Edinburgh Scotland, UK Travel Guide
Major UK mobile providers include Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three. Virtual network operators like giffgaff and Lebara also have competitive rates. Purchase SIM cards at Edinburgh Airport, phone shops, and large supermarkets.
Wi-Fi is widely available and often free in hotels, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and public buildings. Look for network names or ask staff for passwords. '_Free_EDI_Wi-Fi' is available in parts of the central area.
English is the main language. Scottish accents vary. Locals generally adjust their speech for visitors.
A few Scottish phrases enrich your experience. Standard English greetings are universally used.
Do not hesitate to ask locals to repeat themselves if you struggle having a strong accent. Most Scots appreciate your effort to understand.
Understand typical operating times for services in Edinburgh.
Most shops open 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 5:00 PM/6:00 PM, Monday-Saturday. Many on Princes Street stay open later (7:00 PM-8:00 PM) on Thursdays. Sunday hours are typically 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Restaurants generally open for lunch (12:00 PM-2:00 PM) and dinner (5:00 PM-10:00 PM). Pubs typically open 11:00 AM/12:00 PM until 11:00 PM/midnight, with later weekend closings.
Banks generally open 9:00 AM/9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday; some branches have Saturday morning hours. ATMs are widely available outside banks and supermarkets.
Public holidays (Bank Holidays) mean reduced hours or services. Major holidays include New Year's Day, Good Friday, May Bank Holidays, December 25th, and Boxing Day.
Some smaller attractions or rural businesses may have limited hours or close during the low season (winter, outside of December).
Always confirm specific operating hours for attractions and businesses before your visit to Edinburgh.
Interacting respectfully with Edinburgh's culture.
Standard greetings like 'Hello,' 'Hi,' and 'Greetings/afternoon/evening' are universally accepted. Handshakes are common for formal introductions.
Casual dress suits most settings. Respectful attire is fine for religious sites. Fine dining or theatre might expect smart casual or more formal clothing.
Photographing public spaces and attractions is usually okay. Inside museums/galleries, check for 'photos not allowed' signs, especially near artworks. Flash photography is usually prohibited.
Be mindful discussing Scottish independence or other political issues. Avoid disrespectful comments in religious settings. Do not imitate Scottish accents; it appears mocking.
Interacting respectfully with Edinburgh's culture makes your visit better. Enjoy learning about local customs.
Edinburgh operates to improve accessibility for all travelers.
Newer buildings, major attractions, plus up-to-date public transport are generally accessible. Older parts of the city (Old Town cobblestones, narrow closes, steep hills) present challenges.
Many major attractions like the National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Scottish National Galleries have accessible entrances, lifts, and toilets. Edinburgh Airport is fully accessible.
Euan's Guide is an UK-based website with accessibility reviews by disabled people. Accessible Edinburgh provides local accessibility information. VisitScotland's website includes accessibility details.
Shopmobility Edinburgh has manual and powered wheelchairs or scooters for hire. Guide dogs are welcome in most public places. Some venues have induction loops for hearing aid users.
For specific accessibility needs, always contact attractions or service providers directly in advance. This guarantees arrangements for your visit.
