Highlights of Edinburgh

The highlights of Edinburgh are a majestic blend of Old Town, New Town, and University areas that comprise the most beautiful city in the United Kingdom. This hilly capital city combines stunning medieval architecture with views reaching the North Sea.

Explore Old Town

Take an evening Ghost Tour

You’ll learn of Edinburgh’s sordid past with tales of ghosts, gore, and superstition on one of the cities elaborate haunted tours.  The oldest tour operator, Mercat, offers several daily tours including the Underground and Graveyard walk.  We were spooked with several ghost stories as we walked from the old town, through underground tunnels, and into an old graveyard.

Sip tea at The Elephant House

Imagine yourself in the shoes of J.K. Rowling as she gazed over Greyfriars Bobby Graveyard and up at the Edinburgh Castle from the windows of the Elephant House while she wrote about Harry Potter and his friends.

Visit Greyfriars Bobby Graveyard

Walk the grounds of this beautiful graveyard with views up the hills of the old town. Search for the famous tombstone that marks Tom Riddle’s grave.

Walk through the campus of Edinburgh University.

Visit the 12th-century castle and enjoy 360-degree city views.

Visit New Town

Shop ’til you drop

The streets of New Town are lined with shopping from basic to high end. Bring your reusable shopping bags, as this environmentally friendly city doesn’t just hand out shopping bags with every purchase.

Enjoy a spot of tea

Visit the quaint tea room of Etteaket for a unique pot of tea, or go all out for the Afternoon Tea with sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

Spend the night out with a Cocktail Crawl

There is an impressive speakeasy presence in New Town Edinburgh.  Visit Bramble Bar & Lounge to start your night with a fresh and funky cocktail. Stop at Hoot the Redeemer for some alcoholic ice-cream and mingle with the young crowd.  Make your way to Panda & Sons “barbershop” for a classy drink and excellent service.  Try the Free as a Curd, for a unique treat.  Make it a night with a gin cocktail at Heads & Tails Gin Bar.

Highlights of Edinburgh Food and Drink

Grab a fancy cocktail or dinner at Under the Stairs in Old Town.

Wagamama offers delicious fast-casual Asian food.

China Town’s upscale Chinese cuisine in the West End is delicious.

End your night at a chippy joint – The quintessential drunk food in the UK is french fries smothered in either brown sauce and vinegar or cheese and gravy. Head to any takeaway pizza, kebab, or chippy joint to order your chips however you want them.

 

Highlights of Edinburgh – Where to Stay

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton sits on the edge of the New and Old Towns offering access to all that the city has to offer.  The hotel is a quick walk from Waverly train station.  Airport buses connect quickly and easily nearby. The full-service hotel offers spacious guest rooms and a nice executive lounge.

Highlights of Edinburgh Tips

• Access the city from the airport via easy and economical buses.
• Be prepared for hills, steps, and cobblestone streets.
• Book Virgin Trains directly from the Virgin website to get free wifi.

There is so much to love about Edinburgh. From lush green gardens to gorgeous medieval architecture there is beauty in every direction.