A Business Travel Guide to Edinburgh

Staying in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a charming and historic city located in the East of Scotland near the Firth of Forth and the North Sea. Not only is it one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom, but Edinburgh is also one of Europe’s most important financial centres, particularly for banking, insurance, and asset management. The city is home to major financial institutions such as Standard Life, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), and Baillie Gifford.

Central Edinburgh is split into two distinct areas: the Medieval old town with its pretty winding stone streets and narrow alleyways, and the Neoclassical new town with elegant Georgian buildings and open green squares. It is easy to walk between both areas and the contrast between the two adds to the attraction of this picturesque city

If you are planning a business trip or relocating to Edinburgh, we have a complied all the information you need to make the most of your time in this captivating city.

Key information for visiting Edinburgh, Scotland

Weather in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a maritime climate like most of Scotland, with cold, wet winters and mild summers. January and February tend to be the coldest months with average low temperatures of 1°C and ground frost can be common in the mornings. During the winter we’d recommend packing layers, a warm insulated coat and good footwear. Rainfall can be expected all year round in Scotland, so an umbrella and a waterproof coat are a worthwhile investment.

The warmest months in Edinburgh tend to be July and August with an average high temperature of 19°C However, it can still feel quite cool, so it's advisable to pack layers and a jacket.

Currency in Edinburgh

GBP (£)

The currency in Edinburgh is the pound much like the rest of the UK. Scotland does also have its own banknotes, which hold the same value as British pounds, and both can be used across the country. Some smaller local businesses may prefer Scottish notes, so we recommend having both on hand for business travel.  You’ll find plenty of ATM’s across Edinburgh and most will supply you with Scottish bank notes.
Scotland's 'beautiful banknotes' boast a fascinating history as they are the only currency in the world that features women on all denominations. It’s worth withdrawing some cash just to appreciate this highly acclaimed currency!

All major credit cards are accepted in Edinburgh. Tipping is not mandatory but, if you receive exceptional service, 10-15% is customary.  

Health & Well-being in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has been named as the UK’s greenest city and it has an impressive 144 parks and green spaces, which make up 49% of Edinburgh’s total area. It is a great city to explore on foot and there are walking, jogging and running routes dotted all around the city.

A brisk walk up the famous ‘Arthurs Seat’ peak is a great way to clear the head, and it provides unrivalled panoramic views of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh also has a great range of stunning beaches close by which can be great for winter walks or picnics in the summer.  The pretty suburb of Portobello is a short 15-minute drive from the centre, and offers a two-mile sandy beach, a pretty promenade and quaint cafes to explore.

Additionally, there are various amenities to support business travellers’ healthy work-life balance such as fitness centres, yoga studios, and social clubs which can cater for a range of diverse interests. 

Data in Edinburgh

If you're an international traveller, it would be worth considering buying a SIM before arriving in Edinburgh. Popular data providers in Scotland are EE, Vodaphone, Three and O2. Their network plans can be bought both in-store and online – but remember to bring a form of ID and the address of your serviced apartment for any in-person purchases. 

Plug Type: Type G, 3-pronged plug 

Emergency Contact Numbers in Edinburgh
 

In case of an emergency on your business trip to Glasgow, the key numbers to know are; 

999 for an immediate response to an emergency (police, fire, ambulance) 

101 for a non-urgent emergency which doesn’t require immediate assistance

Cuisine in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a great social scene and there are a diverse range of restaurants and food establishments in the city.

The Royal Mile has a top selection of eateries ranging from traditional pubs to fine dining restaurants. On Princes Street you’ll find a mix of fast-food chains and coffee shops, while trendy George Street has a nice selection of restaurants and cocktail bars that are open until the early hours.

If you’d like to try some traditional Scottish cuisines when in Edinburgh, you’ll find many places offer haggis on the menu. Haggis is Scotland’s national dish and is made from a combination of lamb meat, onion, herbs, oatmeal, suet and stock traditionally packed inside a sheep’s stomach and boiled. It is often served with neeps (mashed turnip) and tatties (mashed potato) and washed down with a wee dram of whisky. One of the highest rated places to try haggis is The Haggis Box which is set just off the Royal Mile.

 If haggis isn’t for you, how about some Scottish shortbread or a Highland whisky tasting? You’ll find a great selection of classic Scottish shortbread in most gift shops around the city, and some of the best whisky-tasting experiences can be found here too.

If you prefer to dine in your apartment, you’ll be able to source a great selection of fresh produce from the grocery stores located all over Edinburgh such as Tesco Express, Co-op or M&S Food. Alternatively, Edinburgh isn’t short on take-away food outlets so you can get delicious dishes delivered straight to your door. Browse Deliveroo and Uber Eats to find a wide range of cuisine from large chain to small independent restaurants.

Speaking the Language in Edinburgh, Scotland

English

English is the main language spoken in Edinburgh, however there are several other dialects, including Scots and Scottish Gaelic. While Gaelic is regarded as Scotland's original language, it is currently only spoken by around 57,000 people. There are some common phrases you may come across on your business trip to Edinburgh, so it is helpful to familiarize yourself with some terms:

Aye / Naw = Yes / No 

Wee = Small 

Bampot = Idiotic person 

Chums/Pals = Friends

Braw = Good / Pleasant – often heard like 'it’s a braw day'  

Bonnie = Pretty / Beautiful – derived from Scots! 

Transport in City - Getting Around Edinburgh, Scotland

As mentioned, Edinburgh is a very walkable city and it is a pleasent place to explore on foot.  Taxis are also easily arranged, and Edinburgh offers a great bus system, run by Lothian Buses, which can get you anywhere in the city, 24 hours a day.

Airlink and Skylink buses run services from the city and Edinburgh Airport every 30 minutes. Airlink buses run from St Andrew Square (just off Princes Street), while Skylink 200 and Skylink 400 buses run from Ocean Terminal in Leith and Fort Kinnaird respectively. 

You may also choose to travel your way through the city with Edinburgh Trams. Running every seven minutes from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven in the north of the city, there are 23 stops along the route, including Ingliston Park and Ride, Murrayfield Stadium, Haymarket Station, St Andrew Square and Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre at Leith.

All trams have two dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, high visibility handrails and passenger alert buttons signposted in Braille for blind and partially sighted users.

Edinburgh is also well connected to the city of Glasgow, Scotland and it takes around an hour to travel between the two by train.

Edinburgh Map

Our Top Tips to Making the Most of your Business Trip to Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh is named as one of the most picturesque cities in the United Kingdom, so you’ll never be short of sights to see and things to do in the Scottish capital. Some of our top recommendations include:

Walk the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle – The most famous mile in the city, the royal mile links the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. You’ll pass a range of cafes, souvenir shops and bars on the route and possibly even spot a bagpipe player or two. Edinburgh Castle houses important Scottish artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland - which are the oldest crown jewels in the UK - and The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy. The views from the castle grounds are also equally impressive and guided tours of the Castle are available.

National Museum of Scotland – As Scotland is known for having unpredictable weather, and if you happen to get caught in the rain you may want to seek an indoor activity. The National Museum of Scotland -is a great option and entry is free! With over 20,000 unique artefacts to see, spend the day learning about the catacombs of Egypt, the wonders of nature and even modern-day technology. Top tip: If the sun makes an appearance, head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy amazing views of Edinburgh.

The Scottish Gallery of Modern Art - Whether you're an art lover or not - a trip to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art won't leave you disappointed. Comprising two impressive buildings, this top Edinburgh attraction contains masterpieces from the 1900s to present day. Admire art by Matisse, Picasso and Emin, as well as Scottish contemporaries.

If you are looking to book business accommodation browse our range of serviced apartment in Edinburgh here and get in touch with a member of our helpful team to book. For more ideas on things to do in the Scottish capital take a look at our guides: Hidden gems in Edinburgh and a guide to Edinburgh in Winter.