Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is the perfect first stop for visitors on holiday in this country. If you come in August, you will be treated to some of the best-known festivals in the world: the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. All this culture takes place in one of the globe's most beautiful capital cities. Interspersed with the old architecture of the city are contemporary art galleries, modern restaurants, and the finest pubs of anywhere.
Key attractions
It is best to head straight to the Old Town in the heart of the city in order to see some of the most famous landmarks. Dominating the city skyline, the Edinburgh Castle is top of the list of things to see. The Scottish royal residences, Holyrood Palace, and the Scottish Parliament are two buildings you should not miss. Outside of the Old Town, one highly recommended place to relax in the Royal Botanic Garden. To see Scotland's fine collection of art, head to the National Gallery of Scotland in New Town.
Hotels in Edinburgh can organise daytrips for guests which take them around other sights such as St Giles' Cathedral, the National Gallery, the Royal Museum and the Edinburgh Dungeon. Princess Street is a must-visit if you are in need of retail therapy.
There are many Edinburgh hotels located in Princess Street, although these are generally more expensive than those further out of town. Hotels in Edinburgh are busiest during the summer months (June to August) so it is adviseable to book in advance if you will be traveling during this period.
Having fun
When possible, time your visit in August in order to witness perhaps the largest collection of arts festivals taking place simultaneously. The International Festival features high-brow performances, while The Fringe performances are more contemporary and avant-garde. Outside of festival season, you can head to the Edinburgh Playhouse or the Festival Theater to catch regular theater performances. Some of the best places to dine and drink include Leith district, north of the Old and New Towns. For pub-style dining and drinking, there's Rose Street in New Town.
Shopping
Visitors looking to satisfy their retail urges are recommended to head to New Town, Edinburgh's commercial district and main shopping destination. Princes Street is at the epicenter of it all. You will find here internationally known brands of clothing, music, and gift items. Upscale stores and restaurants, meanwhile, are what you will find along George Street. North of New Town are the districts of Stockbridge and Canonmills. A mix of second-hand shops, specialized food stores, jewelry boutiques, and other independent shops can be found here.
Nearby
Dunfermline, located just across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh, is a great place to escape the hurried and lively pace of Edinburgh. It not only has historic structures such as the Dunfermline Abbey, but peaceful areas such as Pittencreiff Park. To really see the great outdoors of this region of Scotland, you can go to Pentlands Hills Regional Park, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh by bus. The park is the playground of residents of Edinburgh, and biking and walking are highly recommended here.
Our recommendations in Edinburgh
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Channings Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
Channings Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member is located in Edinburgh's Stockbridge neighborhood. Princes Street and George Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Royal Botanic Garden and Princes Street Gardens. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's quiet location.
Apex Haymarket Hotel
Located in Edinburgh's Haymarket neighborhood, Apex Haymarket Hotel is in the city center and near a train station. Grassmarket and Royal Mile are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre
Located in Edinburgh's Old Town neighborhood, DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre is in the city center and near a train station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill, while Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Murrayfield Stadium or Musselburgh Racecourse. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield
Located in Edinburgh, Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield is in the city center and near the airport. Princes Street and George Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Edinburgh Zoo and Deep Sea World. Inverleith and Omni Centre Edinburgh are also worth visiting.
The Royal Scots Club Edinburgh
Located in Edinburgh's New Town neighborhood, The Royal Scots Club Edinburgh is in the city center and near a train station. Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Princes Street and George Street. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh
Near a train station, Edinburgh Marriott Hotel is in an area with good airport proximity. Princes Street and George Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Edinburgh Zoo and Deep Sea World. Inverleith and Our Dynamic Earth are also worth visiting.
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Fraser Suites Edinburgh
Located in Edinburgh's Old Town neighborhood, Fraser Suites Edinburgh is in the city center and near a train station. Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Princes Street and Royal Mile. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Murrayfield Stadium or Musselburgh Racecourse.
Novotel Edinburgh Park
In the business district, Novotel Edinburgh Park is in Edinburgh's Sighthill neighborhood, an area with good airport proximity. Edinburgh Corn Exchange and Usher Hall are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Grassmarket and St. Giles' Cathedral. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.