Premier Inn Edinburgh A7 🌆 Dalkeith stay

On this October trip, you’ll enjoy the invigorating autumn light, golden-yellow foliage in the parks, and—compared to summer—fewer crowds. Don’t forget to pack a warm jacket and a raincoat. Generally speaking, the longest days are from May through September, and August can get particularly crowded due to festivals, but October offers the perfect combination of atmosphere and a peaceful cityscape.

For most tourists, Edinburgh Castle tops the list of attractions, followed by a stroll along the Royal Mile, which runs between the castle and Holyrood Palace. A climb up Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park rounds out the tour of these three classic attractions. On clear days, the view from there takes in the entire city all the way to the Firth of Forth.

It will take about two or three days to see the main sights. On the first day, the hotel recommends visiting the castle and the Old Town; on the second, the New Town and one or two museums; and on the third day, you can take a trip to Arthur's Seat, Loch Linnhe, or go on a day trip.

In terms of scenery, Edinburgh generally outshines Glasgow thanks to its castle, perched on a volcanic rock, its medieval Old Town, and its Georgian New Town, built in the Georgian style (all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Glasgow, in turn, attracts visitors with its Victorian architecture and street art, and also boasts a livelier music scene. For a short romantic getaway, Edinburgh’s panoramic views and the city centre—which can be explored on foot—are generally the better choice.

It depends on what you’re looking for. Edinburgh is a small, very green city that’s so compact it’s easy to explore on foot; plus, even in the city centre, there are magnificent views. London, on the other hand, boasts a large number of museums and restaurants, as well as a much more vibrant nightlife. Many travellers who want to immerse themselves in history, enjoy views from the hills, and spend a relaxing weekend find Edinburgh more appealing of the two cities.