How Much Does Edinburgh Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Edinburgh is a city where historic grandeur meets significant costs, positioning it as one of the more expensive destinations in the United Kingdom. While typically more affordable than London, the city's popularity means a solo traveler should expect a daily budget ranging from $80 / £59 for a modest stay to $880 / £654 for high-end luxury. Prices are heavily influenced by the city's topography and its status as a global festival hub, which causes massive price spikes during the peak summer weeks. Visitors can find value in the compact nature of the Old Town and New Town, which are easily explored on foot, but attraction entry fees and dining costs require careful planning. During the milder months of May and September, temperatures typically hover between 15–20°C (59–68°F), offering a pleasant balance of manageable crowds and stable pricing.
Is Edinburgh expensive to visit?
Edinburgh is moderately expensive, with typical daily costs ranging from $80 / £59 to $880 / £654 depending on your travel style and the season.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Edinburgh
$80
per person /day
$237
per person /day
$880
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $240 | $711 | $2,641 |
| 5-Day Trip | $399 | $1,185 | $4,402 |
| 7-Day Trip | $559 | $1,660 | $6,163 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A buffer of 15% is recommended to account for the 12.5% discretionary service charge at most restaurants and the forthcoming 5% Visitor Levy on accommodation. Additionally, many international visitors will need to pay approximately $14 / £10 for the mandatory UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
How Does It Compare?
See how Edinburgh stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Edinburgh
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Typical cost for a main course and a soft drink in a casual pub or cafe (~$24 / £18). | $24 £18 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint) Expect to pay ~$8.83–$10 / £6.56–£7.43 in tourist-heavy areas like the Royal Mile or Rose Street. | $8.12 £6.03 |
| Cappuccino / Flat White Specialty coffee shops in Stockbridge or the West End often charge ~$5.53 / £4.11 (£4.10). | $5.56 £4.13 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Lothian Buses Adult Single Standard flat fare for any distance within the city zone. Contactless 'TapTapCap' is available. | $3.25 £2.41 |
| Lothian Buses Adult DAYticket Provides unlimited travel on all Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams within the City Zone for one day (~$8.12 / £6.03). | $8.12 £6.03 |
| Edinburgh Trams Airport Single Standard adult fare from the Airport to the City Centre or Leith. Returns cost ~$13 / £9.57 (£9.50). | $11 £7.94 |
| Airlink 100 Airport Express Return Open return ticket. The bus runs 24/7 and is often faster than the tram to the West End (~$12 / £8.55). | $12 £8.55 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Castle Rock Hostel - Dorm Bed Located right next to the castle. Standard dorm beds usually range from ~$21–$29 / £16–£22. | $24 £18 |
| The Resident Edinburgh - Double Room Mid-range 4-star hotel in the West End. Prices can spike significantly during festival season to over ~$412 / £306. | $191 £142 |
| Luxury 5-Star Hotel (Average Nightly) Includes high-end stays like The Balmoral or Waldorf Astoria. Expect ~$589+ / £437+ during August. | $574 £427 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle Standard Admission (Walk-up) Highest standard adult price. Booking online in advance saves ~$3.35 / £2.49 (£2.50). Includes access to the Honours of Scotland. | $33 £24 |
| Palace of Holyroodhouse (On-the-day) Includes the State Apartments and Holyrood Abbey. Tickets can be converted to a 1-year pass for free on-site. | $35 £26 |
| The Real Mary King's Close Guided Tour A 1-hour guided tour through underground 17th-century streets. Prices vary slightly by time slot (~$37 / £28). | $37 £28 |
| Scotch Whisky Experience - Silver Tour Includes a barrel ride, guided tasting, and a view of the world's largest whisky collection. | $31 £23 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape ranges from casual chip shops and historic pubs to Michelin-starred establishments, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costing $24 / £18. A pint of domestic draft beer averages $8.12 / £6.03, though this can rise to over $9.42 / £6.99 in high-traffic tourist zones like the Royal Mile. Most sit-down venues automatically apply a 12.5% discretionary service charge, which should be factored into the final bill.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Oink
$8.8–$13 / £6.54–£9.55Victoria Street / Royal Mile · Local chain
Perfect for a quick, hot lunch; get the sage and onion stuffing and apple sauce.
Mosque Kitchen
$9.49–$15 / £7.04–£11Old Town · Local chain
Legendary for huge portions of authentic curry at student-friendly prices (~$9.42 / £6.99).
The Piemaker
$3.39–$7.45 / £2.52–£5.53South Bridge · Bakery
Great for a savory snack on the go; try the Haggis pie for a true Scottish experience.
Ting Thai Caravan
$15–$22 / £11–£16Teviot Place · Street food area
High-quality Thai street food; it’s usually packed, so be prepared to queue for ~15–20 minutes.
Social Bite
$6.77–$12 / £5.03–£9.05Rose Street / City Centre · Local chain
A social enterprise where profits go to charity; excellent fresh sandwiches and soup.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Edinburgh is a highly walkable city, though the hilly terrain of the Old Town may require the use of the efficient Lothian Buses network, where a single adult fare is $3.25 / £2.41. For those planning multiple journeys, the Adult DAYticket at $8.12 / £6.03 provides unlimited travel across buses and trams within the city zone. The Airlink 100 Express is a reliable airport connection, costing $12 / £8.55 for an open return, often proving faster than the tram for those staying in the West End.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging costs vary wildly by neighborhood and season, with dorm beds at the centrally located Castle Rock Hostel starting around $24 / £18. Mid-range travelers can expect to pay approximately $191 / £142 for a double room at hotels like The Resident Edinburgh, while luxury stays at The Balmoral or Waldorf Astoria average $574 / £427 per night. During the August festival season, these prices frequently double or triple, making early booking essential.
Accommodation Budget in Edinburgh
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Book Edinburgh Castle tickets online in advance to save approximately $3.35 / £2.49 compared to the $33 / £24 walk-up price.
- 2 Use the 'TapTapCap' contactless payment system on Lothian Buses to automatically benefit from daily fare caps without buying a paper ticket.
- 3 Convert a standard ticket at the Palace of Holyroodhouse into a 1-year pass for free on-site to enjoy return visits at no extra cost.
- 4 Eat lunch at the Mosque Kitchen in the Old Town for some of the city's most affordable and filling curry dishes.
- 5 Opt for the Airlink 100 Express return ticket at $12 / £8.55 instead of taking multiple taxis to and from the airport.
- 6 Visit The Piemaker on South Bridge for local savory pastries that serve as a quick, inexpensive meal for under $5.89 / £4.37.
- 7 Check for 'Preview' tickets during the first week of the Fringe Festival for significantly cheaper access to world-class performances.
- 8 Look for the Social Bite cafes, where high-quality sandwiches and coffee support local social causes at competitive prices.
- 9 Utilize the free drinking water fountains located along the Royal Mile and in major parks to avoid the plastic bag charge and bottled water costs.
- 10 Shop for snacks and essentials at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi found just outside the immediate city center to avoid tourist-tier pricing.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Aug, Dec
+50-100%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-30-40%
May, Jun, Sep
August is extremely expensive due to the Fringe Festival; book 6+ months in advance. May and September offer ~15–20°C (59–68°F) weather with half the crowds.
Events to Watch
- ● Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August): +100% hotels
- ● Hogmanay (Dec 30 - Jan 1): Massive price spikes and sold-out accommodation
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Hike to the summit of Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of the city and the Firth of Forth.
- 2 Explore the extensive galleries of the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street.
- 3 Walk up Calton Hill to see the National Monument and the Nelson Monument at sunset.
- 4 Stroll through the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the grave of the loyal dog, Bobby.
- 5 Visit the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound to see masterpieces by Titian and Rembrandt.
- 6 Wander through the picturesque Dean Village and follow the Water of Leith Walkway toward Stockbridge.
- 7 Tour the modern Scottish Parliament Building to learn about the country's political history.
- 8 Visit St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile to admire its stunning crown steeple and stained glass.
- 9 Explore the outdoor grounds and arboretum of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
- 10 Walk the full length of the Royal Mile from the Castle to the Palace to soak in the medieval architecture.
- 11 Visit the Museum on the Mound to see a million pounds in cash and learn about the history of banking.
- 12 Explore the Writers' Museum in Lady Stair's Close, dedicated to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Afternoon Tea at The Witchery
Unrivaled gothic atmosphere right next to the Castle. The tea is legendary for its quality (~$81 / £60).
Johnnie Walker Princes Street - Journey of Flavour
A high-tech, immersive 90-minute tour with personalized cocktails and stunning rooftop views (~$41 / £30).
Exclusive Guided Tour at Holyrood Palace
Access the State Apartments when the palace is closed to the public; includes a private guide and guidebook (~$74 / £55).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Edinburgh
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Edinburgh and what they cost
Loch Ness & The Highlands
$107 / £79 by bus
$27 / £20
$156 / £116
Glasgow
$41 / £30 by train
Free
$102 / £75
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
British Pound (GBP)
1 £ ≈ 1.35 $
No
Everywhere including street food and buses. Many small vendors prefer contactless (Apple/Google Pay).
10–12.5% is standard in restaurants if not already included. Not expected in pubs unless ordering food. Round up for taxis by ~$1.35–$2.71 / £1.01–£2.01.
Avoid 'EuroNet' ATMs which charge high fees. Use bank-owned ATMs (RBS, Bank of Scotland) for free withdrawals. Choose 'Decline Conversion' for better rates.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.24 for 1GB (Holafly) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $20–$27 / £15–£20 for 20GB (EE or Vodafone at local shops)
WiFi: Excellent in cafes, hotels, and on all Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.
Use a Holafly or Airalo eSIM for unlimited data if staying over 3 days, otherwise rely on the excellent free public wifi.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Edinburgh.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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