When to Visit - Arts and Events

Edinburgh is known and loved for many things: history, culture, architecture, seafood, cafe-bars, cobbled streets and enchanting, atmospheric weather conditions. However, there are a few things for which the city is not only recognised but celebrated throughout the world. It was the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and is now home to many gatherings of the Sherlock Holmes Society and part of any avid fan's pilgrimage.

In the last two weeks of August and the beginning of September, the Edinburgh International Festival takes place in a large variety of city venues, catering for all interests from comedy to serious theatre, street entertainers to full orchestras. This is the busiest time of year, attracting thousands of international visitors.

Edinburgh Dining

There are many culinary masterpieces originating from or associated with Scotland, all of which can be enjoyed in the nation's capital city. Fine Scottish salmon, melt-in-the-mouth Aberdeen Angus beef, fresh sea fish, all-butter shortbread and the great classic, haggis, are all at their best in Edinburgh.

A fabulous choice of sophisticated restaurants, cafes, bars and traditional pubs offers an enormous variety of cuisine ranging from the beefburger to the gourmet meal. The traditional British fast-food supper, fish and chips, is probably better here than anywhere else. Firm, sweet cod or haddock fillets, golden, crispy batter and perfectly fried, thickly cut chips make the old favourite a triumph of culinary simplicity.

Edinburgh Tipping Advice

Tipping in the United Kingdom is very much at your own discretion. If the service is good, then it is considered good practice to tip. The amount is up to you, but around 10% tends to be standard.

Value for Money Sightseeing

The Edinburgh entertainment-card provides discounts at over 30 of Edinburgh's top tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.