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Ancient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.

2 km · about 5 min drive

landmark

Edinburgh Zoo

Scotland's capital zoo home to the UK's only giant pandas and over 1,000 rare and endangered animals.

5 km · about 10 min drive

cathedral

Rosslyn Chapel

A 15th-century chapel of astonishing carved stonework near Edinburgh, made famous by The Da Vinci Code.

11 km · about 20 min drive

landmark

Forth Bridge

UNESCO-listed Victorian cantilever railway bridge spanning the Firth of Forth, a masterwork of 19th-century engineering in 54,000 tonnes of steel.

13 km · about 25 min drive

Driving roads near Edinburgh

  • Right hereThe Royal MileEdinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
  • Right hereCalton HillAn accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
  • Right hereArthur's Seat, EdinburghAncient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
  • Right hereQueensferry CrossingThe world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

May to September

Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Edinburgh.

Colinton

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 7,637

Danderhall

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

7 km awayPop. 2,770

Loanhead

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 6,350

Bilston

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 1,210

Musselburgh

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 23,620

Currie

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 6,500

Whitecraig

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 1,200

Dalkeith

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 12,720

Plan a trip around Edinburgh

Scotland road trip plannerBirmingham → Edinburgh drive · 5 hr 38 minEdinburgh → Aberdeen drive · 2 hr 37 minEdinburgh → Fort William drive · 3 hr 9 minEdinburgh → Glasgow drive · 1 hr 4 minEdinburgh → Inverness drive · 3 hr 24 minEdinburgh → Newcastle drive · 2 hr 31 minEdinburgh → York drive · 4 hr 6 minLeeds → Edinburgh drive · 4 hr 23 min

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence