Tourist Information

It comes as no surprise just how many people search for Edinburgh tourist information considering it's voted as UK's most desirable city to live and it's always been a popular place to visit. It should be noted that this city gets packed for New Year's Day as well as throughout August and September when all the festivals take place. If you are travelling during these times, plan in advance!

Like most of Scotland, Edinburgh offers a very pleasant temperate maritime climate. Summers are moderate with average temperatures around 18°C, boasting plenty of sunshine while winters are mild, rarely falling below freezing. Due to the city's location between hills and the coast, you can expect strong winds at times and precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year.

Transportation tourist information and maps are easiest understood when you are aware that Edinburgh is divided into seven different districts being Old Town, New Town, Stockbridge and Cannonmills, Leith, Edinburgh East, Edinburgh South and Edinburgh West. Most major attractions are in New Town and Old Town and are within walking distance of one another. The sidewalks of this city are full of life and easy to navigate around, even for a first time visitor.

Essentials	Restaurants
Shopping	Map

If you are not up for walking and are more interested in tourist information regarding public transportation, you should know that the city has not one but two main bus companies but it must be noted that tickets are not interchangeable. Lothian and First are these lines; Lothian even offers sightseeing busses. There is also one tram that is currently being built to run east and west. It is estimated to be finished in 2012 and will make stops at the train stations, the airport and rugby station.

Although Gaelic is spoken by many people in Scotland, you'll find that the majority of residents in Edinburgh speak English. Currency here is pound sterling, typically referred to as quid. Some major attractions will accept euro as well. Travellers cheques and currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, Edinburgh airport , city banks, Waverly Station, Princess Mall, Fraser's Department Store , travel agencies and post offices.

If you are interested in safety tourist information, Edinburgh is safe but there are a few places that should be avoided at night including Calton Hill, Dalry Road, Lothian Road, Princess Street, Rose Street and the red-light district from Leith Links to Salamander Street. If you have an emergency, call 999.