11 minute read
Edinburgh
Why not visit ... Edinburgh?
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth on the East Coast.
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Edinburgh attracts more than a million overseas visitors a year and is the second most popuar tourist destination in the UK.
It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its unique divide of Old Town and New Town. Centuries of history have left their mark on this city, giving you the atmosphetic and medievalOld Town alongside the elegant Georgian New Town.
Each August, the city hosts the biggest annual international arts festival in the world.This includes the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, International Festival and Book Festival.
With so much to see and do it can be hard to know where to sgtart. Top attractions include Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, The Scottish National Gallery, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Scottish Parliament building and the area known as the Grassmarket.
Excellent restaurants, elegant cocktail bars and great shopping abound in Edinburgh.
BY TRAIN
Scotrail (www.scotrail.co.uk) operates frequent services through the day from Glasgow Queen Street. Journey time is less than one hour with trains stopping at Edinburgh Haymarket (West End) and Waverley (city centre) stations.
BY BUS
CityLink (www.citylink.co.uk) operate fast and frequent (every 15 minutes) coach services throughout the day between Glasgow Buchanan Street Bust Station and Edinburgh Bus Station which is located in the city centre close to St Andrew's Square. Tikets can be purchased online to the best fares.
BY CAR
Journey time by car is usually less then one hour depending on traffic. Follow signs for M8 motorway which is the most direct route by road to Edinburgh.
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Edinburgh city highlights ...
GREY FRIARS BOBBY LYCEUM THEATRE
No visit is complete without rubbing the nose of Edinburgh’s most famous canine companion! The story is legend and you can find Bobby’s statue just across the street from The National Museum Of Scotland. Once you have found him make sure you visit Greyfriar’s Kirk and graveyard where history abounds as well as amazing views of Edinburgh Castle from different photographic angle.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
Chambers Street 0300 123 6789 www.nms.ac.uk Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology and Scottish history, all under one roof at the National Museum of Scotland. The museum of open daily and admission is free.
SCOTT MONUMENT
Princes Street Gardens 0131 52 4068 www.edinburgh.gov.uk Located on princes Street and dominating the landscape the Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world commemorating Sir. Walter Scott. The monument is open from April to September and offers amazing views from the top across the city skyline. 30b Grindlay Street. (off Lothian Road) 0131 248 4848 www.lyceum.org.uk The Lyceum is one of Scotland’s largest and most successful producing companies. The main output is drama during the September to May period. The theatre is also host to touring companies and entertainment during The Edinburgh International Festival shows.
THE MUSSEL INN
61-65 Rose Street 0131 225 5979 www.mussel-inn.com Visit The Mussel inn seafood restaurant on Rose Street, just one block from Princes Street, and enjoy delicious, fresh seafood and other selections at affordable prices while watching Edinburgh’s city centre hustle and bustle after a full day of sightseeing.
EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
18-22 Greenside Lane 0131 524 3333 www.atgtickets.com Located at the top of Leith walk the Edinburgh Playhouse is famous for hosting popular plays and musicals plus other big acts when they come to town. Some of the biggest names in show business have played here. It’s a must visit venue.
THE STAND COMEDY CLUB
5 York Place (just off St. Andrew’s Square) 01310131 558 7272 www.thestand.co.uk Built into a basement of a Georgian tenement on the edge of the new town, The Stand is an intimate space with a superb atmosphere. All of the biggest names in comedy make The Stand their venue of choice and so should you. Open seven nights, including a free Sunday lunchtime improv show. Food and bar available at pub, not club prices!
THE EDINBURGH DUNGEON
31 Market Street 0131 240 1001 www.thedungeons.com The ultimate thrill filled journey through Scotland’s past. 11 live shows, and 80 minutes of laughter, screaming, theatre, history and special effects. The black comedy of attractions; dark, ironic and very very funny.
VAPIANO
7 South St. David Street EH2 2BD 0131 285 6123 www.vapiano.com A fresh, vibrant Italian pizzeria, restaurant and bar right in the heart of the city serving the finest fresh produce and beautifully prepared wood oven pizzas and wonderful pasta dishes with guests enjoying face-to-face interactions with chefs as they cook their dish to order, exactly as they like it.
HARD ROCK CAFÉ
20 George Street 0131 260 3000 www.hardrock.com Celebrating over 15 years in the city, The Hard Rock welcomes you with the style and mantra of Love All Serve All. Enjoy great music, fine cocktails and Hard Rock’s world famous burgers and other food selections. Indulge yourself or buy great presents to take home from the retail store.
PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
Canongate. Royal Mile 0131 556 5100 www.royalcollection.org.uk The Palace of Holyroodhouse or as it is more commonly know, Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of The Queen in Scotland. Flying of the Royal Standard indicates whether The Queen is at home, but the Palace itself remains open throughout the year and is an interesting and enlightening visit.
WAGAMAMA
Castle Terrace (Lothian Road) 0131 229 5506 www.wagamama.com Delicious noodles, rice dishes, salads and freshly squeezed juices all brought together in a vibrant busy restaurant makes Wagamama a great family destination.
EDINBURGH CASTLE
Castlehill 0131 225 9846 www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk Edinburgh’s most visited attraction, the castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline and its story has shaped the nation’s history. Home to the one o’clock gun and many historic artefacts, the castle attracts thousands of visitors every year. Top tip is to book your tickets online and get Fast Tracked at no extra cost.
CAMERA OBSCURA & WORLD OF ILLUSIONS
Castle Hill, Royal Mile 0131 226 3709 www.camera-obscura.co.uk Located right next to Edinburgh Castle. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is the only spot in Edinburgh where you can explore the whole city without even leaving the room! Five floors of fascinating, interactive, hands-on exhibits. Where 21st -century tech meets classic illusions and historic science. It’s a great day out.
CALTON HILL
A short walk from Prince’s Street brings you to carlton Hill and some truly outstanding Edinburgh views. Some of the best photographs of your trip will be taken as you walk up to the top and admire both the wider cityscape but also te stunning view towards Leith and the River Forth.
SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY
The Mound 0131 624 6200 www.nationalgalleries.org The gallery has an amazing permanent collect and even more amazing, entry is free. The gallery is located right at the bottom of The Mound in the centre of Prince’s Street and a short walk from Waverly Station and minutes from The Royal Mile.
CHAOPHRAYA, EDINBURGH
4th Floor. 33 Castle St. EH2 3DN 0131 634 0023. www.chaophraya.co.uk/Edinburgh/ Located in the heart of the city a few minutes walk from Prince’s Street and boasting stunning rooftop views this stunning restaurant blends contemporary Thai design with an impressive modern interior design to create some of the best private dining and meeting spaces in the city. Combine with truly authentic culinary themes inspired by Thailand you will love every minute of your visit to Chaophraya!
28 Blair Street 0131 225 5445 www.mercattours.com Mercat tours will give you a true sense of Scotland’s past that no guidebook can give – whether haunted or historic. To make sure you can explore every nook and cranny of Edinburgh without missing any of the best sites or stories Mercat have a range of day or evening ghost & history tours covering the Old & New towns, above ground or exclusively, underground! Engaging, enthralling, and most of all, entertaining!
TIMBERBUSH TOURS
0131 226 6066 www.timberbushtours.com Timberbush Tours will take you out of the city and into the parts of Scotland that you have read and dreamed about! With small group departures you can enjoy a friendly guided tour that brings you right into the heart of Scottish life, sights and loves such as whisky tours and breath taking scenery.
OUR DYNAMIC EARTH
Holyrood Road, EH8 8AS 0131 550 7800 www.dynamicearth.co.uk A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on an Adventure around the world. Voted one of Edinburgh's best attractions on many occasions, it's a must visit for all the family of ages of a fantastic location to stage your next big event! 1 Commercial Street, Leith 0131 554 5272 www.hemingwaysedinburgh.co.uk Having opened in May 2019 Hemingsways is a relaxed, casual dining experience in the heart of Leith Harbour. With a modern twist on classic dishes, Hemingways offers a warm welcome with freshly prepared food and great cocktails, craft gin & locally brewed craft beer as well as an extensive wine list. Waterloo Place 0131 226 3133 www.rabbies.com Award winning small group tour company offering guaranteed departures – you book, you go! Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers give you more time to experience the real, authentic Scotland with more time off the bus and with the locals. Book online or walk-in with tours covering one, two or three days.
MAMMA'S AMERICAN PIZZA
30 Grassmarket 0131 225 6464 www.mammas.co.uk Serving great pizza since 1986 Mammas specialise in freshly prepared stone baked and gluten free pizzas. With over 40 toppings to choose from including cactus, marshmallow or chocolate, you will find the perfect pizza and relaxed atmosphere to your liking.
Edinburgh IN AND AROUND City Guide May 2021 Explore all of Edinburgh here
THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE
354 Castlehill, The Royal mile. EH1 2NE 0131 220 0441 www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five star visitor attraction at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where they have been inspiring visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky for over 30 years. With over 3500 bottles of whisky from down the years on display, the stunning Amber Restaurant & Whisky bar to enjoy, whether you take a tour, visit the shop or enjoy an event or tasting, you are guaranteed a sensational experience.
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Your complete guide to Edinburgh
| City Centre | New Town | Old Town | Leith | Maps | Royal Mile |
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Grassmarket Burns Monument Palace of Returning end of May Holyroodhouse Edinburgh Castle Scotch Whisky Experience
National Museum of Scotland
Royal Mile
Just the Ticket
Adult Ticket
Child Ticket Family Ticket
(2x adults & up to 3 children aged 5-15)
Concession
Dynamic Earth
The not boring bus tour
To truly explore the beating heart of Scotland’s capital, you have to explore Edinburgh.
Bright Bus Tours offers an authentic taste of the city, yours to take in from the comfort of our open top bus!
Hop-on and hop-off as much as you’d like over two days, your ticket is valid for 24 hours and Edinburgh is yours to discover!
We’re dog friendly, family friendly and you won’t miss us either! Look out for our bright orange buses, and friendly street team who will be more than happy to help you.
You can buy your tickets online in advance of your trip, or from our team on the day if you’d prefer.
We can’t wait to see you on board!
St Andrew Square
Lothian Road
Grassmarket
Chalmers Street
Johnston Terrace
Lawnmarket, Edinburgh Castle
Chambers Street
(National Museum)
John Knox House, Royal Mile Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate Scottish Parliament, Canongate
Dynamic Earth
Holyrood Palace
