There's So Much To See and Do in The City of Edinburgh

Scotland Trips > City of Edinburgh

The City of Edinburgh boasts one of the worlds most beautiful cityscapes, making it the ideal city break destination. The Castle dominates the skyline, on top of an ancient volcano set right in the centre of the city.

I have been to Edinburgh many times and I still haven't "done it all". I probably never will, because there is so much to see and do in Scotlands' capital.

Probably the best times to visit the city are August and late December when you can indulge yourself in some of the best events to be seen anywhere in the world.

Many of our top attractions are in Edinburgh, and I have written about some of them on this site, so just click on the links you see on the page.

OK, let me introduce you to the fabulous city of Edinburgh.

Top destination for oveseas and UK vistors to Scotland, the capital is the only city to have a dog, Greyfriars Bobby on the list of citizens who have been given the very prestigious Freedom of the City award.

The city is well-known for the spectacular Military Tattoo and the
Fringe Festival, a collection of official and independent festivals held annually for four weeks in early August. Another huge attraction is the Edinburgh Dungeon, with live actors and interactive special effects.

Edinburgh offers many attractions and tourists come to visit historical sights like Edinburgh Castle, and the Palace of Holyrood House, occupying each end of what is known as The Royal Mile.

OK, I did say that Edinburgh was an ideal venue as a city break destination, but honestly, there's so much going on that a longer holiday is highly recommended. For those of you who enjoy visiting museums and libraries, you'll be in your element with lots to choose from, like the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Museum, the National Library of Scotland, National War Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Eating is an absolute delight in the capital, with countless great restaurants offering something to suit all tastes. "Amber", on the Royal Mile, serves up some excellent traditional Scottish food, and "The Shore Bar and Restaurant" in Leith has some great sea food. Have a look at my Favourite Edinburgh Restaurants for more information on my top five.

You'll find plenty to do after dark as the city of Edinburgh comes alive with stylish bars and pubs, restaurants, clubs and live entertainment to rival any European city. Handily placed right in the heart of the city you'll find some fantastic nightclubs including Club Ego and the City Nightclub.

You can shop till you drop in the city of Edinburgh, with Princes Street the main shopping thoroughfare, and in the Leith area you can find everything you could ever want in the fabulous Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.

Edinburgh has a great reputation and is considered by many to be one of the greenest and most architecturally beautiful cities in Europe. So it's not surprising it has often been referred to as the "Athens of the North".




If cruising is your thing, Leith is the departure point for cruises to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. The Ocean Terminal in Leith is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the "must see" attractions, and you should not miss out on a tour while in the city.

The Scotland national rugby union team plays at Murrayfield Stadium, which is owned by the Scottish Rugby Union and is also used as a venue for other events, including music concerts with top international stars.

Many famous people past and present have been connected to the city in some way. For instance, J K Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, wrote her first book in an Edinburgh coffee shop. Edinburgh has been home to the actor Sir Sean Connery, Ronnie Corbett, comedian and actor, best known as one of The Two Ronnies; and Dylan Moran, the Irish comedian.

The capital has been voted by Conde Nast Traveller ‘best UK city’ three times. The city of Edinburgh continues to be Britain's No 2 tourist destination with growing international prestige, and is sure to continue attracting tourists as one of the world's most beautiful cities.

If you want to sample the full flavour of Edinburgh, you should visit late December for the popular Hogmanay Party, another fantastic festival.


More Great Places To See :

Car Hire
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