Edinburgh hotels

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Edinburgh city guide

Edinburgh Budget Tips

Transferring to the British pound can often be rough on the wallet, but we'll show you how to make the most of your money while in Edinburgh. Find information on tourist offices, museum and transportation passes, free sights, and discounts for students and seniors.

Tourist Office Information

The main VisitScotland Information Centreis located at 3 Princes Street near Waverley Station. The office opens at 9 AM Monday through Saturday and 10 AM on Sunday throughout the year, but closing times vary depending on the season. From November to March, it closes daily at 5 PM; in April and October, the closing time is 6 PM; in May, June and September, it's 7 PM; and in July and August it stay open until 8 PM.

There is another tourist bureau at the airport. Opening hours there are 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM every day from April to October and 7 AM to 9 PM from November to March.

Museum Passes

The Edinburgh Pass provides free admission to 30 attractions and tours, including the Royal Botanic Garden, Nelson Monument, and the John Knox House. It also includes a free roundtrip airport transfer on the Airlink shuttle and free travel on the Lothian Buses (night buses not included). Pass holders receive discounts at certain Edinburgh restaurants and shops, as well as bus tours, car rentals and more.

A one-day pass costs £24, a two-day pass is £36, and a three-day pass is £48.

Free Sights

As in the rest of the UK, many museums in Edinburgh are free, including the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland. You can also visit the Scottish Parliament building free of charge.

Transportation Passes

An all-day pass on the city bus system costs £3. Find more information about transportation on the Getting Around Edinburgh page.

Senior Discounts

Members of the AARP receive discounts on hotels, airfares and car rentals in Edinburgh. They can be reached in the United States at 1-800-424-3410 or accessed online at the AARP Web site.

Student Discounts

The International Student Identity Card, ISIC, the most widely accepted form of student ID, provides discounts on sights, accommodations, food and transportation. Some places offer admission discounts of 20%-50% to ISIC members. All cardholders have access to a 24-hour emergency helpline. In the United States call 1-800-223-7986 or click onto the ISIC site. Applicants must be degree seekers of a secondary or post-secondary school and must be at least 12 years of age. The card costs US$22 and is valid until the end of the year issued.

For non-students 25 years or younger, the International Youth Card, IYTC, also offers many of the same benefits as the ISIC. The card costs US$22 and is valid for one year from the date issue.