What To Do On A Layover In Edinburgh

As Scotland’s busiest airport, chances are high that you might one day be killing time in Edinburgh Airport. So why choose duty free when there’s a city of whisky and bagpipes to explore? With the city centre only a half-hour bus or tram ride away, Edinburgh’s intimate size and historic grandeur makes it the perfect layover-friendly city. Read on to find out how to make the most out of your layover in Edinburgh, no matter what the time frame.

If you have three hours…

…Then there’s no time to waste! Hop on the Airlink 100 outside the airport and take it to Princes Street Gardens, a lush valley separating Edinburgh’s Old Town from the New. Wander through and find the Scott Monument, a towering Gothic tribute to Walter Scott, Scotland’s famous champion. If caught out in Edinburgh’s famously perpetual drizzle, never fear – to the east of the gardens is the Scottish National Gallery, a free art museum displaying some of the UK’s greatest masterpieces.

Princes Street Gardens, Princes Street, Edinburgh, UK

Scott Monument, Princes Street, Edinburgh, UK

Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, Edinburgh, UK

Ross Fountain, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

If you have five hours…

Take the Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge, then stroll up the Royal Mile to get your tartan fix at the shops, before arriving at the city’s most prominent address: Edinburgh Castle. This 12th century fortress provides breathtaking views as well as a panorama of Scotland’s turbulent royal past, from Robert the Bruce to Mary, Queen of Scots. Afterwards, nip down the Mile for a dram at The Devil’s Advocate, a bar famed for its staggering selection of fine scotch whiskies.

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, UK

Edinburgh Castle, Castle Rock, Edinburgh, UK

The Devil’s Advocate, 9 Advocate’s Close, Edinburgh, UK

If you have seven hours…

Follow the five-hour plan, then head south for a spot of haggis at Spoon, a favourite café of students and locals – including J.K. Rowling. Around the corner is the National Museum of Scotland, which houses treasures like the Lewis chessmen and Dolly the Sheep. Finally, head north up Calton Hill to the National Monument, nicknamed “Edinburgh’s Folly” since its construction in the 1800s nearly bankrupted the city. Though still unfinished, it is now a beloved fixture of the cityscape.

Spoon, 6A Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, UK

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, UK

National Monument, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, UK

If you have twelve hours…

…You’ve hit the layover jackpot! Take the tram to West End–Princes Street and head north-west to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which boasts avant-garde installations and sculpture parks. Then go west along the Water of Leith, a much-loved ambling river path, before stopping off to admire the flora at the Royal Botanic Garden. Finish this whirlwind tour by zipping south and climbing the famous Arthur’s Seat to behold the city in all its glory.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, UK

Water of Leith Walkway, Dean Village Entrance, 10/3 Damside, Edinburgh, UK

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, UK

Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park, Queen’s Drive, Edinburgh, UK

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.