At first glance, renting a car for your trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, might seem like a convenient way to get around. But once you’re actually in the city, you’ll probably regret it. Scotland’s capital is full of historic charm, and it’s easy to see it wasn’t exactly designed with modern traffic in mind. The oldest parts of the city were built centuries before cars existed, and the result is a winding maze of narrow streets that often make driving more trouble than it’s worth. So save your money, and instead pack footwear that’s comfy enough for exploring all day on foot.
If you’ve never heard of the “seven hills of Edinburgh,” it’s the local lore of how the city was developed. It’s also likely a reference to Europe’s oldest city filled with ancient ruins, Rome, which is famous for its own seven hills origin story. With that in mind, you won’t be surprised that having a car in central Edinburgh is more likely to give you a headache than a shortcut. There are plenty of hilly streets, and much of the Old Town is either pedestrian-only or difficult to navigate. Add in limited (and expensive) parking, and you’re better off leaving cars to the locals.
Luckily, Edinburgh is super walkable, and you’ll get a better feel for the city by exploring its nooks and crannies on foot. From the Royal Mile to the top of Arthur’s Seat, most things likely on your itinerary are within walking distance. But remember that many of the roads are paved with cobblestone, so you may want to avoid wearing high heels on your evenings out. (Funny true story — tripping on the cobblestone in front of a bar’s “door supervisor” is a good way to get denied entry, even if you haven’t been drinking.)
How to get around Edinburgh without a car
If you’re flying into Edinburgh, getting from the airport to the city center is easy with the Airlink 100 express bus or the city’s convenient tram system, both of which drop you off right in the heart of town. Once you’re there, Edinburgh’s small size makes it one of Europe’s most walkable cities. From the historic Edinburgh Castle to the bars of Grassmarket and the photogenic Dean Village, most sights are within a 20- to 30-minute stroll. You’ll also appreciate the chance to slow down and take in the architecture, window-shop your way through street-side boutiques, and duck into one of the city’s countless pubs for a pint and a taste of haggis, the national dish.
Public buses and taxis are widely available around the clock (no need to stumble home after making your way through a flight of Scottish single malts). Buses also offer an affordable way to get to further-flung spots like Leith or Cramond Beach. Tickets will run you less than $3 a trip, and some companies offer day-long tickets for more savings. There’s also a hop-on hop-off tourist bus available, with a 24-hour ticket costing roughly $25 for unlimited rides.
If you’re planning a day trip to the Highlands, save the rental car for then — most major rental agencies are based at Edinburgh Airport, where it’s easier to hit the road without battling city traffic. However, with tours available to the most popular sights in the Highlands, it’s not necessary. Ultimately, walking is part of the Edinburgh experience. You’ll see more and stress less — plus it’s much easier to discover things you didn’t know were there by wandering about freely.
