People feel passionately about Edinburgh. And it's not just the Scots either - you only have to stand in the crowds watching fireworks pumped into the night sky from Castle Rock to pick up the vibes from visitors. What is it about this ancient yet contemporary city that catches the heartstrings?
| Whatever it is that draws you here, you'll find plenty to explore... |
Perhaps it's the way that the city is entwined with the landscape, perched on and around a series of extinct volcanoes, giving rise to dramatic cliffs and surprising vistas all around the city centre. Perhaps it's the rich, year round cultural scene; take the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for example, which brings together actors, comedians and opera singers from all over the world to perform in front of crowds from the far corners of the continent, creating a mad, thrilling club-like ambiance. Or perhaps it's the mix of old and new that appeals. The old fashioned attractions like the Camera Obscura which has been allowing viewers to spy on people in the street below for over 150 years, alongside trend setting restaurants and cutting edge fashion.
Hotels in Edinburgh are at their busiest in the main tourist season of April to September, but are popular all year round and particularly at the New Year (Hogmanay) and during festival season in August. Most of the hotels are in Edinburgh's New Town, with many deluxe options on Princes Street, although there are cheaper hotels nearby, and all are beautifully placed for the shops and the city centre. The West End is a convenient and well presented area, which has hotels in a similar vein, whilst cheaper options can be found in The Cowgate. The outskirts of the city centre are ideal for those who want to remain near the airport and who prefer less noise and clamour than is typical of the city centre. And, if you want shops and eateries close at hand, but would rather not be in the city itself, consider Leith as a hotel location; you can walk to the city in around twenty minutes or take one of the frequent buses. During the festival period much of the university student accommodation is made available to cope with demand, however it is vital that you book early at this time and prices will be expensive.
Whatever it is that draws you here, you'll find plenty to explore when you arrive. The stern castle houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and gazes down on the Old Town; where winding, mediaeval alleys known as wynds hide tiny, ancient pubs where you might chance upon live jazz bands playing in what feels like somebody's front room. The Grassmarket was once the city's place of execution, but nowadays specialist shops selling whisky, jewellery or antiques are more likely to claim your money than your life. The New Town is the area to choose for stylish, big name stores, or try the cobbled West End for vintage evening wear, quirky jewellery and sophisticated interior design. For a truly scary vision of 'Auld Reekie', (one of Edinburgh's affectionate nicknames), go on a tour of the Edinburgh Vaults. Built underground, these chambers once housed grave robbers, witches and torture chambers. Venture deep into the ground at your peril.
The great thing is that wherever you go, you can go on foot. For Edinburgh is small enough to explore à pied. No wonder people love coming back again and again.
