Edinburgh Vacations, Edinburgh Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Edinburgh Vacation Guide

Draped across mossy fells and overlooking the choppy waters of the North Atlantic, Edinburgh is a scenic city in a striking location. Towered over by the soaring battlements of the hilltop castle, the city winds its way through cobbled, medieval lanes, spread out around the Royal Mile and its endless shops tucked in amid the ornate royal buildings.

Known as the city that inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and nicknamed the Athens of the North, Edinburgh’s sense of history - and the picture-postcard streets that come with the tag - make it a sumptuous proposition, a city that’s forever lively, but for the few Fringe Festival weeks each year becomes an artistic city like none other.

The Fringe brings with it comedy, theater and music galore, and while the prices might double, it’s worth the hassle for the endless shows, the fireworks gushing over Edinburgh Castle (equally impressive at New Year) and the chance to see the city at its very best. Everyone who’s anyone in the world of theater will be taking to the stage at some point, many commandeering the tiniest of old stages and giving connoisseurs the chance to see their heroes perform the kind of intimate shows that just don’t happen anywhere else.

The historical sites here are astonishing, ranging from the statue of Greyfriars Bobby and his extraordinary back-story, to the museums covering anything from childhood to brass rubbing, as well as more profound insights into Scottish history like the Royal Museum and the National War Museum of Scotland.

Scottish cuisine has to be tried to be believed, and incorporates everything from the deep fried mars bar (best sampled after several pints and a night on the dance floor) to the notorious haggis (if you don’t know what it is, find out after you’ve eaten it – it tastes better than it sounds).

Old world and sometimes bleak, yet always enjoyable, Edinburgh is drenched in history to almost the same extent that it’s drenched in rain every winter. Get involved, and get wet!