The sea that skirts the north of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, is a pleasant place to try sea kayaking for the first time. Travel into the city centre from the airport by bus of taxi. You can then easily get down to the coast in Leith by the number 22 bus from Prince's Street. Guided trips and kayak rental are available (www.duneideannseakayaking.com) for your kayak outing. The nature of the equipment (and safety considerations) means that this isn't really a plan you can just turn up and do yourself.

As you explore the varied coastline you may even sea dolphins or seals. You'll certainly enjoy great views of the iconic Forth Road Bridge and, to the south, the city of Edinburgh with its castle and Arthur's Seat rising up above the skyline.

Level of Difficulty: Medium.

What to pack: Warm clothes (check the weather forecast!), woolly hat, raingear, food and water.

Best time to go: early summer.

Looking more like a film set than a city, Edinburgh is a picture postcard of Gothic and medieval streets that will impress even the most experienced traveller. Nicknamed the Athens of the North, Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in Europe. It is certainly one of the most visited, seeing over a million tourists trampling its streets each year. They come for its snaking, medieval streets, Georgian architecture, popular festivals and the majestic Edinburgh Castle that has overlooked the city for centuries.

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is full of things to see and do, from its scary age-old dungeons and submerged and forgotten medieval streets to art-filled galleries and royal palaces.

easyJet holidays to Edinburgh

Your easyJet experience doesn’t need to end once you set off the plane in Edinburgh. easyJet holidays offers great value package holidays, so you can explore the city of Beltane with confidence that you won’t be missing out on any must-see nook or cranny. From exploring the majesty of Edinburgh Castle to a tour around the creaky ancient dungeons, the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Festival to one of the in-depth whiskey tasting tours. We can help make your Edinburgh city break perfect. As well as getting you there for a great deal, we can offer you the perfect package to explore the so-called Athens of the North.

Flying from London? View your London airport options on our London to Edinburgh flights page

Go big for less! Discover all our cheap plane tickets using easyJet’s Low Fare Finder.

When's the best time to go?

Hottest month

August

Coldest month

January

Best time to visit

There’s no ‘right’ time to visit Edinburgh. Scotland’s picturesque capital city has something to offer all year round, whether you’re looking for explosive nightlife, shopping or historical gems. It’s magical at Christmas time, though, with a huge ice-skating rink, brilliant Christmas market and blanket of fairy lights. August welcomes the famous Fringe Festival, plus lovely warm temperatures.

Avoid the crowds

Unsurprisingly, Scotland’s capital city is also its most visited, with famous sights like the hilltop castle and the spooky Edinburgh Vaults drawing the crowds all year. Come in March and April or September and October for slightly quieter streets. The temperatures are at their peak in high summer and it can get really crowded, plus the iconic Fringe Festival hits in August.

*Information provided is indicative only and may be subject to change