University of Edinburgh

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

Plan a trip to see University of Edinburgh

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Stay Central
Rusacks St Andrews
Grassmarket hotel

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

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

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh 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
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL 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
Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Novotel Edinburgh Centre

4 out of 5
80 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Novotel Edinburgh Centre
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

4 out of 5
80 High Street The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
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 culture of the city through its renowned theatre productions, captivating art exhibitions, and lively festivals. Don't miss the opportunity to take an audio tour, which offers insightful commentary and enhances your exploration of this historic institution and its surroundings, ensuring a rich and engaging experience during your stay.

Shopping

Discover The Hub, a charming store just 644m from the University of Edinburgh, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Tron Kirk, also 644m away. For a unique experience, visit the Tartan Weaving Mill, located 805m from the university, offering delightful gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, two miles from the University of Edinburgh, provides exhilarating sports experiences. Queen's Hall, only 483m away, offers captivating musical performances. For a refreshing swim, visit the Royal Commonwealth Pool, located 966m away, perfect for families seeking aquatic fun and relaxation.

Adventure

At Midlothian Ski Centre, 1.4km from the University of Edinburgh, enjoy exhilarating skiing and snowboarding on pristine slopes. For a thrilling group experience, head to Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, located 3.2km away, or try Bedlam Paintball, just 1.6km away, for a competitive adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for an adventurous arcade experience. Enjoy a cosy drink and some entertainment at Greyfriar's Bobby, or indulge in a cultural evening at the King's Theatre for a delightful blend of romance and family vibes.

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

Find the best attractions near University of Edinburgh

At the University of Edinburgh, visitors can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of culture by exploring fascinating museums and historic monuments. Don't miss the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which offers stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland's storied past. With a blend of family-friendly activities and vibrant city experiences, this area caters to all types of travellers seeking both education and adventure in a picturesque setting.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Scotland’s rich history. Explore the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, all while soaking in the castle's romantic and cultural atmosphere.
  • Grassmarket: A vibrant hub filled with pubs, shops, and eateries, Grassmarket is perfect for families seeking outdoor fun. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its cobbled streets, where you can soak up the lively atmosphere and discover local delicacies.
  • St. Giles' Cathedral: This stunning medieval cathedral, known for its beautiful stained glass and intricate architecture, is a cultural gem. Step inside to appreciate its serene ambiance and the historical significance of its rich heritage.

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 on your visit to the University of Edinburgh, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare prices and find last-minute deals, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. For transport, walking is a great way to explore the city, and you can enjoy many free activities and attractions. Lastly, avoid visiting during the peak summer months to keep costs down.

  • 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 location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel stay at the University of Edinburgh with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia