Though my wife Mandi is originally from Glasgow, we have traveled many times to Edinburgh together. We both love the city’s feel. Edinburgh is an essential stop for both the history buff as well as the high street shopper. It is a city that has preserved an historic past while at the same time adapting and modernizing.
The centerpiece of the city is clearly Edinburgh Castle. It sits majestically on a hill formed during the city’s volcanic past and is just a short walk from the Waverley train station. If you are walking, be sure to bring comfortable shoes. The walk may be short, but it is uphill and offers quite a workout. Admission to the castle is £ 14 for adults and £ 8.20 for children during the non-peak tourism season. Prices are slightly higher during the peak tourism season from June to September. If you plan to visit the castle, set aside a couple of hours so you can take your time and visit every room that is open to the public. Though the price of admission is slightly high, even during the non-peak season, there are a great many exhibits to see once inside. Further, as you make your way to the top of the castle, the extraordinary view at the summit makes it well worth both the climb and the price of your ticket. You can plan ahead by visiting the castle’s website: www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk.
Descending from the castle you will walk the Royal Mile, a collection of shops for the tourist, pubs, restaurants and historical sites. You can see tartan weaving, take your picture with a bagpiper, or just do a bit of shopping. There are good deals to be had here for the smart shopper. I purchased a three pack of Edinburgh t-shirts from a shop on the Royal Mile for a reasonable £ 15.
As dog lovers, my wife and I like to visit the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a delightful if not entirely true tale of a dog’s devotion to his master even after death. The legend goes that an Edinburgh policeman, John Gray owned Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier. After Gray’s death, the dog lived for several more years and faithfully guarded his former master’s grave. Greyfriars Kirkyard is near the statue and is the actual resting place of John Gray. It is open to the public.
If castles and dog statues are not quite your cup of tea, rest assured that Edinburgh is far more than these. Princes Street offers a fantastic opportunity for the high street shopper with diverse options. It contains stand alone stores as well as the St. James Centre, an indoor mall in the heart of Edinburgh City Centre.
Edinburgh has an international airport, a modern train station and ample bus lines, making it accessible and easy to get around. The city hosts the Edinburgh Festival in the month of August and the largest Hogmanay celebration in Scotland on New Year’s Eve. No matter when you plan your visit, you can expect to find a strikingly beautiful city with a great deal to see and do.