INTRODUCTION
During my two years stay in Glasgow, I have been to Edinburgh on numerous occasions. As Edinburgh is just an hour drive east of Glasgow, it always become a good weekend getaway and for some shopping. At the same time, every time we have visitors from home, Edinburgh is always a key city to visit. A very important to most people is that, if you have not being to Edinburgh, you have not being to Scotland.
For a short introduction, Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest cities. It is a very popular tourist spot, and this is one of the main reasons that make it different from other Scottish cities. Many Scottish that I knew find Edinburgh less Scottish than any other cities in Scotland.
Personally, I love Edinburgh. It is the most beautiful city I have been to, and I believe only Vienna in Austria is comparable. I am never sick of Edinburgh.
TRANSPORTATION
Edinburgh has an international airport, situated a few miles from the city. It has frequent flights to major cities in UK, and also flights to mainland Europe.
Bus is a very common mode of transportation to Edinburgh. From Glasgow, the one-way ticket cost only 3 pounds if I don’t remember wrongly. It is very affordable. The coach service is comfortable, and the frequency is good from Glasgow. Edinburgh have a daily service that link it to London, fares should be about 30 pounds. Besides, it has very frequent services to nearby Scottish cities and northern England’s cities.
Train is a very good method of travel from London to Edinburgh. The service is faster and more comfortable than bus. But the fact that it is much more expensive than bus, many would still prefer to opt for a cheaper option.
Edinburgh is welled linked by motorway, which link to major cities like Glasgow, Manchester and London. If you rent a car during your holiday in UK, it is a good choice to drive north.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and of course the capital is never short of food. In the city center of Edinburgh, you can basically find every kind of food you can think of. From Chinese to Japanese to European, and even exotic cuisine from other countries, they are all available to choose from. Of course all these are for those who can afford them, and in many cases, they are very expensive.
For budget traveler and students like myself then, cheap option like fast food and bakery is readily available for a quick bite before you go on to explore the wonderful cultural city of Edinburgh.
Accommodation is expensive in Edinburgh, as compared to other cities in Scotland, though it is still consider cheap if you just came from London. Hotels in the city center can be extremely expensive, and only for the well off. Hotels away from the city center are slightly cheaper, but still expected to pay from around 40 pounds a night.
B&B and Guesthouse is widely used by budget tourist, but you might need to travel slight away from the city center. Price should start from about 14 pounds per person per night. But often it is a much better value for money.
MAIN ATTRACTION
There are a lot of attractions in the whole of Edinburgh, and I am afraid that I am unable to shares all of them with you. I shall cover as much as I can.
First of all, the very moment you step down into Edinburgh, you will see the highlight of the city, the Edinburgh Castle. It is situated on top of the hill, and it dominates the skyline of Edinburgh. You will never miss such a majestic piece of structure. Entrance fees are 5 1/2 pounds, and it is a worthy fee to pay. Since for most of the tourist, the trip to Edinburgh might be the one and only chance in our life, such a small fees is nothing compared to the experience you will have in the castle. On top of the castle, you can catch good views of the whole of Edinburgh. The Scottish Royal Crown is exhibited in the castle, and it worth a visit, though it can be rather crowded. Most part of the castle is being renovated and repaired, so some castle lover might be a bit disappointed not able to see it in it’s most natural form.
From the Edinburgh Castle, you can take the Royal Miles to proceed to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, situated in the other end of the city center. Along the Royal Miles, you are able to see extraordinary buildings build as far back as the 15th century. Everything along the way is so old that you might imagine yourself back to the past. It will be a very memorable and relaxing walk. A slow walk might take about half an hour. With the climate in Scotland being cooling and refreshing, such a walk is very easy and relaxing.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence for the Queen when she is in Scotland or to be exact in Edinburgh. So, visit to the palace is only permitted when she is not around. Entrance fees are 3 1/2 pounds. The interior is grand, and there are a number of exhibition with guided tours. Worth a short visit.
From the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you are able to see the beautiful Arthur’s Seat, an 800 feet high rocky peak. Some tourist would choose to climb to the peak to have a good view of the whole city, including the Edinburgh Castle. It will not be an easy climb, as the road is long and tiring. I have done it once. The air is cold up there and very windy, not suitable for the weak hearted.
At the bottom of Edinburgh Castle is the Princes Street Garden. It is very beautiful during springtime when the flowers are blooming. It is a perfect place to have your lunch.
Next on the list of visit is the Edinburgh University. It is one of the oldest and biggest universities in the whole of Britain and was founded in 1583. She has a total of more than 12, 000 students and all these students make a very significant contribution to the city.
Traveling further down Prince Street to Waterloo Place, you will reach the Carton Hill. If you are unable to climb the Arthur’s Seat, this is another point when you can catch a good view of the city. It is a much easier climb, but there are not much people around. So some precautions need to be taken.
If time permit, you should visit the Greyfriars Kirk & Kirkyard. The Greyfriars is one of the most beautiful spots in Edinburgh
The St. Giles Cathedral should not be miss on your visit too. It is situated along the Royal Miles.
For shoppers, there are a wide range of shopping along Princes Street and all adjacent streets. You will basically find anything you want. Price can be rather high.
SUMMARY
The fact that Edinburgh is one of the finest and greatest cities in the world is a very good indication that it deserves a visit without doubts. I am very sure that from the very moment you step down into Edinburgh, and up in the hill you see the famous Edinburgh Castle, you will realize you are in the right place.