Flight to Edinburgh (EDI)

Flying to Edinburgh: tips and information for your trip

Scotland’s capital has long been a popular tourist destination, with the Edinburgh airport arrivals hall receiving more than 13 million visitors per year, and it’s clear to see why. The city is packed with things to do and see, including internationally acclaimed events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The history of the city can be traced as far back as the Middle Ages – but nowadays Edinburgh is famed for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and lively arts scene.

Find cheap flights to Edinburgh with Brussels Airlines and discover the city for yourself.

What to do in Edinburgh?

1. Explore the medieval Old Town. Visit the Royal Mile, a mile-long street lined with traditional shops, pubs and establishments that are great for browsing. Located in the heart of the city, it’s great to explore on foot to get a feel for the capital.
   
   
2. Visit Edinburgh Castle. Situated above the city and dominating the skyline, the site was used as a royal residence and dates from before the 12th century – some of the current buildings house museums and information exhibitions that attract over 2 million visitors a year.
   
   
3. Get outdoors. Scotland has some incredible wildlife and scenery that is just waiting to be discovered. Arthur’s Seat, the main peak in Holyrood Park, has some great views and reaching the top feels like a true achievement. Edinburgh Botanical Gardens are also a great option if you’d rather stay central.
   
   
4. Catch a play. Edinburgh has a great theatre scene and with venues like the King’s Theatre and the Edinburgh Playhouse, you’ll be spoilt for choice, no matter if you’re into musicals, romance, comedy or serious drama.
   
   
5. Go on a ghost tour. Did you know that Edinburgh is considered one of the most haunted cities of the UK? You will find many ghost walks or haunted tours advertised on the Royal Mile. A guide will tell you all about Edinburgh’s paranormal citizens while you walk through dark alleyways and winding streets.
   
   
6. Take a Harry Potter tour. This international franchise owes a lot to Edinburgh, as JK Rowling wrote the series in the city and it inspired a lot of the story and settings.
   
   
7. Brush up on your history. The Edinburgh Dungeons are a fun and interactive way of getting to know about the city’s past, whilst museums such as the National Museum of Scotland give an insight into the natural world, science and technology.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights to Edinburgh land at Edinburgh Airport, located 12 km from the city centre. There are a number of buses which link the airport to both Edinburgh and other Scottish cities, as well as a tram service giving easy access to Edinburgh Waverley station and the national railway system. Car hire, airport parking and taxis are also available.
• Currency: Pound sterling. Credit cards are widely accepted, although there can be a minimum charge. Expect to see Scottish and British notes.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The telephone code is +44. There are also a number of free Wi-Fi spots around the city.
• Electric sockets: Type G. The UK operates on a 230 V supply voltage and 50 Hz.
• Travel Information: EU travellers will only need a passport or appropriate ID card to enter the country and don’t require a visa for stays less than 90 days, but other nationals may need an additional visa.

Dos and Don’ts

• Do visit Edinburgh Zoo, a firm favourite with families. From penguins to pandas, the zoo is very active in conservation and breeding programmes and looks to promote the well-being of its animals, as well as engage visitors in fun activities.
• Do book early. Edinburgh Hotels, restaurants and public transport can be very busy around major events.
• Do experience Edinburgh nightlife. The Scots have a bit of a reputation for knowing how to party and the capital is no different.
• Don’t forget to visit Edinburgh University. The campus has some beautiful buildings and has produced notable alumni that include Charles Darwin and Alexander Graham Bell. A truly historic place for many reasons.
• Don’t skimp on researching your trip. There is so much to discover in Edinburgh that one trip just isn’t enough. Take the time to plan what you want to do in order to truly make the most of this incredible city.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

The Scottish accent can sometimes be challenging to understand if English isn’t your first language. Because of this, there are a few new things you may hear on the streets of Edinburgh. We wouldn’t recommend to try the local accent yourself but it could be useful to become acquainted with a bit of Scottish vocabulary:

• Aye – Yes
• Naw - No
• Scran – Food
• Barry – Something that’s good or great
• Shan – Rubbish or disappointing
• To ken something – To know something
• Nash – to dash, to be quick
• Bonnie – beautiful
• Didnae – didn’t
• Dinnae – don’t

Cultural events

• Edinburgh Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival and takes place in August every year. It sees artists, musicians, actors and many more, come together to put on thousands of performances and shows. It is incredibly popular and the city can get extremely busy around this time.
• Also in August, the renowned Edinburgh Book Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of literature lovers to the city every year.
• Visit the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for a traditional military spectacle of music and dance. This takes place at the castle every year during August.
• See the Edinburgh International Film Festival. For two weeks in June every year, high-profile film-makers and cinema enthusiasts flock to the city to show and watch a huge range of cinematic masterpieces.

When to go to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a great city break at any time of the year. There are a number of events such as the Fringe Festival and film festivals in summer, whilst Christmas markets line the streets in November and December. The weather can be rather cold in winter, whilst summer is often warm and pleasant, but changeable. Plan your visit around the events you want to attend rather than the weather.

What to eat and drink?

• One of Edinburgh’s most celebrated products is its alcoholic drinks. Scotland is of course famous for its whisky and you will find plenty of top-notch Scotch whisky tastings in the city. Touring Edinburgh’s gin distillery is also a great opportunity to sample some of the local produce in the city.
• Like much of the UK, the city’s food scene is a real mixture of cultures. Some of Edinburgh’s best restaurants serve their own take on food from around the world. For example, be sure to try a Haggis burrito at "Los Cardos". This fusion dish has had rave reviews and is truly unique.
• Be sure to try a Scottish breakfast or afternoon tea at one of the many lovely cafés dotted around the city.