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EDINBURGH: ENCHANTING| MYSTICAL | MEDIEVAL

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, situated in Lothian on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth with largely preserved Old and New Towns.  There are castles, a palace, tunnels with vaults, and streets named Princes, Queen, and Great King in this fairy tale town.  One side of Princes Street is lined with fancy stores and the other side provides an unobstructed view of an enchanting castle, atop an extinct volcano.  Come for the medieval attractions and stay for the festivals, Michelin starred restaurants, colorful street performers and kilt-wearing bagpipers.  

Links take you directly to the establishment's site.  For point-to-point directions, check out our custom Google Map

BEFORE YOU GO

Passports

Visas

Weather

Currency

Time Zone

Google Map

 

 

GETTING AROUND

Explore this charming little city on foot, bike, bus or tram.  To gallivant beyond the town and into the wider Lothians region, use the train or bus.

 

 

STAY

Elegantly appointed rooms with luxurious amenities can be found in hotels small and stately, old and new.  Some are architectural delights in their own right, with handsome views of the city while others are fancy bed and breakfasts.   

 

Balmoral Hotel

G&V Royal Mile Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

The Chester Residence

The Edinburgh Residence

The Glasshouse

The Witchery

 

 

EAT 

Indulge in the traditional hearty Scottish breakfast comprising of eggs, baked beans, sausage, grilled tomatoes and more.  Be sure to sample fare that is infamous to this region such as fish and chips, scotch pie, cranachan, black pudding and haggis.  Make room for the 5 Michelin-starred restaurants that proudly serve up innovative culinary delights.  One of them conveniently doubles up as a bed and breakfast.

 

21212 - Michelin Starred

Castle Terrace Restaurant - Michelin Starred

Gardener’s Cottage

Kilimanjaro - Coffee

Loudons Cafe and Bakery - Scottish Breakfast

Number One - Michelin Starred

Plumed Horse 

Restaurant Martin Wishart – Michelin Starred

The Edinburgh Larder - Scottish Breakfast

The Grainstore Restaurant

The Kitchin - Michelin Starred

The Magnum Restaurant and Bar

Oink

The Piemaker

The Scran & Scallie

The Ship on the Shore

The Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar - Fish and Chips

Timberyard

Tower Restaurant

Wedgwood the Restaurant

DRINKS

The City of Edinburgh has more pubs and liquor licenses than any other council area in Scotland, so it is not too difficult to locate a watering hole.  Enjoy fancy cocktails, whiskey and wines in a variety of settings.

 

52 Canoes Tiki Den

99 Hanover Street Bar Edinburgh

Dragonfly Cocktail Bar and Function Room

Indigo Yard

Joseph Pearce's

The King’s Wark

Opal Lounge

Panda & Sons

The Devil's Advocate 

The Last Word Saloon

The Lioness of Leith

The Potting Shed

Whiski Bar

 

 

SEE & DO

Discover Edinburgh’s Old Towns which includes the medieval Royal Mile running from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.  Then head to the neo-classical 18th century "New Town" which includes Princes Street.  Both towns are listed as one UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The Fringe Festival and Military Tattoo are not to be missed events, and if possible explore the greater Lothian region where underground passageways and chambers await the curious.

 

Camera Obscura

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Festival Guide

Holyrood Abbey

Inchcolm Abbey

Lauriston Castle

Maid of the Forth, Inchcolm Island

National Galleries of Scotland

Rosslyn Chapel

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

St. Giles' Cathedral

The Mystery of Gilmerton Cove

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Real Mary King's Close

 

 

SPA

There are several spas, located within luxury hotels that offer up some well-deserved pampering for weary travelers. 

 

One Spa

The Scotsman Hotel and Spa

The Spa at the Balmoral

 

 

SHOP

There are a wide range of small specialty shops, a farmer’s market, and Jenner’s, which is now known as House of Fraser, all selling a wide array of Scottish products. Stroll down Princes St., George St. and Multrees Walk to pick up some art, crafts, toiletries and artisan cheese, confectionery and souvenir bottles of fine Scottish alcohol.  

 

Cadenhead’s Whisky

Coco Chocolatier

Cranachan and Crowdie 

Edinburgh Farmers' Market

Fudge House

George Street

I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger

Multrees Walk

Pinnies and Poppyseeds 

Princes Street

The Chocolate Tree

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