Emirates destinations
Book your flights to Edinburgh and land in a beautiful city with mediaeval buildings and an energetic arts and cultural scene.
Made up of the historic Old Town and the Georgian New Town, the architecture of Edinburgh is one of the city’s striking features. Stories are told through the royal Palace of Holyrood House, the Scott Monument and St Giles’ Cathedral, while modern structures like the Forth Bridge showcase the city’s ingenuity in design and engineering.
Explore the famous twelfth century Edinburgh Castle perched on Castle Rock - the icon of Scotland’s capital city. Discover the crown jewels, palace and museum, then walk down the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, dipping in and out of its ‘closes’ and ‘wynds’ (narrow lanes and alleyways). Two must-stops are the local tweed shops that offer Scotland’s most popular tartan fashion statement, and Edinburgh’s taverns, where you can try the Scottish haggis.
Edinburgh is historically a hub of intellectuals and writers (it’s famously where JK Rowling was inspired to write the Harry Potter series). Home to the University of Edinburgh, and with alumni like Charles Darwin, David Hulme and Robert Louis Stevenson, it’s no wonder this city has dubbed itself the Athens of the North.
Two of the most popular events in Edinburgh are held in the summer. Be a spectator at the Highland Games, where locals donning kilts test their strength in the caber toss and the Scottish hammer throw. And soak up the atmosphere at the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, where the city comes alive with thousands of shows and performances by musicians, dancers, poets, comedians and artists.
Beyond the city, flights to Edinburgh put you just a couple of hours’ drive from the wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, home of the royal Balmoral Castle. Or take a tour bus further to Loch Ness. Whether you catch a glimpse of the mythical monster ‘Nessy’ or not, you can enjoy spectacular lake views, fresh air and lush green surroundings.