Iconic UK city is ‘one of the best in Europe’ and incredibly walkable

A last-minute getaway is easy to plan with so many places to visit in the UK, Edinburgh being one of the most desirable.

The Scottish capital has emerged as a top choice for a city break, offering an array of attractions and historical sites within easy walking distance.

Workthere’s research highlights Edinburgh as one of the UK’s most walkable cities, with a significant portion of its workforce opting to commute on foot – one in six people, to be exact.

Unlike London and Liverpool, Edinburgh boasts an impressive amount of leafy green spaces, with residents being, on average, a mere 308m away from them.

Superior air quality also makes it an ideal spot for pedestrians and cyclists, and with more than 2,000 cycling routes, the Scottish capital is ripe for exploration on two wheels.

Journey through the hilly Old Town, which beckons with its charming shops and cafes in every nook. It can be explored unguided quite easily, as many TripAdvisor reviewers shared, though be wary of the steep terrain.

One woman wrote: “Love the Old Town area. Lots to see and do. Some of the shops are on the touristy side while others are locally made items. There is a lovely park-like area in the middle of pubs where you can enjoy lunch on a nice day. The castle is up the hill and the area itself is fun to walk around.”

Another chimed: “What a lovely city – so much to see and do. very manageable to walk around and everyone is so friendly. a definite must if going to Scotland.”

For those planning a trip and looking to soak up as much of the city as possible, Edinburgh offers numerous guided walking tours led by knowledgeable locals.

Visitors can take an insightful walk through the underground vaults in the Old Town to discover tales of hardship and struggle in 18th-century Edinburgh, plus grisly stories from the city’s dark past.

According to Tripadvisor, this walking tour is a best-seller, and affordable too at just £20 a ticket for a one-hour guided tour. The beautiful castle is another must-see, and those who embark on a walking tour of the iconic monument will learn about the surprisingly bloody history of the kings and queens who lived there.

The gruesome history doesn’t take away from the Old Town’s splendour, as one Tripadvisor reviewer remarked. They named it “one of the best old towns you could find in Europe”, adding: “We enjoyed walking around the old town. It’s got so much character that it almost seemed like a set in a movie. So much history that almost every building and street has a story.”

For those less tempted by the history of Edinburgh, the city makes an attractive haven for green space enthusiasts. 

Holyrood Park, housing the city’s extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat, offers a challenging climb but rewards it with breathtaking city views. Princes Street Gardens, conveniently located near the old town, provides a splendid vantage point to marvel at Edinburgh Castle.

For those seeking a break from the bustling city centre, a leisurely walk along the Water of Leith, amidst serene natural scenery, is highly recommended.