edinburgh, Scotland

To sum up the vibrant city of Edinburgh, home of one of Scotland’s most famous skyline, one could say it is an intriguing mix of style and culture, the ancient and the modern but most of all one could say that Edinburgh represents the cosmopolitan and forward thinking nature of modern day Scotland. With the country’s most prized castle standing guard over one thousand years of history combined with the opening of the striking new, ultra modern Scottish Parliament Building, there is plenty to see and do in Edinburgh with the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary.

Things to do in and around Edinburgh

Every step is a revelation when you visit Edinburgh, an alleyway reveals an ancient courtyard, or a wynd opens up a new panorama – there’s a surprise around every corner. No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a trip to the most famous of Scottish castles - Edinburgh Castle. It houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and the National War Museum of Scotland all topped with some fantastic views over Princes Street and toward Arthur’s Seat. Next time you visit Edinburgh, take a tour on an open-top bus, go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, discover world-class museums including the National Museum of Scotland or even visit the city's own zoo to catch up with some of Edinburgh’s ‘hairy’ inhabitants. Or you could transport the family back in time to some of the darkest moments in Edinburgh’s history! Beneath the pavements of Scotland’s capital live actors, shows, a spooky ride and interactive special effects ensure that the eerie past feels all too real in the Edinburgh Dungeons attraction! The Edinburgh Festival, the Royal Military Tattoo and the Fringe Festival combine to create a vibrant events scene with international acclaim. Beyond the city, the Lothian countryside provides a great place to enjoy outdoor pursuits from picnics on the fine golden beaches to walks in the high Pentland Hills. With all this and more, perhaps your short break in Edinburgh won’t be so short!
 

Evenings out in Edinburgh

There’s plenty to see and do when the sun sets on Edinburgh; think top class entertainment in the city’s King’s and Playhouse theatres, international dining in one of the city’s fantastic restaurants ranging from the trendy and hip eateries along George Street to the laid back venues along the Royal Mile. Refreshment comes in abundance with a whole host of bars; try champagne cocktails in the upmarket venues along the fashionable George Street or enjoy a cool beer in the bars along Rose Street and the Grassmarket. While in the nation’s capital make sure you try some of Scotland’s national dish – haggis!

Shopping in Edinburgh

To say Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers would be something of an understatement. Princes Street is the location for one of Scotland’s most famous stores, Jenners. There are many upmarket shops along George Street too and of course Edinburgh boasts a branch of Harvey Nichols, where you could enjoy a cocktail in the ‘Forth Floor Bar’. Edinburgh is also home to many high street name stores including Debenhams and Marks & Spencer. Don’t forget that wallet!

Fascinating fact

The number of visitors attracted to the Edinburgh Festival, is said to roughly equal the settled population of the city

Edinburgh hotels

Newly opened in February 2008 the Express by Holiday Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile hotel is a superb choice for a hotel stay in Edinburgh. As the hotel's name suggests it sits parallel to the Royal Mile just minutes from the iconic Edinburgh Castle and lofty buildings of the Old Town. The Palace of Holyroodhouse and the famous Princes Street are within minutes too. As an added bonus all guestrooms feature air conditioning and flat screen TV's at this hotel.