Car Rental Edinburgh

Parking in Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Waverley Station Car Park, Apcoa (EH1 1BB) is right next to the railway station, with over 500 spaces and easy access by lift. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Scottish National Gallery are a short walk away.
• Q-PARK OMNI (EH1 3AN) is located beneath the OMNi Centre with 1,000 spaces, close to Calton Hill and the Edinburgh Playhouse.
• Nicolson Square Car Park (EH8 9BX) is a smaller car park near Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. The National Museum of Scotland is only six minutes away.

Key roads in Edinburgh

• M8 highway heading westconnects Edinburgh to Glasgow.
• A720 city bypass offers the easiest access to central Edinburgh, although beware that the Sheriffhall traffic circle can become quite jammed.
• A90/M90 connects Edinburgh to Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen.

How to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow

It takes 80 minutes to drive the 47 miles from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

1. Leave the car rental car park and get on M8 west from Queen's Drive, A701 and The City of Edinburgh Bypass/A720.
2. Follow M8 for 38.5 miles (approx. 40 minutes)
3. Exit at junction 16.

How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is just a two-hour drive from Edinburgh.

1. Just get on M8 from A1, Canongate, West Approach Rd and A71.
2. Follow M8 to A898 for 53miles (approx. 54 minutes).
3. Take A82 to your destination in Argyll and Bute Council.

Best hotels in Edinburgh

Fingal

Alexandra Dock, Edinburgh EH6 7DX

A former Northern Lighthouse Board ship, this floating hotel anchored on the historic port of Leith is the perfect combination of glamour and craftmanship. Relax in a five-star cabin, gaze across the vibrant waterfront from the panoramic decking area or party in style in the ballroom.

The Balmoral

1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

Located in the heart of Edinburgh and only a 25-minute drive from the airport, this prestigious hotel offers Michelin-starred dining, individually designed rooms and suites with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. Its indoor pool and spa make it the perfect urban retreat.

The Witchery by the Castle

352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF

At the gates of Edinburgh Castle you will find this gothic-themed hotel, blended in amongst the city’s baroque scene. Choose from one of nine unique suites, with spectacular decor, large oak beds and free-standing silver baths

Best restaurants in Edinburgh

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

9 & 12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN

Locals and tourists rave about how good the food is at this restaurant on The Mound. It serves Scottish local food, specializing in mashed potatoes with nine different options to choose from.

Gordon's Trattoria

231 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PE

Hearty Italian cuisine with a Scottish twist. A warm, friendly setting that also caters for vegans and has gluten free options.

New Chapter

18 Eyre Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5EP

Contemporary dishes with European influences served in a cozy atmosphere. Experience a new culinary chapter in the New Town.

Best things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Watching over the city is one of oldest fortresses in Europe, home to many royal personalities over the centuries. Discover the rich history encapsulated in the castle’s walls, made by characters like James IV and Margaret Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and many more. Explore the Great Hall, its displays of medieval weapons and armor, then take a quiet reflection moment in St Margaret’s Chapel – Edinburgh’s oldest building. Don’t forget to visit the Crown Room, where you will see The Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest Crown Jewels.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR

Spend some time in the company of delightful pieces of contemporary art. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is free to enter, but visits must be pre-booked. The gallery has parks, shops and cafes and contains two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two. Both buildings feature impressive collections and are home to works by Matisse, Picasso, Vuillard, Dada and many Scottish artists, along with The Stairwell Project by Richard Wright and much more.

Dean Village

Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY

If you want to experience some tranquility away from the busy city, take a stroll along the water of Leith in this hidden oasis situated a few minutes away from Princess Street. You will find the Dean Bridge with picturesque views of the 19^th century homes and traces of the milling industry, such as mill stones and carved stone plaques featuring baked bread and pies.