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Living in Edinburgh, Scotland:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

21 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Edinburgh, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 21 people living in Edinburgh what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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21 comments on “Edinburgh”

Safe city full of great restaurants, theatres and museums and with excellent connections to the rest of the UK. Can be hard to integrate if you didn’t grow up or attend university here. Bit passive aggressive.

Edinburgh is a beautiful place to live, but be cautious before moving here because the winters are difficult. The sun sets between 3:30 pm and 4pm most days, starting in November. The lack of sunlight can affect your mental health. As well, it rains quite a lot. If you are not used to it raining, this may be an adjustment for you. Other than the weather and lack of sunlight though, Edinburgh is a fabulous place to live with lots to do.

Anyone considering moving to Edinburgh should know it is very beautiful, with many green spaces, and is built on seven hills. They should also be prepared for a cold wind, all four seasons in one day, and very long days in summer but very short daylight hours in winter, which can cause low moods.

Jennifer, says: 2020

Edinburgh is the city of seven hills and even more cobbled streets. It is a beautiful city full of culture and heritage. Upon moving to this city you will be spoiled for choice given the range and variety of restaurants and bars. Anyone living here should consider themselves lucky to be surrounded by this much history.

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. It is very popular with tourists due to the bustling art and music scenes. The International Festival and the associated Fringe Festival attract more than a million visitors every year. It is a beautiful place to live and work, within easy reach of many places of historical interest, and has one of the highest resident-satisfaction ratings in the UK.

Caitlin, says: 2020

Someone moving here should know it is both hot and humid. People often don’t realize how much water they lose through sweat. They need to make sure that they take in more water than they lose. They also mustn’t forget to protect their skin from the sun.

Michelle, says: 2020

Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a lot of old, historic buildings. The weather is fickle and can change very quickly. It can be very windy, so there is no point in carrying an umbrella when it’s raining. There are lots of delicious restaurants to eat at, and, cosy cafes to sit in.

Hilary, says: 2020

For someone moving to the wonderful and exciting City of Edinburgh, they be aware of the thrilling and diverse activities that it offers and all the history, pubs and restaurants that are highly rated. During the Winter, they always organise a Christmas market and hold one of the world’s best Art festivals during August.

Douglas, says: 2020

Edinburgh is a city full of hills. When moving to Edinburgh, it is important to invest in a pair of reliable walking shoes. Another worthwhile investment would be a jacket which can resist both wind and rain, as the weather in this part of the country is rarely clear and warm.

Carolyn, says: 2020

Be prepared for the cold. It sounds strange but if you’ve came from somewhere in the world with mild temperatures the wind chill alone can catch you unaware. The day can contain all four seasons so just because it’s warm and bright when you leave don’t assume it will stay that way all day. be aware of how expensive the city is, out with the centre the prices aren’t as steep but they’re still reasonably higher and a night out up town can catch you unaware.

As long as you come prepared with clothing for all weathers, you’ll love moving to Scotland’s history-filled capital city. Edinburgh is the perfect mix of the old-fashioned and the modern. Take a wander along the Royal Mile in the old town to be introduced to streets and buildings older than the United States of America. Or stroll through the new town and enjoy the modern city life brimming with shops, restaurants and an electric nightlife.

Lesley, says: 2020

Edinburgh is an exceptionally cold city; in winter I can see my own breath inside my flat. It is, however, extremely beautiful and has lots of wonderful tourist attractions. There is both a beach and a mountain within walking distance of the city center! Unfortunately, the house prices in Edinburgh aren’t cheap!

An individual moving to Edinburgh should know the beautiful architecture. It is a glorious city, with a very large park located just outside of the downtown. The city is not overly crowded, and somehow still maintains the small town charm and comfort of cozy village.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth estuary. The heart of the city is divided between the old town, a winding mass of old cobbled streets, and the new town, a modern grid of shops and Georgian townhouses. It is most famous for the annual summer festival, which features artists and performers from all around the world.

moving here means having to deal with colder temperatures and rain. You will also experience all four seasons in one day. It is a beautiful city, with gorgeous architecture. We do not deep fry everything and you will find multiple food sources that will please any taste. Scottish people have a strong sense of identity, but we welcome all friendly people.

Lakshya, says: 2020

Historic, beautiful. The castle stands on a rock looking on to Princes Street. Many pubs and restaurants to visit and enjoy. There are many green spaces such as the Meadows at Bruntsfield where there are also many interesting shops. The Royal Britannia cruise ship is docked at Leith and is very enjoyable.

Benjamin, says: 2020

Edinburgh is a cold and windy place, therefore it is wise to prepare well for staying in such a climate. A person should be well-equipped with warm clothes, waterproof coat and shoes, and an umbrella that can withstand moderate wind. The weather also tends to be unpredictable at times, hence one should be prepared to expect rain later in the day, even if the sun is shining in the morning.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city, a historic and cultural hub perfect for those with a love of architecture, art and scenery. Once a year, it holds it’s world-renowned Fringe Arts festival where the city comes to life. It is a mystical, magical place and easy to see the inspiration it provided to authors such as James Hogg, Ian Rankin and JK Rowling.

Michael, says: 2020

Edinburgh is unlike any other city you have experienced. Walking down the old cobblestone paths, you can’t help but feel the magic the city streets hold. Known for its friendly people, what you might not know about the city is that its inhabitants are one huge family, helping each other in difficult times. A real sense of community can be felt.

Malgorzata, says: 2020

It is lucky to climb Arthur’s Seat, especially if you are beginning your studies in Edinburgh. Regardless of how much luck you think you’ll need, it is a brilliant way to get to know the city, and a pleasant walk. In summer, Holyrood Park is covered in bright yellow gorse flowers. In winter, the city is covered in mist, making any trip particularly atmospheric. The view is best at sunrise, when there aren’t many people around, and you can see the entire Old Town in silhouette. Be careful crossing any of the city parks at night, however, as they can be dangerous.

Edinburgh is a deeply historical city, and contains some of the oldest buildings in the whole of the UK. Edinburgh is like a fantasy, and is rich in Scottish culture and beautiful scenery. Although it is the capital of Scotland, it is relatively small, as a city, yet 1,000s of tourists flock to the streets yearly. Attractions such as the castle, bobby greyfriars, the xmas market, the elephant house attract the masses.

Adanna, says: 2020

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