THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY

Edinburgh is where past and present combine giving the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary. Whether you are here for the world famous Edinburgh Festival or a culture experience, a sporting event or just here to browse and soak up the atmosphere, Edinburgh has something to offer for everyone. This World Heritage Site has been shaped by the turbulent history of days gone by with the city now a firm favourite with visitors from around the world.

Dependant on your time here will dictate how much you can see, but you can always return!!

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS NOT TO BE MISSED

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • The Royal Mile
  • Scottish Parliament
  • Museum of Scotland
  • Forth Rail Bridge
  • Carlton Hill
  • Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse

SHOPPING
Whatever you are after, Edinburgh has something to suit; Princes Street has all the High Street favourites. West End contains the funky boutiques New Town is the designer chic of the area. Old Town you’ll discover a paradise of independent merchants, designers and artisans, including the Grassmarket nestled in the heart of the Old Town.

EDINBURGH’S FESTIVALS
Edinburgh has a year round programme of festivals and events ranging from the world famous summer festivals to the world’s biggest New Year party.

Edinburgh International Science Festival
Bank of Scotland Imaginate Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
Edinburgh Art Festival
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Edinburgh International Festival
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Edinburgh Mela Festival
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Edinburgh's Hogmanay

EATING AND DRINKING
Edinburgh is famous for the quality and variety of eating places, from Scottish to Spanish, Indian to Italian. From rooftop restaurants, basement bars, take your pick from contemporary style bars and restaurants to more traditional cosy eateries Edinburgh has something to suit all tastes and budgets. Seafood restaurants can be found in the neighbourhood of Leith.

GREEN AREAS
Edinburgh is a surprisingly green place. Even in the heart of the city, you are never far from wide open spaces where you can take in an amazing view, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
PRINCES STREET GARDEN- This wide swathe of lawn and mature trees makes a beautiful division between the Old and New Towns. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN - These seventy beautifully tended acres are perfect for lazy strolls
THE MEADOWS - With its cycle paths and open spaces the Meadows are perfect for getting active.
HOLYROOD PARK - This spectacular sweep of heathery moor and craggy cliff includes the prominent peak of Aurthur’s Seat
WATER OF LEITH - This verdant escape from the city centre links up a number of sights worth seeing to the north of Edinburgh. CALTON HILL - This distinctive landmark combines tall trees, grassy banks and wild gorse bushes as well as some off-beat architecture.

KEEPING THE CHILDREN HAPPY AT THE MEADOWS -
Walk from the apartment across the Meadows to the FREE 36 hole pitch and putt available from April - September. Clubs can be hired from the local pub - The Golf Tavern. Tree lined cycle paths criss cross the meadows and joggers find this an ideal place for their daily exercise.
EDINBURGH ZOO - Home of numerous rare and endangered animals.
OUR DYNAMIC EARTH - Edinburgh’s science centre uses a bit of hi-tech “ time travel” to introduce the wonders of the natural world.
BRASS RUBBING CENTRE - Discover the timeless delights of brass rubbing in a converted church just off the Royal Mile.

TOURS AVAILABLE

EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE TOURS
A visit to Edinburgh would not be complete without a walking tour or ghost tour of the mysterious Old Town. Characterised by winding lanes and closes this part of the city reveals Edinburgh’s murky past, providing a charming and sometimes chilling experience.

Just by walking down The Royal Mile will give you an opportunity to see what tours are available and many can be booked on the day.

Rebus Tours - experience the dark and hidden world of Ian Rankin’s best selling Rebus novels and discover the history and mystery of the real locations with stunning views of some of Edinburgh’s unexplored areas. To book call 0131 553 7473

OPEN BUS TOURS
Edinburgh open bus city centre tours is an ideal way of seeing the main tourist sights. You can catch these buses by Waverley Train station there are numerous to choose from all with varying itineraries