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 (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 Haymarket Station and Slateford Station are the main stations that serve 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.
Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 1,367 vacation rentals near Edinburgh. From 1,114 flats & apartments to 89 cottages, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Edinburgh for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.
There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Edinburgh. From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:
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Vrbo UK offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Edinburgh. From Vrbo UK travelers, the most 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.