Travel to Edinburgh

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Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, sometimes called the "the Athens of the North," is Scotland's most beautiful city, combining both ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere, where medieval palaces rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture. The Old Town is the medieval heart of the city, and home to most of the important historical sites, including the Edinburgh Castle, the symbol of the city, where the Crown of Scotland is kept. The other half of the city is the Georgian area, called the New Town, which is sprinkled with beautiful 19th century residences; this is where you'll find the city's financial and shopping districts. One can still feel the influence of the Scottish Enlightenment here, at which time Edinburgh was the hub of intellectual progress in Europe, with statues of men such as David Hume and Adam Smith as markers of this rich past. In a more modern light, the city still holds its own, particularly in the month of August, when some might say that Edinburgh is the most important city in the world, for its unequalled programme of festivals. Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year, kicks off the year's festivities, which ramp up to a city-wide celebration in mid-summer, with events including the Tattoo, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe, and many others.

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pros

•  Some of the world's greatest festivals are held here.
•  An architecturally beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage.

cons

•  Can be quite expensive if you don't have local knowledge.
•  Extremely crowded in August and January, and can be difficult to book lodging.

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Visit Edinburgh

• To see

  The Royal Mile, which links the Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is the perfect first stop for Edinburgh newcomers. The Castle, home to the Edinburgh Tattoo, is a royal fortress perched atop one of the highest points in the city. It has been in continuous use for 1000 years, and is still in excellent condition. The Holyrood Palace is a royal residence, where the Queen's Gallery, containing art from the Royal Collection, is housed. For some interactive fun for the whole family, visit the Camera Obscura. Located on Castle Hill, it is a 150 year old tower which focuses light onto a dish in a dark room below, allowing a 360 degree view of all of Edinburgh!

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  To do

  If you're only going to visit Edinburgh once, make sure you do it in August, when the city is in its full roar of festivals. One of the most notable of these is the Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, which spreads out over three weeks and hosts thousands of performers on stages all over the city, presenting comedy, dance, theatre, live music, and more. During the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival, which also takes place over three weeks in August, the city's six major theatres and concert halls, as well as a few smaller venues, come alive with the best classical music, theatre, opera, dance and visual art from around the globe. As The Spectator suggested, ?you can sleep in September'.

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  To think about

  If you're planning on going to Edinburgh for Hogmanay (around New Year's Day) or the summer festival high season (August to early September) make sure you book your stay well in advance (even a year or more) as the city becomes intensely crowded, and hotels fill up quickly. The most pleasant time, weather-wise, to go the Edinburgh is between May and September, though the weather here is fickle, so make sure you pack an umbrella or raincoat whatever the season. Edinburgh International airport is some 10 miles west of the city and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.

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• To avoid

  Edinburgh is for the most part a very safe city, though common sense should be used here, as anywhere else. The most trouble you'll likely find is brawls breaking out as people make their way out of pubs in the evening, particularly near Lothian Road and Grassmarket. Some areas of Leith (particularly between the bottom of Leith Walk and the dockside) should be avoided at night.

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  To try

  If you're a bit of a gastronomical adventurer, as well as a world traveller, make sure you try the traditional Scottish Haggis, a dish made of sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet, and spices. It is traditionally served with "neeps and tatties" (turnip and potatoes) and a ?dram? (a glass of Scottish whisky). Black pudding is another typically Scottish dish to try if you're not too weak of stomach; it's made of pig's blood, fat, and oatmeal, and has a rich, almost nutty taste. On the other side of the spectrum, if you've got a sweet tooth you can't miss the Edinburgh delicacy Fried Mars. This is a Mars bar, battered, then deep fried, so it comes out warm and gooey and delicious.

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  To bring back

  It depends on how all-out you want to go, but you can deck yourself head to toe in traditional Scottish attire, to return home looking like a new man or woman. Start with a kilt (for men) or a tartan skirt (for women), which you'll have no trouble finding either ready-to-wear, or custom, if you take your kilt-fitting seriously. Get yourself a pair of ghillies (traditional Scottish shoes), and top off the ensemble with some handmade Celtic jewellery.

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Hotels reviews by the Easyexperts

Can't beat the old Scottish magic

Edinburgh, sometimes called the "the Athens of the North," is Scotland's most beautiful city, combining both ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere, where medieval palaces rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture. We were there and brought back our top hotel selection. ...

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Edinburgh in pictures

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