Digital guest guidebook · Edinburgh
Accueillez vos voyageurs
à Edinburgh
Lothian, Scotland · GB · Average price / night : £90–180
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of dramatic contrasts — the medieval Old Town perched on volcanic rock, the elegant Georgian New Town, and the wild summit of Arthur's Seat rising from the cit...
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Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of dramatic contrasts — the medieval Old Town perched on volcanic rock, the elegant Georgian New Town, and the wild summit of Arthur's Seat rising from the city centre. With world-famous festivals (the Edinburgh Fringe is the largest arts festival on the planet), a UNESCO World Heritage city centre, and a thriving food and whisky scene, Edinburgh draws over 4 million visitors annually. For short-term rental hosts, Edinburgh offers exceptional seasonal peaks, particularly during August's festival season when nightly rates can triple. However, Scotland introduced a licensing scheme for short-term lets in 2022, requiring all hosts to obtain a licence from the City of Edinburgh Council. A digital guest guidebook for Edinburgh helps you share the best walking routes through the Old Town, whisky bar recommendations, festival tips and practical information that guests need without sending you dozens of messages.
Things to do
Edinburgh : top attractions to recommend to your guests
Top attractions to recommend to your guests
Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the city skyline from Castle Rock. Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, and panoramic views. Book online to skip the queue.
Arthur's Seat
Ancient volcano in Holyrood Park. A 45-minute hike to the 251m summit rewards you with 360-degree views of the city, Firth of Forth and beyond.
Royal Mile
The historic spine of the Old Town stretching from the Castle to Holyrood Palace. Closes (narrow alleys), pubs, street performers and hidden courtyards.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The world's largest arts festival every August. Thousands of shows — comedy, theatre, music, dance. Many are free. Book popular acts early.
Scotch Whisky Experience
Interactive whisky tour on the Royal Mile. Learn about regions, distillation and enjoy a tasting. The world's largest Scotch whisky collection.
Calton Hill
Stunning viewpoint with neoclassical monuments. The best sunrise spot in Edinburgh. Easy 10-minute walk from Princes Street.
Getting there
Transport options for your guests
Emergency numbers
Include in your guidebook
Include in your guidebook
Local tips
What only locals know
During the Fringe (August), book accommodation months in advance and expect prices to triple. It's worth it — the atmosphere is electric.
For the best view of Edinburgh Castle, head to the Vennel Steps off the Grassmarket. It's the classic postcard shot and most tourists miss it.
Skip the tourist traps on the Royal Mile and eat on Victoria Street, Stockbridge or Leith instead. Leith has Edinburgh's best restaurants.
Arthur's Seat is best climbed early morning (before 9am) to avoid crowds. The Salisbury Crags path is an easier alternative with great views.
The whisky bars on the Royal Mile are overpriced. Try The Bow Bar, Usquabae or Cadenhead's for a proper local experience.
📋 Local regulations
Since October 2022, all short-term let operators in Edinburgh must hold a licence from the City of Edinburgh Council under Scotland's Short-Term Lets licensing scheme. There are different licence types: home sharing (your primary residence), home letting (while you're away), and secondary letting (a dedicated rental property). Secondary letting in Edinburgh also requires planning permission for a change of use. Processing times can be lengthy — apply well in advance. Council tax or business rates apply depending on usage. All properties must meet mandatory safety standards including fire, gas and electrical checks. The Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) tax regime is being phased out from April 2025.
📅 Seasonality
Edinburgh's peak season is August (Fringe, International Festival, Military Tattoo) when demand and prices skyrocket. Other peaks: Hogmanay (New Year's Eve), Easter, and the Six Nations rugby weekends (February–March). Summer (June–September) is consistently strong. Shoulder seasons (April–May, October) offer good demand. Winter (November–March, excluding Hogmanay) is the quietest but Edinburgh's Christmas markets and dark tourism keep occupancy reasonable.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Everything about short-term rental here
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