Currency
British Pounds (£)
Currency Exchange
Available at Edinburgh Airport, banks and Post Offices.
Left Luggage Facilities
Available at Edinburgh Airport and Waverley Train Station
Tipping
Restaurants often add a service charge (usually 12.5%) to bills, but it is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill as a tip if you are satisfied with the service. It is not expected to tip fast food workers or self-service workers. Tipping taxi drivers are the same, between 10-15%. Most people would round up the fare and tell the driver to keep the change. You can also ask for receipts for your taxi for your business expenses.
Service charges and gratuities are essentially the same thing.
Power Adaptor
Plug type G; 230V supply and 50Hz
Public transport
Public transport in Edinburgh is excellent. A bus network covers the whole city and is cheap, too. You can buy tickets from the driver or ticket machines at bus stops. The central bus station is just outside Waverley Station, and plenty of buses run throughout the day. Taxis are also available everywhere, but they’re expensive and may be slower than public transport.
Bus
The Lothian Buses network provides an extensive service around the city and surrounding areas. It has a good website with maps and timetables, or you can download the mobile app, which includes live updates. The central bus station is Waverley Gate, about a 10-minute walk from Princes Street.
The central bus station is located on St Andrew Square in the city centre, but there are smaller bus stations at Haymarket and Waverley railway stations.
Train
Edinburgh has two main railway stations: Waverley Station at the western end of Princes Street and Haymarket Station at the eastern end. Both stations are served by trains from Glasgow Central Station, Glasgow Queen Street Station, and many other locations across Scotland.
There are frequent direct train services to London Kings Cross and London Euston throughout the day.
Shuttle
An airport shuttle called Airlink is frequent and goes directly to Edinburgh Airport every 10-15 minutes daily. It takes about half an hour to get to the airport.
Tram
Edinburgh has a tram system which is very convenient and cheap to use. The trams are very comfortable and clean. However, the trams had limited running time at night, so if you want to go out for dinner or a drink in the evening, it might be worth taking a taxi, getting an Uber, or taking the night bus.
Several tram stops throughout the city, including Princes Street Gardens at the east end of Princes Street and York Place.
Taxi
It’s easy enough to find a taxi rank or call one up on your phone while standing outside your hotel or restaurant. Uber is another great way to get around Edinburgh cheaply and quickly.
Venues for business meetings and where to eat
Edinburgh has a lively food scene with several excellent restaurants serving contemporary Scottish fare and international cuisine.
For an informal and alternative meeting location, head to the Shore in Leith, where there are plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance
Business Accommodations
There’s no need to stay out of town when you’re in Edinburgh — this compact city has plenty to offer right downtown. The hotel industry is thriving, with many new hotels opening up over the past few years.
Edinburgh has a hectic tourist season in July and August, so finding accommodation at short notice can take time and effort.
The Weather
Spring (April–May): The weather is milder than usual, and fewer tourists are around. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds at popular tourist sites such as the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
However, be prepared for rain showers on some days during this season.
Summer (June–August): Temperatures start heating up towards June, so pack accordingly if you’re visiting during this period; bring an umbrella or raincoat, just in case! It can get busy around major attractions like Edinburgh Castle due to its popularity, but there are still plenty of things to do
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a great time to visit Edinburgh. The weather is usually dry and mild, the leaves on the trees are turning red and gold, and the city is much quieter than it is during the summer.
Winter (December to March): Be prepared for the weather – The average temperatures in Edinburgh are lowest in January and February.
Edinburgh’s climate is temperate, even in winter.
Laundry services
Laundry and dry cleaning services are available in major hotels. However, there are few dry cleaning places within the city centre of Edinburgh.
Other Business amenities
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi at various locations throughout the city centre, such as cafes and hotels.
There are co-working spaces within the city centre that you can use for the day or by the hour. The number of business hotels offering places for meetings is numerous and caters to various budgets.
The city of Edinburgh is home to many conference centres. One of the well-known ones is the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).
Apps that will help you get around Edinburgh
Lothian buses
Uber
Get
Scot Rail
Edinburgh is a beautiful, exciting city. Edinburgh is a popular business travel destination for its vibrant atmosphere and historical appeal that draws countless tourists annually.
There is much to explore, with numerous activities to choose from and some of the best restaurants in Scotland.
If you’re looking for somewhere quieter than London but still want access to all the big city amenities, then Edinburgh could be just right for you!