Some people call Edinburgh the Athens of the North. Edinburgh is ripe with history and tourist attractions such as the famous Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Scott Monument, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Zoo and the Butterfly and Insect World. Make sure to set aside at least two days in your itinerary to view the sites of this Jewel of Scotland.
You can stay at any of the fine Bed and Breakfast locations; one of the more popular is the 23 Mayfield a beautifully restored home that is comfortable and cosy with elegantly furnished rooms of solid mahogany and other fine appointments. There is also the well regarded, 14 Hart Street and Six Brunton Place Guest House. If you would rather stay in a hotel some of the top rated hotels in Edinburgh are the Chester Residence, the Atholl Brae Royal Mile and the Holyrood Aparthotel.
There are any number of great places to eat some of the favourites are the Elephant House, the Tower Restaurant located on top of the Museum of Scotland. It is owned and operated by award winning Scottish restaurateur James Thomson. There is also the Witchery By The Castle, situated at the top of the Royal Mile, the sister restaurant of the Tower with a colourful history that can be traced back to the 1600s. Local legend has it that witches were housed there prior to their execution, hence the name. The restaurant has no electricity and you dine by candlelight adding to the overall ambiance of the place.
Edinburgh has a pretty lively nightlife and pub scene as well; currently one of the trendiest spots in the city is George Street. There is also the former red light district of Rose Street; one of the most famous streets in all of Edinburgh. Rose Street is packed with pubs from end to end, check out the Bad Ass or Dirty Dick’s or take the “Rose Street Challenge” by starting at one end of Rose Street and walking to the other having a drink at every pub along the way. Cowgate and Grassmarket are other popular spots in Edinburgh.
If you are on a budget there are a number of cheap hotels in Edinburgh, you can find lodgings for any budget. There are also a number of nice, affordable little restaurants throughout the city. Regardless of where you stay Edinburgh is a must see.