There is so much to do in Edinburgh that it can be difficult to fit everything in. Whether you want to drink, shop, visit cultural centers, or discover the history, Edinburgh has a wide choice to select from. This is an ideal destination for all year round. Because of its position Edinburgh is the perfect city to enjoy the hustle and bustle, yet is set in beautiful country surroundings with the sea shores a short distance away giving you amazing wildlife and scenic views.
Edinburgh Castle is internationally renowned for its majesty and history; this magnificent Royal Fortress has seen many battles in Scotland's plight to remain free and for freedom. There are also other castles and places you can learn about Edinburgh's amazing history. However if the 'bloody history' of Scotland is too intense for you there are plenty of gardens, historical homes, cathedrals, and museum to visit.
With all this activity at your finger tips be sure there are plenty of places for refreshments and something to tempt everyone's taste buds, from pubs and cafes, to coffee shops and speciality restaurants.
With so much culture and festive spirit Edinburgh is the ideal place to party or relax and is a great place for an adventure.
Edinburgh Playhouse Here you can see the West End Musicals. Location: 18 Greenside Place Telephone: 0131 557 2590
Ross Open Air Theater Location: Princes Street Gardens Telephone: 0131 220 4351
Traverse Theater Location: Cambridge Street Telephone: 0131 228 1404
Usher Hall Location: Lothian Road Telephone: 0131 228 8616
King's Theater Location: 2 Leven Street Telephone: 0131 529 6000
Royal Lyceum Theater Company Location: Grindlay Street Telephone: 0131 248 4848
A Taste of Scotland Enjoy this festival of traditional Scottish food and entertainment in a spectacular setting. You will have a wonderful evening. Opening Times: April-October. Sunday-Friday 7pm. Location: Round Stables, Prestonfield House, Priestfield Road. Telephone: 0131 668 3346
Dalhousie Courte Hotel Enjoy the Whyte & Mackay Scottish Banquet and show. Watch and eat five courses, beer and wine as this show enfolds before you. Opening times: Monday-Sunday, 9pm-11pm Location: Cockpen Road, Bonnyrigg Telephone: 0131 660 3200
Museum of Scotland Discover the history of Scotland. Location: Chambers Street Telephone: 0131 247 4422
Craigmillar Castle This delightful 15th Century castle was home to Mary Queen of Scots after her secretary Rizzio was murdered. Location: Craigmillar Castle road Telephone: 0131 661 4445
Edinburgh Castle This delightful fortress is home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Location: Castle Hill Telephone: 0131 225 1012
The Georgian House This Town house reflects the lifestyle and period of the 18th Century. Location: 7 Charlotte Square Telephone: 0131 226 3318
Gladstone's Land This house was completed in 1620 and reflects the life of Edinburgh 300 years ago. Location: 477 Lawnmarket, Royal Mile Telephone: 0131 226 5856
Palace of Holyroodhouse This is the Queens official residence in Scotland, here you can discover the history of the people that have been residents, including the chambers of Mary Queen of Scots. Location: Canongate, Royal Mile Telephone: 0131 556 1096
Malleny Gardens Here you can rest from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh in the 3 acres of beautiful grounds. Location: Balerno off the A70. Telephone: 0131 449 2283
St Giles Cathedral This castle dates from 1120, and has some marvelous history. Location: Royal Mile Telephone: 0131 225 9442
Caledonian Brewery Here you can sample the taste of Edinburgh brewing history. Location: 42 Slateford Road Telephone: 0131 337 1286
Dynamic Earth Using the latest technology and special effects this tour tells the fascinating story of our home planet. Telephone: 0131 550 7800
Royal Botanic Garden Enjoy the 70 acres of amazing landscape, and the glass house experience for free. Location: 20 Inverleith Row Telephone: 0131 552 7171
Scotch Whisky Heritage Center Location: 354 Castlehill, Royal Mile Telephone: 0131 220 0441
The Scottish Tartans Museum Here you can see some of the rarest Scottish artifacts in the world. Location: 39 Princess Street Telephone: 0131 556 1252
A Taste of Scotland Enjoy this festival of traditional Scottish food and entertainment in a spectacular setting. You will have a wonderful evening. Opening Times: April-October. Sunday-Friday 7pm. Location: Round Stables, Prestonfield House, Priestfield Road. Telephone: 0131 668 3346
Edinburgh is considered by some as being a legendary night club venue. This is a lively city with clubs open 7 days a week, so whatever the day you can party. Listed below is a very small sample of what the city has to offer.
The Subway Location: 69 The Cowgate Telephone: 0131 225 6766
Minus One Night-Club Location: Carlton Highland Hotel, North Bridge Telephone: 0131 472 3000
The Subway West End Location: 23 Lothian Road Telephone: 0131 229 9197
Edinburgh has a rich history filled with a host of colourful characters, and is marked by many stirring events. Some of this history can still be seen today, within ancient monuments and buildings.
Edinburgh's fine ale and whisky production that is done locally leaves little explanation for the pubs in the city and outside, there are literally hundreds to choice from. Modern pubs, wine bars, taverns and those in buildings of historical importance. Here is a sample of a few.
Edinburgh is home to the oldest independent department store in the world 'Jenners'. It also has many more high street names to offer as well as a good selection of unique shops and is a great place to buy gifts.
Edinburgh is easily accessed by car from the M8, and M9, also the A7 and A1. Ones in the center there are many car parks to choice from in different part of the city, all of which are sign posted and pay and display.
Coach
Edinburgh's bus station is in the center of the city on St Andrew Square. Here there are regular services to and from all over the U.K. by National Express Coach, offering a good service from a wide range of pick up points and destinations. Here also the Scottish City Link, linking towns and cities throughout Scotland. Telephone: National Express - 0990 80 80 80 Telephone: Scottish Citylink - 0990 50 50 50
Rail
Edinburgh has 2 train stations, the Hatmarket and the Waverley. Both train stations are situated close to the city center and there are services to each from all over the U.K. for information on train times and departures: Telephone: 0345 48 49 50
