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How to Book a Trip to Edinburgh

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Edinburgh

See the historic Scottish capital without the festival crowds or the immediate sting of a large travel bill.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $122.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Edinburgh is all about the cobblestones and the view from the castle. It feels like a movie set, especially when you are wandering the narrow closes of the Old Town. To see it at its best, avoid August. That is when the festivals take over, prices spike, and you can barely move on the Royal Mile. Go in May or September for better weather and actual space to breathe.

A solid trip for a couple usually runs about $2200 for a week of pubs and history. We found a way to handle that cost without paying interest up front. You can break that total into smaller chunks over a year and a half while you plan your route through the Highlands.

The 0% interest period is a deadline, not a permanent discount. If you still have a balance on the card after those 18 months, the standard interest rate will apply to whatever is left. That rate is usually high, so make sure you stay on top of the monthly math.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your shoulder season

    Skip the August rush and the freezing mid-winter winds. Aim for May or September. You get the same moody atmosphere and open attractions without the massive crowds or peak hotel rates.

  2. 02

    Apply the 0% window

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay for the big stuff like flights and lodging now without the interest piling up immediately.

  3. 03

    Track your flights

    Flights to Scotland can be pricey if you wait until the last minute. Track prices for Edinburgh or even Glasgow, which is a short, cheap train ride away. This usually saves a few hundred dollars on the total cost.

  4. 04

    Automate your payments

    Take that $2200 total and divide it by the eighteen months of the intro window. That is $122.22 per month. Set up an automatic payment for that exact amount so the balance is gone before the interest kicks in.

  5. 05

    Find a local base

    Look for a small flat in Stockbridge or the West End. These spots are walkable to the castle but feel more like a neighborhood than a tourist trap. You will save money by eating a few meals in.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

When is the cheapest time to go?

January and February are the cheapest, but the weather is often brutal. Stick to May or October for a balance of lower prices and manageable cold.

Do I need a car in Edinburgh?

No. The city is very walkable and the buses are excellent. A car is just an expensive headache to park on those narrow, historic streets.

Is the castle worth the ticket price?

It is. Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the line. Go early in the morning to see the crown jewels before the tour groups arrive.

What is a balance transfer?

It is moving debt from one card to another to get a lower interest rate. This card allows that, but we are focused on using the 0% window for your new trip purchases.