Tourist guide to Edingurgh, Scotlands capital

Edinburgh city guide and sightseeing

SummaryDynamic, romantic and beautiful, the Scottish capital Edinburgh is a captivating city break destination. With its meandering cobblestone streets and dramatic castle that stands like a sentinel over the city to its bustling shops and bars, it’s a seductive blend of old and new. While Edinburgh’s vibrancy is potent year round, the city pulses to an even more spectacularly energetic beat during the annual Hogmany celebrations and summer festivals.
Getting there/getting around EdinburghA frequent bus service connects Edinburgh airport to the city less than seven miles away. Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and bmi all serve it and train passengers alight in the heart of the city at Edinburgh Waverley Station close to Princes Street. Also nearby is St Andrew Square coach and bus station. Drivers from the south typically arrive in the city via the A1.

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Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the compact city - its main artery is Princes Street which divides the Old and New Town, and lies parallel to the Royal Mile. Hop-on, hop-off buses are also a good way of exploring the city at your own pace.
Beaches around EdinburghYou don’t have to travel far to reach some attractive coastal stretches. Portobello is close to Leith and becomes crowded in summer with swimmers, sunbathers, surfers and boats. Cramond is also popular with locals – at low tide, you can cross the causeway to an island.
Just 20 miles from the city and easily accessible by bus is Gullane, popular with surfers. The nearby village is worth exploring too for its pubs and shops. Yellowcraig close to North Berwick is a mecca for families and offers great views over the Firth of Forth to Fife and Fidra island.

Edinburgh family attractions, day trips and shopping experiences
Sightseeing in EdinburghThe city’s crown jewels are undoubtedly the Castle, a majestic 5,000-year-old monument that offers stunning city views and a glimpse of the city’s long and colourful history. St Margaret’s Chapel, the Great Hall and Crown Square are among the highlights for visitors.
From the castle, many tourists then walk down to the Royal Mile lined with tempting shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes as well as historical points of interest. Pop into the Scotch Whiskey Experience Heritage Centre for a wee dram. It’s a short walk to the royal Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the queen’s summer home in Scotland. Canongate is the site of numerous medieval buildings.
The Museum of Scotland reveals the story of Scotland, its people and its culture while the adjoining Royal Museum houses international exhibitions ranging from art to science. There are numerous modern art galleries dotted through the centre.
Family attractions in EdinburghThe spookily-themed Real Mary King’s Close tour is a hit with older kids. Said to be one of the most haunted spots in Scotland, it refers to a hidden underground warren where real people once lived and died.
Navy buffs may wish to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is berth in Leith, two miles from the city and easily reached by bus. A guided tour provides a glimpse of five decks of the vessel once owned by the Queen, including the State Dining and Drawing Rooms.
A visit to Edinburgh Zoo, Arthur’s Seat look out point and the Museum of Childhood are also worth considering.
Day trips around EdinburghThanks to the success of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci code, book lovers and the curious now flock to Rosslyn Chapel in the town of Roslin, just six miles from the city, one of the alleged sites of the Holy Grail.
Deep Sea World is a 20 minute drive from Edinburgh. Located in Fife, it boasts one of the world’s longest underwater tunnels so visitors can experience breath-taking views of marine life. In addition, you can enjoy the chance to dive with sharks.
Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, is less than an hour way by train. Featuring fine Victorian architecture, shops, museums and galleries, it offers a complete contrast to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh nightlife, restaurants, bars and clubs
Shopping in EdinburghThere’s an abundance of speciality shops in the Old Town selling Scottish crafts, gifts and clothing. Head for the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, the Grassmarket, St Mary’s Street and Jeffry Street.
Princes St features the usual High Street names, including expensively-priced items at Jenners department store. Whiskey, fudge, short bread, tartan clothing, knitwear, jewellery and crafts are some of the most popular gifts bought in the city.Eating out in EdinburghA cosmopolitan city, Edinburgh caters to all tastes and budgets. If you have a cast-iron stomach, try haggis or stuffed sheep’s stomach.
Some of the eateries best noted for decadent dining include The Witchery set within the romantic confines of the castle and the Museum of Scotland’s rooftop Tower restaurant offering superb city views. Prestonfield and Rhubarb are favourite celebrity haunts.
Nightlife in EdinburghAn eclectic choice of venues awaits revellers in the city. Whether you want trendy clubs or old-fashioned pubs, you won’t go wrong in the Old Town. Some of the top bars include The Living Room, Candy Bar and Opal Lounge on George Street. Older drinkers tend to flock to the bars around Broughton Street.
The annual Edinburgh Festival is a treat whether you’re into comedy, arts, theatre or film. The city truly does come alive with throngs of visitors packing in venues throughout the city.

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