Edinburgh – capital city of Scotland
Whether vacationing for business or pleasure, with the family or on a romantic getaway, Edinburgh’s city center is the best place to stay for first-time visitors who want to see the city’s most famous sights. The historic Old Town surrounds the Royal Mile, stretching from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. This neighborhood is popular for its old-world charm and plentiful museums, as well as its historical significance.
Discover the treasures of the National Museum of Scotland
With stunning architecture, endless winding streets and an awe-inspiring castle perched on a dormant volcano, there’s nowhere else quite like it. Your trip to Edinburgh is incomplete without a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. Scotland is known for having unpredictable weather, and if you happen to get caught in the rain you might be wondering what to do in Edinburgh. Visit the National Museum of Scotland, one of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh – and entry is free! With over 20,000 unique artifacts to see, there’s something for everyone and fun for all the family. Spend the day learning about the catacombs of Egypt, the wonders of nature and even modern-day technology.
Top tip: If the sun makes an appearance, head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy amazing views of Edinburgh.
Climb Arthur’s Seat and stroll through Holyrood Park
Perhaps one of the most iconic places to go in Edinburgh is Arthur’s Seat, located within Holyrood Park. This ancient volcano sits 251 m above sea level and offers 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. You can see the medieval remains of St Anthony’s Chapel or feed the ducks and swans on Duddingston Loch. There’s an array of paths and trails to follow, suitable for all, including the trail to St Margaret’s Loch which is both wheelchair and buggy accessible.
Top tip: Climbing up to the top of this dormant volcano is hard work! Why not pack a picnic and enjoy it from the best ‘seat’ in Edinburgh?
Taste the finest drams at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
When John Walker established a humble grocer’s shop in 1820s’ Kilmarnock, he couldn’t ever have imagined his legacy would be an eight-storey, multisensory whisky Disneyland. Yet the new Johnnie Walker Princes Street attraction in the center of Edinburgh is just that – a dazzling homage to what has become the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky, its story told through an immersive blend of light, sound, food, drink and artistic performance. Designed by BRC Imagination Arts, the same agency behind the NASA Kennedy Space Centre and Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the attraction features state-of-the-art facilities led by some of the most talented bartenders, chefs, tour guides, whisky experts and ambassadors.
Top tip: Head down into the Whisky Makers’ Cellar where select private casks are hidden away to mature for future Princes Street expressions. Here, connoisseurs can taste through four whiskies straight from the cask, as well as an exclusive blend created by one of the brand’s team of master blenders.
