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Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh is one of the country's most-visited locations and a great place for luxury lodges in Scotland. The Edinburgh Castle, a towering monument that holds the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, is one of the top attractions. You could also hike Calton Hill to see spectacular views of the landscape or wander the elegant streets to see Georgian architecture and explore local boutiques. Many travellers enjoy touring the 16th-century Palace of Holyroodhouse and its abbey. You can find lodges and cottages in Edinburgh that are located in the centre of the gorgeous landscape for the ultimate in privacy and relaxation.
Edinburgh has an array of enchanting historic sites to explore during your trip. Holiday rentals are available near places like the Edinburgh Castle, a spectacular 11th-century fortress with the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a 16th-century palace with tours of royal reception rooms, antiques and relics. You could also explore Calton Hill, a prominent hilltop with neoclassical monuments and sweeping views of the city skyline.
It's impossible to miss the great halls and towers of Edinburgh Castle – they stand watch above the Old Town just as they have since the 12th century. Make the climb to the top to delve into the National War Museum, which chronicles more than 400 years of an embattled Scotland. The exhibits get more eclectic in the Museum of Scotland below. There, a menagerie of meteorites and fossils, medieval murals and roaring T-rex skeletons is sure to leave the whole family wide-eyed with wonder.
Edinburgh might look old, but it's got the heart of a youngster. Anyone who's spent time knocking back whiskeys in the tasting rooms or glugging beers in the student-centred alehouses can testify to that. Throw in the acclaimed performances of the Edinburgh Playhouse and all the Highlander folk bars that rumble in the centre and you've got yourself one seriously wild capital. The whole hedonistic lot comes to a head in August, when the Fringe Festival hits town. Street acts, stand-up comics and performers of all sorts pound the stages then, making for a side-splitting bout of summertime entertainment.
Scotland's capital is hardly a place to crack out the swimming shorts and sunnies, unless, of course, you're lucky enough to have bagged an Edinburgh holiday rental in Portobello and have lucked out with the summer sun and warmth – visits between June and August are best if that's what you're after. The autumn – in September and October – could just be perfect for sightseeing, after the Fringe crowds have gone home. The winter, from November to March, sees snow dusting the surrounding lowlands and the hearty taverns really come into their own.
Edinburgh's got an enviable position in the folds between the Scottish Highlands and lowlands. Heading for the countryside means bedding down in cosy Edinburgh holiday rentals with crackling fires and views over rolling hills, heathland and meadows packed with thistles and blooming daffodils in the spring – a walker's delight. Holyrood Park offers just a taste of that in the city centre, while the beaches of Portobello and the seaside walks of Leith are the place to go for days on the edge of the icy North Sea.
Fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI), the closest airport, located 6.5 mi (10.5 km) from the city centre.
If you're travelling by train, Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) and Edinburgh Haymarket Station are the main stations in the city. You might consider catching a ride on the metro at Edinburgh Airport Tram Stop for ease of access to the rest of the city.
Getting into Edinburgh is simple, as it’s one of the most important cities in all of Scotland. Edinburgh Airport is international, so travellers can arrive from all over the world. Of course, several train lines, bus routes and motorways also converge in Edinburgh. The public transport system within Edinburgh is also quite advanced. Numerous bus routes are available, including a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport. The tram network in town is wheelchair accessible and includes free WiFi. The city is also easy to navigate by car from your holiday home, but you can just get a black cab to take you around, too, if you like.
Edinburgh is home to several exciting events, so make sure you consider what time of year you book your villa rental. If you’re travelling in August, you can enjoy the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This art festival features numerous performances encompassing all kinds of art, including music, plays, circus, opera and cabaret. If you’re in town to celebrate New Year, you can enjoy Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. This event features vibrant fireworks displays along with concerts and several processions through the streets.
Edinburgh is filled with romantic destinations for a couple’s retreat. Holiday rentals are available near places like the Royal Yacht Britannia, an oceanic liner used by the royal family, and the Scotch Whisky Experience, a replica whisky distillery with high-tech exhibits and a barrel ride. You'll also enjoy the Royal Botanic Garden, a lavish garden with a palm house, tours and cafes.
Our 2022 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 3,270 holiday lettings around Edinburgh. From 1,903 flats & apartments to 149 cottages, find unique self catering accommodation for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends for a long holiday or a weekend break.
There are many lovely places to stay for a long holiday or just a weekend break in Edinburgh. From Vrbo UK travellers, the popular destinations to visit are:
Vrbo UK offers you the possibility to discover many other popular destinations in Edinburgh! Please use our search bar to access the selection of self catering accommodations available in other popular destinations.
Vrbo UK offers a large selection of holiday lettings near great places to visit in Edinburgh. From Vrbo UK travellers, the top popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
But there are many other points of interest around Edinburgh listed on Vrbo UK where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection of holiday accommodations.