Edinburgh - Get Around

Hillier than almost any other British city, Edinburgh has a compact centre, split into a number of distinct former towns and villages.

In the New Town, find exciting nightlife and shopping on George Street or travel north to Stockbridge for a distinctive villagey atmosphere. Across central Princes Street Gardens lies the medieval Old Town with its tall buildings and narrow closes. Travel south to Bruntsfield with its array of crafts shops and boutiques. To the east of central Edinburgh lies Leith. Now thoroughly revived, it retains its identity as a separate seaside town.

Edinburgh has no shortage of taxis. You can hail a black cab from the street (an orange light shows it’s available for hire) or grab one at one of the many taxi ranks. Chat football with the drivers, just don’t mention the World Cup – Scotland haven’t qualified since 1998.

Bus travel is an easy and cheap way to get around. The main bus stations are at St Andrew Square and on Waverly Bridge, just outside the station. Tourist open-topped buses and airport services run from Waverly Bridge. Day tickets save money and can be purchased on board.

Edinburgh welcomes a new tram system in 2011. Running from Edinburgh Airport to Leith, it bisects the very centre of the city.

Walking is often a smart way to get around Edinburgh. The walk from the castle to the Queen’s official Scottish residence at Holyroodhouse takes around 15 minutes, and leads you past some of Edinburgh’s most striking buildings, including St Giles Cathedral and the new Scottish Parliament Building.

A Day Saver Ticket gives unlimited bus travel around Edinburgh. A free bus travels between the National Gallery of Scotland, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Driving in Edinburgh is not recommended for the uninitiated – there are extensive one-way systems and the parking wardens are notoriously strict.

Walk the Royal Mile for a glimpse into the city in medieval times. Explore the New Town, the largest expanse of Georgian architecture anywhere in the world. Further afield is one of the wonders of the industrial era, the colossal Forth Rail Bridge.

Edinburgh Transport website