Visiting a capital of your favorite destination always has it perquisites. Edinburgh the capital and the hub of administrative machinery of Scotland is one such place. Not only this city is imperative for the position it holds but is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From vibrant festivals to its cobbled streets and from the iconic castle to its surreal location, this city has a lot to offer to its visitors. It exudes authority, as it comprises of the seat of Scottish power and an appearance of a mystical fortress atop the enchanted mountain. Inside the walled city, there are towering bridges, steep steps, sprawling gardens, chic restaurants, trendy cafes, neo classical buildings and coziest whiskey joints. Whether you want to go on a shopping spree or just take a romantic walk on its quixotic promenades, you will find everything you are looking for.
Getting around in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh is not a widespread city in fact, it is quite a compact city. Therefore, finding transport and moving around is not a problem. Direct flights to Edinburgh from a number of countries are also available. The airport is just 10 miles away from the city and you can get into the town by the tramway or the bus service. The city is renowned for having the most extensive bus service network in Scotland.
Best places to Stay:
From trendy lavish restaurants to homely dwelling, there is a wide range of choices when it comes to availing accommodation in the city. Depending upon your preference and requirement you can book either a hotel suite or a room with some host family.
Homestay Edinburgh –Homestay Edinburgh property offers a family like stay for the travellers. These local families welcome you in their homes to stay. There are almost 40 host families and they are ever ready to offer their innate hospitality to the visitors. The price range varies with accommodation facilities. The number of rooms and the services that are required to settle the price. You can have a complete family-like ambience and get to avail benefit from their local knowledge.
The Scotsman hotel-This is a Luxury boutique hotel in Edinburgh and is furnished with deluxe amenities. It lies just two minutes away from the Edinburgh train station. It is located near the North Bridge and offers a complete taste of native culture and opulence. There is a health club, spa facilities and an amazing view from the windows.
Best places to visit:
Edinburgh Castle
Although the city is supposed to be a bustling metropolitan due to its status of being the country’s capital but in fact, it has a storybook ambience due to the legendary castle looming over the city. This 16th century Edinburgh castle stands high on a dormant volcano dominates the cityscape. It is one of the most popular places for travelers to visit. You have to get the booking in advance to see various happenings in the castle.
Real Mary King’s Close:
To delve in to the lives of the locals the Real Mary King’s Close is the perfect place. Get to know how the natives live and roam around the narrow underground passages hidden deep beneath the Edinburgh’s Royal Mile since the 17th century. Learn about their lives and miseries during the plague. Furthermore, the museum is also an exciting place for kids as well as adults to see the Scottish heritage and culture up close.
Leith, Edinburgh
Leith is the most promising and up beat section of the city located on the shores of Firth of Forth and the home of the Royal Yacht Britannia. It is always a happening place to visit especially during the sunny evening’s many artists and professionals fill the harbour bars and share their talents.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Due to the thriving art and culture scene, Edinburgh is always hosting various festivals throughout the year, which is why it is considered as Europe’s hippest and vibrant stop. The main event of the year is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which is arranged during the whole month of August. It is the world’s largest art festival. You can get hold of the best theatre works and plays in the festival. To experience the festival in full glory buy flights to Scotland and have a taste of an amazing array of cultural activities.
The Stand Comedy Club on York Place:
If you have a knack for comedy especially a standup comedy then this club in York-place offers a raucous afternoon. Its tiny stage has the honour of giving the best comedy evenings to the locals and travellers. In addition, there is a free lunchtime show on Sundays. So get ready to laugh out loud until your cheekbones hurt.
Edinburgh Zoo:
The only dwelling available in the United Kingdom for Giant Pandas and Koalas, the Edinburgh Zoo should be on your must-do lists. Spread over an expanse of 82 acres, it is a sheer delight for the kids. You can have an amazing family retreat watching and interacting with around 1000 different varieties of animals.
Shop until you drop:
For shopping extravaganza, Edinburgh’s Grass Market in the midst of Old Town has the best shops to buy clothing, apparels, arts and crafts. In addition, there are independent merchants, artisans, booksellers, antique shops and vintage liquor shops as well. Therefore, there is a wide variety of mementoes that you can buy from here.
For spectacular views:
For an adrenaline infused experience head to the Dormant Volcano to Arthur’s seat in the heart of the Holyrood Park. The legend says it was the place where King Arthur’s castle, Camelot used to stand. To reach the top you have to hike up a mountain. In addition, once you are on the tiny top, you will be mesmerized by the views of the cityscape and the sea underneath. So take along your camera and grab some picnic snacks, to have an amazing evening.
What to eat and drink:
To find best eateries head to New Town in the proximity to the Princes Street. There are swanky bars, stylish restaurants and a classic fine dining scene. The Dome is one such hotspot in Newtown. It is a restaurant cum bar. Its buzzing crowd will certainly set you in the mood. You can sip on your favourite cocktail, enjoy a cup of coffee or have your afternoon tea with your friends. Moreover, get a taste of the best seafood restaurant Ondine near Edinburgh Castle. It has a posh setting and offers spectacular views. The best fish dishes are available here including grilled salmon, soups served with homemade pickles, croutons etc. For a romantic dinner try the Witchery by the Castle. The hotel is adorned with tapestry walls and you can get accommodation in its lavish rooms as well.
Relish the Scotch whisky tour:
In Scotland, almost every bartender is an expert in serving the scotch whiskey. The scotch whiskey experience in Edinburgh is an interactive tour where the visitors are shown how the whiskey is made, distilled and matured into its perfect form. You can sniff and taste the lot of them and can differentiate between their flavour and aroma because they belong to various regions. This whiskey museum encompasses the world’s largest whiskey collection including Lowland, Highland, Speyside and Islay dram.
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