Why Edinburgh Is Perfect for Families

Edinburgh isn’t just a city—it’s like stepping into the pages of a storybook. The cobblestone streets are lined with history, magic, and mystery, making it a dream destination for families and Harry Potter fans alike.

As a family that shares a deep love for the wizarding world, we couldn’t wait to explore the real-life landmarks that inspired J.K. Rowling’s series. And the best part? We did it all for a fraction of the cost, thanks to our points and miles strategy.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how we booked flights, hotels, and activities in Edinburgh using points—and how you can do the same to plan your own magical Scotland adventure.

How to Book Flights & Hotels With Points

Flights: How We Flew to Edinburgh

We booked our family’s round-trip flights using points from two different programs:

• Kansas City (MCI) → London (LHR): American Airlines miles earned from welcome bonuses.
• Edinburgh (EDI) → Kansas City: United MileagePlus miles for the return.

Total out-of-pocket cost: just under $400 in taxes and fees for all four of us!

How You Can Do It:
If you’re planning a Europe trip, start with flexible travel rewards that let you transfer points to airline partners.

• American Airlines miles: Great for direct U.S.–Europe routes.
• United MileagePlus: Excellent availability for return flights.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards®: Transferable to multiple partners (see my Chase Transfer Partner Guide) for maximum flexibility.

Related Reading: How to Take Your Family to Paris Using Points

Where to Stay Using Points

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

We stayed at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, a stunning property located right along the Royal Mile—steps from Edinburgh Castle and all the main attractions. We booked three nights entirely with Hilton Honors points, saving hundreds of dollars.

Why We Loved It:

• Prime location in the heart of the city
• Spacious room for a family of four
• Free breakfast thanks to my husband’s Hilton Gold status (from his travel card)

How You Can Do It:

• Earn Hilton Honors points through hotel stays or welcome bonuses.
• Sign up for Hilton’s loyalty program—it’s free and offers perks like free breakfast and late checkout.
• For more details, check out my post on Booking Hotels with Hilton Points.

Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is overflowing with magic, history, and adventure. Whether you’re a Potter fan or just looking for family-friendly fun, here are the must-see spots that made our trip unforgettable.

Harry Potter–Inspired Highlights

• Potter Trail Walking Tour: A pay-what-you-want tour that brings you to the sites that inspired J.K. Rowling’s world.
• Victoria Street: Said to have inspired Diagon Alley, it’s colorful, lively, and full of fun shops.
• Greyfriars Kirkyard: The resting place of names that inspired characters like Tom Riddle.
• Edinburgh Castle: Towering over the city, it’s packed with history (and a little Hogwarts energy).

Free & Family-Friendly Activities

• National Museum of Scotland: Hands-on exhibits kids will love—and it’s free!
• St. Giles Cathedral: Gorgeous Gothic architecture right on the Royal Mile.
• Princes Street Gardens: Perfect for picnics and castle views.
• The Meadows: Open green space for kids to run off energy between sightseeing.
• Dean Village: Peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for family photos.

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is full of cozy pubs and quick eats that are great for families. Here are our favorites:

Local Favorites

• The World’s End: Traditional Scottish fare with a whimsical name.
• Bobby’s Sandwich Shop: Great grab-and-go lunch stop—try the haggis sandwich!
• Oink: Simple and delicious pulled pork rolls (you’ll smell it before you see it).

Scottish Pubs and Hidden Gems

• The Last Drop: Great food, better stories—perfect for adults while kids enjoy a hearty meal.
• Whiski Bar & Restaurant: Cozy pub for trying traditional haggis and Scotch whisky.
• The Dog House: Local burger spot with a fun, relaxed vibe.
• Mamma’s Anstruther Fish Bar: Classic fish and chips in a family-friendly setting.

Day Trips from Edinburgh (No Car Needed)

Don’t want to rent a car? You don’t need to! These family-friendly day trips from Edinburgh are easy to book through trusted Viator tours — and they make for unforgettable experiences.

• Alnwick Castle & Rosslyn Chapel Tour – 9 hours | From $132
  Visit the real-life Hogwarts filming location and explore the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel.

• Private Highlands Tour – 8 hours | From $974 per group
  A personalized adventure through Scotland’s rugged landscapes—worth every mile.

• Braemar Highland Games Day Trip – 1 day | From $59
  A summer highlight full of bagpipes, sports, and Scottish tradition.

Booking through my Viator affiliate links supports my blog at no extra cost to you—thank you for helping me keep the travel tips coming!

Tips for Traveling With Kids in Europe

• Pack light but layered. Edinburgh’s weather can change in minutes.
• Book tours ahead. Family tours (like Potter Trail) fill up fast.
• Plan downtime. Stop for snacks or garden breaks—especially with little ones.
• Use points for flexibility. Free nights and refundable bookings help when plans shift.

What’s on Our List for Next Time

• Hike Arthur’s Seat – Incredible city views and family-friendly trails.
• Holyrood Palace – Royal history, beautiful grounds, and great photo ops.
• Scottish Highlands – Castles, lochs, and pure magic.

Final Thoughts: Edinburgh on Points Is Pure Magic

From exploring Potter landmarks to wandering centuries-old streets, Edinburgh truly felt like stepping into another world.

Total Savings: Thousands of dollars in flights and hotels
Biggest Win: Our points and miles strategy made a European family vacation totally doable

If you’re dreaming of a family trip to Scotland, start now—earning points today means travel memories tomorrow.

And if you use my affiliate links when booking activities or opening new cards, thank you! Your support keeps Points and Miles Teachers running and helps me keep sharing free resources for families who want to travel more for less.

Here’s to more adventures that feel like magic—without the high price tag.