The beautiful UK city with a £2.7bn problem as locals say ‘too many tourists’

Edinburgh, with its iconic medieval architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene, has long been a magnet for tourists.

Each year, millions flock to Scotland’s capital to visit attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tourism is booming, with visitors contributing an estimated £2.7 billion to the local economy annually.

But for Edinburgh’s residents, the influx of tourists is a double-edged sword, sparking debates on whether the city is suffering from overtourism.

Tourism is a major pillar of Edinburgh’s economy, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating revenue that helps fund public services.

According to recent figures, Edinburgh sees nearly 5 million visitors each year, a number expected to rise as global travel recovers post-pandemic.

Tourists contribute to the city’s retail, dining, and hospitality sectors, with countless small businesses relying heavily on visitor spending.

The annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world, alone attracts around 3 million attendees, bringing in hundreds of millions of pounds over the course of August.

Combined with the city’s popularity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh’s tourism appeal has allowed it to thrive as one of the UK’s top destinations.

Despite the economic benefits, many Edinburgh residents are beginning to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists.

As the number of visitors grows, so do complaints about crowded streets, increased traffic, noise, and the impact on housing prices.

Popular areas such as the Old Town and the Royal Mile are often filled with tourists, making it challenging for locals to navigate their own city.

“It feels like Edinburgh is catering more to visitors than to the people who live here,” says one resident.

“It’s beautiful, but it doesn’t always feel like it’s ours anymore.”

A surge in short-term rentals, driven by platforms like Airbnb, has contributed to a housing crunch, with local rental prices soaring as properties are converted to accommodate tourists.

According to local housing advocacy groups, many neighborhoods that once had a strong sense of community are now dominated by short-term vacation rentals, pushing residents out and driving up costs for those who remain.

Beyond housing, Edinburgh’s infrastructure is also feeling the strain.

The city’s historic streets and ancient buildings were never designed to handle the foot traffic of millions of visitors, and preservationists have raised concerns about the impact of tourism on Edinburgh’s fragile heritage sites.

Increased foot traffic and pollution are causing visible wear on the city’s most famous landmarks, putting pressure on authorities to balance preservation with accessibility.