City break destinations are plentiful in the UK, with York, Bath, and Oxford dominating the top spots. But Britons should not overlook Edinburgh as an equally appealing destination to explore this autumn. Scotland’s capital has become a leading contender for urban escapes, boasting numerous attractions and heritage landmarks all within comfortable strolling distance.
Research from Workthere reveals Edinburgh is among Britain’s most pedestrian-friendly cities. A substantial proportion of workers—precisely one in six individuals—choose to walk to their jobs. In contrast to London and Liverpool, Edinburgh features an exceptional abundance of verdant public spaces, with locals positioned just 308m from green areas on average.
Excellent air quality further enhances conditions for walkers and cyclists alike, and with over 2,000 cycling paths available, Scotland’s capital presents perfect opportunities for two-wheeled adventures.
Navigate through the undulating Old Town, which entices visitors with delightful boutiques and coffee houses tucked into every corner.
Independent exploration proves straightforward, as numerous TripAdvisor contributors have noted, though travellers should prepare for challenging inclines.
One visitor commented: “Love the Old Town area. Lots to see and do. Some of the shops are on the touristy side while others are locally made items. There is a lovely park-like area in the middle of pubs where you can enjoy lunch on a nice day. The castle is up the hill and the area itself is fun to walk around.”
Another added: “What a lovely city – so much to see and do. Very manageable to walk around and everyone is so friendly. A definite must if going to Scotland.”
For those planning a visit and eager to experience as much of the city as possible, Edinburgh provides countless guided walking tours run by expert locals.
Tourists can embark on a fascinating journey through the subterranean vaults beneath the Old Town to uncover stories of poverty and hardship from 18th-century Edinburgh, alongside chilling tales from the city’s sinister past.
According to Tripadvisor, this walking tour ranks as a bestseller and remains budget-friendly at merely £20 per ticket for a one-hour guided experience.
The magnificent castle is another essential attraction. Those who take a walking tour of this legendary landmark will discover the shockingly violent history of the monarchs who once resided there.
The grim history fails to diminish the Old Town’s magnificence, as one Tripadvisor reviewer observed.
They described it as “one of the best old towns you could find in Europe”, adding: “We enjoyed walking around the old town. It’s got so much character that it almost seemed like a set in a movie. So much history that almost every building and street has a story.”
For those less drawn to Edinburgh’s historical aspects, the city serves as an appealing sanctuary for nature lovers.
Holyrood Park, home to the city’s dormant volcano, Arthur’s Seat, presents a demanding ascent but compensates with spectacular panoramic views.
Princes Street Gardens, strategically positioned close to the old town, delivers an excellent viewpoint from which to admire Edinburgh Castle. For those in need of a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, a tranquil stroll along the Water of Leith, surrounded by peaceful natural beauty, comes highly recommended.
According to Visit Scotland, some of the best walking spots for visitors in Edinburgh include:
- Edinburgh Castle – distance: 2.5 km; duration: 1 to 1.5 hours as part of the Old Town walk
- Calton Hill – distance: 1.75km; duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Arthur’s Seat – distance: 5.5km; duration: 1.5 hours
- Portobello Promenade Walk – Distance: 4.3km; duration: 1.5 hours
- Craiglockhart Hills – distance: 4.5 km; duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Braid Hills – distance: 4.5 km; duration: 1.5 hours
- Blackford Hill – distance: 4.25 km; duration: 1.5 hours
- Corstorphine Hill – distance: 4.5 km; duration: 1- 1.5 hours
- Water of Leith – distance: 20.5 km; duration: 7-8 hours
- Stockbridge and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – distance: 7.5km; duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Craigmillar Castle & Country Park – distance: 4km; duration: 1 hour