Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, blends medieval history, Georgian architecture, and vibrant festivals.
It is the UK’s second-most visited city after London, attracting millions of international and domestic visitors every year.
In 2023, overseas visitors to Scotland reached ~3.9 million, with Edinburgh accounting for over two-thirds of all international tourism to Scotland.
Festivals, whisky tours, and the iconic Edinburgh Castle make it one of Europe’s cultural tourism hotspots.
Key stats: Edinburgh Tourism
- 5.41 million overnight visits to Edinburgh & the Lothians in 2024 (5.05 million just to City of Edinburgh).
- Visitors stayed 17.79 million nights in Edinburgh accommodations in 2024.
- Tourism brought Edinburgh (city) about £2.565 billion in visitor spending in 2024.
- On average, an overnight visitor to Edinburgh spent £508 during their stay.
- Split: ~2.56 million international visitors vs 2.49 million domestic in 2024; international visitors accounted for ~£1.64 billion of the total spend.
- Edinburgh Airport handled ~15 million passengers in 2024, hitting a record for Scottish airports.
- Visitors tend to return: ~52% are repeat visitors; ~47% are “older independents” (travelers who are older and travel alone or independently).
💡 Expert Insight — Jane Meagher, Council Leader, City of Edinburgh Council
“What an historic moment for Edinburgh. Introducing this ground-breaking visitor levy means realising a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest tens of millions of pounds towards enhancing and sustaining the things that make our city such a great place to visit – and live in – all year round.”
How Many Tourists Visit Edinburgh Each Year?
Edinburgh welcomes over 4 million international and domestic tourists annually.
- Scotland: ~3.9M overseas visitors in 2023 (+15% vs 2022).
- Edinburgh accounts for ~70% of Scotland’s international visitors (~2.7M overseas tourists).
- Including domestic visitors, Edinburgh’s total annual tourism exceeds 4.5M trips.
How Many Tourists Visit Edinburgh Each Day?
On average, ~12,300 tourists visit Edinburgh daily.
This number rises sharply in August during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, when the city’s population doubles.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Edinburgh?
Tourism contributes billions annually to Edinburgh’s economy.
- Overseas visitors to Scotland spent £3.2B in 2023, with Edinburgh capturing ~£2B of that total.
- Daily average spend per overseas visitor in Edinburgh: ~£112.
- Tourism supports over 34,000 jobs in Edinburgh.
Where Do Most Visitors to Edinburgh Come From?
The United States, Germany, and France are the largest overseas markets for Edinburgh.
| Country | Visitors (2023 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | ~750K | ~28% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~280K | ~10% |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~260K | ~9% |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | ~190K | ~7% |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ~160K | ~6% |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ~150K | ~5% |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~130K | ~5% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~120K | ~4% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ~115K | ~4% |
| 🇨🇳 China | ~80K | ~3% |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Castle remains the city’s top attraction, with over 2M visitors annually.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle | ~2.0M | Scotland’s #1 paid attraction |
| National Museum of Scotland | ~1.9M | Free admission |
| Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh | ~1.0M | Gardens & glasshouses |
| St Giles’ Cathedral | ~1.0M | Medieval landmark |
| Palace of Holyroodhouse | ~400K | Royal residence |
| Camera Obscura & World of Illusions | ~650K | Family attraction |
| Scottish National Gallery | ~800K | Free admission |
| Arthur’s Seat | ~500K | Hiking hotspot |
| The Scotch Whisky Experience | ~400K | Tastings & tours |
| Royal Yacht Britannia | ~400K | Historic royal ship |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh? (Seasonality)
Edinburgh is busiest in summer, especially August, while winters are quieter but magical with Christmas markets.
| Season | Visitor Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Moderate | Blossoms, quieter museums |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | High | Festivals, long days |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Moderate | Fewer crowds, whisky tours |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Lower | Christmas markets, Hogmanay |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Edinburgh?
Festivals are the backbone of Edinburgh tourism, drawing millions annually.
| Event | Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Aug) | ~3M attendances | World’s largest arts festival |
| Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Aug) | ~220K | Performances at the Castle |
| Edinburgh International Festival (Aug) | ~400K | Theatre, opera, dance |
| Hogmanay (New Year) | ~75K | Street party & fireworks |
| Edinburgh International Book Festival (Aug) | ~225K | Authors & debates |
| Beltane Fire Festival (Apr/May) | ~10K | Celtic tradition revival |
💡 Expert Insight — Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe
“The Fringe attracts millions of visitors and sells millions of tickets annually. … I think if we were a major sporting event, that kind of infrastructure would have been put in place.”
How Much Money Does Edinburgh Make From Tourism?
Tourism adds ~£2B annually to Edinburgh’s economy.
This includes accommodation, food & drink, shopping, attractions, and events.
💡 Expert Insight — Cat Leaver, VisitScotland
“Climate change and social inclusion are some of the biggest challenges facing our tourism and events sector. We want to support visitors and businesses to contribute to Scotland’s net zero ambitions, helping protect Scotland’s world-famous natural assets and renowned tourism offering.”
Which Neighborhoods in Edinburgh Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Tourists are drawn to Edinburgh’s historic core but also explore beyond.
- Old Town & Royal Mile: Medieval heart, Castle, St Giles’.
- New Town: Georgian architecture, shopping, Princes Street.
- Leith: Waterfront, Royal Yacht Britannia, dining scene.
- Stockbridge: Village vibes, markets, botanic gardens.
- Southside & Arthur’s Seat: University, hiking trails.
FAQ – Edinburgh Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Edinburgh each year?
~4.5M (domestic + international).
What is the top attraction in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Castle with ~2M visitors annually.
Which country sends the most tourists to Edinburgh?
The United States (~750K in 2023).
When is the busiest time in Edinburgh?
August, during the Festival Fringe and Military Tattoo.
How much does tourism contribute to the economy?
~£2B annually, supporting over 34,000 jobs.
Is Edinburgh one of the UK’s most visited cities?
Yes, it’s the second most visited after London.
Sources
- VisitScotland — International and Domestic Visitor Statistics 2023
- City of Edinburgh Council — Edinburgh Declares Scotland’s First Visitor Levy (Jane Meagher quotes)
- The Guardian — Shona McCarthy on Fringe as Cultural Olympics
- Historic Environment Scotland — Edinburgh Castle Visitor Numbers
- Festivals Edinburgh — Attendance at Edinburgh’s Festivals
- GSTC — VisitScotland on Sustainability and Tourism (Cat Leaver quote)
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