A Digital Nomad Guide to Edinburgh

Edinburgh Visa

With the UK leaving the European Union the visa situation for digital nomads has become more and more confusing. As regulations are still changing the most important thing is to check official government websites for detailed information.

Currently, most nationalities are allowed to spend 6 months in the UK with a standard visitor visa. There are long term versions of this visa available that are valid for as long as 10 years although the requirements are steep. As a digital nomad it’s best to use a regular visitor visa and possibly exit the country after 6 months or apply for another visa.

Keep in mind that you won’t be able to work in the UK with these visas. All your money needs to be earned exclusively online or you could face harsh fines or even deportation. Make sure you do not break these rules or any other visa requirements while you are in the UK.

As a EU citizen it used to be that you were able to live and work freely in the UK. Unfortunately as of 2020 this is no longer possible to the same extent and the exact rules are still being put into place. It appears as though EU citizens will be able to apply for the temporary leave to remain scheme which could let them stay in the UK for up to 36 months. However, the requirements for this are still unclear and digital nomads should expect to factor in some time to be approved for this program. It has been suggested that the UK might implement a points system for immigration much like the one in Australia. If this is the case it might become much more difficult for EU citizens to move to the UK as digital nomads.

Culture and Food in Edinburgh

Scottish culture is very distinctly different from the rest of the UK and one should avoid confusing the two. Many Scotts are actually quite offended if you accidentally refer to them as British or English. Being Scottish is therefore something most people in Edinburgh are very proud of and traditions are a large part of everyday life.

Of course, Scotland is famous for its kilts and old Scottish families actually each have their own crest and designated tartan. A kilt is usually tailor-made and can be very expensive. It is very common for men to wear one for official events, weddings or dances.

Edinburgh is located in the south of Scotland so you won’t experience the same culture here as you might in the Scottish highlands. These are located up north and can have very different features than those of the capital city.

An important tradition that takes place all over Scotland is Burns Night or Burns Supper. This is held on the 25th of January, the birthday of Robert Burns, one of the most famous Scottish poets. The day celebrates his poetry and life and is a very fun tradition that you should take part in if you can. 

For Burns Supper the Scotts eat Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, a traditional dish you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Haggis is a very famous Scottish dish made of sheep innards which are minced and served as a sort of meat loaf. While this might not sound very appetizing it is a large part of Scottish culture and anyone coming to Edinburgh as a visitor should try it at least once. Neeps and tatties stands for swede and potatoes which are served alongside a whiskey sauce. Before dinner a traditional “Address to a Haggis” is held with accompanying bagpipes. This poem was written by Robert Burns and is a very important part of Burns Night. This is always a really fun night and a must do if you’re in Edinburgh during January.

Scotland is not exactly known for its incredible cuisine but there are some foods you should try during your time in Edinburgh. Scottish tablet is a sweet buttery confectionate that you can find in most supermarkets and traditional shops. It can be compared to caramel but without the sticky texture. This is a great present to take home with you or to send to a friend.

Scotland is also known for its shortbread, a very condensed, buttery cookie that is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Shortbread is a great snack and you’ll find yourself missing it after leaving Scotland.

Then there is the rather peculiar fried mars bar which originated from the north of Scotland but can now be found in many different places. There is not much more to this Scottish snack than it sounds like, it is quite literally a deep fried mars bar. While it’s definitely not the healthiest of options it’s a fun thing to try and you might be surprised by how good it actually is.

Edinburgh Nightlife

With a large population of university students, Edinburgh has no shortage of bars, pubs, live music venues and of course nightclubs. You’ll find the majority of nightlife around the city centre in both old town and new town. Stockbridge, another popular neighbourhood is a great area for more upscale pubs with home-brewed beer and great dining options.

If you’re going to be moving to Edinburgh you absolutely have to go to a Scottish pub at least once. Drinking culture is very important in Scotland and meeting up with friends in a pub is a regular occurrence. There are a lot of pubs to choose from in Edinburgh like the popular Wetherspoons chain that boasts impressive venues and some of the cheapest prices for drinks and food around. For a truly authentic Scottish pub experience head to the Sheep Heid Inn which is rumoured to be the oldest pub in Scotland dating back to the 14th century. Bennets Bar, Canny Man’s, The Last Drop or Guildford Arms are also great options for those wanting to experience a traditional pub.

The drinks of choice in Scotland are definitely beer and whiskey which is produced traditionally in the Highlands. Whiskey connoisseurs claim that Scotland produces some of the world’s best whiskey which is known for its unique smokey flavour. If you’re looking for a souvenir or a present for a friend definitely consider buying a few bottles.

Edinburgh’s clubbing scene is largely dominated by university students who fill the city’s nightlife venues on most nights of the week. Luckily, this means that you’ll come across a wide variety of discounts, drink deals and sometimes even free entry into clubs which makes clubbing in Edinburgh decently affordable for Scotland’s standards. A pint of beer in a pub or club will cost anywhere between 3$ and 8$ depending on the venue. This is definitely pricey but since there are high taxes on alcohol in the UK it could be worse. 

Keep in mind that due to Scotland’s strict laws shops are only legally allowed to sell alcohol between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm. Bars and pubs tend to close between 12:00 am and 01:00 am and clubs stay open as late as 2:00 am or 3:00 am with some exceptions. Some of the most popular clubs around Edinburgh include Hive, The Liquid Room, Cabaret Voltaire and the Mash House. You’ll also find quite a few live music venues which are great for both new and upcoming underground artists as well as established bands.

If you’re looking for a way to experience the city’s nightlife and meet some new people at the same time you should consider taking part in the Edinburgh pub crawl. For just 10$ you’ll get six drinks at different bars and free entry into a club. This is a popular activity for both tourists and those new to the city so you’ll be guaranteed to make some friends along the way as you get to know Edinburgh by night.

Things to do in Edinburgh

• Visit the Edinburgh Castle

  Edinburgh Castle is clearly visible from many parts of the city as it is perched on a high hill. The castle has been in use since the 2nd century and has served as a good defensive structure because of its perfect location. Today it is the perfect place to get a closer look at what life used to be like in Scotland. Be sure to stay until the firing of the 1 o’clock gun which has traditionally been fired every day of the week except Sundays since 1861. The entrance fee is around $20 and the castle opens daily from 9:30 am.

• Palace of Holyroodhouse

  The Holyrood Palace, built in 1678, is a good place to combine with Edinburgh Castle, as these two sights are not far from each other. The palace has been home to many generations of kings and queens and today shows what royal life was like in the 17th century. For the full experience, stop by the Palace Café for traditional afternoon tea in a traditional setting. If you’ve never had an afternoon tea in the UK before this is a great opportunity to try it out. The admission costs $22 and is well worth it if you are interested in Scottish history.

• National Gallery

  If you are an art lover, the Scottish National Gallery is a must-see during your time in Edinburgh. It is located in the heart of the city and is very easy to reach. As well as works by world famous artists such as Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Rubens, the art gallery also has many works by Scottish artists. Pieces by Peter Graham, Sir David Wilkie and Sir Henry Raeburn reflecting stunning landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life give this collection a Scottish twist.

• Botanical Garden

  In 1670, the Edinburgh Royal Botanical Garden was founded to conduct scientific research on plants for medicinal purposes. In 1858, a palm house was built, which is still one of the tallest in Britain. On over 70 hectares you will find up to 100.000 plants planted in different gardens. There is also an 18th century manor house on the grounds which is now used as an art gallery. The botanical gardens are ideal for picnics in fine weather or a walk with the entire family. Any time of year is a good time to visit, even in the snow.

• Gladstone’s Land

  Gladstone’s Land in Edinburgh offers a unique opportunity to step back in time. Built in the 17th century, the 6-storey house is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town. It has been restored to give visitors an insight into life in the 1600s. On the various floors you will find historic pieces depicting different lifestyles of merchants, wealthy residents and the cramped conditions of the poor. This is definitely a fantastic way to get to the bottom of Scottish history and well worth the $10 entrance fee.

• Craigmillar Castle

  Craigmillar Castle is arguably one of the best preserved castles in Scotland and a must for anyone interested in history and architecture. The castle was built in the 15th century and has been home to many kings and queens over the years. Explore the halls and living chambers which are still well preserved and have been turned into a sort of museum. For a breathtaking view over Edinburgh, don’t miss the lookout tower. Entrance to the castle costs 8$ which is a more affordable option than some of the others on this list.

• Explore Edinburgh’s Vaults

  Under the streets of Edinburgh are the so-called vaults. This is an underground passageway with adjoining vaults and chambers. They were used in the 1790s mainly by small traders to store their goods. In later times it became a hotspot for homeless people and the vaults obtained a bad reputation for crime and illegal activities. Today you can take a guided tour through the tunnels and see what these passageways were originally intended for. For around $27 you can get a guided tour, and there is also the option of a ghost tour, which might be a great adventure for children travelling with you.

• National Monument of Scotland

  The National Monument of Scotland is the perfect spot for some sightseeing when the weather is sunny. The monument is intended to commemorate the soldiers of the Napoleonic War, but was never actually completed. It’s a popular tourist attraction as it has a beautiful view of the whole city from the hill on which it sits. Come here to have a picnic in nature and enjoy the incredible views.

• Usher Hall

  If you enjoy classical music and theatre, you should not miss a visit to Usher Hall. Opened in 1914, it has since become a popular venue for many musical events due to its special acoustics. If you want to visit the hall, take a look at their website and see what’s on offer at the moment.

• Explore Dean Village

  Dean village is located a little outside the city but is one of those places you absolutely have to visit when you come to Edinburgh. The village was an important centre of Edinburgh’s milling industry and is home to a lot of stories and history. Today some of the buildings have been restored to keep the history alive. Take a stroll over the Dean village bridge that connects the village to the city. It’s a really great place that takes you back in time.

• Whisky tasting

  Scotland is world famous for its incredible whisky. If you’re living in Edinburgh, you should definitely do a whisky tasting at least once. There are guided tours that take you to the best bars in Edinburgh to try different varieties of local spirits. There are several distilleries where you can take a guided tour, followed by a tasting for a more refined experience. At the distilleries you can also learn more about the whisky making process which is actually quite interesting.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

The climate in Scotland’s capital is cold and windy due to its location directly next to the north sea. Winter lasts from December to February, with highs of 8°C, but the wind and humidity make it feel much colder. Snowfall is less frequent and usually does not last very long. Temperatures tend to drop below freezing in occasional cold snaps, but this is not a regular occurance. 

From March to May, spring slowly moves in and brings with it a little more warmth. The maximum temperatures here are around 15°C on average. Summer, from June to August, still feels cool due to the wind that is present all year round. However, temperatures here reach up to 19°C. Rarely do temperatures rise above 25°C and when they do, they only last a few days. Even in summer, there are regular rainfalls, so it is advisable to always carry an umbrella. 

September to November are mostly cloudy, grey and rainy. It is noticeable how it gets colder from week to week. It is advisable to wear a thick jacket during these months as strong winds can blow more frequently. Temperatures can drop to as low as 4°C and reach a maximum of a warm 17°C. There is an average of 10 rainy days per month throughout the year. It is advisable to wear long, warm clothing and bring a wind and rainproof jacket. If you want to jump into the sea despite the temperatures, you should do so in the months from June to August, as the water temperatures are at their highest here with a cool 14°C.

Edinburgh for Families

Edinburgh is a diverse and vibrant city with no shortage of things to do for the entire family. If you have very small children it might be advisable to have a car since walking everywhere is not really an option when it rains very frequently.

If you’re looking for a place to stay with a bit more space and maybe even a garden you should consider moving to Stockbridge. This neighbourhood has been named as the best place to live in Scotland in the past and is known for its many amenities and family-friendly community. Morningside or Colinton could also be good choices for expat families.

The school system in the UK is renowned and Scotland has some great options especially for expat families. Since all education is conducted in English there is a great variety of schools to choose from in Edinburgh. Public education is free in the UK although private schools are known to be very pricey. Luckily the public education system is easy to navigate and very reliable. There are no designated international schools in Edinburgh which is largely due to the fact that English is the main spoken language.

Taking a trip to the famous Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular activities for families in the area. If your children are a little bit older you should consider a family day at the National Museum of Scotland which has many interesting exhibits and interactive tasks. Camera Obscura is another fantastic way to spend a rainy day in Edinburgh. This interactive exhibit features hundreds of illusions, puzzles and games perfect for the entire family.

Of course, you can’t forget about the beach which should be high on your list of possible destinations for a family outing. Although it might be too cold for swimming most of the year there is still plenty of fun to be had here with kids of all ages.

Living in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Transportation

Edinburgh is a comparatively small city and many of the attractions and points of interest are concentrated in the city centre. Even if you’re living somewhere further away from the old town you most likely won’t be much more than a bus ride away from anywhere you need to go.

Edinburgh has a variety of different public transport methods including trams, buses and trains that take you all around Scotland and the rest of the UK. Mostly the system is fairly reliable and easy to navigate. You can use your phone to buy tickets in some cases and prices are reasonable although not the most affordable you’ll encounter in Europe. For UK standards the public transport in Edinburgh is reasonably affordable though.

A single bus ticket will cost around 2,50$ and you can buy a day ticket for 6$ which will be worth it if you are making more than two journeys in one day. Trams tend to be a little more expensive at around 8$ but they are usually quicker and more reliable. Note that currently there is only a single tram route available in the city which goes from the city centre to Saint Andrew Square. In the future, more lines will most likely be added though to make the city even easier to navigate.

Before you try taking a bus for the first time in Edinburgh it’s important to know that most buses have a no change policy. This means you have to pay the exact bus fare or you won’t receive any change in return. A convenient way to avoid this is to buy tickets online using the M Tickets app on your phone. This will let you simply walk into the bus without having to worry about having change on you. Buses in Edinburgh also take contactless payments so you can always pay by card or using a mobile payment service on your phone such as Apple Pay.

Taxis are quite popular in Edinburgh although they can be expensive. Even for a quick ride, you’ll easily pay more than 20$. Uber tends to be slightly more affordable but drivers are not as readily available as taxis are. Especially after a night out on your way home you might have trouble finding an available Uber.

Edinburgh is a very old city which means the roads tend to be narrow and tight. Finding a place to park can be very time consuming and pricey so having a car will not necessarily make your life any easier. The UK is well connected and even if you want to explore some other destinations close by you can always take a train or long-distance bus. Having your own car will only really be worth it if you intend to take a lot of trips to the countryside or if you are coming to Edinburgh with your family and are going to live far away from the centre of town. A lot of kids take the bus to school though so you should be able to manage without a car if you’re living in the city.

Fitness and Health

Edinburgh has a lot of rain and the weather tends to be very cold so most of the opportunities for staying fit and healthy take place inside. The city has a great selection of gyms, many of which are part of larger chains with multiple locations around town as well as the country. 

Try out Pure Gym for a modern and flexible approach to working out. They offer high-quality equipment, 24-hour access and a lot of different fitness classes. The Gym, Village Gym and CaveFit are other great options for digital nomads looking for a place to keep fit in Edinburgh. Fortunately, it’s quite normal in Scotland to have a non-contract gym membership which means you are free to leave at any time. This is a huge benefit if you’re not quite sure how long you’ll be in Edinburgh and you don’t have to worry about unnecessary payments. 

Although Edinburgh is not the most affordable city you’ll be pleased to know that gym memberships start as low as 25$ per month. Usually, you can get affordable options by buying an off-peak pass which lets you access the gym during less busy times.

If you’re looking to get fit and enjoy nature at the same time Edinburgh is the perfect place for hiking and camping. You can reach beautiful areas of Scotland like the Highlands or the Cairngorm mountains in just a few hours where you can truly get away from everything. Of course, you’ll also be right next to the ocean in Edinburgh with opportunities for swimming or surfing nearby if you don’t mind the cold water. 

Edinburgh People

Scotland is a very unique country with many little quirks and unusual traditions. It should come as no surprise that the Scottish people can be a bit odd sometimes especially for those who come from a completely different culture. 

You might want to live in Edinburgh as a digital nomad because the UK is an English-speaking country. Unfortunately, you shouldn’t get too excited about this fact and as soon as you step foot outside the Edinburgh airport you’ll know why. It’s no stereotype that the Scottish accent can be hard to understand. In the beginning, you’ll most likely have trouble communicating with locals who sound like they’re speaking another language entirely. Luckily this is something you’ll get used to eventually but it’s good to come prepared. 

Some Scottish people also still speak the traditional language Scotts. With less than 1,5 million people still actively speaking it in Scotland it’s not very common anymore but you might come across some words in daily life. A few good ones to know are “braw” which means excellent, “piece” which can mean sandwich or “dreich” which means dull or gloomy.

The people in Edinburgh are friendly and open in most cases. Although it can be tricky to make connections as an outsider in smaller more rural towns in the Scottish countryside Edinburgh is luckily a large cosmopolitan city with many other expats.

A big part of the local culture is going to the pub which locals will do both during the week and the weekends. Having pints of beer or cider with friends is a popular activity and the drinking culture is often at the centre of Scottish customs. If you make local friends in Edinburgh be prepared to drink a lot of alcohol in casual situations. 

Sports is another very important feature of most Scottish peoples’ interest. Again, this is related to the pub culture and watching rugby or football together while drinking. Even if you are not interested in sports usually you absolutely have to watch a sports game in a pub at least once for the experience.

If you think of Scotland kilts and bagpipes might come to your mind. This stereotype is definitely true to some extent and you’ll probably come across a bagpipe player more than once during your time in Edinburgh. Kilts are very popular attire for men on special occasions such as balls or weddings. If you can, try to take part in a traditional ceilidh, a popular event with traditional dances that everyone can learn fairly quickly.

Of course, these statements are all generalizations and there is much more to Scottish people than drinking, kilts and rugby. However you’ll most likely come across quite a lot of these things during your time in Edinburgh. What truly makes this city special are Scottish people whose traditions and customs are unique in Scotland and the rest of the world.

Edinburgh Insurance and Medical Care

Scotland is known for having some of the best medical care in the UK and is world renowned for its affordability and extensive coverage. However, this is only the case for permanent residents or citizens of the UK and as a foreigner you unfortunately won’t get to enjoy any services for free unless you are a permanent resident or for example a student. 

The health care system in the UK is called NHS although Wales, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland all have separate regulations. As a digital nomad you’ll want peace of mind if you’re living abroad without having to worry about what a doctor’s appointment might cost you. It’s highly recommended to obtain medical insurance from your own home country that will be applicable to any foreigner country you might live in. If you do not have this coverage already you could look into insuring yourself in the UK although this will most likely be very expensive as a foreigner.

If you do need medical assistance while you are living in Edinburgh and do not have insurance you could expect to pay upwards of 150$ for a short consultation. Always save any receipts and invoices from doctors so you can hand them in to your insurance company later.

The NHS is sometimes known for being a bit chaotic and in non-emergency cases the waiting times for appointments can be quite long. Luckily the quality of hospitals in Edinburgh is very high so if you do need treatment for a more complicated issue you’ll be in very good hands. 

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Edinburgh

Obtaining a work visa for the UK has become more and more difficult recently as Brexit changed many of the laws. While EU citizens used to be able to work in Scotland quite easily it is now a lot more difficult to obtain a work permit. Depending on your visa you need to be very careful as a digital nomad so you’re not breaking any local laws. Make sure all your work is online and only take a job if you are legally allowed to do so by your visa requirements.

In most cases, it’s only possible to obtain a working visa if you have a job offer for a skilled job or if an employer is willing to sponsor you. If that is not the case for you then you should look for jobs online while you are in Edinburgh. Use platforms like Upwork to find possible remote job offers in your field or contact coworking spaces for possible leads. 

If you do hold a working visa for the UK and want to make some money to fund your life in Edinburgh you’ll most likely have no trouble finding a job. Casual work like the retail or hospitality industry is usually not too hard to find in Edinburgh and many businesses are especially looking for employees during the summer or winter break when university students go home and leave their jobs. The minimum wage in the UK is not the highest but should be enough to at least cover some of your costs of living in the city.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.