Top Tips For An Edinburgh City Break
Friday June 27, 2014 by Alex Wood
The Edinburgh Festival gets top billing when it hits town every August for a month of summer madness but the city gets very crowded and it can be difficult to find somewhere to stay. If you plan your visit to Edinburgh during the rest of the year there's still plenty to on offer in this charming city and you can enjoy the sights without all the crowds.
To inspire you we've put together our top tips to get the most out of your city break in Edinburgh:
1. NO VISIT TO EDINBURGH WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A TRIP TO THE CASTLE...
Sitting on top of an extinct volcano Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline and has been a stronghold dating back to Iron Age times. The castle complex houses the oldest building in Edinburgh, St Margaret's Chapel, also the crown jewels, including the Stone of Destiny - the coronation seat of Scottish Kings (possibly soon to be needed again!?) and of course not forgetting famous Mons Meg - a huge medieval cannon!
Top tip: Make sure you're there at 1pm for the firing of the cannons!
For more information visit the website for Edinburgh Castle
2. SAMPLE THE CUISINE OF A CELEBRITY CHEF.
After a busy morning sightseeing what could be better than to sit down to a leisurely lunch. There are many great restaurants to choose from in Edinburgh but one of our favourites is the Kitchin in Leith. Chef Patron Tom Kitchin won a Michelin star just six months after opening The Kitchin in 2006 and it's still just as good! The restaurant combines the best of British cuisine (yes it does exists!) influenced by French techniques and always showcasing the finest Scottish ingredients.
Top tip: As you might expect from a restaurant of this standing it doesn't come cheap but the set lunch menu gives you a taste of what it is all about on a lower budget.
For more information visit the website for The Kitchin
3. SUPPORT ONE (OR BOTH) OF EDINBURGHS FINEST FOOTBALL TEAMS...
The rivalry between Scotland's football teams is well documented and you can feel the passion with a visit to the club grounds of either Hearts or Hibernian. The fans of both clubs are well catered for with of course the obligatory shop, selling the latest strip so prepare to choose your side (burgundy or green) and cheer along with the locals.
Top tip: if you can't get a ticket to a match then watch the action at one of the local pubs. For Hearts' fans The Diggers is a good shout, and for Hibs fans why not try The Four in Hand. Just remember to wear the right colours to the right pub!!
For more information visit the Hearts of Midlothian website or the Hibernian website
4. TAKE THE HIGH ROAD INTO EDINBURGH'S WILD COUNTRYSIDE...
Escape back to nature and experience the wild Scottish countryside in Holyrood Park (Voted 4th of UK Parks in Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice awards.) The craggy hills of the park give Edinburgh it's famous skyline and the wide open spaces mean there's plenty of room to unleash your ‘Braveheart'!
Top tip: if you're a movie fan and/or romantic then don't miss the chance to re-create some scenes from ‘One Day' at St Arthur's Seat.
For more information visit the Holyrood Park website.
5. DELVE INTO SCOTLAND'S PAST AT THE MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND...
The National Museum of Scotland, on Chamber's Street, is located right in the middle of Edinburgh's historic Old Town and just minutes from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Following an extensive refurbishment in 2012 this museum is home pays homage to the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology and of course Scottish history.
Top tip: Come first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of the stunning panoramic views available from the peaceful roof top terrace.
For more information visit the National Museum of Scotland website
Prestige Apartments has a wide range of serviced apartments and self catering flats on offer in Edinburgh. We have something to suit all budgets and group sizes so when you're planning a city break to Edinburgh get in touch with our friendly sales team for the latest special offers.
Tel: 020 7704 6514 or email: sales@prestigeapartments.co.uk
YOUR TURN...
Do you have a top tip for Edinburgh? - let me know by nominating your favorite on Facebook orTwitter (#PASholidays) and I'll put together all of the favorites throughout the year in a round up review post!
Follow me on Twitter @alexwpas
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Posted by Alex Wood
