Book cheap flights to Edinburgh

Summer (June – August) in Edinburgh offers the best weather, but this is the peak tourist season, and the period in which the Edinburgh International Festival takes place. This will mean more crowds and higher prices in terms of accommodation. It would be best to book well in advance if you choose to go during this period. For the best accommodation rates, visit this destination during the winter period (November – March). Make sure to pack plenty of heavy winter wear. For low hotel rates and less chilly temperatures, visit during the months of April and May. Let Travelstart help arrange your trip to Edinburgh for an unforgettable holiday experience.

South African passport holders will need to obtain a UK Visa for Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland. See this step-by-step guide on how to apply for your UK visa.

The South African High Commission to the UK is situated in London:

Address: South Africa House, 9 Duncannon Street, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DP

Phone: 044 20 7451 7299

For health insurance, you will need to find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between South Africa and the UK. You should also make sure you have a policy that covers you for the worst possible incidents, such as emergency flights home.

Lothian Road, Dalry Road, Rose Street, the western end of Princes Street and the junction with Shandwick Place and Queensferry Street can get dangerous late on Friday and Saturday nights after pubs close. Calton Hill gives you great views during the day, but should be avoided at night. The area between Salamander Street and Leith Links in Leith is a red-light district, which women should avoid walking through alone.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Edinburgh. You could enjoy a stay in the sophisticated Georgian townhouses, settle in at traditional bed and breakfast rentals in the luscious Victorian areas or stick to your budget with the lively hostels in the alleyways of Old Town.

Establishments to choose from include the 5-star G&V Royal Mile Hotel and the 4-star Salisbury Hotel. If you’d rather spend your holiday funds on something else, consider a stay at Budget Backpackers. Depending on how much you’re willing to pay for accommodation in Edinburgh, you could pay as little as under 12 British Pound to as much as 200 British Pound.

The main transport options in Edinburgh are the Lothian Buses and the Edinburgh Trams. Both services can get you from the airport to your chosen accommodation and around the city. There are various ticket plans for using the trams and buses, but for longer stays we recommend you get a Ridacard, which will get you discounted rates.

If you would rather take a taxi, the best service to use would be the black City Cabs, which offer a reliable service at affordable rates and accommodate disabled passengers.

If your hotel room is near the city centre, walking will save you time and money and help you skip all the traffic.

Hiring a car might give you the freedom to travel as you wish, but you will have to be prepared to invest time in finding parking.