Moving to Edinburgh: Area Guide
A city of vitality and steeped in history, Edinburgh is unrivalled in culture and also a great place to live. It has countryside, hills and coastline close to its gateways and offers a great lifestyle that suits many people’s needs.
If you’re thinking about moving to Edinburgh, we’ve put together this guide that will help you taste the many flavours of this historic and joyous city.
Where is Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is located in Lothian, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth.
A brief history of Edinburgh
The oldest remains found in this area date back to the Mesolithic period, circa 8500 BC, which can be found around Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags – the hills in the eastern part of the city. The town was and is most famously known for the volcanic rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands. Originally named Castle Rock, it wasn’t until after the 7th century that the city supposedly attained the name “Edwin’s Fort”, referring to King Edwin of Northumbria, which later turned into Edinburgh.
The city has been home to and been visited by many royals, and the castle itself was Scotland’s chief royal castle throughout the Middle Ages. With the town starting to become overcrowded in the 1500s, it began expanding beyond the volcanic rock, with the creation of New Town – a residential area just south of the castle. Since 1437 Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland and since 1998 some parliamentary powers have been devolved to the country, under the Scotland Act.
An in-depth look at Edinburgh
Who lives there?
Edinburgh is Scotland’s second most populous city and has a large population of young adults between 20 and 30 years old. The city is a mix of cultures from around the globe, but you will also be sure to find some true Scots(wo)men there, too.
Types of property in Edinburgh
With both the New and Old Town to choose from, and numerous redevelopments and new residential areas, Edinburgh offers its inhabitants a wide range of properties.
For a one-bedroom home, you can expect to pay between £600 to £1,000 per month depending on the location, size and furnishings. For a two-bedroom flat the price is around £900 to £1,300 per month, while three-bedroom properties range between £1,100 up to £1,500pcm.
Edinburgh transport
Edinburgh is serviced by multiple bus routes, which run very frequently taking you to all corners of the city and beyond. Additionally, it has a tram system in the centre of town, which also connects to Edinburgh airport – Scotland’s busiest airport and the principal gateway into the country. From Waverley Train Station just off Princes Street – Edinburgh’s central shopping area – you’ll be able to catch North-, West- and South-bound trains using either the ScotRail or LNER train services. Haymarket station, located further in the west also offers many regular connections to major Scottish and English cities.
Restaurants and shopping
Princes Street and George Street are the main shopping areas in the city centre and are bursting with souvenir shops, clothing stores, as well as delicious cafes and restaurants.
Aizle
Aizle, which in Scottish means ‘a burning coal’ was opened by Chef Stuart Ralston and the house supremo Krystal Goff in 2014. The restaurant offers fresh local and seasonal food in an informal setting. Though it may not sound like much, you can expect to be wow-ed by beautifully created dishes.
Fhior
Fhior is the Gaelic for ‘true’ or ‘honest’ and is an ambitious restaurant that offers a surprise seven-course menu based on seasonal products for the best experience of Scottish food which reimagine time-honoured recipes for their ever-changing and evolving menu.
Mary’s Milk Bar
Located on the Grassmarket, with a clear view up to the castle, you need to make sure to stop off at Mary’s Milk Bar. Their fresh and daily changing flavours of ice cream will definitely keep you coming back for more.
The Sheep Heid Inn
The Sheep Heid is rumoured to be one of Scotland’s oldest pubs, established in 1360. It is believed that Mary Queen of Scots regularly went to the Sheep Heid centuries ago. Today the pub has a beautiful backyard beer garden to enjoy the summer sunshine. This stylish restaurant and bar also offers a great variety of seasonal favourites and classic pub food dishes.
Grassmarket
Located in the centre of the Old Town, Grassmarket offers you beautiful upward views of the castle and a wide range of restaurants and shops. On weekends, merchants set up their stalls, and this bustling historic square truly comes alive with the mouth-watering smells of freshly cooked meals and independent, local shops selling second hands books and other knick-knacks.
Innis & Gunn
Fancy trying some local brews? Then head over to Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom, where you can try some very potent, freshly poured beer and enjoy a hearty pub meal alongside it.
Socialising in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is known as a very sociable and green city. It is especially famous for its summer festivals, including the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and the Fringe Festival, which is the world’s largest annual international arts festival.
- Have a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and find out more about its far-reaching history
- Wander down the Royal Mile and visit the Scottish Parliament, located against the beautiful backdrop of Arthur’s Seat
- Pack your hiking boots (or any sturdy shoes) and walk up Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags to take in Edinburgh’s panoramic views
- Wander around the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland
- Catch a bus down to Portobello Beach and breath in the salty air of Firth of Forth
- Admire art at the Scottish National Gallery, along with Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, all of which are hot spots for art and art history
- Discover the Canongate Tolbooth and discover the Old Town, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Reserve a dinner spot on Calton Hill at The Lookout and enjoy a delicious meal with spectacular views of the city
Moving to Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a vibrant place to live and has so much to offer that this brief guide could never include it all. With plenty of museums, restaurants, bars, open green spaces and sporting activities, this city is a place where you can always find something new to do. So, if you are keen on culture, history and living in a multicultural and friendly capital, then it’s time to find a home in Edinburgh.
