Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland as well as an exciting and beautiful tourism destination. Each year countless visitors flock to Edinburgh in order to experience the scenic landscapes, vibrant culture, historical landmarks and impressive architecture. The city received the designation of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the incredible historic city centre dating back several centuries. If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh, use this helpful guide to learn more about the best accommodations and attractions as well as how to plan the perfect weekend break in the city.
Popular Attractions in Edinburgh
There is no shortage of attractions or landmarks worth a visit in the city of Edinburgh. The biggest challenge is simply narrowing down your options to a few that you can fit into your travel itinerary. If you enjoy museums, the best in the city are the Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Museum. The Old Town of Edinburgh is a pedestrian friendly area where some of the most incredible landmarks are located. Here you will find places like the one thousand year old Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles' Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament and the Scott Monument that visitors can climb to take in breathtaking views over the entire city.
Enjoy the Perfect Weekend in the City
City breaks to Edinburgh are incredible popular holiday options for those with just a few days to spend in the city. To start the weekend off right, head to The Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre where visitors can learn about Scottish whiskey manufacture, enjoy a tour of the distillery and even taste test a few of the most popular local varieties. Start your first full day in Edinburgh with an easy hike to the top of Arthur's Seat just east of the city centre.
From here you can enjoy beautiful views of the entire city. If you're a movie buff, head back into town to visit Rosslyn Chapel which was featured in the movie and book The Da Vinci Code. Head to the New Town for some great shopping in Broughton Street and the West End and then finish up the day with a delicious meal at one of the diverse establishments on Rose Street.
On your final day in Edinburgh, head to the Old Town and spend the day on your feet touring the incredible landmarks. For a romantic upscale meal in the Old Town, dine at The Witchery Restaurant located just next to the Edinburgh Castle.
Accommodation Options
There is no shortage of accommodation options for travelers in the city. Most visitors will be interested in hotels or local guesthouses within walking distance of the city. While these are both great options, sometimes a more secluded and romantic option is to rent one of the many private Edinburgh holiday apartments. These can be very affordable and are often located right in the heart of either the Old Town or the New Town, making it easy for you to find your way around the city when visiting.
Anticipating Costs in Edinburgh
The costs in Edinburgh are noticeably higher than in surrounding Scottish cities. However, there are plenty of ways to reduce your holiday costs and make even a luxurious weekend break affordable. If you plan to visit several of the major historical attractions in the city, be sure to invest in the Edinburgh Pass. A one day pass will cost you £29 and a two day pass will cost £39 but it will grant you entry to thirty different locations, a map of the city and several valuable restaurant, tour and pub coupons that will be very handy.
Author Bio: Markus works at HomeAway.co.uk, the UK’s no 1 holiday rentals site. He writes for GO! Travel, a blog to find holiday inspiration for families, couples and groups.


