Quick answer: Edinburgh runs about EUR 150 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: May-June and September - mild weather and long daylight without August festival crowds (come in August only if you plan for the Fringe and book far ahead).
What things actually cost
| flat white at a cafe | 4 EUR |
| pint of ale in a pub | 6.50 EUR |
| fish and chips | 11 EUR |
| Edinburgh Castle entry | 23 EUR |
| bus day ticket | 5.80 EUR |
| mid-range dinner main | 18-22 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Haggis, neeps and tatties at a traditional pubabout 14 EUR
- Full Scottish breakfastabout 12-14 EUR
- Fish and chipsabout 11 EUR at a proper chippy
- Hog roast roll from Oink on Victoria Streetabout 7 EUR
- Whisky flight at a specialist barabout 15-20 EUR for three drams
Money mistakes to avoid
- Arriving in August without bookingsFringe month doubles or triples room prices and sells out months ahead
- Never leaving the Royal MileDean Village, Stockbridge and Leith show the city locals actually live in
- Packing for one type of weatheryou can get sun, wind and rain in an hour, bring layers and a waterproof
- Renting a car for the cityparking is scarce and expensive, and everything central is walkable
Transport without the tourist tax
From Edinburgh Airport the tram or Airlink 100 bus reaches the center in about 30 min for roughly 5-9 EUR. The center is best on foot - it is hilly but compact - with Lothian buses (about 2.30 EUR single, 5.80 EUR day ticket, contactless card works) for longer hops.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 3-day Edinburgh itinerary.