With over 50 golf courses, 100 parks , sufficient Neo-Classical architecture to dub it “the Athens of the North” and the crowning splendour of its castle, Edinburgh ranks as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Its centre is divided into two: the historic old town, with its cobblestones and narrow wynds (alleys); and the striking Georgian architecture of the New Town. Between them lies Princes Street Gardens, a bowl of greenery in the heart of the bustle. No other city crams in as many festivals during the year as Edinburgh, and in August it becomes the greatest showcase on earth for music, drama, dance and every other conceivable form of artistic culture.
For where to stay in Edinburgh (see Edinburgh: Luxury Hotels)-
Morning
Have a leisurely start and be at the National Gallery of Scotland (see National Gallery of Scotland) when it opens at 10am. Ninety minutes should allow you to see the Botticelli, Canova and Raeburn’s skating minister, the Rev Robert Walker, as well as far more besides.
Enter Princes Street Gardens at the Floral Clock (opposite the gallery), and ascend the path to the Castle (see Edinburgh Castle) , taking care as it’s a steep climb.
Tour the castle, keeping an eye on your watch to make sure you’re present when the One O’Clock Gun goes off – very dramatic! As you’re now at the Castle Café, have a platter to restore your energy levels before soldiering on.
Afternoon
Stroll down from the Castle Esplanade to the Royal Mile , stopping off at the High Kirk and probably several shops as well. Admire John Knox’s House and have the best hot chocolate of your life in Plaisir du Chocolat on your left in the Canongate.
Turn right off the Royal Mile at Reid’s Close (easy to miss) and visit Our Dynamic Earth, where you can pass several million years in the space of a mere two hours or so.
If you still feel energetic, walk up Arthur’s Seat for spectacular evening views. Ninety minutes up and down (if you’re fit) or grab a taxi and be chauffeured most of the way up.
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Friendly bistro in the heart of Edinburgh’s New town specializing in the best of modern Scottish cooking with a slight international influence. BYOB.
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Ever popular, its one-time ordinary pubness rapidly becoming exotic: big old mirrors, a mix of ages, drinks in pint pots and cheap lunches.
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Lush red and cream gloss paintwork envelops this modest room of a pub, where the sounds are provided by the jovial babble of conversation and clinking glasses.
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Swirling ceilings, brass lamps and a convivial atmosphere of both young and old, at lunchtime enjoying simple seafood dishes from the kitchen of the Oyster Bar next door (see Café Royal Oyster Bar) .
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Seafood classics – oysters on ice, soups and delicately cooked fillets. All amid Victorian splendour.
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Intriguing tour of Edinburgh’s famous brewery. Great copper vats and (smaller) samples.
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Rising above the town, Calton Hill is crowned by a gathering of Classical buildings: the Pantheon-like National Monument for the dead of the Napoleonic Wars, the Nelson Monument, commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar and the Old City Observatory.
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Amid blazing furnaces, watch molten glass turn into crystal – good place to pick up a bargain.
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Not especially remarkable by Edinburgh’s high standards, but if you’re on the Royal Mile (and you will be), it’s a pleasant stop-off for a pint. Another ornate ceiling to peruse, too.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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