A dynamic arts scene, stunning architecture, foot-friendly streets, and locals who greet you with open arms. These are just some of the reasons Time Out recently named Scotland’s capital the best city in the world.¹ And really, what more could you ask for?

Edinburgh is known for its many festivals, especially the Edinburgh Fringe in August when creative artists of all stripes perform throughout the city. Summer’s the most popular season to visit the city, but you’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices in the spring and fall. Pack sturdy walking shoes and a good rain jacket; study your Edinburgh slang (so you can have a wee blether with people you meet); and dinnae forget to protect your adventures with a solid travel insurance plan.

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3 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for the UK

1. You should protect your travel investment.  

While less pricey than London, Edinburgh is not a cheap date. Are you prepared to lose the money you’ve spent on airfare and lodging if you have to cancel at the last minute or cut your trip short? If not, you need trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits.

2. The government won’t pay your medical bills.

For UK citizens, healthcare is covered by the NHS (National Health Service). Tourists, however, are not covered. If you experience a medical emergency in Scotland, you will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any treatment you receive. That’s why you need travel insurance with emergency medical benefits, which can reimburse eligible medical bills and ensure you receive high-quality care.²

3. Travel and baggage delays are increasingly common.

You’ve probably seen the headlines about travel chaos: canceled flights, long delays and missing bags. Travel insurance is your best defense! Get reimbursed for eligible covered expenses when your trip gets off track.

What’s the best travel insurance to buy for Scotland? OneTrip Prime is our most popular plan for international trips and family vacations. OneTrip Prime includes key benefits and also covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). In most states of residence, it includes the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, which adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. (Benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions)

Every Allianz Travel Insurance plan includes 24-hour assistance, so you never have to journey alone. The easiest way to access assistance and policy information is the free Allianz TravelSmart app.

3 of the Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

1. Explore Edinburgh Castle. Visiting this stone edifice is a chance to travel through thousands of years of Scottish history, from Celts to kings and queens. See the oldest crown jewels in Britain, the 900-year-old St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the massive medieval cannon called Mons Meg.
2. Climb Arthur’s Seat. Wander the hills and vales of Holyrood Park in the heart of Edinburgh. Then ascend to the ancient fort called Arthur’s Seat to see sweeping city views. On some summer evenings, park rangers lead a guided walk to the summit that includes information about Holyrood’s history and wildlife.³
3. Indulge in afternoon tea. After a morning of sightseeing, there’s no better way to refresh yourself than a round of hot tea, scones, finger sandwiches and other delights. Some of the best places for tea in Edinburgh: the elegant and literary Colonnades at the Signet Library; Prestonfield House, where you can sit in the rose garden in summer or by a crackling fire in winter; or the adorably quirky eteaket.

3 of the Best Hotels in Edinburgh

The Balmoral is, in its own words, “a love letter to Scotland.” This Victorian landmark is undeniably one of the best (and most expensive) hotels in Edinburgh, with castle views, sumptuous suites, and impeccable service. Even if you’re not staying here, stop in for afternoon tea in the Palm Court or a taste of rare whisky in the SCOTCH bar.

For a unique Edinburgh experience, check into Fingal, a 1963 lighthouse supply ship that in 2019 was reborn as a floating luxury hotel. Inside you’ll find 14 modern cabins and suites, a grand ballroom, and the Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar.

Recently renovated and rebranded, The Scott Hotel features 36 modern rooms in an 18^th century baronial house. Guests appreciate its high-end beds, locally sourced meals and quiet location near Holyrood Park.

3 of the Best Scottish Restaurants in Edinburgh

As a cosmopolitan capital, Edinburgh has every type of food under the sun. But if you’ve come all this way, you should make a point of sampling Scottish cuisine—which may surprise you with its inventiveness.

Savor fine dining on the Royal Mile at Angels with Bagpipes. Choose where you want to sit — near the bustling bar, in the upper dining room or even outside, facing St. Giles Cathedral. On the menu, you may find familiar dishes like haggis and black pudding and some less familiar, like crowdie (a traditional Scottish curd cheese) and neeps and tatties (rutabaga and potato).

Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar is the quintessentially Scottish culinary experience. Try the seasonal Taste of Scotland menu, which includes favorites like chicken Balmoral, local lamb, Shetland salmon and vegetarian haggis. Don’t skip dessert, as it comes with a dram of fine Scotch whisky. And if you like that, take the tour to see the Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection’s 3,384 bottles.

The Gardener’s Cottage, in a charming 1836 stone house, serves an ever-changing tasting menu with produce plucked from the surrounding gardens. Plates might include house-smoked salmon, roasted grouse, or mutton, with a vegan menu available. “Lunch in the Gardener's Cottage is one of those experiences that stops the world for a while,” said a review in The Guardian, and we can always do with one of those.”⁴

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? To maximize your coverage window, the best time to buy your travel insurance is immediately after paying your trip deposit. Find the right plan for your vacation.

What Do I Need to Travel to Scotland?

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