The Elegant Edinburgh

Edinburgh is famous for the annual Festival Fringe and the seat of Scottish Parliament, but what does it offer the visitor?

It might be the capital of Scotland, the home of vibrant festivals and the seat of Scottish power, but there’s something about the cold cobbles, the wind-battered stones and the towering castle that make Edinburgh still feel like a haunted fortress atop an enchanted mountain.

Tourists duck and dive under towering bridges, they tumble down treacherously steep steps and feel the wind whip their noses and cheeks as if they were standing on the battlements. Locals are fiercely protective of their city, as if they were guarding hidden treasure.

But look hard enough, and you can find the city’s secrets, its boutique shops, it’s achingly hip restaurants, its enchanting walks and coziest whiskey joints.

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LOCATION

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is located in Southern Scotland on the east coast.

The setting is wonderfully striking; the city is perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags which rise from the generally flat landscape of the Lothians, with the sheltered shoreline of the Firth of Forth to the north.

CLIMATE

Edinburgh has a mild humid temperate climate with warm summers and no dry season. Over the course of a year, the temperature typically varies from 1 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius (33° to 66° Fahrenheit) and is rarely below -5°C (23° F) or above 22°C (71°F).

The warm season lasts from June 13 to September 11, the cold season lasts from November 19 to March 14.

What’s the best time to travel to Edinburgh in Scotland? Here are some facts:

• On average, the warmest month is August.
• On average, the coolest month is January.
• September is the wettest month.
• April is the driest month.

TRANSPORTATION

Buses are the main form of public transport within Edinburgh. The largest operator is Lothian Buses (owned by the City of Edinburgh Council and the neighboring councils, with dark red and white buses), First Bus also operates services mainly to/from outlying towns. The local trains (ScotRail) are only really useful for journeys between the city and other towns.

There are 4 tourist buses; get all 4 leaflets as they all follow slightly different routes but between them cover the major tourist sites. Be aware that they don’t start very early, around 9.30am, and the last bus is around 5pm in winter.

It is worth buying a Royal Edinburgh ticket if you intend to go to the 3 ‘top’ sites; this gives 48 hours unlimited travel on all 4 of these buses, and free entrance to the Castle, Royal Yacht and Holyrood House; you also get some small discounts.

WHAT TO SEE

Historical grace meets contemporary elegance in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, the cobbled streets of Edinburgh are overlooked by some of the most famous landmarks in the world.

Edinburgh has a unique charm and a spectacular skyline, which can be enjoyed from many of the vantage points around the city.

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the Edinburgh skyline, Edinburgh Castle sits atop Castle Rock, an extinct volcanic plug that elevates the formidable fortress high above the rest of the city.

One of the most visited attractions in Scotland, parts of the castle date as far back to the 11th century. No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a trip to this historical haven.

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Camera Obscura

A popular tourist attraction since 1853, Camera Obscura is a fascinating activity for people of all ages to enjoy. Situated on the Royal Mile, ascend into the Victorian rooftop chamber to witness a marvellous optical illusion.

Through a large periscope, Edinburgh is caught and projected onto a viewing table. Absolutely fascinating, Camera Obscura is an asset to Edinburgh and definitely a must see!

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Ocean Terminal

Located directly opposite Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Waterfront, Ocean Terminal is a venue where you can shop, play and dine whilst enjoying a stunning waterside location.

After partaking in retail therapy in the 70 shops, why not take some time out in the day spa, or watch the latest blockbuster at the cinema? Ocean Terminal has an array of restaurants to eat in that will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters, and is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

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Edinburgh Zoo

Where monkeys swing from the trees and penguins march and play, Edinburgh Zoo is home to a wide variety of exotic and wonderful creatures.

Set within beautifully landscaped hills, the zoo provides a safe environment for many endangered species of wildlife.

A trip to Edinburgh Zoo is fun for the whole family, where you can see some of the most fascinating animals in the world.

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The Real Mary King’s Close

A haunting encounter awaits you at The Real Mary King’s Close. Edinburgh’s Old Town is made up of narrow, winding streets known as closes. Mary King’s Close was eventually submerged underground and built on top of over, creating a shroud of mystery and interest.

Frozen in time since the 17th century, touring The Real Mary King’s Close is a haunting step back in time which is both fascinating and chilling.

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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

With a collection of over 15,000 plants, the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh has been caring and growing plants since 1670. The stunning gardens are the perfect place to will away an afternoon and unwind, whilst being surrounded by beautiful greenery and flowers from throughout the world.

Entrance to the gardens is free of charge, meaning you get to make the most of your visit without opening your wallet!

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Images:

(1) http://www.cairnedinburgh.com/gallerybg2/images/edinburgh_website.jpg
(2) http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/edinburgh-castle.jpg
(3) http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01684/rainbow460_1684266c.jpg
(4) https://www.abparking.co.uk/_public/cms/ImageGallery/Ocean%20Terminal.JPG
(5) http://bearsinthewindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/20130723_71-Copy.jpg
(6) http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/Libraries/RMKC_Website_Images/Website-Image-1.sflb.ashx
(7) http://cesutherland.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/botanics_ramble1.jpg