Nestled along the shores of the Firth of Forth, an Edinburgh vacation rental places you in a land reminiscent of a fairy tale kingdom. Explore a city where narrow cobblestone streets and dramatic green hillsides give way to a medieval castle perched high atop a rocky crag. The only thing more prevalent than Edinburgh's picturesque setting is its history, as the city is rich with centuries-old cathedrals and palaces. Culture vultures will eat up the legendary arts scene as they explore world-famous festivals and a menagerie of museums, or sneak away for peaceful strolls through idyllic gardens.
Don't leave your Edinburgh vacation rental without your camera—Edinburgh Castle, the picturesque 12th-century fortress perched high above the city, offers the best photo ops in town. When you're not snapping pictures, spend your time exploring every crevice of the historic complex, from its chapels and royal palaces, to the National War Museum of Scotland. Still haven't gotten your fill of history? Roam the winding, medieval streets of Old Town, pausing for a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. Power players will love the Scottish Parliament Building and Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Queen, when she's in Scotland.
Stretch your legs with a walk down Princes Street, Edinburgh's mile-long thoroughfare dotted with shops, restaurants, and pubs. Keep moving with a stroll through the Princes Street Gardens, a public park nestled at the foot of Edinburgh Castle with immaculate gardens and floral displays. If you're looking for a workout at dusk, climb to the top of Calton Hill, a popular spot to watch the sunset. Prefer to exercise your mind? Book an Edinburgh vacation rental during the 3-week Edinburgh International Festival in August, a renowned festival that features international musicians, theatrical events, and dance performances.
Edinburgh may be far north, but it offers surprisingly mild weather for its location. For instance, daytime temperatures in the winter rarely fall below freezing and the occasional light dusting of snow only adds to the region's beauty. Spring and fall bring slightly warmer conditions with daytime highs climbing into the mid-50s. Summer temperatures are also tepid, with highs rarely exceeding 72 degrees. Cloudy and overcast skies are commonplace, which means it's a good idea to keep your umbrella handy. While you probably won't get drenched, the city gets about 2 inches of the wet stuff each month.
While a modern metropolis sits at its core, Edinburgh seamlessly intertwines natural beauty throughout its landscape. For instance, Edinburgh Castle is perched atop the remnants of an extinct volcano, while Old Town's main thoroughfare, dubbed the Royal Mile, follows a natural path down the crest of the volcano's ridge. Seven lush green hills and glistening blue waterways add a pop of color to the city setting. Edinburgh is nestled along the Firth of Forth's southern shore, while the Water of Leith, a sleepy river, flows through the heart of the city.
Fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI), the closest airport, located 6.8 mi (11 km) from the city center.
If you're traveling by train, Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station), Edinburgh Waverley Station and Edinburgh Haymarket Station are the main stations that serve 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.
Whether you're seeking an intimate retreat for you and your sweetie or someplace roomy to fit the family, you'll find some top vacation rentals in and around Edinburgh. Here are a couple to get you thinking:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Edinburgh vacation rental for you.
Punching above its weight when it comes to character and ingenuity, a tiny house vacation rental in Edinburgh puts you on the doorstep of big adventure. Unplug your tech and switch your focus to outdoor fun at one of these compact stays:
Whether you want to spend your trip chasing adventure outdoors or connecting with your favorite people, Vrbo has attractive log cabins where you can do both. Have a peek at these favorites in and around Edinburgh:
Get away from the daily grind at one of our weekend getaways in or near Edinburgh. Whether you'd like to catch up with pals or spend quality time with the fam, we'll have something to suit your style. Try these top-rated properties on for size:
Usually small in size, less expensive and conveniently located, it's difficult not to fall for the appeal of a studio apartment. Get cozy in one of these vacation rentals and experience the culture of Edinburgh up close:
When it's time to step out of your studio apartment and discover the highlights, there's plenty to keep you on the go around Edinburgh. Enjoy cultural attractions? Pencil in a visit to Temple Gallery and Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Short-term rentals are easy to come by in and around Edinburgh. Chill out for a few days in an upmarket bed & breakfast, a budget studio apartment or a large home. No matter what type of property you're looking for, you'll have plenty to select from with Vrbo. These are some of our favorite options:
Forget about roses and chocolates. Sometimes all you need is to take off for the weekend, just you and your honey. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Edinburgh that would make even Cupid envious. Here are some we think you'll fall in love with:
Share your vacation and have twice as much fun. Whether you're planning an epic getaway with buddies or an overdue family reunion, you'll have your pick of large group vacation rentals in and near Edinburgh:
Nothing spells fun like a pool. Dust off your inflatable unicorn and browse these rental houses in or near Edinburgh that come with this vacation must-have:
Edinburgh has an oceanic climate, with average summertime temperatures fluctuating between 50 ºF and 65 ºF. But you don't have to wait until summertime to visit. Check out the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the ideal Edinburgh vacation rental and plan your escape for whatever season you like.
Every family get-together should be memorable. Whether you're organizing some time away with the kids or that long-overdue family reunion, Vrbo's large family vacation rentals in or near Edinburgh offer a home away from home with enough space for everyone:
If you're in the mood to do some sightseeing, there are lots of family-friendly attractions close by to stick on your itinerary. Blair Drummond Safari Park, Falls of Dochart and Bracklinn Falls Bridge and Callander Crags are fine places to start.