Edinburgh Travel Guide

Ireland's Independent Travel Guide to Edinburgh

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Family Attractions

Edinburgh Zoo

No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without spending some time at the world-renowned Edinburgh Zoo where tourists can marvel over more than 1,000 different species of wildlife and birdlife.

Although just walking through the zoo with its hundreds of rare and endangered animals (it boasts the United Kingdom’s only koala bears) will amaze and delight any visitor, must-see attractions include the Penguin Parade featuring the gregarious gentoo and the regal king penguins as well as the free Hilltop Safari rides, which provide an information-filled introduction to the entire facility. The Lion Enclosure with its Asian lions is another family favourite, as is the intriguing Magic Forest, which offers tantalising glimpses of such wonderful creatures as golden-headed lion tamarins and eastern pygmy marmosets.

Further first-class attractions include the Budongo Trail, which introduces visitors to the zoo’s chimpanzees, and the Living Links exhibition, which treats tourists to up-close-and-personal visits with a fascinating family of Capuchin monkeys. For ornothologically inclined visitors, the Rainbow Landings lorikeet experience is a must, as are the Animal Antics shows, which feature the daredevil escapades of turkey vultures and tawny owls.

A visit to the Edinburgh Zoo is simply a must for the whole family.

How to get there

134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh
Served by Edinburgh’s Hop-on Hop-off Tour Bus

Accommodation

Click here to find Hotels near Edinburgh Zoo

The Scottish Parliament Building

Completed in 2004, Scotland’s cutting-edge Parliament building rests at the foot of Edinburgh’s renowned Royal Mile in front of the stunning Holyrood Park and Salisbury Crags. Designed by the Catalan architect Enric Miralles and created from a combination of steel, oak, and granite, the sophisticated building continues to be heralded as among the most impressive designs in the UK today.

Obtaining inspiration from the encompassing landscape, the flower works of art by Charles Rennie Mackintosh as well as the upturned boats around the seashore, Enric Miralles created a design which he proclaimed as a building “growing out of the land”.

Walking guided tours of the Scottish Parliament Building are available by simply getting in contact with Visitor Services in advance. The one hour guided tour normally takes you from the Main Hall to the Garden Lobby, and towards the floor of the Chamber to check out the location where the MSPs meet to debate.

Further information is available at the official Scottish Parliament Website

Camera Obscura Edinburgh

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions stands out as one of the oldest tourist attractions in Edinburgh. It was built in 1853 and is located just behind Edinburgh Castle.

On your visit to Camera Obscura you can explore 360 º Panoramas and 3D Edinburgh, observe the city from the rooftop telescopes, discover the history associated with the city in 3D, and have some fun with optical illusions which are larger than life!

More information can be found at the Official Camera Obscura Website

How to get there

Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Served by Edinburgh’s Hop-on Hop-off Tour Bus

Opening Times and Prices

See Camera Obscura website for current opening times and prices

Accommodation

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Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) is located in Turnhouse, a western suburb of Edinburgh and 8 miles from the city centre. It is the larget airport in Scotland, catering to over 9 million visitors a year. Irish airlines Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Aer Arann (in conjunction with Aer Lingus) offer flights from Dublin, Cork, Galway, Shannon and Knock (Ireland West) to Edinburgh Airport. Check out our guide on Getting from Ireland to Edinburgh by Plane

Click on the links below to find the information you need on Edinburgh Airport.

Edinburgh Airport Facilities

Car Hire at Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport Facilities

Cash machines

Cash machines (ATMs) are dispersed throughout the terminal building, before and after airport security control. All ATMs accept valid Irish bank and building society cards but check with your bank before your travels to ensure your card will be accepted in Scotland. Cash Machines at the airport also accept Visa, Mastercard and all other major credit cards.

Currency Exchange

Scotland’s national currency is the Pound (£). Scotland issue their own Scottish notes and coins, but there is also no problem in using English notes and coins in during your visit in Scotland. Likewise, Scottish notes are accepted in all other parts of the UK. There are exchange bureau desks in Edinburgh Airport, but it’s probably best and cheaper to get some UK pounds (£) in Ireland before you leave. An Post currently offer a 0% commission rate on UK currency conversions.

It’s also possible to use your Bank Card in airport ATMs to withdraw UK Pounds. Please check with your bank first as to what exchange rate you will be charged, but in most cases it works out cheaper than the rate being offered by the airport exchange bureaus.

Baby Changing

On arrival at Edinburgh airport, baby changing facilities are situated in the baggage reclaim hall.  When leaving Edinburgh Airport, baby changing facilities are located before entering security on the first floor beside WH Smith book store and at Gate 11 after going through security.

 

Information Centre

The VisitScotland tourist information Centre is located in the East terminal and provides information on local events and places of interest.

Food & Drink

There are a number of cafes, restaurants and bars at Edinburgh Airport where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick snack.

Eating Options Before Security
Costa – Enjoy a great range of authentic coffee drinks, teas and hot chocolate. Food offerings include paninis, sandwiches and wraps.

M&S Simply Food – M&S Simply Food brings you delicious choice and great quality food.

Starbucks – offers a range of coffee and quick eats that customers can enjoy in store and on the go.

Eating Options After Security
Caffé Nero – European Style Coffee House, serving authentic Italian food products.

Costa – Enjoy a great range of authentic coffee drinks, teas and hot chocolate. Food offerings include paninis, sandwiches and wraps.

EAT – Sandwich, soup and coffee shop.

Fringe Bar & Eating Place – Serving beers, wines and spirits plus a large selection of hot and cold food.

The Gathering Deli Café & Takeaway – Offers a wide range of filled croissants, baguettes and hoagie rolls, fresh salads and a selection of 100% organic, Fairtrade coffees.

The Gathering Restaurant & Lounge – Offers a menu based on fresh, local ingredients and traditional dishes.

Krispy Kreme –  serve a range of premium doughnuts and coffee, freshly made everyday.

WHSmith Café – Attached to the WHSmith store near Gate 16 serving coffee, sandwiches, cakes and light bites.

Wetherspoons – Child Friendly Pub serving a choice of classic pub food.

YO! Sushi – Famous conveyor belt Sushi Bar serving Japanese inspired food.

Shops

There are a large range of shops at Edinburgh Airport, including a good size Duty Free shop located after security in the departure area.

Shops before security

WHSmith – Selling books, newspapers, magazines along with drink and snacks.

Shops after security

Accessorize – Jewellery, handbags, beachwear and footwear

AeroSpa – covers all your quick beauty fix needs; manicure, gel polish, lashes and eye treatments, as well as the all important holiday pedicure.

Boss – The world renowned designer brings together the latest collections from their BOSS Menswear and BOSS Green labels for men.

Brora – The airport store offers the best of Brora’s Scottish knitwear and accessories for women, men and children.

Dixons Travel – Selling travel related gadgets including the latest cameras, laptops, mp3 players and more.

Fat Face – offer a range of clothes and accessories for women and men, all of which reflect the happy and healthy lifestyle of their customers.

JD – is a leading specialist retailer of multiple fashionable branded and own brand sports and casual wear.

Jo Malone London – offers a unique collection of colognes, bath oils, body lotions, shower gels and candles.

Kurt Geiger – One of the UK’s premier retailer of luxury shoes and accessories; KG by Kurt Geiger, Carvela, Jimmy Choo, UGG, Sergio Rossi, DKNY, Nine West and many more designer brands.

MAC – is a leading professional makeup authority who celebrates diversity and individuality, while remaining at the forefront of fashion trendsetting.

Michael Kors – is a world-renowned designer of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear clothing.

NEXT – strives to provide beautifully designed products which are exciting but always excellent quality, for men, women and kids.

Superdrug– Health and beauty products.

The Watch Collection – Large number of designer watched on offer.

Weekend Max Mara – is the “life-style” line by Max Mara Group.

WHSmith – Selling books, newspapers, magazines along with drink and snacks.

World Duty Free – Large number of products on offer tax free.

Internet Access

Edinburgh Airport offers two free hours of internet access per day and per device, whether on a mobile phone, laptop or tablet. Simply open any web page on your web browser. You’ll be redirected to the login page where you can log in if you have an account or otherwise set up an account.

 

Storage Facilities

A left baggage desk is conveniently located in the East Terminal. It is open seven days a week from 06:00 to 22:00. The price for each item stored is £8.00 – £10.00 per day (depending on suitcase size) and £20 per day for over-sized items such as golf bags, bikes etc.

VIP Lounges

The Aspire and N01 Airport Lounges are available to all travelers, whichever airline you’re flying with.  The exclusive lounges are located in the departure lounge and can only be used by departing passengers.  Benefits on offer include, complimentary alcoholic, soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks along with a selection of newspapers and magazines provided in comfortable surroundings.  Please note their is a charge for this service – check the Edinburgh Airport website for more information.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is not permitted within the terminal buildings of Edinburgh Airport and is only allowed in designated areas outside the building.

Car hire at Edinburgh Airport

Click here for information on how to book or collect a hire car at Edinburgh Airport.

More information can be found at www.edinburghairport.com

Our Dynamic Earth

Our Dynamic Earth explains the history of the earth using interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the scientific forces that shaped and transformed the planet. From the instant you arrive at the striking building, which consists of a steel tent-like membrane stretched over a steel base structure; it is clear that you are in for an unforgettable technological journey.

After entering, board a time machine that ushers you back 15,000 million years while historical events like the age of the dinosaurs and the dawn of man pass before your eyes. Upon exiting the time machine, visit the Restless Earth–a volcanic landscape where the earth shakes as the smell of smoke and sulphur fills the room. For more adventures, take a 4D virtual helicopter on a thrilling ride through many of the earth’s diverse ecosystems, such as the Arctic and a tropical rainforest.

After fully exploring the earth’s above-ground attractions, dive beneath the sea in a submarine for a trip through the planet’s underwater environment where various aquatic landscapes can be viewed through the submarine’s portholes. Once you emerge from the ocean, finish your journey in a state-of-the-art digital planetarium show that showcases far-off galaxies and gives you a close-up view of the stars.

How to get there

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Served by Edinburgh’s Hop-on Hop-off Tour Bus

Accommodation

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