University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh showing heritage architecture and heritage elements
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements
University of Edinburgh


The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

Explore the campuses of the University of Edinburgh and soak up the academic atmosphere in its museums and galleries. Sights such as the quad of the Georgian Old College and the Gothic towers of New College on the Mound are iconic parts of the cityscape.

Visit the university, which was established in 1583 and has been at the cutting edge of academia ever since. The Higgs boson particle, Dolly the Sheep and the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle all have their origins here in its halls.

Learn about niche areas of study in the university's museums. See Renaissance flutes and a Nepali bowed lute in the Musical Instrument Museum or examine life masks in the Anatomical Museum, both of which have limited opening hours. The Natural History Collections and the Cockburn Geological Museum present research from their respective departments and are available for public viewing by appointment.

The Talbot Rice Gallery, the university's main gallery, features a permanent collection of contemporary art as well as visiting exhibitions. Discover the artists of the future at rooms displaying the work of students at Edinburgh College of Art. Works from across different disciplines are regularly presented for the public in the college's maze of halls and corridors.

Ponder life's big questions with intellectuals at one of the university's public lectures. Researchers and academics share or debate their thoughts in venues including George Square Lecture Theatre. Topics are wide ranging, covering anything from sustainable development to the life of women under the Romans.

Visit the University of Edinburgh in August and experience the unique atmosphere of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A month of comedy and art, with hundreds of performers taking over the city, uses the student union buildings to stage shows. Laugh for hours at some of the best comedians in the country or experiment with daring theatre and acrobatics.

The University of Edinburgh is spread over different campuses linked by the Lothian Buses network. Book in advance for some of the museums and lectures since demand is great.

Tours & day trips

See all 456 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 169 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 67 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 19 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 19 activities

Popular places to visit


Top University of Edinburgh Hotel Deals

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Stay Central

Stay Central

3 out of 5
139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay Central
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

4 out of 5
43 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near University of Edinburgh

While visiting the University of Edinburgh, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene with various entertainment options, including captivating theatre performances and art exhibitions. Take a leisurely evening stroll through the picturesque campus and surrounding areas, where you can soak in the stunning architecture and lively atmosphere, especially during local festivals. This enchanting blend of history and culture makes for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

The Hub is a charming store located 644m from the University of Edinburgh, perfect for souvenirs. Tron Kirk, also 644m away, offers a lively market atmosphere. Tartan Weaving Mill, a famous shop 805m from the university, showcases local crafts and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in the exhilarating sports atmosphere, perfect for fans. Queen's Hall offers a delightful experience with its captivating music concerts, while Meadowbank Stadium provides an energetic setting for various sports events, both enhancing your wellness journey through community and activity.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, located 3.2km from the University, where you can engage in exciting team battles. Alternatively, head to Midlothian Ski Centre, 1.4km away, for skiing adventures amid stunning landscapes, or enjoy the adrenaline at Bedlam Paintball, 1.6km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the University of Edinburgh. Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for thrilling arcade adventures, or unwind at Greyfriar's Bobby for a cosy pub atmosphere. For a touch of culture, enjoy a performance at the King's Theatre, perfect for a romantic evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near University of Edinburgh

During your visit to the University of Edinburgh, immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of culture and history, exploring iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the university itself. The area is replete with fascinating museums, stunning monuments, and enchanting castles, ensuring a delightful experience for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Discover the vibrant city atmosphere and create unforgettable memories in this captivating Scottish destination.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of Scottish history. Explore ancient halls, the Crown Jewels, and the storied Stone of Destiny, all while soaking in the romantic atmosphere that envelops this iconic fortress.
  • St. Giles' Cathedral: A magnificent example of Gothic architecture, St. Giles' Cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and the impressive Thistle Chapel. This historic site invites visitors to appreciate its cultural significance and tranquil ambience, making it a peaceful retreat in the bustling city.
  • Military Tattoo Theatre: Home to the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, this arena offers an exhilarating night of music, dance, and military pageantry. Engage with thrilling performances that celebrate Scotland’s heritage, creating unforgettable memories for families and visitors alike.

Best time to go to University of Edinburgh

The best time to visit University of Edinburgh can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around University of Edinburgh falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around University of Edinburgh falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Edinburgh

To save money during your visit to the University of Edinburgh, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best rates and aim for a Tuesday, the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and refine your hotel search by budget and eco-friendly options. For public transport, Edinburgh offers an affordable bus service, and many attractions are free, allowing you to enjoy the city without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of Edinburgh are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around University of Edinburgh about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of Edinburgh is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around University of Edinburgh is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels at a glance. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at the University of Edinburgh with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.