A Tourist’s Guide to Edinburgh

Posted by Cheryl on Dec 17, 2010 in News | 1 comment

It’s your first time in the city of ancient volcanic rock and amazing cultural heritage (being Scottish, I’m not biased in any way. Of course). So where should you take your eager exploring shoes first?

The Old Town and the New Town in Edinburgh’s city centre are separated by Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Train Station, which sit in the middle of the two. Both areas have loads of touristy strings to their bow, and luckily, Edinburgh is a very walkable city, so you can encounter a lot of the main sights on foot without having to trek for great distances. For the purposes of this post, however, I’m going to big up the merits of the Old Town, because there are many, and I don’t want to spread them too thin.

Undoubtedly, at some point during your trip to the city, you’ll end up walking along Princes Street, the central shopping thoroughfare that runs from the West to the East End, with the famous city landscape view that is Edinburgh Castle. It’s hard to miss, considering its predominate position in the Edinburgh skyline, and is Scotland’s most popular paid visitor attraction. Don’t forget to listen out for the traditional One O’Clock Gun, which has been firing since 1861.

Just a hop and skip away from the castle is the Scotch Whisky Experience, and to be honest, it really wouldn’t be right to be in Edinburgh and not sample some fine malts. And who could fail to be satisfied by the selection of whiskeys here, the largest selection in the world in fact. Tours include a Whisky Barrel Ride, which talks you through how whisky is produced, and a tasting, which is of course the best bit. You can figure out what aromas work for you, then choose a malt that will suit you forever and accompany you through life. Or at least provide you with a good few drams.

While you’re hanging out here, you’d be well advised to trot down the Royal Mile, which is eternally buzzing, and full of immense character. Walking down the Royal Mile during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August can be nigh on impossible, as it’s a haven for visitors milling in and out of the mixture of traditional gift shops, restaurants, cafes and Fringe performers touting their shows.

Warning – do not walk over the Heart of Midlothian, a heart shaped pavement decoration on the Mile, or you’ll never find true love. Instead, you’re supposed to spit on the heart, to ensure good luck and a return journey to Edinburgh.

Close to the heart is the stunning St. Giles’ Cathedral, a towering Gothic landmark on the Royal Mile. It’s lengthy history and beauty make the cathedral a worthwhile choice for any tourist itinerary.

Make some time to pat wee Greyfriars Bobby on the head, and lament over his sad, but also heartening tale of loyalty. If you’re not familiar with his story – Bobby was a Skye Terrier who lay on his master’s grave for fourteen years after his death, only leaving when he needed to find food. Bobby died in 1872, but a statue in his memory remains, and across the road from the statue is the peaceful Greyfriars Churchyard, where Bobby’s master was buried.

Back on the Royal Mile, the Museum of Childhood is a brilliant way to spend an hour, purely because that hour will involve nostalgia and toys – two very awesome things. This is said to be the first museum in the world to have specialised in the history of childhood, and there’s plenty of memorabilia to keep you going.

Continue down to the bottom of the Royal Mile, you’ll eventually reach the controversial building expense that is the Scottish Parliament. Famously massively over-budget, people seem to have a very Marmite reaction to the building’s design -you’ll love it, or hate it. I’m rather partial to it, if truth be told, and I think it’s well worth taking a look round the debating chamber. Making groundbreaking political speeches in your head, if that’s the way you roll.

Photography by Ipoh Kia, DrGaz, and Spixey