Loganair flights to Edinburgh from £69*

Edinburgh is Scotland’s vibrant capital and its second-largest city. Nicknamed Auld Reekie, Edinburgh is famous for its striking architecture, picturesque appeal, fascinating historical sites, rich culture, and lively festivals. With an appealing blend of the ancient and the modern, Edinburgh boasts the iconic, over 900-year-old Edinburgh Castle, diverse museums and galleries, impressive monuments, the contemporary Scottish Parliament Building, royal residences, and much more. Book flights to Edinburgh with Loganair to discover the city’s dynamic appeal.

Walk the Royal Mile

Despite its name, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile stretches for just a bit over a modern mile, covering around one Scots mile, a unit of measurement last widely used in the 18th century. The attraction-filled route runs through Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the famous Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland.

Marvel at the splendid exterior of the mighty Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcano, before passing through its imposing gate to discover the many gems within. Marvel at the sparkly Honours of Scotland, AKA the Scottish Crown Jewels, and see the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, an ancient sacred symbol of the Scottish monarchy.

See the collection of armour and weapons in the stretching Great Hall, pay respects to the fallen at the Scottish National War Memorial, and soak up the serenity of St. Margaret’s Chapel, one of the oldest buildings in Scotland. Other castle highlights include the enormous cannon of Mons Meg, the National War Museum of Scotland, the Prisoners of War Museum and the small but moving cemetery for military dogs. Outside the castle, look out for the Witches’ Well, a memorial to all those condemned to death for witchcraft.

Call into the Scotch Whisky Experience for a few drams of Fire Water, question your perceptions of reality at the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and travel back in time at the 17th-century tenement house of Gladstone’s Land, filled with period furnishings and artefacts. Book tickets to descend underground, explore the subterranean streets known as the Real Mary King’s Close, and listen to spooky tales of hauntings and myths.

Peer down the steep medieval street of Advocates Close. Snap pictures of the Adam Smith monument, which honours one of the world’s greatest economists, and the unicorn-topped Mercat Cross, which shows the spot of the markets of old. Admire the handsome St. Giles Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece from the 14th century. You’ll find serene chapels, an impressive vaulted nave, hundreds of memorials, stunning stained glass, intricate architectural designs and plenty of religious symbolism. See the Heart of Midlothian, a mosaic at the site of the Old Tollbooth, once a prison and execution site.

Peek inside John Knox House, the oldest medieval building along the glorious Royal Mile, and listen to enchanting tales in the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Learn about Edinburgh’s working class from the past and present at the People’s Story Museum, dedicated to social history, and uncover more about the city’s past in the Museum of Edinburgh.

Shop for souvenirs and relax in charming cafes and traditional pubs at Cannongate; admire Cannongate Kirk and find the peaceful retreat of Dunbar’s Close, a lovely garden from the 17th century. See the interesting designs and art of the contemporary Scottish Parliament Building and explore the atmospheric White Horse Close before finally reaching the end of the Royal Mile at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Explore Other Edinburgh Attractions

Shop till you drop along the bustling Princes Street and admire the soaring 61-metre-high Scott Monument, a beautiful Victorian Gothic tribute to the eminent Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott. Stroll along the picture-perfect Victoria Street is often said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

Admire the extensive collection housed in the Scottish National Gallery and see images of famous Scottish faces at the National Portrait Gallery. See the 18th-century Georgian House, soak up history at Greyfriars Kirk and brave the eerie depths of the reputedly haunted Edinburgh Vaults.

Hike up the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat to soak up the sweeping city views and climb Calton Hill to see the National Monument of Scotland. Enjoy natural beauty in the Royal Botanic Garden and, on a hot summer’s day, head to the Meadows for sunbathing.

Take the kids to Edinburgh Zoo, the only place in the UK where you can see gorgeous giant pandas. Set on hilly slopes, the zoo offers terrific city views and is home to many creatures from around the planet.

Check out the vibe in Leith, a super cool neighbourhood in the north of the city. And don’t worry: You definitely don’t need to walk 500 miles to enjoy the birthplace of famous singing Scottish twins, The Proclaimers, and the scene of the 1990s cult classic, Trainspotting. Highlights of Leith include the Royal Yacht Britannia, the street food market of The Pitt and the unique artistic space of the Biscuit Factory. The area is also brimming with cool cafes, swanky bars and tantalising restaurants. Close by, the picturesque Dean Village alongside the Water of Leith is worth a wander.

Be wowed by the ornate splendour of the nearby Rosslyn Chapel, drive around an hour west to see the mythical Kelpies at Falkirk and enjoy seaside fun at Portobello Beach.

Enjoy Exciting Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh hosts many fabulous festivals and events throughout the year, including those dedicated to sports, science, film, literature, storytelling, music, and culture. Many people travel to Edinburgh from across the globe to experience its incredible festivities. The city is especially known for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Hogmanay. If you’re hoping to join the revelry, book tickets to Edinburgh well in advance to avoid disappointment.

For three weeks every August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival brings thousands of performances to the city from around the world with a combination of ticket-only and open-access events. An actual hive of creativity and artistic expression, performances occur everywhere, from pubs and clubs to marquees, underground tunnels and atmospheric churches.

Also in August, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo showcases amazing military bagpipe music and displays, features traditional outfits and outstanding choreography, and is accompanied by fireworks, video displays and plenty of rich traditions.

Ring in the New Year in style at Hogmanay in Edinburgh, complete with street parties, dancing, music, concerts, a festive procession, fireworks and the booming sound of cannon fire as the clock strikes midnight.

With so many amazing sights and experiences begging to be enjoyed, what are you waiting for? Check out Loganair’s flight deals to Edinburgh to keep it Scottish; enjoy Scottish refreshments, hospitality and humour onboard your flight with the UK’s largest domestic carrier. Book flights to Edinburgh today!