University of Edinburgh Tours and Activities

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

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Classes & workshops

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Popular places to visit


Top University of Edinburgh Hotel & Accommodation 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
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh 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
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
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal

Motel One Edinburgh - Royal

3 out of 5
18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
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, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant array of activities, including captivating theatre performances, inspiring art exhibitions, and lively festivals. The city's rich cultural scene offers plenty of options to explore, ensuring your experience is both enjoyable and memorable.

Shopping

Close to the University of Edinburgh, you can explore The Hub and Tartan Weaving Mill for unique gifts, both just 0.4 and 805m away, respectively. For a lively atmosphere, visit Tron Kirk, located 644m away, offering a great blend of local vibes.

Recreation

Head to Murrayfield Stadium for an exhilarating sports experience, only 3.2km from the university. For a serene escape, stroll up Blackford Hill, located 1.6km away, where you can unwind amidst nature. If you're with family, Gambado, 1.6km away, offers a fun-filled outdoor playground atmosphere.

Adventure

At Midlothian Ski Centre, experience thrilling skiing only 1.4km from the University of Edinburgh. For an adrenaline rush, head to Bedlam Paintball, located 1.6km away, where you can enjoy vibrant paintball battles. If climbing is your passion, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho offers exhilarating outdoor challenges 12.9km from the university.

Nightlife

At the University of Edinburgh, enjoy a pint at Greyfriar's Bobby, just 322m away, for a lively pub atmosphere. For a family adventure, head to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, 805m away, or catch a show at King's Theatre, 966m away, for a cultural experience.

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

Find the best attractions near University of Edinburgh

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or a family traveller, the University of Edinburgh and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions. Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, marvel at the architecture of the University of Edinburgh, and immerse yourself in the local museums and monuments. With a vibrant city experience awaiting you, there's something for everyone to enjoy during your visit to this iconic Scottish destination.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers breathtaking views of the city. Steeped in history, you can explore its impressive architecture, learn about its royal connections, and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere that surrounds this ancient stronghold.
  • Grassmarket: A charming and vibrant area, Grassmarket is perfect for families. With its lively outdoor spaces, local shops, and delightful eateries, you can soak up the welcoming atmosphere while enjoying a tasty meal or simply wandering through the historic streets.
  • National Museum of Scotland: A treasure trove of culture, this museum showcases Scotland's rich history and heritage. Explore fascinating exhibits, from ancient artefacts to contemporary art, and discover the stories that shaped this remarkable nation.

Best time to go to University of Edinburgh

The best time to visit University of Edinburgh is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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, ideally on a Tuesday for the best rates, and check out last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. For public transport, utilise the local bus system, which is cost-effective. Explore free attractions around the city and look for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for additional savings. Finally, remember to use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options that fit your budget.

  • 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: Book your hotel around University of Edinburgh about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, which lets you easily find the most affordable accommodation options first. Furthermore, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your University of Edinburgh hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.