All the rumors are true, yes!

This summer we are opening doors for you at the Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate location! 🏰

The long-awaited return was made possible through your support and demand and we are so excited to be back!

If you have not yet visited the beautiful Edinburgh this is the perfect opportunity to plan your trip for Summer 2024.

In this article, we will share 7 compelling reasons to visit Edinburgh – a city of captivating contrasts nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, where ancient history meets contemporary charm.

Let’s get into it 💫

Historic Marvels

We first begin our journey at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe as its roots can be traced back to the Iron Age – for centuries it served as a royal palace, a military stronghold, and even a prison. 

Photo Credits: Historic UK

Continue your trip by meandering down the Royal Mile, a living testament to medieval and Renaissance architecture, and dive into the city’s rich heritage through cobblestone streets that whisper stories of centuries past.

Natural Beauty and Adventure

Scotland is famous for its many picturesque landscapes – nature’s wonders that tell many stories from the past. What’s more ancient than a volcano? Arthur’s Seat is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park.

Photo Credits: Edinburgh Tourist

The hike to Arthur’s Seat takes around 1hr and 40 minutes but the panoramic view and the magnitude of history will last you for a lifetime. A tip for adventurous climbers reading this – there’s a disused quarry you can climb just on the west-facing side of the hill that has become quite popular in the community. 

Quirky Delights

The oldest tourist attraction in Edinburgh, opened in 1835 is the perfect place to spend 1hr and 40 minutes on a rainy day. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offer over 100 interactive exhibits to challenge your perceptions. Make sure to book your tickets in advance online – they usually have discounts!

Photo Credits: Visit Scotland

If the weather permits and you’re a fan of scary and haunted history you must unearth the city’s underground secrets at The Real Mary King’s Close – a street in Edinburgh sealed off from the world, leaving all the people suffering from the bubonic plague trapped beneath, and as such is home to many ghost sightings. 

Cultural Extravaganza

There are twelve different festivals every year in Edinburgh, half of which are celebrated during July and August, making a Summer trip to Edinburgh a bucket list entry. The most famous festival though is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe which has become a world-leading celebration of arts and culture. 

Photo Credits:  ©Look / Johaentges, Karl

It has been surpassed only by the Olympics and the World Cup in terms of global ticketed events – every year upwards of three million people come to Edinburgh during the month-long festival and witness the best performance arts from all around the world. 

Ahoy Captain!

Nicknames as Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘Floating Palace’ The Royal Yacht Britannia is an important part of royal history as being the last royal yacht of the British monarchy. Decommissioned in 1997 Britannia is now a five-star visitor attraction and a must-see place to visit in Edinburgh. 

Photo Credits: Edinburgh.org

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and no-strings day out in Edinburgh, you can visit Portobello Beach, a charming seaside suburb a few miles from Edinburgh’s city centre. 

Captivating Scenery

You can’t visit Edinburgh and not admire the beauty of the Scott Monument. This Victorian Gothic monument is not only a popular spot for tourists but one of the most dangerous in the UK for car crashes (after Buckingham Palace and Brighton Pier). 

Photo Credits: Expedia

Why? Well, it’s easy to get distracted by the magnitude of this sight and take your eyes off the road. So if you must see it, please do so on foot. Make sure to dress warm and ready for rain and take a scenic walk along the Water of Leith – a walkway that runs along the Edinburgh River. 

Whisky-infused Magic

There is no definite answer as to who invented whisky first, Scots or Irish, but the fact is that whisky has been distilled in Scotland for hundreds of years. Whether it was Christian missionary monks or Highland farmers it doesn’t matter. What matters is that this magical potion is now a national drink of Scotland and tourist attractions are built around it. 

Photo Credits: Johnnie Walker 

Whether you’re a whisky fan or not, and have £30 make sure to stop by at the Johnnie Walker Princes Street. This five-star experience goes beyond expectations with interactive projections, live performances and three cocktails specially made to match your flavour profile. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

With a myriad of experiences awaiting every type of traveller, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable journey through time, taste, and the heart of Scotland’s enchanting capital.

Whilst we get our ducks in a row, you can too – bookings for stays at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate this summer are now open 👐

And if you’re looking for the best way to reach Edinburgh, look no further than Busbud for the best travel options for trains and buses. Safestay guests have a 10% discount on their first ticket booked with Busbud. All you need to do is log in to your Safestay account to view the offer and get your tickets here.

Keep an eye out for exclusive Edinburgh-related content in the coming months and remember to sign up on our website to get 25% off your stay 💥

*the 25% discount offer is valid until 31.01.2024