Old Town Travel Guide

Discover the history and beauty of Old Town in Edinburgh with our comprehensive travel guide. From museums to outdoor adventures, find everything you need to plan a perfect trip.


Introduction to Old Town

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Old Town is a historic district that dates back to the medieval era. With its charming cobblestone streets, elegant architecture, and rich cultural heritage, Old Town is a favorite destination among tourists from all around the world. From museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic views, this district has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about Old Town, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to buy.

List of Places to Visit in Old Town

Exploring Old Town is like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved buildings, narrow alleyways, and hidden courtyards. Here are some of the top places to visit in Old Town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Edinburgh Castle - Perched atop an extinct volcano, this castle has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and a tourist attraction. You can learn more about Scotland’s history and culture, view the crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
  2. The National Museum of Scotland -This is a treasure trove full of historical, cultural, and natural wonders of Scotland.
  3. St. Giles Cathedral -This towering cathedral is a classic example of Scottish religious architecture and contains relics and stories of Christianity in Scotland.
  4. The Writers’ Museum - This museum pays tribute to Scotland’s greatest literary figures – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, & Robert Louis Stevenson.

Natural Attractions of Old Town: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - A peaceful retreat from Edinburgh’s bustling city life full of natural beauty, with a carefully curated collection of flora from around the world.
  2. Arthur’s Seat - A dormant volcano and the highest point in Edinburgh, with stunning views of the city and surrounding coastline. A popular spot with hikers and mountain bikers.
  3. Holyrood Palace and Abbey - A royal palace designated as the official residence of the Queen in Scotland. The adjacent Abbey dates back to the 12th century.
  4. Greyfriars Kirkyard - A cemetery with impressive headstones and stories that go back centuries.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Old Town

Edinburgh has a wealth of hiking and biking trails, all with stunning views of the city and countryside. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  1. The Royal Mile – From the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle with incredible views of the city.
  2. Water of Leith Walkway – A scenic riverside walk that takes you past some of Edinburgh’s most beautiful suburbs.
  3. The Meadows – A peaceful place situated in the city center, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon walk or bike ride.
  4. Salisbury Crags – Part of the Holyrood Park hill chain, it’s a challenging hike with rewarding views of the city and beyond.

Best Things to Do in Old Town: Activities and Tours

In addition to the must-see attractions, Old Town also offers a variety of activities and tours for locals and visitors alike. Some of the best things to do in Old Town include:

  1. Ghost Tours – Edinburgh is known as one of the world’s most haunted cities, with creepy stories and sinister history. It’s best experienced on a ghost tour.
  2. Whisky Tasting – Scotland is famous for its whisky, and there are many bars and restaurants that offer tasting experiences, with expert guidance on the different varieties and flavors of whisky.
  3. Underground Vault Tours – Beneath the streets in Old Town are hidden vaults that were once used for storage but now provide insight into Edinburgh’s remarkable past.

Week-Long Itinerary for Old Town

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Edinburgh and interested in exploring Old Town, here’s an itinerary that covers the best of Old Town:

Day Activities
1 Visit Edinburgh Castle and stroll down The Royal Mile - Old Town’s most famous street.
2 Explore the National Museum of Scotland or climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat for the best views of the city.
3 Day trip to Stirling Castle or Rosslyn Chapel
4 Take a ghost tour of Old Town and learn about the city’s haunted past.
5 Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh or the botanical gardens located in Holyrood Park.
6 Check out the panoramic views from the top of Calton Hill or Salisbury Crags.
7 Take a day trip to the Highlands and experience the stunning natural beauty of Scotland.

Food and Drink Scene of Old Town

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without experiencing its food and drink scene. Old town is packed with great places to eat and drink. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Haggis – There is nothing more Scottish than Haggis, a savory pudding made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs. It is usually served with Tatties and Neeps (potatoes and turnips).
  2. Cullen Skink – A soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions.
  3. Scotch Pies - A classic Scottish snack food made with minced beef and spices in a pastry shell.

Local Beverages

  1. Whisky – There is plenty of Scotch whisky to be found in Old Town, with some excellent pubs and bars that offer a great selection of options.
  2. Irn-Bru – Scotland’s national soft drink, it has a unique taste and is sold in many places in Old Town.
  3. Scottish Beer – try local breweries such as Innis & Gunn and BrewDog, both with pubs in Old Town.

Where to Stay in Old Town: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Old Town is a mix of luxury hotels, traditional B&Bs, budget hostels, and guest houses. Some of the best places to stay are:

  1. The Witchery by The Castle - A luxurious and comfortable boutique hotel.
  2. Old Town Hostel - A budget-friendly accommodation with comfortable beds and a friendly atmosphere.
  3. Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel - A modern hotel in the center of Old Town with many amenities, including a fitness center and spa.

What to Buy in Old Town: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Old Town offers a variety of shopping experiences, from high-end stores to local markets. Here are some of the best places to buy souvenirs and local products:

  1. Edinburgh Woolen Mill - A classic shop with a range of products from cashmere to tartan.
  2. Armstrong’s Vintage Emporium - A vintage clothing store with a vast collection of Scottish tweeds and other vintage items.
  3. Royal Mile Market - A weekly outdoor market with a wide range of stalls offering everything from handcrafted souvenirs to vintage clothing and local fudge.

Local Culture and Customs of Old Town

Old Town, like the rest of Scotland, has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is both interesting and unique. Here are some of the customs and traditions of Old Town:

  1. Tartan - Scotland’s national dress - a form of woven cloth with a pattern and unique blend of colors representing Scotland’s numerous clans.
  2. Ceilidhs – traditional Scottish social gathering involving folk music, dances, and storytelling.
  3. The accent and Scottish vernacular – Scottish people have a unique accent and vocabulary, so you may enjoy trying to understand some of them.

Best Time to Visit Old Town

The best time to visit Old Town is in the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are long. Old Town is a beautiful place to explore in autumn or early winter, with picturesque scenery and a vast range of amazing festivals to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Old Town

To make the most out of your trip to Old Town, here are some of the do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  1. Visit Edinburgh Castle - it’s worth it just for the panoramic views from its ramparts.
  2. Try haggis and other Scottish delicacies.
  3. Go on a ghost tour for a spine-chilling experience
  4. Learn about Scottish history and culture by visiting museums and historical places.

Don’t:

  1. Climb Calton Hill after dark - it’s a known trouble spot in the area.
  2. Cause nuisances for locals - Noisy tourists can be ostracized so it is essential to keep noise level in public spaces low.
  3. Wear a kilt if you are not Scottish - It’s a traditional dress and is generally worn for special occasions only.

Safety and Health

Safety in Old Town

Old Town is generally a safe and friendly place, but you should take precautions in busy areas, particularly at night. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded places, keep to well-lit streets if you are out late.

Health in Old Town

Edinburgh has a universal health care system, and all tourists are covered under it. There are several hospitals and medical centers in Old Town, and pharmacies can be found all over the city.

Getting to Old Town: Transportation Options and Logistics

Edinburgh is well connected to other parts of the UK by air, rail, and road. There are two airports nearby, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport, and Edinburgh Waverly Station is the closest railway station to Old Town.

Airports Near Old Town

  1. Edinburgh Airport is located just seven miles west of Old Town.
  2. Glasgow Airport is located 42 miles west of Old Town.

Bus Stations Near Old Town

  1. Edinburgh Bus Station is located near St. Andrew’s Square, which is just a short walk from Old Town.
  2. Other stations include the South St. Andrew’s Street Bus Station and the Edinburgh Coach Station at St. Andrew’s Square.

Other Options

You can also travel to Old Town by car and ferry. The city has excellent road links to the rest of the UK, and there are various ferry services that link Scotland with Northern Ireland.

How to Get Around Old Town

Old Town is a compact district, and most attractions are within walking distance. The city’s well-connected public transport system includes buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to navigate the city.

Where to Go Next from Old Town: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Old Town is just the beginning of what Scotland has to offer. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth exploring:

  1. New Town - located adjacent to Old Town, this district has amazing shopping and nightlife.
  2. Rosslyn Chapel - a historic chapel with beautiful carvings and sculptures, located 30 minutes from Old Town
  3. St. Andrews - a town famous for its golf courses, beaches, and medieval architecture, located 50 miles from Old Town.

Conclusion

Old Town in Edinburgh is a classic destination that cannot be missed during a trip to Scotland. Full of history, culture, and natural beauty, Old Town will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits it. From the top sights to hidden gems, this comprehensive guide will help you explore Old Town and make your trip one to remember.

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