Edinburgh: An ultimate student guide
Welcome to Edinburgh - one of six World Heritage sites in enchanting Scotland, famous for its epic mountains, historic whisky distilleries, bagpipes, lively music culture, excellent universities and beautiful lochs across the country.
Edinburgh’s city centre is split into Edinburgh Old Town and Edinburgh New Town – which both obtained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995.
The Old Town offers an enchanting network of cobbled streets and cute alleyways to get lost within as well as impressive architecture to admire. Students may notice that the buildings here are noticeably different to that of the New Town, which was first developed in the 1760s and is more reminiscent of the Georgian Era, compared to Old Town’s medieval tenements. Both areas provide numerous attractions to enjoy and are located only a 15-minute walk from each other.
From picturesque hikes and sunset viewpoints, stunning historical architecture and an arts culture that’s second to none, Edinburgh is becoming increasingly more popular for students looking for a smaller city, bursting with activities to partake in.
The Scottish capital, home to Edinburgh’s renowned Fringe Festival, provides students not only a phenomenal arts scene to enjoy, but an abundance of historical attractions to explore, pretty beer gardens for relaxing nights with friends, some of the UK’s most breathtaking hikes and even a seaside for the sunnier days.
With our luxurious student apartments nestled within this quaint city, close to Edinburgh University, Heriot Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University, you’re provided a comfortable, safe base amidst the historical hotspots, in which to explore the quirks and hidden gems of this charming city.
How to get around Edinburgh
One of the reasons why students flock to Edinburgh is due to the size of the city which is compact and easy to walk through. The capital city also provides an excellent and varied transport system including an efficient tram network and an extensive 24-hour bus service.
The three main universities are extremely well-connected with Edinburgh University a simple 10-minute walk from Old Town, whilst Edinburgh Napier and Heriot Watt take less than 30 minutes on public transport.
Lothian Buses run the bus network throughout the city, also overseeing the Skylink and Airlink buses which connect Edinburgh easily to the airport. For a more direct journey, Edinburgh’s tram system runs from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in the New Town in just 15 stops.
For those keen to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, Edinburgh happens to be extremely eco-conscious, providing many cycle lanes to use throughout the city as well as off-road paths for those looking to practise their cycling skills on a more quiet terrain.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip:
Jumping on the bus? If you use the Lothian service for more than three journeys on the same day, your fare will be automatically capped.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip:
Hiring a bike? Download the Edinburgh Cycle Hire app to find bike locations across the city.
Closest things nearby
Our array of stylish student apartments offer you a home away from home, a short distance away from some of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions and close to universities, libraries, supermarkets, coffee shops and banks. We’ve compiled a quick list of your essential places nearby.
Top Things to Do In Edinburgh
For a small city, it’s astounding just how much there is to experience, learn and see in Edinburgh. From detailed tours providing an in-depth look at Edinburgh’s rich history, exciting days of exploration through the labyrinth of cobbled alleyways and admiring the famous Edinburgh castle, to weekends immersing yourself in nature, where you can hike to sensational viewpoints providing panoramas across the beautiful city. Here are some of our highlights from Edinburgh, incorporating the best of Old Town, New Town and beyond.
Pay a visit to the symbol of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Castle
Old Town
This is a must for anyone exploring their new Edinburgh ends for the first time. The castle has an extensive history, and was once a giant fortress, military garrison, prison and even a royal residence. It’s situated at the top of Castle Rock, built on a base of volcanic rock and towers majestically over the city centre – meaning you can still steal glances at it, wherever you are in the city. The castle is one of the most famed attractions of Scotland, drawing tourists in from all over the world, and is a classic example of classic medieval architecture – the type of architecture that is prevalent throughout the Old Town. It also contains the oldest building in the city – St Margaret’s Chapel, dating back to the year 1130!
For tours and more information, have a look at Edinburgh Castle here and pay a visit!
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
Don't miss the 1 o'clock gun (which has occurred since 1861) fired every day except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day!
Take a stroll down The Royal Mile
Old Town
The Royal Mile, aptly named after the processional route for the monarchy over the last 500 years, connects two magnificent royal residences at either end – Edinburgh Castle and the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, which sits just below Arthur’s Seat.
The famous street is actually a Scot’s mile long – a unit that hasn’t been used since the eighteenth century and is actually longer than an English mile – measuring 1.81km. The street amalgamates both old and new attractions within the inter-connected cobbled streets, and is home to many historic buildings, with quirky coffee shops and stores found close to St Giles’ Cathedral, The Tron Kirk and even the Scottish parliament.
We recommend you have a look here at some of the renowned monuments found on The Royal Mile.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
If you’d like to gain additional knowledge of your new home, visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre, where you can learn about Scottish heritage through a range of interactive displays and performances.
Hike up to Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is one of the most famous hikes in Edinburgh and is something you simply cannot miss out on when you live in the city. Despite looking like (and feeling like) a hill, it happens to be a volcano – but before your family start worrying about your upcoming adventure, please let them know it’s actually an extinct one, it last erupted over 300 million years ago and it won’t do so again.
Situated at the end of The Royal Mile in Holyrood Park, the hike is short and slightly strenuous at points, but offers dramatic views across the Edinburgh skyline and beyond when you reach the summit. Have a look at Google Maps to choose the trail of your choice.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
It’s windy at the top – take a jumper!
Watch sunset at Calton Hill
New Town
Fancy a History lesson? We find that the most inspiring part of a viewpoint is often the history that has created it in the first place – and Calton Hill is no different. The views from Calton Hill are phenomenal, with scenic views stretching over the capital city and beyond, but that’s not all. The viewpoint is rich in history, and was formed over 340 million years ago!
Predominantly a hill fort before it was bestowed upon Edinburgh in 1456, it has previously been home to a monastery, a hospital, gallows and even Calton Jail. Now, with no chance of imprisonment, you can take in the glorious views at sunset and admire the National Monument that stands on Calton Hill, in memory of the soldiers who died during the Napoleonic Wars.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
Get up early for sunrise if can – there’s less crowds at the top!
Enjoy drinks at a lively beer garden – The Three Sisters
Edinburgh has a great nightlife, but sometimes, it’s nicer to enjoy a drink outdoors in good company. Enter The Three Sisters Bar, famous for its beautiful courtyard, weekly events and live entertainment. Featuring swinging seats, mouth-watering street food and huge screens showing the latest in live sports, The Three Sisters is the place to be, whatever night of the week.
Immerse yourself in nature at Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens
For the times you need a break from studying, take a day to explore the beautiful Botanic gardens, situated only a mile away from the city centre. The gardens are stunning, with flowers, plants and greenery taken from samples of vegetation and flora around the world. There’s even a tree collection, where you can view 730 species from 56 families.
For further information, click here.
Learn about the residents of Edinburgh over the centuries at The People’s Story
Old Town
As a student in Edinburgh, you’re part of the present and future of the city, but what about the past? Located just opposite the Museum of Edinburgh is ‘The People’s Story’, a cool museum which details the lives of Edinburgh’s residents from the 18th century to the late 20th century. Combining a mixture of interviews, written articles and oral records, you’ll be able to find out about the tenants who you’ve been unknowingly walking in the footsteps of across the city.
For further information, click here.
Grassmarket
Old Town
The Grassmarket area is a must when you live in Edinburgh, providing students a buzzing atmosphere with an assortment of colourful shops, vibrant bars and cosy pubs to visit, surrounded with beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle.
It may surprise you that despite the fun ambience, Grassmarket was less popular for its cute pubs and more for its medieval market and public executions back in 1660. Nowadays, you can go shopping in the numerous vintage stores, enjoy live music at selected venues and even visit Scotland’s smallest pub, nicknamed ‘The Wee Pub’ – and don’t worry, executions stopped in 1784, so you don’t need to panic about seeing anything unpleasant.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
Pay a visit to Maggie Dickson’s – a pub that pays homage to the remarkable story of Maggie Dickson, who remarkably came back to life after being hung at the gallows and survived for another 40 years! Good on ya Maggie!
Take a leisurely walk through Princes Street Gardens
New Town
Princes Street Gardens is a highlight of Edinburgh New Town and is the product of draining Edinburgh’s largest loch, North Loch, when construction of the New Town began hundreds of years ago.
Here you can admire The Mound and the impressive Ross Fountain whilst gazing up at Edinburgh Castle, which towers high above the beautiful gardens.
Climb up (or simply admire) the Scott Monument
New Town
This grandiose Gothic tower, built in recognition of writer Sir Walter Scott, is an impressive 61 metres high and offers stunning views of Edinburgh at the top.
Accessible through the Princes Gardens, climbing the tower is free of charge but be wary that the climb is steep, narrow and not for the faint-hearted.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
The tower has 287 steps – so make sure you take your water!
Get your tan on (or try to) at Portobello Beach
Those that know Edinburgh may be aware of our terrible joke above, but if you’re new to the city, we have to break the bad news that it may be a little difficult to tan in Edinburgh – the climate is sadly not on the same page as Bali. That doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some nice sunny beach days here and there and inhale the fresh, sea air on your study days off. It’s also a beach only two miles from the city centre, which is pretty impressive!
There are many clubs that are based at Portobello including The Portobello Kayaking and Sailing Club and a community rowing club, and every year you can enjoy the many sports events that take place from the beach including triathlons!
Grab a coffee and snuggle with cats at Maison de Moggy
Old Town
Wait a meow-ment – did someone say cat café? Yes, yes we did because honestly, why choose a café with coffee when you can choose a café with coffee and cats?
Cat cafés are pretty common internationally in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, but now Scotland’s first ever cat café has opened and we absolutely love it – how paw-some is that!
Offering a purrfect menu of teas, coffee and a yummy cake selection, take a moment to relax in a cosy chair and stroke a few of the kittens that pass on by and nuzzle up to your legs.
All puns aside, it’s a great place to go! We’re fur-real! (Okay, we’ll stop).
Get involved with Edinburgh’s culture scene
For a small city, Edinburgh explodes with creativity and culture, organising a number of activities, events and festivals for students and locals alike to enjoy across the capital.
Just like its architecture, The Fringe Festival is a staple of Edinburgh culture, where a huge variety of performers and artists take over stages across the city for three weeks in August. From renowned acts to those looking to gain recognition, the Fringe showcases the very best in comedy, theatre, music, dance, and circus performances to name but a few.
That’s not all though – Edinburgh is also home to many other popular events such as the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Art Festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival and many more.
Click here to have a look at what dates to add to your diary!
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
If you’re a fan of art galleries, then we recommend you visit the National Gallery of Scotland or the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art!
Visit the beautiful National Library of Scotland
Old Town
This is Scotland’s largest library, and is majestic in its grandeur and stature. Situated on George IV Bridge, it contains over 27 millions items from newspapers and books to manuscripts and maps. The library, one of the biggest in the UK, regularly hosts fascinating exhibitions and even provides a beautiful rooftop terrace offering panoramas of Edinburgh.
Amble through picturesque Dean Village
The dreamy Dean Village often mirrors that of a postcard due to its sheer beauty, and is a short excursion away from the busy city centre.
The brickwork houses, lush foliage and peaceful sounds of the nearby river provides a relaxing ambience to enjoy on a daytrip, ideal for when you need a break from studying.
Shop ‘til you drop at Princes Street
New Town
Princes Street offers you a haven in which you can shop to your heart’s content. In fact, you can’t live in Edinburgh without wandering through here on a regular basis due to the sheer variety of department stores and high street shops to visit.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
Make sure to pay a visit to the magical Christmas Markets that take place on East Princes Street and George Street for world-famous German Würste, delicious treats and artisanal products for purchase.
Happy exploring!
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