Edinburgh Hotels

The city centre of Edinburgh is home to dozens and dozens of historical buildings and areas, as well as a ton of ‘haunted’ sites. Apparently, the Scots like a good ol’ scare. Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from its vantage point on top of a (hopefully) extinct volcano. From it, the tourist-thronged Royal Mile leads towards Holyroodhouse and the heart of the Old Town, where every step you take, every move you make is weighted by the past.

Not that Edinburgh is just some one-trick town of history. It’s also got great restaurants, a heck of a nightlife and, thanks to Princes Street, some of the best shopping in Scotland. No matter what time of year you go, whether it’s the height of summer when it’s light until close to midnight, or the depths of winter when it’s dark by 3pm, Edinburgh is geared up for having fun.

Best of all, though, there are men in kilts. Go and see if those rumours are true.

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Old Town

This is Edinburgh’s historic core, so you’re in for some top-notch attractions. Start on a royal note with Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse, which hosts the Queen’s Gallery and a collection of royal art, then get spiritual at St Giles Cathedral (which predates the Norman Conquest).

For something truly unique, head under the Royal Mile to take a tour of Mary King’s Close, a warren of hidden, haunted streets from the 16^th Century. Although obviously laid on for tourists, it has a more authentic feel than the Edinburgh Dungeon, which has more of a theme-park vibe (although is still very well done and is a fun way to scare the bejesus out of the kids).

New Town

This area is an extension of the historical hub as well as Edinburgh’s main shopping and commercial district, so make sure you bring your every pound and penny. Head to Princes Street for popular brands, department stores and big ol’ malls, George Street and Multrees Walk for snootier tastes and, finally, Broughton Street and Leith Walk to release your inner hipster.

Once you’ve melted your credit card, climb the massive Scott Monument, built to commemorate the life of the famous novelist Sir Walter Scott. To keep the cultural theme going, the National Gallery of Scotland and Georgian House are both worth a visit.

In truth, though, so much of New Townis Georgian in design, you can probably get enough of a sense of time and place without heading inside to admire particularly lacy tablecloths. Unless particularly lacy tablecloths happen to be your thing, of course.

Stockbride and Canonmills

These neighbouring areas are directly north of New Town and home to the impressive Royal Botanic Garden as well as ‘6 Times’, a work by artist Antony Gormley. The work is comprised of six, full-size human figures along the Water of Leith. It’s pretty cool stuff.

P.S. If you’re after a good meal and some vintage shopping, this is where to come. Dozens of second-hand and antique stores line the streets, as well as some great Indian restaurants.

South

Calling all Dan Brown fans: if you want your chance to find the Holy Grail (good luck), make sure you visit Rosslyn Chapel, a masterpiece of stone carvings and intricate art. If you’re done with history, check out the coolness that is The Royal Observatory. Here you can peer through the UK’s biggest telescope and spy on the neighbours. The ones on Mars, that is.

West

Home to Murrayfield Stadium, where Scotland entertains – and, in that friendly Scottish way, usually loses to – visiting national rugby teams. Edinburgh Zoo is also here, where you can watch the adorable Penguin Parade and pat some koalas (who are very far from home).

Visit Lauriston Castle, a 16th Century house-cum-museum that boasts spectacular interiors and a beautiful Japanese friendships garden. If you’re up for a little day trip, hop on a bus and visit Cramond, a picturesque seaside village where you can grab a bite to eat and soak up the scenery and friendly atmosphere.

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Royal Week is the Queen’s traditional week-long stay at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Exciting! Her visit begins with the ancient tradition of the Ceremony of the Keys and then once she’s officially shacked up, she attends to a bunch of Scottish business, including throwing one hell of a garden party. What a rock star! You probably won’t score an invite, but the city is positively buzzing so you’ll have a good time regardless. Her visit is usually around the end of June.

The Edinburgh Art Festival welcomes local and international artists and presents a wide range of exhibits and events. Whether you like traditional works or something a tad more out-there, you’ll find something to satisfy your arty tastes from July to September

One of the most iconic Scottish events is the Edinburgh Tattoo, a unique blend of music, dance and military-related shenanigans. Millions have watched the event in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle since its debut and it’s one of the biggest attractions in the city. Head on over in early to late August.

Crowds swarm the cobbled streets of the city for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every August. It’s basically an arts festival on crack – everything from comedy shows, musicals, exhibitions and circus tricks are paraded in the streets as well as at a variety of venues around the city. Some BIG stars first made their names here.

Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year’s Eve. Join the crowds swarming along the Royal Mile and sing along with the heartiest rendition of Auld Lang Syne (written by Scotsman Robbie Burns) you’ll ever hear.

WHEN TO GO

People visit Edinburgh at any time of year, but if it’s sun and warmth you’re after, head over in late May to September. Not surprisingly, these also happen to be the busiest and most festive months in the city.

• Winter average: 5°C (41°F)
• Spring average: 14°C (57°F)
• Summer average: 21°C (70°F)
• Autumn average: 10°C (50°F)

WHAT TO MISS

Alcohol-related street violence is a bit of a problem in Edinburgh (and the UK in general), so drink responsibly and don’t rile up any rowdy, drunk dudes.

Making fun of the accent or the whole kilt thing won’t do you any favours.

GETTING AROUND

The heart of Edinburgh is very easy to walk around in terms of distance, but some of the more scenic streets are a little on the steep side. Pace yourself, though, and you won’t have any difficulty. Otherwise, buses are the best way to reach further-flung areas.

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