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<\/p>\nEdinburgh\u2019s famed mediaeval street is so named because it links two Royal residences: Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Start your tour at the former \u2013 within this massive citadel, which sits atop an extinct volcano, you can admire Scotland\u2019s crown jewels, learn about the country\u2019s royal history and take a peek inside the City\u2019s oldest building, St Margaret\u2019s Chapel. On leaving the Castle, follow the Royal Mile down the hill \u2013 stopping in at St Giles\u2019 Cathedral (join a rooftop tour for splendid views of the Old Town) and the Museum of Childhood along the way.<\/p>\n
At the bottom, have a look around the astonishing Scottish Parliament building before heading to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen\u2019s official Scottish residence. Here you can admire the state apartments and visit the rooms of Mary, Queen of Scots. The ruined Holyrood Abbey adjoins the palace and has been the site of Royal births, marriages and coronations. If you\u2019re still feeling energetic after all those Edinburgh tourist attractions, finish your day with a hike to the rtop of Arthur\u2019s Seat, the City\u2019s other extinct volcano, which overlooks Holyrood Palace \u2013 the 251m peak offers spectacular views across the City and out to the Firth of Forth.<\/p>\n
Nature, fashion, science, technology and history are all on display at the National Museum of Scotland, one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh. This enormous museum, which recently added 10 new galleries, features exhibitions dedicated to Scottish history, world cultures, the natural world and more. Highlights include the charming and delightful Lewis chessmen. Across the road from the museum, don\u2019t miss the statue of ever-loyal Greyfriars Bobby.<\/p>\n
For a fascinating glimpse at some of the Scottish men and women who\u2019ve helped shape our world, head to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Among the famous faces whose portraits are on display are Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert Burns and Flora MacDonald. The Gallery also boasts a great caf\u00e9 on the ground floor \u2013 its soups and cakes, in particular, are excellent.<\/p>\n
Tian Tian and Yang Guang are two of Edinburgh\u2019s brightest stars \u2013 the RZSS Edinburgh Zoo residents are the only giant pandas in the UK and are, therefore, hugely popular with visitors (indeed, viewing spaces are limited \u2013 so book your tickets in advance). The Zoo is also home to armadillos, penguins, baboons and zebras, as well as the UK\u2019s only koalas.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget to look underground for some of Edinburgh\u2019s best history too. The Real Mary King\u2019s Close is a warren of old, buried streets found underneath the city\u2019s Royal Mile. The same as they were back in the 17th Century, the lanes are as fascinating as they are dark and decrepit.<\/p>\n
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You\u2019ll find all the usual high-street stores around Edinburgh\u2019s celebrated Princes Street, including H&M and M&S, as well as department stores Harvey Nichols and Edinburgh institution Jenners (marvel at its magnificent architecture, both inside and out). But take time, too, to explore the lanes and streets running behind this bustling shopping thoroughfare, for more unusual shops such as The Brotique, which sells a carefully curated collection of items for gents.<\/p>\n
The City\u2019s real shopping gems, though, are to be found in the Grassmarket area. Here, you\u2019ll discover some of the UK\u2019s most eclectic specialist shops, selling everything from fossils and minerals to vintage clothing and hats. Victoria Street, which snakes from the George IV Bridge down to Grassmarket, is home to cheesemonger IJ Mellis, tweed specialist Walker Slater and the Old Town Bookshop, among others.<\/p>\n
Edinburgh is a foodie\u2019s paradise, with great caf\u00e9s and restaurants seemingly on every corner \u2013 so you\u2019ll be spoilt for choice, morning, noon and night. For dinner, it\u2019s hard to beat The Scran & Scallie. The food at this gastropub, co-owned by chef Tom Kitchin, is simply superb\u2026 think fish pie followed by sticky toffee pudding. Booking in advance is highly recommended and, if possible, time your visit for a Sunday night when Scottish folk musicians play in the bar. Other notable restaurants include seafood specialist Ondine, veggie institution Henderson\u2019s and French bistro Chez Jules.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re just after a quick cup of coffee, try the tiny Wellington Coffee in the New Town, which serves fabulously rejuvenating java, enormous scones and hot chocolate with a big, pillowy chunk of marshmallow on the side. Alternatively, Brew Lab near the National Museum is a specialist coffee bar popular with tourists and locals alike.<\/p>\n
The transport links in and around Edinburgh are excellent, so it\u2019s easy to venture outside the City and experience some of the riches that the surrounding area has to offer, too. Rosslyn Chapel\u2019s claim to fame is a starring role in The Da Vinci Code, but its intricate stone carvings and fascinating history make it well worth a visit. The Chapel can get very busy, especially at the weekend, so go as early as possible to avoid the crowds and, if you can, join a talk to find out more about the many symbols featured in the architecture.<\/p>\n
Linlithgow Palace, just 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, and is today a beautiful, haunting ruin full of hidden nooks and crannies. Alternatively, if you love a ride on the briny, take the train from Waverley to Dalmeny and join a boat trip along the Firth of Forth \u2013 where you can admire the iconic Forth bridges, stop off at Inchcolm Island to explore the ruined abbey and indulge in a spot of seal- and puffin-watching.<\/p>\n
If you like the sound of what Scotland’s capital has to offer, why not take a look at our hotels in Edinburgh.