With dramatic scenery, a thriving cultural scene, numerous shopping opportunities and a host of excellent bars and restaurants – all delivered with a healthy dose of friendly celtic hospitality – Scotland’s beautiful and historic capital city is the ideal location for a romantic city break.

1. Take in some culture

Whether it’s art and literature, music and theatre, or simply a taste of traditional Scottish heritage that you’re looking for, Edinburgh has something to suit all tastes. The imposing Edinburgh Castle, which has overlooked the city from its rocky outcrop above the streets for nearly three thousand years, is an excellent place to start.

Or try a leisurely stroll round one of Scotland’s three most important art galleries, all of which are within walking distance of each other. The National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, house some of the best in Scottish and International art, and are an excellent way to while away an afternoon.

If all that walking seems like a bit too much effort, why not sample some of Scotland’s best known export at the Scottish Whisky Experience, a great little museum next to the castle, where you can taste the amber nectar for yourself!

2. Shop till you drop

Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers with a wealth of bargains and luxury goods to be found. From independent boutiques and jewellers along Rose Street (ideal for that most special of romantic purchases), to the traditional Scottish goods found on the Royal Mile, such as shortbread and lambs wool sweaters, there is something for everyone.

Check out Harvey Nicholls’ huge store at St Andrew’s Square for designer goods, and don’t miss a visit to Jenners, one of Scotland’s oldest and most loved department stores.

3. Bring back cocktail hour

Edinburgh has a vibrant and cosmopolitan café and bar scene, which makes it an excellent place to relax with a pre-dinner drink. Whether it’s an old classic that tickles your fancy, or a new local creation, there are plenty of bustling venues to choose from.

George Street alone has several good examples, including Tiger Lilly, The Living Room and The Opal Lounge, where rumour has it Prince William was a regular customer during his time at St Andrew’s University.

4. Enjoy a candlelit dinner

No romantic weekend is complete without a cosy candlelit dinner, and The Witchery is one of the most intimate and atmospheric dining destinations imaginable. Nestled in a dramatic 16th Century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, this beautifully decorated restaurant offers fine dining in the most luxurious of settings.

Surrounded by antique gilded candlesticks and opulent red leather upholstery, The Witchery has a truly magical atmosphere. One of the dining rooms, the intriguingly titled Secret Garden, is even reached by a hidden stone staircase and enjoys views over a secluded courtyard.

5. Catch a rickshaw home

After all that fine food and wine, the trip back to you hotel over Edinburgh’s famously cobbled streets can be something of a challenge. Instead of grabbing a taxi, why not take the weight off your feet by hiring one of the numerous rickshaws that trundle round the city centre?

These novelty cycle transports, which are usually peddled by students and backpackers, may be considerably more expensive than jumping in a cab, but what more romantic way to end your trip than snuggling under a blanket with your loved one and watching the city lights flit past on your way home?*

6. Romantic Hotels in Edinburgh

• Hotel Ben Doran – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £ 75
• Dunstane House Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £  75
• Apex City Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £ 85
• The Rutland Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £1 50
• Dunstane City Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £ 89

Photo of Edinburgh, Scotland, by Nestor M

Dear Travel Agony Aunt,
I’m planning for a 6 days visit to UK, with my family (3 of us altogether) some time in the month of September this year. I’m thinking of spending 3 days visiting places in London and the remaining three days in Scotland. Would you please give advice on the places to visit? Sandhya, from Chennai, India

A 3-day visit in Scotland could let you discover both Edinburgh and Glasgow:

If you are visiting Edinburgh is worth getting the Edinburgh pass which will allow you not only to easily access to every city corner but also discovering the Edinburgh’s main attractions will be easy for budget!

Edinburgh has a lot of things to offer to travelers. While wandering around the city, you may take a ride on the famous Edinburgh Dungeon in Market Street, explore the Murder and Mistery Tour, visit John Knox’s House and St Giles Cathedral at the Royal Mile.

The Nelson Monument will give you the chance to appreciate one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh.

The Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is a must see in Edinburgh. You will surely be delighted by this Edinburgh attraction, that creates a magnificent panorama out of a game of lenses, daylight and mirrors.

But what is Scotland famous for? This is no doubt Malt whisky! Have you ever visited a true Malt distillery? If not, Glenkinchie Distillery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. for the whole month of September.

In Edinburgh Waverly EDB station you will be able to take the train that will lead you to Glasgow in a 45-minute-ride.

The Clyde Bridges, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens with the Kibble Palace (completely renovated), the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, the Glasgow Science Centre, the IMAX, Pollok House and Country Park, as well as Provand’s Lordship, the only medieval house remaining from the 15th Century, are a must-do when visiting Glasgow.

For more advise on what to see and visit in London, you can have a glance at my “London in 3 Days” post:

Hope you enjoy a great time both in London and Scotland!

Picture of Edinburgh, Scotland, by Subberculture

Making holiday or vacation arrangements that include one of the historical tours of Scotland will avail you with a myriad of choices when searching the internet for options. Here are examples of some of the more popular historic tours of Scotland:

Edinburgh & Lothians

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and an excellent city to start your tour historical in. When you visit Edinburgh Castle, you will enjoy the panoramic views of the Royal Mile as it meanders through Old Town. Edinburgh hosts the world’s largest arts festival and also features a wide array of cafes, galleries, museums, pubs, restaurants, and theaters. Surrounding the city is the Lothians, one of Scotland’s more traditional historical regions with its beaches, historical sites, and quaint little towns.

Kingdom of Fire

The ancient kingdom of Fire affords you with a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy its cathedrals, gardens, palaces, and numerous castles. Additionally, you can enjoy the visiting the delightful little fishing villages situated among the harbors of the Scottish coastline all the way to the renowned home of the game of golf – St Andrews.

Perthshire

Perthshire is situated in the very heart of the country and is the perfect base from which to explore Scotland. If it’s a more active vacation that you desire then there are fishing, golfing, and hill walking. If on the other hand, a more historical and relaxing experience is what you crave then you can take in one of the many castle tours, museums, or theaters in the area.

Angus and Dundee

Dundee is very cosmopolitan and features a nice variety of, cafes, restaurants, and shops as well as some very unique entertainment. Angus surrounds Dundee, and provides the traveler with numerous castles, country houses, mountains, and lochs to explore. There are plenty of adventurous pursuits in the outdoors to engage in while visiting this historical area of Scotland.

Aberdeen and Grampian

The 3rd largest Scottish city is Aberdeen, and it affords the traveler a wide array of entertainment and numerous shopping venues. There are more mountains above 4,000 feet in this region as well as over 100 miles of pristine coastline and hills that tumble down to the seacoast. Additionally, there is an abundance of historic castles and whiskey distilleries to tour.

The Western Isles

A different culture and language as well as very distinctive landscape is offered the visitor when exploring the Western Isles. The beautiful beaches, spectacular landscape, and an abundance of wildlife await your adventure through this historical area of Scotland. Additionally, it is a great place to relax and unwind at the end of your day.

Photo of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, by g.naharro

A trip to Edinburgh is simply not complete without visiting at least one of the traditional breweries on offer in the near vicinity of the city, so take a look at the list below and enjoy an experience that you won’t forget.

• Glenkinchie Distillery

The Glenkinchie Distillery, home of ‘The Edinburgh Malt’, is located 15 miles from Edinburgh near the village of Pencaitland. The distillery includes a malt whisky exhibition in the listed red-brick building and the opportunity to taste the wonderful Glenkinchie Single Malt. Standard entry is £5 although there are concessions available, and visitors should be aware that children under 8, although welcome, are not allowed into the production areas. Opening times vary throughout the year, but it usually closes at either 4pm or 5pm.

• The Famous Grouse Experience

The Famous Grouse Experience takes place at the Glenturret Distillery outside of Crieff, which holds the honour of being Scotland’s oldest distillery. During your time here you can find out how the Glenturret Single Malt Whisky is produced, and how it is blended into The Famous Grouse, as well as spending some time in the nosing and tasting bar. One of the highlights of the visit is the interactive BAFTA award-winning show that should not be missed, and you can top it all off with a trip to the restaurant and bar. Prices start from £4, and tours run between 9.30am and 4pm.

• The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience is not an actual distillery, but rather provides the perfect opportunity to find out all about this famous Scottish product. It is situated right in the heart of Edinburgh next to the castle, and consists of a whisky tour, shop, restaurant and bar. You can find out all about the history of whisky and the differences between them, enjoy a few tastings, and you may even get a free glass to take home with you. The price is £8.95 with concessions, and it generally closes at 6.30pm or 7pm.

• Tullibardine

About a 45-minute drive north of Edinburgh in Blackford, you will find the Tullibardine Distillery. This popular whisky has an army of loyal fans, and you can enjoy a number of different tours around the distillery, including a 45-minute standard tour, an optional 30-minute tutored tasting, a 90-minute bonded Tour or a 2-hour Connoisseur Tour for the real expert. Entry for the standard tour is £5 with concessions available, and it also has a decent café in which to finish off your trip.

• Blair Athol

Established 1798, Blair Athol is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Located in the town of Pitlochry, next to the A9 and about 90 minutes from Edinburgh, it is here that the 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky is produced. Tours vary throughout the year, and during the summer it is open seven days a week.

Entry is £5 for adults and concessions are available, and it also boasts a well-stocked shop.

Photo of Glenkinchie Distillery, Scotland by Dogs New Clothes

So, here is a guide to places where you can all kinds of Scottish music. These are the places to go to hear live Scottish music to suit your tastes: whether it’s military pipes and drums, folk, classical, musicals or up and coming rock bands.

1. Sandy Bell’s Pub

At Sandy Bell’s Pub, a sign shows an image of a fiddle with the words ‘Sandy Bell’s Ales and Music’. The small corner pub comes to life at night with live music. It has earned a worldwide reputation as a great place to go to hear traditional and folk music. Sandy Bell’s Pub is located at 25 Forrest Road.

2. Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Planning has already begun for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 7-29th of August 2009. It will be a special year for the event, as it celebrates its 60th season as well as the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s beloved bard, Robert Burns. Expect to see the traditional Scottish marching bands, pipes and drums and Highland dancers. Yet the mood is definitely international with a varied program each year of groups from around the world. Last year, Celtic dancers from Canada (the Canadian Celtic Association) took part.

3. Reid Concert Hall

Reid Concert Hall is a treasure for classical music lovers. The building incorporates a Museum of Instruments, which is usually open at concert times. Its focus is on classical European instruments – a rare chance to see a harpsichord in person! The program incorporates choral, classical and even jazz. Check out the lunchtime concerts. Part of the University of Edinburgh, Reid Concert Hall also has thought – provoking lectures which are listed in the events section of the website.

4. Edinburgh Playhouse

Edinburgh Playhouse is one of the most well-known music venues in Edinburgh. From ballet and musicals to rock, the Edinburgh Playhouse reflects the cosmopolitan, contemporary character of the city. The full program can be viewed on the website.

5. The Liquid Room

The Liquid Room is a basement venue with an edgier vibe. It is renowned for hosting early performances of bands like Coldplay, Smashing Pumpkins, and Moby. Who knows, you might discover a great new Scottish band!

6. Medina

Early in her career, Scottish musician KT Tunstall organized a series of acoustic series concerts in Edinburgh. These became the inspiration for the monthly Scottish musicians’ concert series, Acoustic Edinburgh. The concerts take place the first Tuesday of every month. The venue is Medina, a nightclub in the basement of the café bar and bistro, Negociants (45-47 Lothian Street). There is a handy map here.

Photo of Pull Tiger Tail concert at The Liquid Room in Edinburgh, Scotland, by Dale Harvey

Many people ‘in the know’ – those who work in the city – choose to leave their cars at home to avoid traffic and looking for a parking space. If the locals are doing it, it must be worthwhile!

Edinburgh is served by an international airport, as well as bus and train services. In addition, a tram system is currently being installed. It will run through the city centre and is scheduled to be completed in 2011.

• Edinburgh Airport

As international airports go, Edinburgh Airport is user-friendly. Be sure to allow yourself extra time to get through security clearance. The destinations that Edinburgh Airport serves can be viewed here. A popular new flight service is daily non-stop flights to and from JFK Airport in New York City.

• Edinburgh Buses

First Edinburgh runs a bus service throughout East and Central Scotland, as well as within Edinburgh.

Lothian Buses runs services throughout Edinburgh with a range of tickets and day cards. A useful option for tourists is the day ticket which allows you unlimited travel throughout Edinburgh.

Some tips: Visit the websites above to familiarize yourself with routes before your trip. Route information is also posted at bus stops and shelters in Edinburgh. When using the bus service, carry plenty of change so that you can give the driver the exact fare. Seats at the front of the bus are reserved for disabled people.

• Trains to Edinburgh

The railway in Edinburgh has changed a lot since the early days of The Flying Scotsman, the express passenger train service between Edinburgh and London. In 1862, the journey took over ten hours!

Today, National Express runs a service between Edinburgh Waverly and King’s Cross in London which takes around five hours. Scotrail also runs a sleeper service between Edinburgh and London.

Virgin Trains provides another rail service to Edinburgh. There is information on discounted fares to Edinburgh at virgintrains.co.uk.

National Express, Virgin and Scotrail have services to destinations throughout the UK, so check out the websites for routes, as well as discount rail cards for senior citizens and students.

• Edinburgh Taxis

Taxis in Edinburgh are reasonably priced. It costs around £15 to get a cab from the airport to Edinburgh’s city centre. To help visitors to distinguish taxis, only the distinctive black cab is allowed to be used as a taxi in Edinburgh. You can find a taxi rank at the airport, train station, shopping center or other public place. Of course, you can also hail a taxi from the street.

• Not sure where to start?

Check out Travelinescotland for more information on public transport. This helpful website lets you work out the best train, bus or airline service to Edinburgh from any location in Scotland. It also tells you how much time the route will take and refers you to relevant public transport services. For travel in other parts of the UK, check out the main website, Traveline UK.

Our tour starts at St Giles’ Cathedral in the centre of town. Find the plaque commemorating the life of Robert Louis Stevenson (famous for writing Treasure Island). He was born in Edinburgh and attended the University here. His body isn’t here now though – he’s buried in Samoa where he lived the final years. The huge west window of the Cathedral is inspired by the works of perhaps Scotland’s most famous poet Robert Burns.

• Take a wander along to the beautiful buildings of the University of Edinburgh. Many noteworthy people were educated here since 1583, including some famous writers such as: David Hume (historian and philosopher), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (creator of Sherlock Holmes), J. M. Barrie (author of Peter Pan) and Robert Louis Stevenson (mentioned above). More recent graduates include Ian Rankin (the modern crime novelist and creator of the Inspector Rebus novels) and Anthony McCall Smith (writer of the best-selling No.1 Ladies Detective Agency set in Botswana and a newer series of books set right here Edinburgh.)

• Nearby on St Mary’s Street (other side of the South Bridge) is a plaque commemorating the visit in 1773 of Dr Johnson, the famous author of the first authoritative dictionary of the English language.

• Come back past the University and, nestled between Lawnmarket and the Mound, is the charming Lady Stair’s House and Writers’ Museum, so called because in 1719 it became the home of the Countess of Stair. It was presented to the city in 1907 and now houses collections relating to the lives and works of Burns, Scott and Stevenson.

• Take a walk down Chambers Street (also in the block behind the main University buildings) and you’ll find a plaque commemorating the birthplace of Sir Walter Scott in 1771. Famous for writing books such as Waverley, Rob Roy and Ivanhoe, Scott is perhaps the most celebrated Scottish writer in Edinburgh today. Scott never wandered far from here. He spent much of his childhood just a couple of blocks south of here at 25 George Square (also marked with a plaque) and then went to the University of Edinburgh.

• If you want to follow Sir Walter’s story around the city, take a walk up the hill, via George IV Bridge. On the way you’ll pass the National Library of Scotland. Stop in and take a look at the many original copies of important pieces of Scottish literature.

• Once you’ve found your way to the top, cross over Princes Street (one of the main roads of north Edinburgh) and find Castle Street. At number 39 is a plaque and a seated statue of Sir Walter Scott above the door. (If you take a look at number 30 you’ll also see a plaque commemorating the birthplace of Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows.)

• Back on Princes Street again you’ll find the road dominated by the huge monument to Sir Walter Scott. He’s shown with his dog under a 200-foot high canopy, surrounded by 64 characters from his many books. See, he’s everywhere!

• At the end of our tour, carry on down Princes Street and Waterloo Place until it turns into Regent Road. Here on the right we meet again Robert Burns and his memorial.

You’ll probably be tired after all that walking and hill climbing. Stop off in one of Edinburgh’s many bars or pubs for a dram of whisky and some haggis. If you’re visiting on 25 January, you’ll be able to celebrate Burns night with the locals.

Photo of Walter Scott Monument, Edinburgh originally posted by jig o’dance

So here’s some help with five Scottish foods to try in Edinburgh.

1.Haggis

It’s a running joke to tell tourists that haggis is a type of animal. You’d be forgiven for believing this story, so unusual-looking is this dish. There are numerous recipes, but the most traditional haggis is made from sheep’s ‘pluck’ (a less graphic way of saying heart, liver and lungs). The meat is minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt and boiled in the sheep’s stomach for around three hours.

Unsurprisingly, haggis has always had trouble being accepted. Even in the 1700’s, Scotland’s famous poet, Robert Burns, had to defend the dish. In a poem, he playfully mocked the haggis-hater who ‘looks down with a sneering scornful opinion on such a dinner’. To honor the poet’s memory, Burns Suppers are held all over Scotland on Burns’ birthday, January 25th. The main dish is, of course, haggis.

2. Scottish Shortbread

Don’t run away yet! Here is a sweet Scottish specialty that is, ahem, a bit more ‘mainstream’. Scottish Shortbread evolved from a medieval recipe for drying out left-over bread dough in an oven to make ‘biscuit bread’. Eventually, the yeast in the biscuit bread was replaced with butter to make shortbread.

Scottish Shortbread was once very expensive and served on special days like weddings, Christmas and New Year. Now, shops throughout Edinburgh sell it in various shapes, from ‘petticoat tails’ to ‘fingers’.

3. Scottish Porridge

Porridge is another classic Scottish dish. While porridge is enjoyed in countries around the world, there is a Scottish way of eating it. Scots cook the porridge slowly and use a spurtle (a 12” wooden stick) to get rid of lumps. Scottish porridge is served with salt or even a little whiskey.

4. Scotch

Which leads us to our next item. Scotch Whisky, or simply ‘Scotch’ is probably the most famous beverage to come from Scotland. It gets its distinct flavor from distilled barley liquor and peat-tainted water. If you want to find out more, there are several related tours in Edinburgh, such as The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile.

5. Scottish Bannock

The Scottish Bannock is a type of bread about the same thickness as a scone, traditionally made from oatmeal (although sometimes plain flour is used) and cooked on griddle. These days, many people use an iron skillet instead. The bannock’s popularity has spread throughout the world thanks to Scottish settlers. Native Americans in the US and Canada adopted the food in the eighteenth century. One of the most famous Scottish versions is the Selkirk Bannock, which, ironically, is more of a fruitcake than an oatcake.

It seems there are a thousand different recipes for each of these foods – there is even a vegetarian haggis! In all their variations, these foods give you an authentic taste of Scotland.

Photo of vegetarian haggis originally posted by charitygirl

With over 30,000 dramatic, musical, comedy, children’s and other performances at nearly 250 venues, the Fringe is an easily accessible and an unforgettable cultural experience for travelers of all ages, interests and budgets. Edinburgh Fringe is well known not only for its variety of shows, but also for the atmosphere created by the visitors, large variety of international street performers and the vibe of excitement shared by all.

Taking place throughout August each year, Edinburgh Fringe was founded in 1947, the same year as the official Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) was founded. Some local theater owners decided to crash the high arts party that was to be the EIF and Fringe was born. The concept of fringe theater originates from the term given to small scale theaters in London, England; the equivalent to off-Broadway theater in the US. Fringe festivals inspired by Edinburgh Fringe are growing in number each year all over the world.

Find an accommodation in Edinburgh

Room rates in Edinburgh skyrocket as the month of August also draws millions of visitors to its other festivals including the International Art Festival, Book Festival, Jazz and Blues Festival, as well as the celebrated Military Tattoo. If you are planning on staying in town, then make arrangements well ahead of time: accommodation is usually booked up to one year in advance. You may be better off staying in Glasgow or another nearby city with good transport connections and coming into Edinburgh for the day.

Getting There

As mentioned above, consider staying in Glasgow and travelling to Edinburgh by train or bus. Both leave at frequent intervals from Glasgow Central or Buchanan Street Bus Station. The journey takes around an hour and costs approximately £8-10 for a return ticket. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver or train conductor. Driving to and from Edinburgh is another possibility, although not advisable as parking is limited and quite costly. If you are flying into Edinburgh, grab the Airlink shuttle bus for £3 from stand number 19 at the airport.

Getting around town

Getting around town on foot is the easiest and most effective way to enjoy Fringe. Most venues and attractions are located within walking distance of the main train station, Edinburgh Waverly. If walking isn’t your thing, there are other options to consider. The local bus operator, Lothian, offers a day ticket for £2.50 and has easily navigable routes. Hailing a black cab or a bicycle rickshaw are also fun and easy ways to get around. There are also a multitude of tour buses leaving regularly from Waverly Bridge which sell hop-on, hop-off tickets providing transportation with narrated tours.

Find a show

There are two types of show goers at Edinburgh Fringe: those who research and book shows ahead of time and those who book same day. If you fall into the first category (as I did my first time), start off by consulting the daily paper, The Scotsman, or the Glaswegian daily, The Herald, and read the latest show reviews. With those in mind, visit the festival website to book your tickets and locate the venue. I also suggest picking up your tickets at the venue or the Fringe Box Office just opposite Prince’s Mall to avoid the line at the box office just before the show.

If you are more spontaneous, arrive in Edinburgh with a general idea of what kind of show you want to see. Then pick up a copy of the festival program, Fringe, check out the website or speak to the people handing out show leaflets all over the city. Finally, go to half-price ticket tent on Prince’s Street and check out which shows are discounted that day. Big name acts can cost more than £15, so this is your chance to save some money. Make sure you have decided before speaking to the agent – they aren’t able to help visitors select shows!

Come weather-ready

If you have ever visited Britain, then you are well aware of how rainy summers can be. The fun of Fringe is walking around and soaking up the atmosphere, but not literally! Walking around in wet clothes is the perfect way to put a damper on your experience of this amazing cultural event. Bring a rain jacket, poncho or at least an umbrella, as well as sensible shoes.

Go With the Flow

Overly planning your trip to Fringe is another way to spoil the day. Book a show if you must, but give yourself time to meander up and down the Royal Mile. Stop and take in the street performers, chat with one the people distributing show leaflets, pop into a café and warm up over a bowl of soup. You could also enjoy some of Edinburgh’s year-round attractions like a Castle tour, the National Gallery (free admission), Palace of Holyroodhouse, or take one of the many ghost, whiskey and literary tours.

A laid back attitude permeates Fringe, except for venue organization in which punctuality is a must. Most Fringe venues are not purpose-built performance halls, so don’t be surprised if your seat is an old church pew or folding chair. Many venues open a bar prior to each performance and even allow patrons to take their drinks into the performances (in plastic cups, of course).

Be it a circus or an opera, a comedy veteran or a collegiate theatrical troupe, there is entertainment for every taste at this unique cultural event. The atmosphere and the buzz amongst performers and visitors alike is unforgettable. Just like the actors on stage, you, the visitor, are also a performer on the stage that is the Edinburgh Fringe, contributing to this once-in-a-lifetime show.

Photos of street performers originally posted by piglicker

1. The Scottish Storytelling Centre

The Scottish Storytelling Centre lets kids experience Scottish culture. There is a permanent exhibit about Scottish tales from William Wallace to Katie Morag – including, of course, Long John Silver and Rob Roy McGreggor. Call ahead to learn about the monthly Family Story Circle and the Tiny Tales Events.

A bonus for the adults, the Scottish Storytelling Centre also incorporates John Knox House, the oldest house in Edinburgh, dating to 1470. The permanent exhibition explains the fascinating history of the Protestant reformer John Knox and his uneasy relationship with Mary Queen of Scots.

The Centre is located half way along the Royal Mile, downhill from the Castle and North Bridge. It is a short walk from Waverley train station and Princes Street.

2. Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is to Edinburgh what Central Park is to New York City. Full of beautiful flowers and trees, it’s a great place to stroll or sit on a park bench to abbreviate a busy day of sight-seeing.

Hard to believe that the Garden was once a loch which was used as a city dump for centuries. The loch was drained in order to connect Edinburgh’s Old Town with the New Town.

There are vendors selling ice cream and snacks and a children’s playground on the West Side.

Walking along Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare of Princes Street, this green swath in the centre of the city is hard to miss. Princes Street Gardens is divided in two by a street called the Mound.

3. Edinburgh Zoo

Children have been visiting 82-acre Edinburgh Zoo since it was opened in 1913 by the Royal Zooological Soicety. The newly opened Budongo Trail is thought to be the largest chimpanzee enclosure in the world. For bird lovers, there is Rainbow Landings, home of over 40 rainbow lorikeets. For children (and adults) there are keeper talks, several play areas, and free hilltop safari rides. The Zoo is three miles to the West of Edinburgh City Center.

4. The Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood has been called ‘the noisiest museum in the world’!That will appeal to your kid who claims he is allergic to visiting museums. The museum is crammed with objects that both kids and adults will fondly remember. There are toys and games from all over the world and an interesting exhibit that shows how children have been brought up, dressed and educated throughout history.

The Museum of Childhood is located on 42 High Street off the Royal Mile.

5. Edinburgh Castle

What kid wouldn’t like to see a real castle? As castles go, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most majestic. Perched atop an inactive volcano, the fortress dates from 600 AD, although it was re-built in 1578. Dramatic stories of battles, kings and queens will have your children learning history without realizing it. A guided tour is included in the general admission.

A fun event for kids is watching the firing of the cannon from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle, which happens precisely at 1 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. The tradition began as a means of communicating the time of day to ships in Edinburgh’s Leith Harbor. Edinburgh Castle in the middle of Edinburgh, a short walk from Waverly train station.